Specifications

body or mounted directly to a small mixer or camcorder. A short cable connects

the audio output of the portable receiver to the audio input of the mixer or

camcorder. Better models offer a separate headphone output, so that the camera

operator can monitor the audio through headphones or an ear piece. A wireless

microphone system which includes a portable receiver is a very handy thing to

have on a video shoot. For instance, one or more receivers can be attached to

the top of a portable audio mixer, which then feeds audio to the camcorder

through a short cable. This way, the talent, the camera operator, and the sound

engineer can all move about freely when the script requires such a shot.

Another application for a portable wireless receiver is to feed audio from the

mixer to a camcorder located across the room. In a large meeting room, for

example, the audio mixer is often located at one side of the stage, while the

camcorder is at the back of the room. In such a scenario, an output from the

mixer can be connected to the input of the wireless transmitter, and the portable

receiver attached to the camcorder. This eliminates the need to rely on the

camcorder’s internal microphone, which is usually too distant from the talkers

to provide satisfactory sound quality.

A new spin on the portable receiver concept is the wireless in-ear monitor

system. This is a wireless system specifically designed to feed audio to the

talent’s ears, rather than to a mixer or camcorder. The desired signal is

connected to a stationary transmitter, which broadcasts the signal to any

number of body-pack receivers worn by talent or crew members. The receiver

feeds small earpieces that are nearly invisible on camera. The receiver must be

equipped with a headphone volume control so that the listener may adjust the

volume to a level that is comfortable and safe. Better systems offer the option

of transmitting either stereo audio or two simultaneous mono channels, which

the listener can blend and adjust to their preference.

Example of a wireless diversity system (Shure UC Wireless shown).