’s choice of microphone is also a very personal matter, as the tones of our voices are all different. For mobile DJs, our microphone is one our most important tools, which means that it is important to choose one that is both clear and reliable. Over the years I have used many wireless radio microphones from Nady Systems to Shure. At one time I was also the owner of the older JTS 902-D Dual System, which I sold, but – if I am honest – I should have kept!

7766 Pro Mobile Issue 73.indd 76 My current weapon of choice when it comes to a wireless microphone is from the Line6 Digital Wireless range, which uses the 2.4GHz wireless band. Until recently that is, when I was introduced to the new JTS wireless microphone systems and asked to do a review for Pro Mobile Magazine by JTS UK Director Mark Parkhouse. Now, Mr Parkhouse should be a name you are already familiar with, as he is the man behind the FBT speaker range, offering second to none support… Well, now you can expect the same great service and support from JTS in the UK.

In my possession, well my hand actually, I have the brand new JTS US-36G2 UHF PLL System which is a second-generation single-channel true-diversity wireless system based on the original, and popular, US-901 model. The product comes in a very slick and tidy display box with lots of information printed on it about the system to give you an idea of its specifications and features. Inside the box is the well-built receiver itself, constructed with a very solid metal housing finished in a nice matt-black coating.

On the top is the JTS logo stamped into the metal and, as we flip the receiver over, we find four solid rubber feet for a nice firm placement on a table-top. Turning the receiver around and looking at the back we find a recessed area which features, on the left hand side, a power cable eyelet (to secure the powercord from accidentally being pulled out) and the DC input at 12V/500Ma (AC plug adapter supplied). Next to this is an unbalanced audio output provided by a ¼” jack socket (a ¼” jack lead is also supplied).

For professional use, we then find an XLR output socket providing a balanced signal. Finally, there are two antenna connectors, which allow the two supplied tuned antennas to be attached using BNC connectors offering bi-directional antennae positioning. The system uses true-diversity technology, which means that two independent RF receivers ensure stable reception. In a true-diversity system, the two antennas each receive the same signal from the transmitter and then an electronic circuit automatically selects the strongest signal which is passed to the output sockets.

JTS US-36G2 UHF PLL SYSTEM 20/10/15 6:44:hen we turn back to the front of are Up, Down the unit, we can see the large microare used for phone volume control (min to max) frequency and to the left and next to it the RF / ous options and AF signal-level indicators. Each of push-button these feature seven coloured LEDs sits to the far which give a clear indication of the strength of the AF (audio) and RF Setting up the (wireless) signal. forward; holding will activate the In the centre of the front panel is you will be a backlit LCD display that shows tions for the currently selected channel / frequency for frequency as well as various other 1441 frequencies option settings.

The screen also inspread across dicates which of the two antennas is spectrum. currently in use. Next to the screen are in the UK,        Pro Mobile Issue 73.indd 77 sure you are operating in either the licence-free frequencies (Channel 70) or licenced frequencies (Channel 38) as long as you obtain an appropriate licence.

The receiver is equipped with S.A.W (Surface Acoustic Wave) filtering, which provides improved interference resistance. It offers both Pilot and Set buttons which Tone and Noise Mute squelch cirselecting the operating cuits to prevent audio ‘noise’ from for altering the varibeing picked up by the receiver when settings. Finally, the it isn’t connected to the transmitter. power On/Off switch It also offers an Attenuation setting right of the unit. for boosting the audio signal, if required.

Finally, a useful Lock feature unit is fairly straight prevents accidental changes to frein the Set button quency and other settings after you set-up menu where have set up the system. presented with the opselecting the operating The dimensions of the receiver unit the system. A total of are 212.3mm (W) x 38.3mm (H) x can be selected 144mm (D). It can be rack-mounted the 606-642MHz with the optional DR-900 Dual Rack Obviously, assuming you Adaptor and RP-900 Panel Cover if it’s important to enrequired.  20/10/15 6:44:ystem Now we move on to the JTS Mh- 36G2 handheld transmitter that also comes in its own nice display box protected by foam.

