Sony launches new UWP-D wireless microphone series 

New from Sony is the URX-P41D two-channel portable receiver, offering all the key features included in the fourth-generation UWP-D Series, such as improved high sound quality from digital audio processing, NFC sync for quick set-up from receiver to transmitter, and functions such as auto gain mode and output level control.

It is designed for uses ranging from broadcast and news productions, to run and gun style interviews, or documentaries and series productions, using Sony’s XDCAM camcorders and Alpha interchangeable lens cameras.

As part of the UWP-D series, the URX-P41D will work with all UWP-D transmitters (backwards compatible with previous generations) and will be available as a stand-alone receiver and as part of a new kit, the UWP-D27, which will include two UTX-B40 bodypack transmitters.

Sony’s digital audio processing, which uses digital signal processing for digital companding, improves sound quality by optimising a time-constant range between the transmitter and receiver, making the reproduction of sound more accurate.

Using the SMAD-P5 MI shoe adaptor enables direct digital audio recording and is said to deliver high sound quality with low noise by skipping the D/A and A/D process. This interface is compatible with a range of Sony’s XDCAM camcorders and Alpha interchangeable lens cameras. It also integrates with Sony’s camcorders and displays audio information on the viewfinder for enhanced usability in the field.

The URX-P41D also features NFC sync for easy and fast frequency setting. By holding the NFC sync button on the receiver for a few seconds, it automatically scans the appropriate frequency. Thereafter, just touching the receiver to the transmitter will sync the channel for optimum speed and efficiency.

By reducing the size of the receiver from previous generations, the URX-P41D can sit on top of the camera or ILC attached to the MI shoe or cold shoe allowing for improved balance on the camera.

The external microphone input for an additional wired microphone widens the sound capture options of the URX-P41D.  Three-channel audio recording is available by using a Sony lavalier microphone through the external microphone input. Furthermore, four-channel audio recording is also possible when using a stereo microphone through the external microphone input.

The URX-P41D can also reduce interruptions in reception (RF signal dropout), by utilising a space diversity reception system, which achieves highly stable reception because of its two receiving antennas. The angle of the antennas on the portable receiver can also be adjusted, which helps to further eliminate signal dropout.

Finally, auto gain mode and output level control are designed to bring the user peace of mind that the audio levels are correct when out in the field. Auto gain will help to prevent any unwanted distortion and output level control (when using XLR cable) allows the user to increase the output level where necessary.