Sabine Announces Wireless Microphone System with Mic Modeling

SWM-5000 Series Receiver and Rear Panel Diagram (Click for a close-up)

Sabine announced the first wireless microphone system with True Diversity 2.4 GHz spread spectrum technology, allowing up to 50 units to operate within a single location. "This wireless system will revolutionize the industry," asserts Doran Oster, Sabine president and CEO. "Our goal is to solve the problems associated with wireless mics. Spread spectrum provides enhanced security with virtually no RF interference. The 2.4 GHz band is globally accepted and clear of the new DTV frequencies. And Sabine's built-in DSP allows custom processing on every microphone," Oster states.

SWM-5000 Wireless Microphones are available in one- and two-channel models and include Sabine's built-in Targeted Input Processing: the FBX Feedback Exterminator, a compressor/limiter and an intelligent de-esser. Now Sabine is adding another benefit: Mic SuperModeling. A touch of the front panel dial brings up a choice of several well-known dynamic or condenser mic elements.

"Our customers asked for changeable mic capsules, but we went one step further and gave them many more choices, yet these don't cost an extra cent," emphasizes Oster. "Now we can provide the best mic for any situation, without making any physical change to the mic itself." Sabine's standard capsule on the SWM-5000 Series is an Audix OM-3, with the Audix OM-5 available as an option. "We're proud to offer these excellent Audix products," says Oster.

In addition to the added processing, the SWM-5000 series allows users to save and recall up to 10 presets per channel on the receiver. All front panel information is saved in each preset, so custom settings can be retrieved for fast setups, or even on-the-fly changes during the program.

"The SWM-5000 series microphone is designed with the future in mind," states Dr. Robert McPeek, Wireless Systems Project Coordinator for Sabine. "We've included both analog and digital audio outputs on the receiver, so we're ready for the trend towards digital mixers. Furthermore, all Sabine True Mobility firmware updates will be free and can be downloaded from Sabine's web site," McPeek continues. "And our control software will allow you to network up to 50 units on one computer."

"Battery life is never a problem with Sabine's Tireless Wireless extended battery life circuit," says Rob Rothschild, Director of Sales & Marketing. "In addition, each transmitter comes with a long-life rechargeable NiMH battery, and the convenient handheld microphone clip doubles as a charger stand. Whenever it's in the clip the mic is being recharged."

Programmable LCDs for each channel provide all the RF and DSP status indicators, and employ Sabine's Tweek-n-Peek feature. Whenever a front panel knob is touched the LCD indicates its precise value, and a bar-graph display indicates the relative range of each selected setting. Front-panel lockout is easily implemented for security installations.

Series 5000 systems are available with handheld, lavalier, or headworn microphones. All transmitters are aluminum and built for heavy-duty applications, with controls hidden behind security covers. The on/off switch on both transmitters is programmable, and the antenna on the beltpack transmitter is hard rubber and integral to the case, making it almost impossible to break. Switchcraft TA4F connectors allow users to choose other lavalier and headset mics with the 5000 Series.

Accessories include rack-mount antenna distribution for up to six receivers and a low-profile extension antenna well suited for unobtrusive wall mounting.