Under a new FCC rule, anyone who uses a wireless microphone (or similar device) that operates in the 700 MHz Band will have to stop operating their wireless microphone (or similar device) no later than June 12, 2010.
To see if this law affects your wireless microphone, check their Manufacturers Equipment list.
Why did the FCC make this rule?
Certain wireless microphones have operated in frequencies that are needed for public safety. When these microphones were first designed, the frequencies they used were in between the frequencies that television stations used to broadcast television programs. With the completion of the digital television (DTV) transition on June 12, 2009, television stations no longer use the frequencies between 698 and 806 MHz (the 700 MHz Band) for broadcast. These frequencies are now being used by public safety entities (such as police, fire and emergency services) and by commercial providers of wireless services (such as wireless broadband services).
The wireless microphones that had been operating in the old TV broadcast channels can cause harmful interference to these public safety and wireless consumer services. Therefore, all users of wireless microphones (or certain low power auxiliary stations) that operate on any of the frequencies in the 700 MHz band – including both licensed users (under Part 74) and unlicensed users – now have to stop operating in this band.
The FCC is only prohibiting the use of wireless microphones (and similar devices) that operate in the 700 MHz Band. You may continue to use wireless microphones (and similar devices) that operate on other broadcast frequencies. Microphones and other similar devices with cords are not affected by the FCC’s decision.
Similar devices to wireless microphones are also known as equipment for “low power auxiliary stations”. Typically these devices can transmit over distances of 100 meters. Examples of similar devices include wireless intercoms, wireless in-ear monitors (IEM”), wireless audio instrument links, and wireless cueing equipment. (aka “IFB”).
How do I know what frequency I have?
On the transmitter (mic) or the receiver there will be a frequency printed on a label, usually in the battery compartment. It will be a range formatted as ### – ###. If either of the numbers fall within the range between 698 to 806, then you should consult this list at the FCC website to confirm by manufacturer. Some manufacturers use a letter code such as “Channel Group A.” If this is the case, then follow this link to look up your specific model.
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Manufacturers / Equipment List
Wireless Microphones
To see if your wireless microphone operates on the 700 MHz band, simply click on the name of the manufacturer and see if your model is listed.
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If your model is listed on the table, it is a 700 MHz wireless microphone and can not be used after June 12, 2010.
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If you can find your manufacturer’s name and your equipment is not listed, then you may continue using your wireless microphone because it does not operate in the 700 MHz Band.
If your manufacturer is not listed, please contact the FCC for additional assistance to determine if your wireless microphone operates on the 700 MHz Band.
Manufacturer![]() |
Phone Number | Company Web site |
---|---|---|
AKG | 866-406-2349 opt. 2 for AKG Wireless Help Desk ![]() |
AKG Web Site |
330-686-2600 x5000 |
Audio Technica Web Site |
|
Audix | 800-966-8261
503-682-6933 |
Audix Web Site |
Azden Corporation![]() |
800-247-4501 |
Azden Corporation Web Site |
ElectroVoice![]() |
800-392-3497 |
ElectroVoice |
HME![]() |
800-462-4357 |
HME Web Site |
Lectrosonics | 505-892-4501 800-821-1121 ![]() |
Lectrosonics Web Site |
Nady Systems![]() |
510-652-2411 |
Nady Systems Web Site |
Samson Wireless
|
631-784-2200 |
Samson Wireless Web Site |
Sennheiser![]() |
860-434-9190 |
Sennheiser Web Site |
Shure![]() |
800-516-2525 |
Shure Web Site |
Sony![]() |
800-883-6817 |
Sony Web Site |
Telex
|
800-392-3497 |
Telex Web Site |
Voco Pro![]() |
800-678-5348 |
Voco Pro Web Site |
You can also contact the FCC’s Consumer Center for more information about |
Federal Communications Commission |
Here’s a TV channel allocation chart if, like me, your gear refers to frequencies in TV channel lingo.
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/catv-ch.html