I saw this cool voice over booth on my latest edition of my IOV magazine digital edition and was reviewed by Kevin Cook in fact hears what Kevin had to say about it…

• Integrated digital recorder (microSDHC)
• RF-bias, true condenser shotgun microphone
  (based on RØDE NTG3 technology)
• Line and Mic (mixer) inputs (with ‘plug-in’ power)
• High level headphone amplifier for monitoring
• Three-level High Pass Filter (0, 75Hz, 150Hz)
• Integrated Blimp wind protection and shock mounting
• Multi mode outputs
  (Dual mono/split 0db and -10db for auto safety/dual mono + 20dB)
• High frequency ‘boost’ switch for increased intelligibility at distance miking
• Utra-lightweight metal casing
• Quick release mounting system

Easing the upgrade path for the frequency switchover in 2012, Sony today announced that all of its digital wireless microphone systems (DWX) will now be sold with modification packages in order to safeguard audio investments in the run up to channel 38 switch-over. In addition to this an optional upgrade path will be made available on Sony’s WL series analogue wireless microphones.

This announcement coincides with the launch of two new products in the DWX range of digital wireless audio solutions. The DWR-R01D dual-channel rackmount receiver and DWM-01 integrated handheld microphones enhance the DWX range and are designed for studio and venue installations. The modifications to channel 38 will be available to be performed from early 2011 via Sony’s PrimeSupport team.

Mark Bainbridge, General Manager, Sony Media and Broadcast explained how Sony’s digital upgrade path will make a difference to the audio industry: “With the switchover looming the audio market is currently going through a period of considerable uncertainty with many customers unsure of the best time to switch to digital and reluctant to invest in technology which may soon become redundant. Sony’s modification package seeks to address buyer uncertainty in the channel and ensure that customers can continue to invest in the latest digital technology safe in the knowledge that their kit will deliver high quality digital audio over the next two years and beyond.”

Over the next 18 months, broadcasters, venues and events companies will need to upgrade their analogue audio infrastructure in preparation for the shift to channel 38. Rob France, Sony Audio Product Manager explained what advantages we can expect: “There are distinct advantages to digital wireless audio, a superior sound quality can be delivered and the channel capacity in an 8MHz band is increased by up to 60%. Transmitters can be remotely controlled from receivers, enabling remote changes to transmission frequency and more flexible power management. In addition to this encryption technology will increase security on audio transmissions.”

Sony’s new DMX digital wireless microphone products are now available for purchase. Equipped with Sony’s WiDIF-HP codec, the DMX range unites the subtlety of analogue with the advantages of an all-digital architecture.

The new Mojo Pro Audio digital wireless body pack introduces breakthrough features and performance for ENG/EFP, studio, live production and house of worship applications. It incorporates fully-digital stereo transmission for simultaneous operation of two microphones and also offers a single receiver channel. Ultra high-fidelity sound quality is guaranteed through uncompressed 48 kHz/24 bit operation, a dynamic range in excess of 140dB and a signal-to-noise ratio of better than 100 dB. User-friendly features include full wireless remote control of the transmitter, including real-time audio sweetening, worldwide license-free frequencies, and automatic RF frequency hopping. The system’s range can be conveniently extended with Mojo Repeaters.

For more information on Mojo, please visit www.MojoProAudio.com

This compact, true diversity system is an outstanding value at £489 for the Bodypack Lavalier packages. The UWP-V Series replaces the UWP-C Series, with enhancements that include: a rugged, all-metal chassis and Mic/Line switchable input at the transmitter. PLL-synthesized tuning, space-diversity reception, and all the professional wireless features that made the UWP-C series a popular choice. 

The camera-mountable URX-P2 receiver features swivel antennas and space-diversity technology which stabilizes reception and minimizes RF interference by selecting the strongest incoming signal. It features a convenient auto channel scanning function that automatically detects unoccupied channels, allowing operators easily to select the most appropriate channel to use. A stereo mini-jack output with monitor volume control is featured and both stereo, mini and XLR cables are provided. An LCD display provides channel & frequency information, battery life, RF-input level, audio-output status and accumulated operating time. The receiver operates on two “AA” batteries for up to 8 hours. The URX-P2s compact design and included shoe-mount adapter allows for easy mounting to most camcorders.

The improved UTX-P1 plug-in and UTX-B2 bodypack transmitters feature comprehensive LCD displays and a Mic/Line-level switch for standard wired microphones line-level sources. Selectable output power provides a choice between 5mW output, which is suitable for simultaneous multi-channel operation or 30mW output for long distance transmission. The 5mW output mode also helps conserve battery life. Like the URX-P2 receiver, the transmitters feature 188 selectable UHF frequencies and operate for up to 8 hours on two “AA” alkaline batteries.

This was my first break from Sehnheizer radio mics, what attracted me to this system was the diversity receiver and the 3.5 jack monitor socket, this allows you to stick your headphones on and check the radio mic without having to switch on your camcorder. It is also a lot quieter than the  G2 Sehnheizer radio mic therefore it is used 99% of the time in my kit. The addition of diversity makes this almost a flawless radio system certainly for work of up to 25 meters. I also find the 2 “AA” batteries last a fair bit longer than the equivalent Sehnheizer 9V battery set-up and the battery indicator is a great feature.

Advanced Sound for DSLR’s from Steve Weiss, Zacuto USA on Vimeo.

General Description

Operating Principle
In the optical microphone, light from an LED is directed onto a reflective diaphragm via an optical-fibre cable (transmitter optical waveguide). The membrane reflects part of the light into a receiver optical waveguide. If the diaphragm is moved by sound signals, a displacement of the reflected light beam occurs, with the result that more or less light is coupled into the receiver waveguide. At the end of the receiver waveguide, a photodiode converts the light intensity variations into electric signals. 

Advantages
The optical principle is the only microphone principle in which the microphone head and the electronics can be located far away from each other. 

The component parts of the MO 2000 H acoustic-optical microphone head (external diameter ½”) are made of a plastic material that is suitable for use in areas with aggressive substances (gases, salts, humidity) and radiation. All components of the microphone head, including the optical waveguides, are free of metal; no electric current flows. 

Applications
These advantages make it possible to use the optical microphone in areas in which other microphones are not suitable.
For example, the optical microphone can be used in potentially explosive atmospheres, such as for the acoustic monitoring of gas drying plants in natural gas production (IAS MO 2000 SET). In this case, the microphone can “hear” slow leaks, which, due to their small size, cause neither a pressure loss nor an alarm message in the other monitoring systems. 

In medical applications, the microphone is ideal for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), for example to maintain communication with the patient during MRI scans or to achieve active noise cancellation in MRI. The optical microphone does not disturb the imaging process and is itself not influenced by the strong fields inside magnetic resonance imaging equipment.

In measuring technology, the microphone is ideal for use in EMI/EMC laboratories, as it does not influence the electric field. In this case, for example, it functions like an “ear on a mobile phone”. 
A further application possibility is in the field of undetectable acoustic monitoring.

Delivery Includes

• 1 optical microphone with MO 2000 H optical cable (3 m)
• 1 MO 2000 CU central unit
• 1 power supply with various adapters (EU, UK, US)
• 1 carrying case
• 1 operating instructions