WASHINGTON—The FCC today voted to allow the use of a new, more spectrally efficient wireless microphone technology within the broadcast TV spectrum. Wireless Multi-Channel Audio Systems (WMAS) uses spectrum more efficiently than currently available narrowband microphones, meaning more microphones can be used without allocating more airwaves. The rules will permit WMAS to operate on a licensed or unlicensed basis, while preserving the existing spectrum rights of others that share those frequencies.
The protocol is backed by some of the industry’s largest mic manufacturers including Shure and Sennheiser. The NAB also backs the adoption of the protocol (with certain restrictions).
