Orbital's head of sales, Tom Byrne says: "The TRX900 system simply re-writes everything we have become used to in radio mic technology. It adds enormous potential both to our rental fleet and our sales inventory as it has been designed from the ground-up for use in contemporary broadcast and theatre applications. Gone is any sense of compression, no noise reduction, companders or de-emphasis. Instead the TRX 900 offers a totally open and natural sound with a dynamic range of 114dB."
Setting a precedent as a versatile and reliable tool, says the company, the TRX900 combines conventional frequency ranges between 518-870 Mhz with its 100% digital modulation to minimise adverse effects from intermodulation. In fact 30 plus channels can be fitted into a single 30Mhz wide frequency block allowing up to 200 plus units to be deployed simultaneously in the UK.
The freedom from intermodulation ensures that any clashes or potential drop- outs are greatly reduced. But in the event a drop out does occur, the intelligent digital receiver can patch the sound; so the effect is often impossible to detect says the company.
This Zaxcom system comprises a compact and robust transmitter (TRX900) plus its IFB remote Controller (IFB900) and its 4-Channel in 1U Rack-Mount Receiver (RX4900). The TRX900 operates for up to five hours using only one CR123 battery, and features an in-built IFB receiver, which works in-conjunction with the IFB 900 Remote Controller. This hand-held battery powered device communicates with as many TRX transmitters as required and allows remote control of settings, including, body pack audio gain, RF channel and high pass filter, even when the transmitter is in use.
Orbital sound designer, Sebastian Frost says: "The IFB Remote Controller is invaluable to a sound designer. It allows the fine - tuning of the transmitter settings and gain thresholds without interfering with the actors performance. Importantly, as the IFB900 works with the RF data, as opposed to Infra-Red data, it is immune from interference and allows the actors' receiver packs to be discreetly hidden, enhancing aesthetics. Plus the IFB control has an impressive range of 100m."
The system operates via its matching RX4900 rack-mount receiver unit. Maximising space potential, four individual receivers are packed into a single 1U high enclosure with a full LED display offered for each channel. Uniquely each receiver channel is stereo transmission compatible, boasting eight XLR outputs as well as four digital AES outputs (RX4900D).
The system is available immediately and is already in use on theatrical projects including the Stephen Sondeim musical Sunday In The Park With George running in London's West End.
(Chris Henry)
