North America

In the U.S., new ruling prohibits use of some wireless microphones

Many wireless sets could need replacing; even Heritage Singers take a hit

Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | Ansel Oliver/ANN

The United States' communication authority this year announced that radio devices operating in the 700-megahertz frequency range are prohibited for personal use starting June 12.

For users, including Adventist church sound technicians, the new law means that many wireless microphones used by preachers, singers and worship leaders could need replacing or altering.

Some churches are fortunate, owning units that operate in different frequency ranges. Others will need to replace or modify devices, a service that most manufacturers provide on warrantied purchases. However, many companies are backed up on offering replacements, analysts say, while many users never registered their devices upon purchase. They're now having to shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars to replace the soon-to-be prohibited devices.

The 700 MHz band includes frequencies from 698 to 806. The band is now used by public safety entities and commercial wireless providers, the FCC website states. Wireless manufacturers have traditionally also offered devices in other frequency ranges, in the 500 or 600 bands.

The FCC made the ruling in January, though many analysts said it was years in the making.

"I've been telling my customers for a year that this is coming. A lot of people just kind of chose to ignore it," said Bill Wallace, an account manager with proaudio.com, a Grand Prairie, Texas-based company whose customers include several Adventist churches.

Some churches lucked out in purchasing their equipment years ago. "This won't affect us," said Larry Atkin, sound manager for the Phoenix, Arizona Camelback Adventist Church, which owns 17 wireless mic units that use lower frequencies. "But I'm sure this is going to hit some of the small churches here in Arizona."

Indeed, some churches will soon have to scrap their entire array of wireless handheld and lapel mics typically used during Sabbath worship.

"We'll have to replace all five of ours," said Maciek Misiak, sound manager for the Minneapolis First Adventist Church in Minnesota.

The impact is also being felt by venues such as auditoriums and schools, as well as touring performers. Even the Adventist singing group the Heritage Singers are out several thousands of dollars, having had to replace 16 wireless mics, said group's sound manager Greg Mace.

"This [ruling] is a big deal," said Mace, who also works for GJM Sound, a Placerville, California-based company that sells and installs sound systems for venues, including Adventist churches. "In the last three months we've replaced 9,000 microphones, and we're just one company."

To find out which devices will no longer be allowed, visit

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/manufacturers.html#AudioTechnica
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