Let's Talk About Wireless Brass Mics in DCI

Lets discuss one of the most controversial topics in DCI
Check out our website, social media, and more!: solo.to/catherallaudio
Chapters
------------------------------------
0:00 Intro
0:27 Exponential Growth of Electronics
2:01 Field Mics - Pros
2:49 Field Mics - Cons
3:56 Philosophies Behind Wireless Brass Mics
5:46 Wireless Mics - Pros
6:01 Wireless Mics - Cons
6:15 How to Manage a Wireless System
7:30 Are Wireless Mics an Easy Win Option?
8:43 Financial Costs of Field Mics
10:12 Financial Costs of Wireless Mics
12:00 Should There be Regulations on Wireless Brass Mics?
13:35 Conclusion
#CatherallAudio #JamesCatherall

[@albertavery]

This video is fantastic -- any band director that's wanting to get shotgun mics or wireless mics should check out this video!

[@CatherallAudio]

Thanks Albert!

[@dizdawgjr34]

I really like your comments on the issues with regulation of wireless tech. I’ve always had a similar thought process when it comes to pre-recorded singing/vocals and the whole thing where you have to assign each syllable/phrase (I forget exactly which it is) to a different key on a synth. I’ve always wondered how do they even enforce that? Also, any chance you could do a video on line arrays vs. Point source vs constant curvature speakers? I’ve wondered what the advantages and disadvantages of using those over a point source speaker would be, especially regarding customizability and adaptability for different stadium layouts, especially regarding how close you are to the field and the angle of the stadium.

[@CatherallAudio]

Enforcement of the rules is definitely a tough one. I have a lot of experience in the WGI realm and they are much more strict about enforcing rules throughout the season. But it is also understandably much easier since the groups and venues are significantly smaller than a football stadium.
I absolutely have plans on making a series where I discuss different audio gear and software. That would be a great video to add to the series! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@carlosdiaz5486]

Crazy that this 24k cost on Wless mics is just the low end. Largest downfall to QLXD is that its tuning band isn’t wide enough to be reliable when touring to every city. For my own QLXD, i have it in the G50 frequency band. But id be hesitant to take it anywhere where i don’t know the RF environment. Dont get me wrong, QLXD is a pretty reliable system, but when you’re in one city only (in my case, Houston)
To get the best results, corps should be going to Axient Digital. Which is extremely flexible in its tuning band. And costs a hell of a lot more

[@CatherallAudio]

I fully agree on Axient being the way to go. There are already a few drum corps now that are using Axient gear. The major drawback is the price increase, it’s no doubt worth it but you’re looking at $3000 per wireless channel compared to about $1350 per channel for the QLXD models.