updated October 2020
Given all the confusion and misinformation regarding the 600 MHz transition, Audio-Technica has compiled this list of Frequently Asked Questions to help our customers understand the transition. If you don’t see your question below, or would like additional information, please contact our Audio Solutions Department for assistance.
What brought about these changes to the 600 MHz band?
Congress authorized the FCC to use incentive auctions as a means to free up spectrum in the 600 MHz band for wireless broadband use. Bidding in the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction concluded on March 30, 2017. On April 13, 2017, the FCC announced the results of the auction and the repacking of the TV spectrum. One result of this auction and repack is that the use of wireless microphone systems in much of the 600 MHz band will eventually not be permitted. For additional information, please visit the FCC’s Broadcast Incentive Auction page.
If I have a 600 MHz wireless system, do I need to switch to a new system immediately?
Yes. As of July 13, 2020 all wireless systems operating in the prohibited 600MHz band are illegal.
What has Audio-Technica done to address the 600 MHz transition?
Since introducing our first wireless microphone system in 1986, we have been a leader in developing innovative products for the wireless market. Over the past several years, in response to the incentive auctions and repacks (first in the 700 MHz band and now in the 600 MHz band), Audio-Technica has introduced several new systems that operate outside the TV bands, such as the various models of our System 10 digital wireless (operating at 2.4 GHz), our 6000 Series high density wireless (900 MHz), and our ATCS-60 discussion system (infrared).
How long will Audio-Technica continue to sell wireless systems that operate in the 600 MHz band?
We have discontinued all of our 600 MHz wireless systems in North America, effective April 21, 2017.
Which Audio-Technica wireless systems operate in the 600 MHz band?
1800 Series (D-Band), 2000 Series (D-Band), 3000 Series (D-Band), 4000 Series (D-Band), 5000 Series (D-Band), M2 (M-Band), M3 (M-Band).
Which Audio-Technica wireless systems do not operate in the 600 MHz band?
1800 Series (C-Band), 2000 Series (I-Band), 3000 Series (C-Band and I-Band), 3000 Series (DE2-Band and EE1 Band), 4000 Series (C-Band), 5000 Series (C-Band), 5000 Series (DF1-Band), M2 (L-Band), M3 (L-Band), all System 10 digital wireless products, 6000 Series (S-Band), and ATCS-60 discussion system (infrared).
Which type of system should I switch to?
This will depend on your intended applications and your budget. For some users, it may make sense to move to a system that operates below the 600 MHz band. Others may benefit from avoiding the TV bands altogether and switching to a system such as our 2.4 GHz System 10 or 900 MHz 6000 Series. We recommend contacting our Audio Solutions Department to discuss your particular needs. One of our audio specialists will be happy to help you find the system that’s right for you.
What is the FCC’s position regarding consumer disclosure and the 600 MHz transition?
The FCC has issued a rule requiring anyone who sells, leases or manufactures 600 MHz wireless microphone systems to prominently display the following Consumer Alert. Although Audio-Technica no longer manufactures nor sells 600 MHz wireless systems, we are posting this alert to fully inform any of our customers who may still be operating a 600 MHz system or who may be considering purchasing one from another source.
CONSUMER ALERT
This particular wireless microphone device operates in portions of the 617-652 MHz or 663-698 MHz frequencies. Beginning in 2017, these frequencies are being transitioned by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to the 600 MHz service to meet increasing demand for wireless broadband services. Users of this device must cease operating on these frequencies no later than July 13, 2020. In addition, users of this device may be required to cease operations earlier than that date if their operations could cause harmful interference to a 600 MHz service licensee’s wireless operations on these frequencies. For more information, visit the FCC’s wireless microphone website  or call the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC (TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC).