I’ve seen a lot of the Taylor Swift tour on social media recently and noticed that all the singers and musicians are playing wirelessly. Particularly the guitarists who walk around the stage. Couldn’t the signal drop out? And how does it manage to remain in sync the entire time? Especially in a large venue with a lot of interference (e.g., phones, cellular networks etc).
Is the technology just simply good enough? Because surely they wouldn’t take the risk otherwise. Unless it’s all pre recorded – but surely not right?
In: Technology
The ELI5 is that nothing is “in sync.” The wireless mics are sending signal and a wireless receiver is “listening” for it.
Wireless audio isn’t transmitting tempo or data or anything like that, they use RF frequencies. Just not the same specific frequencies as radio, etc.
>Couldn’t the signal drop out?
Yes. Happens all the time, it comes right back though, it doesn’t typically permanently disconnect or anything. It’s like losing a radio signal as you drive farther away from a tower.
>And how does it manage to remain in sync the entire time?
Again, there is nothing to “sync.” A mic will be transmitting on a frequency that the receiver is set to pick up.
>Especially in a large venue with a lot of interference (e.g., phones, cellular networks etc).
They’re using different frequencies.
>Is the technology just simply good enough? Because surely they wouldn’t take the risk otherwise.
I mean it’s “fine.” Wireless setups are most practical for large stage productions because laying cable across a stage where numerous performers are moving around a lot is a hazard, and long cable runs (as would be needed on massive stages) can also suffer from issues like signal degradation.
>Unless it’s all pre recorded – but surely not right?
I can guarantee you at least a portion of what you’re hearing during a Taylor Swift show is prerecorded. This is standard practice for nearly any artist of that touring capacity. At small venues even the most incredibly proficient musicians slip up, that wouldn’t fly for an arena act like Taylor.
Source: worked in radio and live sound
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