Q - .. It has been a significant period of time since I last published a review, dating back to 2018. Unsurprisingly, I find myself presenting a detailed look at a new set of Q-Audio Microphones: the , the latest update to my absolute go-to wireless system. 84 The companion bodypack is also available for purchase.

I am a devoted advocate for the 1960 range; the original units I are still in constant use and perform as effectively today as they did when new. Given that I also own and recently the 1970 range in MDJN, I anticipated that an update to the 1960 series was imminent. This new version is a truly substantial upgrade. The very first difference I noted upon receiving the package was the increased weight of the box.

Unboxing the system immediately revealed the reason: the receiver has been dramatically improved. The former plastic casing has been replaced with a sleek, shiny black metal chassis. This new housing is visually appealing and highly durable, providing a premium aesthetic even when powered off. The connectivity has been upgraded with a shift from screw-on to professional balun connectors for the antennas.

The unit retains its standard I/O: power input, dual XLR outputs, and a mixed ¼-inch jack output. The front panel layout remains intuitive, dominated by a large display, flanked by the essential Up, Set, and Down buttons, and the main power switch. I appreciate the retention of tactile push buttons, distinguishing it from the encoder knobs used on the 1970 model, which I still find less preferable for rapid live adjustments. A key point of interest, which led to several conversations with the Q-Audio engineering team, is the integration of the same transmitters used in the higher-spec 1970 model.

This means the benefits directly from the superior technology, effectively receiving an upgrade to a higher-grade microphone system. Powering the unit illuminates the display, which is modelled after the 1970 unit but notably brighter on the . Holding the Set button unlocks the interface, allowing you to navigate options using the Set and Up/Down controls. You can select from predefined frequency groups and channels, or utilise the convenient scan feature to quickly locate clear, interference-free frequencies (“clean air”).

To pair the unit, you set your desired frequency, long-press Set to activate the IR LED, unscrew the mic base, turn the microphone on, and point its IR window at the receiver. Q-AUDIO QWM he microphone locks in the The power frequency almost instantly, functions: confirming the pairing. A significant click for mute functional improvement carried a large red over from the 1970 series is the visually warn inclusion of Auto Mute, which is press for power stunningly effective.

The system is makes the designed to mute the microphone truly invaluable, automatically when placed on a working with level surface, and disengages mute or performers. immediately when picked up. This a speaker sets is a brilliant piece of engineering reference for live environments, though noise floor is the feature can be disabled if eliminating the preferred. You can also toggle unwanted, the Hi/Lo power output for the chatter or transmitter. feature alone live sound A small, yet satisfying, detail is the inclusion of plug-fitted rubber In the context feet on the base of the unit, a microphone mark of quality construction. testing is While the 1970 unit features a set of more advanced sound processing demanding unit, the performance gains of the during the should not be dismissed. followed by residency, placing The handheld microphones – the hands of nearly transmitters – feel superb in the several Speedquiz hand, retaining the excellent units offer a weight and balance of the output level, V2.

They are finished in sleek, recommendation full black metal, matching the with the receiver receiver, and are powered by two adjust downward. AA batteries. ideal level for at 3, which When powered on, the full-colour optimal control display clearly shows the current mixing console. Group, Channel, Frequency, TX Strength, and – if Auto Mute is The tone active – a small red microphone of the box is icon indicates the muted status. the fundamental Consistent with the 1970 series, of any microphone these are modular microphones, to accurately allowing for the exchange of the reproduce vocals. head capsule.

This compatibility is consistently crucial, meaning modular capsules opportunity for from leading manufacturers like talented vocalists EV, Sennheiser, and Shure will fit beginners – to the transmitter body. My only Vocals are minor critique is the removal of clear, and the the knurled ring found on the V2, managing a which means the units are more from high-gain prone to rolling if placed on an singers to very uneven surface. performers. Q-AUDIO QWM q-audio qwm 1960 v3 hh switch provides three power on, a quick (which triggers display icon to users), and a long off.

This design Auto Mute feature especially when amateur presenters For example, when the mic down to notes, the resulting instantly managed, risk of capturing localised background fumbling noise. This drastically improves management. of any serious review, rigorous field essential. I ran this microphones through a weekend of karaoke Halloween period, my regular Monday the units in the 70 singers, plus sessions. The remarkably strong and my general holds true: begin gain set to 5 and I have found an my current setup provides me with the margin on my delivered straight out excellent.

For me, requirement is its ability and musically These handhelds provide the best performers – from to enthusiastic sound their best. crisp, articulate and system is capable of wide dynamic range, settings for quiet low gain for louder 85 q-audio qwm 1960 v3 hh Handling noise is suppressed highly valuable, exceptionally well, and users necessity of consistently comment positively batteries to on the solid, professional feel of and operational the full-metal units, contrasting with cheaper sharply with lightweight plastic alternatives.

This robust design Range allows singers to confidently push exceptional. I their vocals to be heard clearly freedom of over the music without the system in a crowded becoming susceptible to feedback, distances, and provided the system is correctly obstacles, the positioned and gain staged. rock solid with Beyond singing, the spoken word large room clarity during the Speedquiz quizzes, this sessions was also outstanding, reliability is ensuring all commentary was easily heard and understood – the I firmly stand Auto Mute again proving its worth that Q-Audio by cutting noise between rounds. mid-tier today.

The 1960 For any profe ssional radio already great microphone, battery performance V2 and elevates is a critical consideration. The V2 With a suggested provided me with an impressive £199 for a six to eight gigs on a pair of set, this represents rechargeable Energizer Extreme value proposition. 2300 mAh cells. The 1970 series extended this to 10 gigs on True Diversity the same batteries.

After four enhance gigs with the V3, the battery employing dual indicator still reports 4 out of 5 simultaneously bars, leading me to confidently automatically predict a similar, impressive 10- path in real-time. gig lifespan before a change chance of is necessary. This endurance is consistently Q-AUDIO QWM emphasising the In summary: using only quality prevent the instability • Construction: Full metal issues associated mics and receiver offering versions. a quality feel and high durability. performance is equally • Display: Bright, easy-to-read allow performers displays on both transmitters movement, and, even and receivers. venue, across large • Battery: Massive battery through physical life when paired with quality signal remained cells. zero dropouts.

For • Audio quality : Amazing events or corporate tonal accuracy and superior level of signal handling performance. non-negotiable. • Features: Includes Auto Muting, modular capsules, by the assessment pre-grouped channel sets, produces the best and a professional frequency microphones available scanning feature. V3 HH takes the • Reliability : Loud output performance of the capability with minimal it significantly. feedback potential when used retail price of with a properly configured complete True Diversity sound system. an exceptional My microphone inventory now includes multiple Q-Audio sets systems actively (2x , , wireless reliability by and the new ).

If receiver modules that you are involved in karaoke, monitor the signal, quiz nights, or event work and selecting the stronger require dependable, high-quality This minimises the microphones, this set demands dropouts and ensures a serious consideration. At £199 stable signal. for a pair of professional-grade microphones designed to last years – just like my original 2018 set, which remains perfect – this is a compelling investment. Racking kits are available for those who wish to permanently install the unit, and the box includes a set of antenna extenders for remote antenna placement.

The is, without doubt, a brilliant addition to the Q-Audio lineup and a highly worthy upgrade even if you currently own the V2. I cannot find a single operational or performance flaw. The has just become substantially better. 86