Radio mics - fine during rehearsal, problems with audience

[Maccy]

Mum's doing a show at school and said to me tonight that during the rehearsal the radio mics were perfect and there were no problems at all. However when the audience were there in the evening, there were endless problems with the radio mics cutting out etc.

Anyone have any ideas as to why this may be?

[saxman]

It is quite possible that the audience itself is absorbing RF energy if your receiver/transmitter path is not kept above the audience.

Finally, as with most RF components, the closer the transmitter is to the receiver, the better. However, if metal racks or components are between the receiver and the transmitter, the system may benefit from a little increase in that distance to allow decreased interference in the path.

The path must also be kept clear of any obstructions that may absorb RF energy, including your audience. Mounting the receive antenna at least six feet above the floor helps eliminate RF absorption by the audience.

http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/18930

[Mustang1]

Hi,

In addition to what has been said there are a number of other items to check out.

You don't say if radio is VHF or UHF. If VHF, there is the possibility of interference from taxis etc. If UHF and you are on unlicensed frequencies
it is less likely of that but try changing frequencies.

Also, check your squelch settings on receivers as too much squelch can cause cutting out. Did a conference a couple of year ago at Manchester Airport and had to adjust squelch settings big time!

Finally, I hope you are usng receivers with diversity aerials.
There are two aerials on each receiver and receiver takes signal from bet of the two.

If running a lot of radio mikes you may want a master (Passive) aerial which is then wired to each receiver.

I have run Sennhesier Evolution 100 and 500 systems for many years and they have been excellent!

Hope this helps.