Q - + B P .. The Q-Audio QWM 1970 is a great e n t r yl system that combine s impre ssive performance, ease of use and durability at a competitive price point. It’s an ideal system for performers in need of a versatile and robust first or upgrade microphone system. This review is based on the QWM 1970 reciever with a handheld and a beltpack transmitter.

A dual handheld system is also available and the systems are supplied with one of two frequency ranges, CH70 (free to operate) and CH38 (licensed). 82 Straight out the box, the QWM 1970 looks well-constructed and sturdy for its £229 price point. Along with the main handheld transmitter microphone, the system comes with a bodypack transmitter that offers a choice of head-worn or lapel microphones and a guitar cable (4-pin mini XLR to ¼-inch jack), making it versatile for use by multiple performers.

Q-Audio also supplies two sets of AA batteries for use in the transmitters. I found that the black handheld microphone transmitter felt solid and had a nice weight to it, whilst the transmitter pack also felt well-built, although it took a few efforts to ensure the battery cover was closed correctly after inserting the batteries. The receiver unit has a durable metallic housing and features a lovely sleek design that can be either shelf mounted, or, if using the system in a professional setup, 19-inch rack mounted using the supplied brackets.

The receiver unit is 1U in height (1.75 inches). Attaching the removable receiver antennas to the receiver was quick and easy, and the dual LCD displays are clear and bright. The addition of a carry case for the system would have been a bonus, but the original packaging is more than adequate to keep the system protected during transit or storage. A DC socket and mains adaptor supplies power to the receiver.

You may find the adaptor cable a little short if you’re using it as a standalone unit, such as on a DJ booth shelf, but again, it is more than adequate. The indicated battery life for the transmitter microphone and bodypack transmitter should be more than five hours. To the rear of the receiver unit, there are two balanced XLR outputs and a mixed ¼” jack output. For testing, I chose the ¼” jack option and connected this to the ¼” microphone input on my controller.

The advantage of using the 1/4” output is that it combines the signals from channels A and B, making it ideal if you’re using the system with a limited number of inputs on your mixer or controller. The receiver unit has separate volume control knobs and menu function buttons for each channel, so it’s easy to deliver the required output per channel and control the power levels. The frequency-scanning menu can also be accessed through the menu function buttons, letting you find free or less noisy frequencies, if required.

Q-AUDIO QWM f you’re curious about how easy During testing, the QWM 1970 is to use, I can microphone assure you it’s straightforward – feel of quality, even for users who have limited that feels as technical knowledge. The quick higher-priced setup guide in the instruction removing the manual meant that my total was simple, as setup time was between five and compartment ten minutes. It was quick and easy and makes it to connect the receiver to the when needed. handheld transmitter microphone and bodypack transmitter too, as The sound both transmitter frequencies are handheld factory-set to match the receiver, and clear, meaning they work straight out test with flying the box.

I also tried the IR sync still working option, using the IR buttons on the receiver the receiver and handheld. Again, in sound and the transmitter unit connected or distortion, quickly and easily to the receiver, was undertaken as soon as the microphone was obstructions. close to the receiver unit. technology range (typically On the handheld microphone makes the system you’ll find an LCD display, whilst for smallto the bodypack transmitter offers and I’m sure the an OLED screen.

Both are bright be perfect for and clear, indicating frequency, wedding, party battery life and channel details, event. giving you the essential visual information at a glance. In the instruction helpfully The bodypack transmitter is handheld also fitted with volume controls, held in order to and both the microphone and This may prove bodypack have on/off switches handing it to that also double as mute buttons such as those with a quick tap. announcements, Q-AUDIO QWM the handheld flexibility to use the bodypack provided a reassuring transmitter microphones would with a durable build easily overcome any concerns if it belongs to a about using the handheld mic. system.

Inserting and supplied batteries The bodypack transmitter comes the internal battery with a small aerial on top, and an is well thought-out easy-to-use clip to the rear for easy to replace them attaching to a belt or garment. The TA4 (4-pin mini-XLR) input means that the unit can be quality from the connected to a range of different microphone was crisp input options. The supplied passing the ‘range’ headworn microphone and lapel colours – it was microphone are both easy to wear 30m away from and adjust.

The sound quality and unit, with no break pick-up from these microphones no noticeable hiss was good too – again, they passed although the test my 30m range test with no issues. with minimal Q-Audio does also state that Indeed, the UHF other microphones and input provides a decent options from other manufacturers up to 50m) that can be connected to the a reliable choice bodypack transmitter, although medium-sized events, compatibility is not guaranteed.

QWM 1970 would an average sized To summarise, the QWM 1970 is venue or outdoor a great piece of kit for the price, providing a durable, reliable wireless microphone system that manual, Q-Audio feels more expensive than the specif ies how the £229 price tag. Q-Audio have microphone should be ensured the system is easy to set ensure optimal use. up and use, and I believe it would challenging when make a fantastic addition for new users at events, anyone wishing to purchase their giving speeches or first wireless microphone system but having the or upgrade their existing one.