Taming the RF Beast
Several months ago in "The Bleeding Edge," we discussed the pending problem with the FCC’s threatened release of “White Space” broadcast frequencies for wireless broadband use and unlicensed transmission. [Check out www. fohonline.com/whitespace for a complete rundown —ed.] While this directly impacts wireless pro audio systems, any increased activity in the airwaves — such as that from microwaves, cell phone signals, and emergency-band communications systems — presents a threat to our never-ending quest for interference-free audio. Any wire that is carrying low-level audio — such as from a microphone or mixing console — acts like an antenna, and may actually attract radio interference. Furthermore, junctions where the audio system may have gaps in its shielding — such as where a cable is connected to the chassis of an audio device — are an invitation for EMI to weasel its way in. Several manufacturers are addressing these concerns with new ways of battling RFI and EMI to keep it out of wired audio.
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