Selection and Management of Wireless Microphone Systems for Outdoor Music Festivals.

Every music festival environment will have a need for amplified artist vocals and organiser announcements. They often need the freedom to operate on a stage without the hindrance of cables so wireless microphones are generally used. What are the selection criteria and operational challenges for wireless microphone systems on a music festival site.

The selection and management of any wireless microphone system on an outdoor music festival site is critical. Numerous factors like radio frequency congestion, long transmission distances and interference combined with weather exposure and the simultaneous operation of multiple wireless devices presents significant challenges for organisers. How can organisers select compatible equipment and manage the entire radio environment to maintain reliable audio throughout the event.

Overview Common Systems.
The main categories commonly used for music festivals are handheld wireless microphones, wireless bodypack systems and digital wireless microphone systems. The most popular system for performance artists is generally the handheld microphone system where the transmitter is built into the microphone itself. This system enables fast handovers between artists and acts with little or no set up parameter delays. The bodypack system usually incorporates a small microphone within a headset connected to a transmitter in the artist's clothing, for example. These are popular for artists who have performances with a large element of dance and physical movement where a handheld microphone is impractical. Both these methods can be adapted for fully digital wireless systems where signals are transmitted as digitally encoded audio to a compatible receiver. These systems offer more control over frequency coordination and advanced interference management features and are ideal for large complex festivals with multiple stages and simultaneous performances. Additional technology commonly used with wireless microphone systems include in-ear monitoring, production intercoms and antenna distribution systems for example.

Selection and Planning.
Key selection criteria for wireless microphones can depend on the intended use and artist preferences. A handheld microphone must have feedback resistance, handling noise controls with a long battery life and robust radio links. The bodypack systems used with handsfree microphones must be sweat resistance and provide a secure discreet fitting to withstand energetic performances. Whichever system is selected by organisers, often both, they must check the available frequencies along with possible restrictions on the intended site, early in the planning phase. For events with multiple stages and simultaneous performances the systems selected must have sufficient channel capacity with built in spare channels for contingencies. Once the appropriate systems have been specified, selected and ordered they need to be delivered and installed in line with the festival site build plan. Installation of antennas and receiver racks along with any cable runs need to be completed before sound checks commence. Technicians will be assigned to check wireless range and frequencies along with regular battery checks at installation as well as soundchecks and throughout the live event dates.

Frequency Management and Compliance.
Organisers should always check that a selected microphone system can legally operate in the jurisdiction where it is to be used because local frequency allocations and licensing requirements can differ. A typical large festival may be operating multiple wireless systems that can include microphones, in-ear monitoring, production communications and broadcast equipment, for example. During the technical installation and set-up phase there must be meticulous frequency coordination to enable multiple devices to work simultaneously. Every jurisdiction and region will have specific rules regarding frequency availability so organisers should always check with relevant regulators to discover their rules which distinguish coordinated assignments from shared or licence-exempt use.

On-site Management.
For large festival environments organisers should appoint a dedicated RF coordinator who has experience with wireless systems. This can ensure that there is robust frequency coordination that is compliant with prevailing rules and regulations. A key part of any wireless microphone system is the installation of well positioned antennas. An outdoor stage presents some challenges for antenna placement due to physical obstructions, long distances and people blocking signals. These can cause dropouts which can severely disrupt an artist's vocal reproduction. Once the systems and antennas have been installed, they must be tested along with other devices and stages to simulate the simultaneous use of a live event. Other considerations that need to be managed and planned for are microphone battery management along with spare microphones should a device fail mid performance. Outdoor festivals can be prone to adverse weather, so it is essential to provide weatherproof protection for receivers which are sensitive electronic equipment. Stage production managers must have contingencies for any potential failure so an 'already ready' spare wireless handheld microphone or even a fully wired microphone for emergency failures of the wireless system are recommended.

For festival organisers planning their next event using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need manage every aspect of their event logistics. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists, contractors, venues/stages, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, guestlists, ticketing, site planning, cashless payments and contactless ordering.

Image by Erik Mclean via Pexels

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