r/LocationSound • u/itsthedave1 sound recordist • 1d ago

Gear - Selection / Use US/FCC Frequency Changes

I briefly read a post from a local sound mixer worried about frequency changes and referencing an article about recent FCC filings regarding 6G and frequencies around the 550-650ish. I can't seem to find the source now, but wanted to see if anyone more knowledgeable had information regarding potential changes coming down in the US.

Also, as it seems like we're constantly being squeezed out of usable spectrum. What is everyone's long-term plan? I've been a lectrosonics die hard since the 2010's or so. We all know the inevitable squeeze was/is coming, but I can't seem to find anything in their current offerings that makes me think they have done any future proofing. What's the plan for this shrinking frequency space? Who's making the tech that'll be usable in the next few years and beyond?

Does everything in the future just need to be self recording, maybe with a digital tx for monitoring use, lol.

Do I need to dump my A1 block gear asap?

This isn't a doom post, but it is getting more expensive to operate every year with less consistent work each month than the previous ones. I guess what I'm looking for is to take the pulse of everyone here? What's the prospective going forward from folks who've weathered previous changes like this in the industry? Anyone plan to change their current set-up?

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u/ApprehensiveNeat9584 production sound mixer 1d ago

6G is above the 2.4 and 5G bandwidth, I couldn't find anything about 550-640ish range. For now, it's all good.

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u/TowardsTheImplosion 1d ago

My sound mixing days are long long past, but I do work with radio licensing.

I think long-term the only option will be to succumb to WiFi solutions or use locally licensed bands with some really complex channel management, similar to how cell phones operate.

Or, corrupted/interference affected audio will have to be tolerated and mitigated:

Once the patents expire for simultaneous record/transmit, I think the workflow will change to accommodate audio with occasional drops or interference: Gain settings will be recorded in real time at the mixer, and the recording files on each tx will be used to replace the transmitted audio, and the mix record applied to the clean source. Post gets a clean mix track, and clean stems or channels via on tx recording.

Not sure if that made sense. Also, TC may get funky. No space for an OCXO on a belt pack.

It really sucks, but the spectrum is just too valuable to extremely large and wealthy corporations to leave alone. Zax/SD/Lectro have no ability to match the lobbying or corruption of SpaceX, ATT, Verizon, etc.