Pioneering southern German world music outfit Äl Jawala has recently adopted Audio-Technica’s 3000 Series wireless systems for use in live shows and touring. Singer Steffi Schimmer is using an ATW-T3202 handheld transmitter with ATW-6100 interchangeable capsule and ATW-T3255 in-ear monitoring system. Two saxophones, two percussion instruments and synthesiser are now also equipped with ATW systems.

Since switching to the new systems, the band report that concert set-up has been running smoothly and the saxophones in particular sound better than ever.

Reliable Reception

Äl Jawala concerts frequently see band members leave the stage with their instruments to play and dance in the audience. On the one hand, this increases the distance between the musicians and the receiving antennas and on the other hand, the radio signal is additionally shielded by the audience. With the ATW-T3201 bodypack transmitters and the RF venue antenna from the Audio-Technica portfolio, dropouts have been eliminated, despite the challenges presented by the band’s energetic live performances.

Band sound redefined thanks to ATM350 microphones

The switch to ATW wireless solutions was accompanied by a switch to Audio-Technica’s ATM350 clip-on microphones, a move that has helped redefined the long-established band sound. "The two saxophones make up a very significant part of the band's sound,” says Paul Pfeiffer, FOH technician for Äl Jawala. “So we were a little apprehensive about trying out the new microphones because we were very happy with the sound of the previous mics. I prepared an A/B blind test so that the musicians could hear for themselves, without bias, what they liked better. The ATM350 microphones from Audio-Technica won immediately. Even after repeated switching back and forth, the result was clear."

Refined design with great grip

Seemingly small details have proven to be of enormous practical relevance - the clamps of the ATM350 microphones are not only clamped, but also locked to the saxophone bells using a sophisticated, rugged mechanism. On the marching bass drum, the microphone is attached to the tuning screw, which can still be operated. Pfeiffer also praises the goosenecks: "They are great to position and stay in place." For the musicians of Äl Jawala, such details are a great advantage, as Markus Schumacher, the band's keyboardist and percussionist, adds: "The microphones sit really firmly. That's essential for us because we jump around on stage and play into the audience - the microphones have to stay reliably on the instruments."

Quick and easy assignment of frequencies

The network connection of the ATW systems and Audio-Technica's proprietary Wireless Manager software help to ensure quick and easy frequency assignment. The system scans frequencies and automatically assigns free frequencies to the individual transmitters and receivers. "Being able to manage this centrally is extremely important. With seven wireless links, this saves a lot of time," explains Pfeiffer.

Hypercardioid for feedback-free sound

Singer Schimmer uses an unconventional monitor system: she has an in-ear headset in her left ear and a conventional stage monitor on her right. To avoid feedback between the microphone and the monitor, Audio-Technica has the ideal interchangeable capsule in its portfolio: The ATW-C6100 is a dynamic interchangeable head with a hypercardioid polar pattern, which strongly attenuates sound from the side. This means that nothing stands in the way of feedback-free use.