Another Failed Test

If you’re into pro audio at all, you’ve undoubtedly heard of the “white space” war that is currently going on between giants like Google (who want forthcoming high-powered consumer devices to be able to operate in these white spaces) and wireless microphone manufacturers (who want their gear to continue to use these spaces like they always have, and do so reliably).

According to FOH Online the latest round of tests with these consumer devices in a real-world situation (NFL game) failed. The Google camp believes they can create devices “smart” enough to detect wireless mics in use and avoid them, or use “becons” to determine that wireless mics are in use, but to date all such proof-of-concept tests have failed. This latest test is significant because it was done under actual real-world conditions, not some contrived lab experiment.

I’m not sure it’s even technically feasible for low end consumer devices to ever be that smart, but I’m also sure the “Googles” of this battle aren’t going to simply give up. Too much money is at stake, and deep pockets talk. The only sure thing in this fight over the next year is that it will be intense. I just hope in the end our investment in high end wireless mics isn’t for nothing. If the giants get their way, it will be Very Ugly for current wireless technology.

While all of the big wireless mic manufacturers are on the case with this issue, Shure has been on the forefront of the fight. See here for tons of in-depth info into this issue.