The mic seems to be very well built and on the base, there sits in the hand just perfectly, with spring-release clip the right balance – it is not too top down on to remove heavy like some microphones. It has that hides the a two-tone colour with a black base buttons to enable you and head combined with a smooth setup menu where silver/metal-finished handheld centhe operating frequency. tre piece. It feels very nice to hold mitter setup also offers and really looks the part.

It also fea- RF Low and Hi options tures a small recessed backlit LCD battery life or display which shows the currently range) and the ability selected frequency. settings in place. distance of the system To power up the handheld transmitbetween 200 metres ter you need a pair of standard 1.5V setting is chosen) AA batteries. I found that recharge- (in RF High mode), able batteries work fine, but I would more than enough recommend NiMH 2300 mAh or DJ’s needs. higher for best performance.

There is a battery-level indicator which The microphone gives you an idea of the lifespan of placed, should it ever the batteries in use inside the transaged. JTS also offer mitter, measured by three bars. This wireless body pack – readout is displayed on the LCD dis- – should you wish to plays on both the receiver and the with a tie-clip or transmitter. To access the battery phone for speeches. compartment you need to first unscrew the microphone head counter So that’s covered clock-wise and then slide out the specs and features, battery tray that pops out at the the system perform push of a metal clip. road?

I must say that pressed with its build To turn the transmitter on there is features, which are an On/Off switch situated on the or MC. The battery life base of the unit in a little recess. Also as I managed to get 7788 Pro Mobile Issue 73.indd 78 events out of the transmitter running for around 8/10 hours in total before I even considered changing the batteries. The microphone itself is very easy to work with and very comfortable in the hand.

There is hardly any noisehandling on the transmitter, which is a big improvement on other systems I have tried. I have had the chance to road-test the system on a few events now: a SEDA ShowNight, a few weddings – including speeches – and also an event where I performed Master of Ceremonies duties. The microphone delivers a clear and crisp response with astounding sound quality and I found it to work is a small black very well in a busy environment full which you push of people and other wireless signals the base cap without any drop-out or feedback. transmitter setting to access the The coverage area is impressive as you can change well, which I tested by going for a The transwalkabout to over 50m away from Attenuation, the receiver.

I didn’t experience any (for increased signal drop-out or other problems increased wireless of any kind. I also found the microto Lock the phone to be fantastic for vocals, The operational it offers more than enough audio is quoted at quality to be given to a guest vocal- (if the RF Low ist and is robust enough to use for and 480 metres karaoke! which should be for any mobile Compared to other wireless microphone systems on the market, in this price bracket, I think the JTS head can be re- US-36G2 offers unprecedented become damaudio quality, impressive wireless a compatible performance and a comprehensive the PT-36BG2 feature set.

I believe this system will use the system set something of a new standard headset microand become a very popular addition to many DJs’ arsenal of equipment. all of the tech I am now torn between my Line6 but how does Digital Wireless XD-V55 and this out on the new JTS system… Actually, I think I I am very imam erring on the JTS side! quality and its perfect for a DJ “Honey! I know what I would like for is quite good, Christmas…” at least two JTS US-36G2A URTHIFC LPEL LH SEYASDTINEMG 20/10/15 6:44: ...says The new img stage line mini lighting series the three most in demand effects; spot, beam the traditional moving head in a compact available as full colour RGBW or single white, Finally, add a colourful wash effect with Big in features.

Small Find out more about the new See the new mini series at 518041GMI Pro Mobile Issue 73.indd ! who? enables you to create a full lighting atmosphere with and wash. The TWIST-1LED offers all the features of housing with a powerful 12W LED. The BEAM-40LED, provides a professional beam effect with its 10W LED. the WASH-40LED, with 7 x 10W RGBW LED’s. in size. Small in price. mini-series at on stand G053 20/10/15 6:44: