Wireless System Question

crimson_basser · #1 02-22-2009, 04:25 PM

This may sound like a dumb question, but Im new to anything wireless.

Is it possible to have several belt packs (or whatever you call them) running off of one recevier? It seems to me that as long as they are set to the same frequency they would all pick up the signal... Logically anyways, but i know not everything in life works that way.

Im looking to set up a wireless in ear system for my band (obviously as cheaply as possible). We want a system that will work under basically any circumstances in any kind of venue with all levels of equipment.

We will be running a laptop on stage as we will be playing to a click, and we have programmed tracks playing as well. The click and tracks will be sent out the main stereo output and the programmed tracks without a click will be sent out stereo 3/4 of my external soundcard for the house. If anything, this is the most important thing to go through the PA. We could not be mic'd on stage, but the tracks from the computer are key to our live show.

So here is the (master) plan. (not all of this needs to be done RIGHT away, again as of right now the main concern is getting the tracks from the computer to us on stage and to the crowd)

A DI signal from each instrument on stage sent into the inputs of my external soundcard (Presonus FireStudio Project) as well as out to the house (if this is supported). The instruments include: 2 guitars, bass, piano, snare, kick. And the house would take a signal from each DI as well.

Now that everything is in the soundcard, we will run a sequencer on the computer and get a generally accepted balanced mix of everything. Mainly to get the click loud enough, and have the programmed tracks and everything on stage at a decent level.

This is where i have a question: How easy would it be to get different mixes for everyone simultaneously? Is it even possible?

Im not sure if i would be able to if everyone is running off of one wireless receiver as it would only take on signal in? Correct me if Im wrong.

Again, not a huge concern for right now, would be nice for the future.

The main concern is getting the programmed tracks and click into everyones ears. So the main issue is my first question, can one receiver send to multiple belt packs. (without having a huge multi channel system that is).

Keeping costs low is ideal as well. But the necessary money will be spent to do the job properly.

Feel free to make a better suggestion than what ive thought up, im still a n00b at this.

OtterOnBass · #2 02-22-2009, 08:16 PM

Here's my amateur reply: No they won't work. Simply based on my experience with FM transmitters on radio frequencies. The nearest one to the antenna blocks the others.

A cheap alternative to try would be using iPod FM transmitters set to different stations.

Lowtrac · #3 02-22-2009, 08:26 PM

Your questions is a little unclear. If you're talking about wireless IEM's, then Yes, you can run multiple receiver packs off of one TRANSMITTER. If you're talking about wireless instrument packs, then no, you have to have a RECEIVER for each instrument pack.

For wireless in-ears, each person has a RECEIVER. For wireless instruments, each person has a TRANSMITTER.

GregShadoan · #4 02-22-2009, 08:45 PM

There should not be a problem with having two transmiters set to the same freq, as long as only one is on at a time. If you have 1 Receiver, and two basses that you want to be wireless on, and you can set the working freq's, that should work. Each having its own transmiter pack.
To question one, yes. You can have more than one set of IEM receivers getting the same signal at one time.

crimson_basser · #5 02-22-2009, 10:46 PM

Sorry if i used to wrong terms to ask my question haha

Im not talking about making the instruments wireless, just the IEM
Like i said im still a n00b at this.

So, i could have several IEM receivers, getting the signal from ONE transmitter? As in i would only have to buy ONE transmitter, and i could buy as many receivers (belt packs) as i needed, set them to the same frequency, and it would work?

With that said, which models/brands should i look into/stay away from?

Also, side question, since instrument wireless systems were brought up, would there be any conflict with the wireless IEM in terms of interference or anything? Or is it simple to avoid?