Sony Freedom Series Wireless Microphones Available in Application-Specific PackagesNew Packs and Components are Targeted to Business/Industrial and Sound Reinforcement Markets  July 10, 1998Sony wireless microphones have enjoyed tremendous success in a broad range of industries and applications. Now, with the addition of the new Freedom Series, Sony has significantly strengthened the system by offering application-specific packages ideally suited for use in the broadcast, live/concert sound and business/industrial markets.
"The Sony 800 Series has enjoyed success for years in broadcasting, live performance and theater," said Courtney Spencer, vice president of professional audio products for Sony Electronics' Broadcast and Professional Group. "Now, with the addition of the Freedom Series, we're able to provide UHF performance to a wider range of users."
The technology involved in frequency-agile UHF wireless microphone systems has traditionally placed the equipment at a price point that limited its use to high-end applications.
With the street price of the new microphone systems at less than $1,000, Sony has created new opportunities for sound professionals in all industries to embrace the benefits of a high-performance UHF wireless mic technology and free themselves from the interference and distortion often associated with VHF systems. All components are fully compatible with existing Sony 800 Series products.
"The fact that the Freedom systems are being sold as pre-configured simple systems, as well as individual components, allows them to fit a wider variety of users and applications," said Spencer. "Users also benefit by having the ability to add components to reconfigure the systems for different applications as their needs change."
The Freedom Series system is available in three different prepackaged configurations: WRT-8HP68, a hand-held system; WRT-8GP68, a wireless guitar system; and WRT-8LP68, a lavalier system. WRR-801A Expands the Line
For users who need to cost-effectively run multiple wireless mic systems in one location, Sony has introduced the WRR-801A UHF synthesized modular diversity receiver which is ideal for a wide range of multi-channel system applications.
"The demand to build high-quality multichannel systems at an affordable has been growing rapidly," said Spencer. "With the WRR-801 A, we can offer an easy-to-set-up, yet highly configurable product that is also compatible with our existing Sony 800 Series systems."
Modular in design with a 19-inch rack width and 1U height, the WRR-801 A comes supplied with one WRU-801 A tuner unit; a total of six can be combined to accommodate six channels of simultaneous operation.
The auto-channel assignment feature allows for unusable channels to be automatically skipped, so the receiver can scan to find the best available channel. Also, up to I I simultaneous microphones can be operated on a single pair of antennae when used with the WD-820A antenna divider.
The Freedom Series' bodypacks and mics can be used with existing receivers, or existing transmitters can be used with new receivers. In addition, a remote battery alarm monitors battery status, so users are assured of continuous operation. A comprehensive, easy-to-read liquid crystal display is provided on the receivers and on the belt pack transmitter.
The Freedom Series and WRR-801 A receiver are both currently available. For more information, visit their web site at www.sony.com. | 
