Version 3.4 WSM includes a ‘professional set-up’ function that automatically calculates the interference-free frequency set for the required number of radio channels, while a ‘lifebelt’ icon keeps a number of back-up frequencies in reserve in case there are any RF problems on the day.

‘The user simply enters the required number of channels, including back-up channels,’ explains Sven Boetcher, Sennheiser Product Manager for professional wireless microphones. ‘WSM then scans the radio environment and makes suggestions as to where the microphone and monitoring channels can best be placed. The software saves the back-up frequencies separately.’

The system can be optimally adapted to its environment by selecting between three different safety levels when allocating frequencies: Max Frequencies, Regular and High Safety. It is also possible to hide frequency ranges manually in advance if it is known that they will be blocked during an event. Squelch can be set appropriately in accordance with the RF conditions displayed, with the right balance between a greater range (low squelch, more potential interference) and a higher number of frequencies (high squelch, reduced range).

Live and OB events are notorious for requiring last-minute changes to radio systems’ set-ups. ‘This is where the lifebelt icon helps,’ says Boetcher. ‘Just click once and the WSM will display the back-up frequencies which can quickly be brought into action. Then a spare microphone can easily be synchronised with the reprogrammed receiver. We hope that, in this way, we can make events a bit less stressful for sound engineers.’

The new version of Wireless Systems Manager is available as a free download from the Sennheiser website.

More: www.sennheiser.com