The Audio-Technica 2000 Series UHF True Diversity Wireless Microphone Systems are the latest entry in A-T's extensive line of professional wireless systems. The 2000 Series is a 10-channel frequency-agile UHF wireless system designed to suit a variety of applications, including live performance, fixed installation, public address, A/V rental houses, and places of worship. It offers true diversity operation, easy setup, automatic frequency scanning with interference-free performance, and all the advantages of a high-quality, professional wireless system at an extremely affordable price.

Operating in the 600 MHz frequency band (656.125-678.500 MHz, TV channels 45-48) with 10 selectable frequencies and true diversity UHF wireless technology, the 2000 Series features automatic frequency scanning. At the touch of a button, this function automatically determines and sets the best available frequency (open channel) - particularly useful when employing multiple wireless systems, thereby avoiding interference and intermodulation. When there is a need to utilize multiple wireless systems simultaneously, any of the 2000 Series’ 10 channels may be used together without any frequency coordination problems or group selection issues. Additionally, the 2000 Series incorporates Audio-Technica’s digital Tone Lock™ squelch plus an easy-to-read LCD information display, which provides convenient visual indications of settings and operation status.

The true diversity ATW-R2100 half-rack receiver features an all-metal housing for superb shielding, as well as dual independent receiver sections. Its true diversity operation selects the best signal from the two independent receiver sections, thus reducing dropouts and minimizing multipath distortion. The ATW-R2100 offers 10 PLL-synthesized UHF frequencies, advanced digital Tone Lock squelch, soft-touch controls with LCD information display, detachable UHF antennas, plus a rack-mount kit. Also included is a transmitter battery indicator LED, XLRM-type balanced and 1/4andquot; unbalanced outputs, plus a ground-lift switch.

Audio Technica 2000 Series Wireless System Features

• Clear sound quality, rock-solid dependable performance
  State-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques ensure compliance with A-T’s stringent consistency and reliability standards at a very affordable price
• Automatic frequency scanning
  Easily finds an open channel at the touch of a button
• Full channel compatibility
  All channels will work together simultaneously without need for confusing frequency groups for ease of setup in multi-channel applications
• True diversity operation
  Automatically selects the strongest RF signal from two integral tuner sections, reducing the potential for RF dropouts caused by multi-path interference
• Tone Lock squelch
  Helps fight interference; eliminates need for standby switch on transmitters
• Receiver level, squelch and transmitter trim controls
  Allow system to be optimized with a wide variety of input and output configurations
• Multiple outputs (balanced XLR type and 1/4")
  Allow use with a wide variety of audio equipment
• Ground lift switch (XLR output)
  Helps eliminate audible hum caused by ground loops
• All-metal receiver construction
  Rugged half-rack design includes rack-mount kit and detachable antennas
• Receiver LCD and soft-touch controls
  Provide easy-to-see operational information, channel designation and active diversity tuner indication along with multi-segment displays for both RF and AF level metering
• Long battery life
  Low-cost readily available AA batteries provide over 9 hours of transmitter operation
• Exciting new multilingual packaging
  Attractive self-sell package includes UPC and JAN barcodes and key specification information

The true diversity ATW-R2100 half-rack receiver features an all-metal housing for superb shielding, as well as dual independent receiver sections. Its true diversity operation selects the best signal from the two independent receiver sections, thus reducing dropouts and minimizing multipath distortion. The ATW-R2100 offers 10 PLL-synthesized UHF frequencies, advanced digital Tone Lock squelch, soft-touch controls with LCD information display, detachable UHF antennas, plus a rack-mount kit. Also included is a transmitter battery indicator LED, XLRM-type balanced and 1/4andquot; unbalanced outputs, plus a ground-lift switch.

The versatile ATW-T210 UniPak body-pack transmitter has a multi-function LCD display, soft-touch controls for convenient set-up and operation, along with low- and high-impedance inputs (with a bias connection) for use with dynamic and electret condenser microphones as well as Hi-Z instrument pickups. In addition to its programmable functions, the ATW-T210 has a hinged cover to limit access to controls as appropriate for the application and user. The ATW-T210 is powered by two easily installed 1.5V AA batteries that provide approximately nine hours of operation.

The mistaken idea that UHF wireless systems somehow have overwhelming inherent advantages over VHF systems is widespread. However, the facts simply do not support this notion. As is the case with many technical issues, there are both advantages and disadvantages to UHF, as there are for VHF. Accordingly, in a particular situation, UHF may, or may not, be the best choice.

There are a number of important factors to consider. These include where the systems will be used, how they will be used, and for what purpose or application. Cost is always a concern and invariably plays at least some part in the final decision. Other factors, such as whether the equipment will be used in many different cities, may also be important. Only by considering the entire situation can an informed choice be made.

Simply put, UHF systems do not hold any large technical advantage over otherwise similar VHF systems. The primary advantage of UHF operation is that there is less chance of interference because of more available frequency spectrum.

Interference due to spurious outputs from other radio frequency equipment is somewhat less of a problem at UHF frequencies because there are fewer transmitters operating at frequencies likely to cause problems. Interference due to electrical equipment, digital devices, computers and other electronic equipment is also generally lower at UHF frequencies. This is because noise from these sources becomes less intense as the frequency increases. Interference of all types does not travel over as great a distance as at VHF frequencies.

UHF wireless systems always cost more than similar VHF wireless systems. The extra cost of UHF equipment is due to the necessity of using more expensive ultra-high-frequency parts, the greater total number of parts required and the need for more expensive construction techniques. Other manufacturing costs are also higher, especially the amount of time required to adjust the equipment and verify its performance. While the cost difference between UHF and VHF equipment has been declining, it is unlikely to disappear.

Battery life for VHF wireless transmitters is almost always better than for similar UHF units; over the life of a system the savings in battery costs can be very significant. For larger wireless installations, the cost of antennas, cables, antenna splitters and preamplifiers is usually much less for VHF systems and performance is generally better.

As can be seen, cost considerations tend favor the use of VHF systems, while UHF systems are less likely to suffer interference. However, there are several other applications issues that can affect the choice:

• Whether the choice is UHF or VHF, diversity systems are highly recommended. Diversity is especially valuable for UHF systems because dropouts due to multipath are more troublesome at UHF frequencies.
• If the wireless equipment will be operated in the central parts of a major city, or in a heavy industrial area, UHF might be a better choice due to possible interference at VHF. However, entirely satisfactory VHF operation can still be achieved if frequencies are carefully selected and interference from industrial equipment is avoided.
• If the wireless equipment will be used in different cities, VHF systems operating on the special frequencies in the 169-172 MHz range will be a good economical choice (applicable in U.S. and Canada). However, these frequencies, which are sometimes referred to as andquot;traveling frequencies,andquot; are very popular, and are not a good choice for situations where large numbers of wireless systems are likely to be present, such as at trade shows and expositions. In such situations, frequency-agile UHF systems will be a better choice.
• Fixed-frequency (single channel) VHF and UHF systems in the TV bands may not be good choices for traveling use. This is because all VHF and most UHF TV channels are used in one location or another, and frequency conflicts will eventually occur. Frequency-agile UHF systems will be a better choice.
• If the wireless equipment will be used in situations where several other wireless systems are likely to be present, UHF systems are recommended. This is because more frequencies are available, reducing the chances of interference.
• UHF systems are good choices in situations where the smaller and less-visible antennas are highly important, such as when the transmitters must be concealed on the body. UHF may also be preferable if high-performance antennas must be used to extend range.