3000 Series Wireless Systems from Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica announces the new 3000 Series UHF True Diversity Wireless Microphone Systems, the company's latest entry to their extensive line of wireless systems. The 3000 Series is a 200-channel frequency-agile UHF wireless designed for a wide range of applications including live performance, regional touring companies, fixed installation, public address and places of worship.

Operating in the 600 MHz frequency band (655-680 MHz, TV channels 44-49) with 200 selectable frequencies and true diversity UHF wireless technology, all components in the 3000 Series have soft-touch controls for quick, easy access to the most important functions during set-up and operation. In addition, the 3000 Series features Audio-Technica's Digital Tone Lock Squelch plus an easy-to-read LCD information display in each unit which provides convenient visual indications of settings and operation status.

The 3000 Series is comprised of two system options: the ATW-3110 UHF UniPak Transmitter System, consisting of the ATW-R310 true diversity receiver and the ATW-T310 UniPak body-pack transmitter; and the ATW-3141 UHF Handheld Dynamic Microphone System, which also includes the ATW-R310 receiver, plus the ATW-T341 handheld microphone/transmitter. The ATW-T341 microphone features the same capsule as Audio-Technica's critically-acclaimed Artist Elite AE4100 microphone, providing a focused vocal pickup while offering superior gain-before-feedback. In addition, both transmitters have dual-power settings permitting selection of high for maximum range or low for extended battery life.

The true diversity ATW-R310 receiver features an all-metal housing for superior shielding, as well as dual independent receiver sections. Its true diversity operation selects the best signal from the two independent receiver sections, thus reducing dropouts and minimizing multipath distortion. The ATW-R310 offers 200 PLL-synthesized UHF frequencies, advanced Digital Tone Lock Squelch, soft-touch controls with LCD information display, step-through menus to minimize set-up time, a meter hold setting function, plus an adjustable-slope high-pass filter (Off, 6 dB, 12 dB, or 18 dB). The meter hold setting function permits the AF bar graph in the LCD window to capture and display the highest level audio modulation received from the transmitter. This function is particularly useful during setup or sound check. The ATW-R310 also includes a transmitter battery-life fuel gauge, XLRM-type balanced and 1/4" unbalanced outputs plus a ground-lift switch.

The versatile ATW-T310 UniPak transmitter offers a multi-function LCD display, soft-touch controls for easy set-up and operation, plus low- and high-impedance inputs (with a bias connection) for use with dynamic and electret condenser microphones as well as Hi-Z instrument pickups. In addition to its programmable functions, the ATW-T310 has a three-position sliding cover to limit access to controls as appropriate for the application and user. The ATW-T310 is powered by two easily-installed 1.5V AA batteries that provide 6-10 hours of operation. Further, the ATW-T310 is compatible with all Wireless Essentials accessory microphones and cables.

The ATW-T341 handheld microphone/transmitter features the same cardioid dynamic capsule as the Audio-Technica AE4100 microphone. This element assembly, part of the R & D for A-T's new Artist Elite Series, is a direct result of extensive research and field evaluations with artists, FOH/monitor engineers, leading touring companies and prominent audio consultants. The AE4100 cardioid dynamic element is specifically tailored for a more aggressive sound quality that keeps the vocals up-front in the mix. Designed to be used as a handheld or mounted on a microphone stand, the ATW-T341 handheld microphone/transmitter features rugged metal construction, soft-touch controls and a multi-function LCD display, and is powered by two 1.5V AA batteries with a battery life of 6-10 hours.

The Audio-Technica 3000 Series Wireless Microphone Systems will be available in September 2002 with MSRPs as follows:

• ATW-3110 UHF UniPak Body-pack System -- $699.00
• ATW-3141 UHF Handheld Microphone System -- $799.00