Over the past several years, in-ear monitors have taken over the stage, providing clearer sound and less gear on stage plus helping protect the hearing of performers. With this, however, comes more RF spectrum congestion as well as the need for additional and antennas.
Against this backdrop, I recently had the opportunity to check out a CP Architectural Antenna from RF Venue that’s designed for in-ear monitor systems operating in the 470 to 698 MHz portion of the spectrum. (The overall operating range is stated as 400 to 800 MHz.) Offering a slim profile enclosure, the CP Architectural can be installed on walls and ceilings, and can be painted to match its surroundings.
Unlike LPDA (log-periodic dipole array) or “paddle” antennas with a fixed polarization, the CP Architectural uses a unique circularly polarized design to provide transmit-signal coverage for IEM systems from a polished and professional package that room designers and architects appreciate. It builds on the company’s popular fold-able CP Helical antenna in being engineered to eliminate the most common signal dropouts while also reducing noise and interference.
The CP Architectural is a great fit for houses of worship and other venues with installed IEM systems.
Out Of The Box
When I received my unit for evaluation, I unpacked it and had it installed in minutes. The package includes a rear plate that’s pre-drilled with multiple holes for wall and ceiling mounting options.
The rear plate then simply connected to the front plate and was secured with the included mounting screws.
Next, I connected the rear-mounted BNC terminated coaxial cable to our in-wall coaxial cable run and the antenna was ready to go.
Total weight of the unit is only two pounds, with dimensions of 11 x 11 x 2 inches. It comes in white that’s designed to be easy to be painted.
Putting It Together
Rather than deploy it in an installation, which my company doesn’t do all that often, I took the CP Architectural to a live event, mounting it at our front of house position to test its range (more than 150 feet from the stage), rather than our normal backstage position for antennas. It was working with a Shure PSM 1000 personal monitoring system.
I put in my ear buds and sent signal, which was line level music, and then made the trek to the stage. The signal was crystal-clear throughout my walk, so I decided to push the distance and opened the loading dock door, stepping outside to where tour buses usually park – the signal remained clear and strong.
Next, I proceeded to walk back through the venue to the front of the building, under the marquee, with no change, still amazing. Overall I covered 200 feet in range, and in a venue with a lot of steel and concrete, without a single glitch while the audio quality remained stellar.
Overall, CP Architectural Antenna from RF Venue proved to be highly effective in delivering reliable wireless communication in a challenging urban environment while also providing flexibility in design integration and aesthetic appeal.
Overview:
— Very well suited for performance venues and houses of worship
— Improves wireless IEM system reception range and delivers clear, clean audio
— A polished, professional look that can be customized
— Circularly polarized design
— Easy to mount on walls and ceilings (mounting kit included)
— Rear-mounted BNC connector
— MAP: $649.00
Go here for more specifics on the CP Architectural Antenna.
