About 700 Mhz Wireless Microphones

Microphones that operate in the 700 Mhz range have been outlawed by the FCC as of June 12, 2010.  See FCC website:  http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/

There are MANY churches in the situation of having to replace their wireless mics.  How do you know if you need to replace your wireless mics?  The best thing to do is call Real Time Productions at 715-758-2815.  Call from a mobile phone.  Please be able to be standing in front of your existing equipment so you can look at it while we talk.

Over the phone we will be asking you for detailed information about your equipment.  It is necessary for you to be looking directly at your equipment as we ask these questions.  You may also be asked to push a few buttons at our direction.  From your phone description we will likely be able to tell you if your microphone(s) need to be replaced.

Alternately, we will come to your location and assess the situation.  You will likely be charged a $50 service call.  Travel expense may also be charged if you are not in our the immediate service areas.

We knew about the possibility of this happening for 8-9 years now. It wasn't until about a year ago that the FCC decided exactly how this was going to play out. So even though we knew it was coming, and we've been warning folks about it, it is still catching a lot of people by surprise.
There is no need to panic.

Keep in mind that your existing 700 Mhz mics aren't going to suddenly quit working after June 12. However, they will become illegal to use. We highly suggest that if you haven't already done so, you should be budgeting for replacement mics. Plan to replace them as soon as you can afford it, obviously the sooner the better!

Given the huge number of wireless users who are in this situation, best guess is that the FCC will be somewhat lenient on violators. But you shouldn't count on that.

If you start getting massive interference and the mics become inoperable, or if you get a "cease and desist" letter from the FCC or some other entity, you WILL have to stop using the mics immediately.

Replacement microphones start in the range of $400 or so each.  Depending on your situation, a realistic replacement cost will be more like $700 (or more) each.

In rural areas, and if you are using only 2-3 wireless microphones, you can get away with using the less expensive units.  In more urban areas, or if you are running more than 2-3 mics at a time, you will have to spend more money.

You will see a lot of new and used wireless microphones for very cheap online.  You would be well advised to be cautious about any "deals" that are offered.  A lot of dealers found themselves stuck with a supply of the illegal mics and are selling them at very deep discount.  Be careful!  Only buy from reputable dealers who stand behind their product!

Because so many wireless mic users are having to replace their microphones at the same time, there have been sporadic shortages of new, legal wireless mics.

Manufacturers have seen this coming, and there is supply out there, but sometimes it's not easy to get what you need right away.

If you have any questions about this, please call Real Time Productions at 715-758-2815 or email info@rtpcom.com