Church PA channel goes quiet
Many church and broadcast radio mics need to be retuned or replaced following OFCOM’s closure of Channel 69 at the end of 2012.
The UHF channel used by radio microphones for nearly 50 years disappeared into history at the end of December as Ofcom began to auction off some of the radio bandwidth now free after all analogue TV transmissions ended.
The channel, which was a mainstay for radio microphones is part of a 72MHz block of spectrum in the 800MHz band due to be used for 4G mobile telephone services. In future churches and other amateur operators such as pub bands are expected to use Channel 70. However there are concerns that some older equipment may have to be replaced, and that “splash” (interference) from 4G mobiles could be a problem on the new channel.
Channel 70 (between 863–865 MHz) can hold up to 4 channels or microphones and if you are operating between 863–865 MHz you do not need to change anything.
If you are operating in any other range (e.g. “Channel 69”, which is 854–863 MHz) there are a couple of issues:
You will need to move to either the license–free spectrum or to the new channel available for wireless microphones, which is Channel 38 (606–613.99 MHz).
Channel 69 required a license to operate in, and Channel 38 will also require a licence to operate in. If you have 4 or less wireless audio devices, we advise sticking to the license–free area unless you find interference there.
If your equipment only supports channel 69 unfortunately you will need new equipment.
(With thanks to Daniel Black, sound engineer at Willowfield Church, Belfast)