Audio-Technica Introduces SpectraPulse Ultra Wideband Wireless Microphone System

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Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. introduced its revolutionary SpectraPulse™ Ultra Wideband (UWB) wireless microphone system at InfoComm 07. A completely new application of proven, patented Ultra Wideband technology, SpectraPulse bypasses the increasingly congested RF environment to deliver clear, intelligible audio without the performance and set-up issues associated with conventional wireless systems. It offers levels of security that have never before been commercially available in wireless microphones, making it ideal for conference or boardrooms, corporate events/meetings, courtrooms and other contractor/system integrator applications in the business, government and commercial markets. SpectraPulse utilizes up to 14 simultaneous channels that operate flawlessly without RF competition, frequency hunting/coordination, white space** issues or infringement from other wireless systems or radio sources.

Ultra Wideband (UWB) Technology — the next generation of wireless

Audio-Technica has partnered with Multispectral Solutions, Inc.® (MSSI®), the industry leader in the development of Ultra Wideband systems for communications, radar and geo-positioning, to introduce this new application of UWB technology. A-T's SpectraPulse Ultra Wideband wireless microphone system represents the first commercial sound implementation of UWB technology, which has recently been licensed for commercial use by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Ultra Wideband technology allows the wireless transmission of data in extremely short-duration pulses over a wide spectrum of frequencies. Instead of utilizing conventional channels and carrier frequencies, UWB technology uses a series of short nano-second pulses which occupy an instantaneous bandwidth of 500 MHz within the 6 GHz frequency spectrum. The signals, in precisely timed sequences, result in the reliable transmission of information near noise-floor levels. The "decoding" of these pulses requires the specialized technology incorporated into the SpectraPulse system – making SpectraPulse inherently secure and preventing signal interception by other wireless systems. For a higher level of security, Audio-Technica offers an optional encryption package that meets the NIST-approved (National Institute of Standards and Technology) AES 128-bit encryption standard developed by the U.S. government for securing sensitive material.

The SpectraPulse System — simple, secure and revolutionary

The SpectraPulse Ultra Wideband wireless microphone system components include: the mtu101 Microphone Transmitter Unit; drm141 Digital Receiver Module; aci707 Audio Control Interface; and cei007 Charger Encryption Interface.

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The mtu101 Microphone Transmitter Unit (in a boundary mic design) features a programmable touch-sensitive switch (that can be programmed for push-to-talk, push-to-mute, or toggle operation) and 9-hour rechargeable battery life. The drm141 Digital Receiver Module consists of a completely integrated UWB antenna and 14 channels of digital wireless transceiving (that mounts in a 3-gang electrical box) with power and data carried over a Cat-5 connection. The aci707 Audio Control Interface is a 1U rack mounting unit allowing the demultiplexing and audio output of up to seven channels, which are simply selected on the mtu101 Microphone Transmitter Unit. Seven distinct line/mic level audio outputs are provided on standard Phoenix-type connectors. A separate charger/encryption unit, the cei007 Charger Encryption Interface charges up to seven mtu101s and allows for encrypting the mtu101 units using optional encryption software.

For the contractor or system integrator, setting up a SpectraPulse system is simple and quick. Install the Digital Receiver Module (drm141) and connect it to the equipment rack via a standard shielded Cat-5 cable. In the rack, install up to two Audio Control Interface (aci707) units for a total of 14 separate microphone channels. Place up to 14 Microphone Transmitter Units (mtu101) out in the environment as required and set their individual addresses. Turn the system on, and SpectraPulse is ready to go. There is no frequency scanning or channel planning required.

**"White space" refers to the portions of the TV broadcast frequency spectrum that will be available after the federally mandated February, 2009 transition to digital TV. With the transition, a variety of unlicensed consumer devices, as well as proposed wireless broadband services, may be allowed to operate in these white space areas. Should this happen, wireless products used in live audio production, newsrooms, sporting events, boardrooms and other applications may not be able to operate without interference. Digital TV signals in some areas might also be affected by white space interference. Legislation is currently pending.

For more information, visit their web site at www.audio-technica.com.