The price of radio mics and wireless systems has plummeted in recent years, making cable-free performance a viable and attractive option. Christopher Holder checks out some of the VHF contenders.

I think what is most telling about rounding up this batch of VHF wireless systems is the apparent similarities when lined up on paper. This doubly reinforces the point that when buying a system and weighing up the pros and cons, and the price considerations, don't lose sight of the most important consideration of all — the sound you get. After all, these are all hand-held microphones, lapel mics, guitar pick-up connections and the like, and the prime consideration should be the sound obtained — regardless of whether the audio is being transmitted via VHF, UHF, leads, or by sheer will power. Other considerations include the ability to upgrade, replace parts, and set up additional units in the same space without interference problems. As with any equipment purchase, know your target application, and the type of venue and environment you will be using the systems in — for instance, a single system in a country church will potentially run into less interference problems than running multiple systems in a metropolitan pub next to a radio wave congested taxi headquarters. Prices of VHF wireless systems have plunged in recent years, which can only be good for the consumer, but it's easy to fall into the trap of being the bargain hunting, rock bottom price poacher and having your judgement clouded and your expectations unmet in the process.

When looking at the table, keep in mind that all the systems quote plenty of transmission range, and the same sort of battery endurance. Prices are either quoted 'pack' prices or the cheapest of a number of options on offer. Most receivers will come as free standing units, with rackmounting kits generally available, although beware that you will also need a front mounted antenna option in most rackmount situations. Keep all this in mind (as well as looking out for in-depth reviews in coming months), and you may just be able get some satisfaction in what is now a large and increasingly confused market.

Spirit — Much like ASDA, Spirit's whole raison d'etre is to provide quality goods at 'back pocket slapping, change jingling, smile at the cashier' prices. Their 01 range of wireless systems is Spirit's focused and only effort in the VHF wireless mic market, featuring a receiver with a choice of the DM01 hand-held, LM01 lapel beltpack (including lapel mic), or GM01 guitar beltpack transmitters. The Spirit hand-held mic features a cardioid polar pattern, mute and off switches, and a battery status LED. All three transmitter/receiver combinations are all identically priced, and they are all neat and portable systems, made even more so by an optional carry case.

Spirit by Soundcraft — (Contact Details).

Trantec Systems — Trantec Systems started life 10 years ago, pioneers in the wireless market, and have since stayed very focused, finding success in the honing of that technology and not tempted too much by diversification. In recent times, Trantec may have become best known for great value UHF wireless systems, but they also have a good range of VHF systems, with all the transmitter options required. The likes of the S1000 has been around some time now; the receiver has a retro appearance, but the transmitters are all streamlined and state-of-the-art.

BBM Electronics Group Limited — (Contact Details).

AKG — Don't let the fact that all the promotional material, brochures, and catalogues for AKG wireless systems have Mick Hucknall's pasty face and red hair plastered all over them put you off, AKG do great mics. The WMS 51 is a cheap, true diversity system that looks good and is well organised and labelled. The beltpack is ready to accept a good range of AKG MicroMics, while the receiver features squelch noise suppression, XLR out, and cord protection to guard against accidental disconnection.

Harman Audio — 0181 207 5050.

Audio Technics — Audio Technical Liberator comes in a fetching blue, hard plastic pack, and when you're not out 'liberating' would make a great lunch box. Otherwise the pack does a good job of taking the mystery out of the purchase for the uninitiated, as it comprises everything that's required to plug in and play. The ATW1100 is a more professional system, which is heavier, rackmountable, has XLR outputs (as well as unbalanced jacks), and features a true diversity receiver (as opposed to the Liberator, which features dual antennae but not true diversity).

Audio Technica — (Contact Details).

Scanner — The Scanner I and II radio mics are distributed by John Hornby Skewes and represent solid performance on a budget. To crudely summarise the differences between the two models: S1 is cheaper than the S2 and doesn't use a diversity receiver and doesn't include an XLR output. You can daisy chain multiple units with the same power supply with the DC power in/out sockets. Guitarists should be careful as an adapter lead is required before you go plugging in directly to the lavalier pack. Read last month's review in Sound On Stage for more information.

John Hornby Skewes & Co Limited — (Contact Details).

Sennheiser — Sennheiser's 1051/1053 is another system that arrives in a nice and sturdy plastic attached case. The 1051 is the hand-held system, while the 1053 is the pocket transmitter version. Both feature two switchable VHF transmission frequencies, which you won't find in the other systems featured here. This is a godsend if you arrive for a gig and find the venue is using gear on the same frequency, heaven forbid. There apparently is also a 1052 system for guitarists that has been all but discontinued so if you're an electric guitarist and like Sennheiser kit, I suggest you give them a call.

Sennheiser (UK) Limited — (Contact Details).

Shure — Shure's wireless systems sacrifice an element of idiot-proof ease of operation for plenty of transmitter options and optional accessories. The T Series comes in a number of application-specific packs and call themselves, The Vocal Artist, The Guitarist, The Headset, and The Presenter, all of which are fairly self-explanatory. All of the diversity receivers in the range use what Shure describe as MARCAD, which combines the two RF signals in 'optimum' proportion for a better signal apparently.

HW International — (Contact Details).

Beyerdynamic — Again, flexibility is the word for the Beyerdynamic systems, with three receivers of ascending sophistication being able to be married to a pocket transmitter, a guitar transmitter, or a choice of three hand-held mics. The other advantage of Beyer is their wide range of accessories, with plenty of lavalier and headworn mics available, as well as flightcases and rackmount kits. As far as aesthetics goes, all Beyer's kit looks the business, stylish, and slimline.

Beyerdynamic — (Contact Details).

Samson — Samson are another company that have made their name from wireless systems and have an extensive and popular range, with a good variety of well-known microphone capsules available for their hand-held versions, and a well-designed lightweight pocket transmitter for other applications. Both the Stage 33 and the Concert Series III systems incorporate dbx noise reduction for added clarity, while all the systems feature an unusually long battery life in the transmitters, with some 18 hours being quoted.

Hand Hold Audio — (Contact Details).