You are on the Desktop website, Click here to go back to our mobile website
REVIEWED
REVIEWED: Q-Audio QWM 1970 HH BP
The Q-Audio QWM 1970 is a great entry-level wireless microphone system that combines impressive performance, ease of use and durability at a competitive price point. It’s an ideal system for performers in need of a versatile and robust first or upgrade microphone system. This review is based on the QWM 1970 receiver with a handheld and a beltpack transmitter. A dual handheld system is also available and the systems are supplied with one of two frequency ranges, CH70 (free to operate) and CH38 (licensed).
Straight out the box, the QWM 1970 looks well-constructed and sturdy for its £229 price point. Along with the main handheld transmitter microphone, the system comes with a bodypack transmitter that offers a choice of head-worn or lapel microphones and a guitar cable (4-pin mini XLR to ¼-inch jack), making it versatile for use by multiple performers. Q-Audio also supplies two sets of AA batteries for use in the transmitters.
I found that the black handheld microphone transmitter felt solid and had a nice weight to it, whilst the transmitter pack also felt well-built, although it took a few efforts to ensure the battery cover was closed correctly after inserting the batteries. The receiver unit has a durable metallic housing and features a lovely sleek design that can be either shelf mounted, or, if using the system in a professional setup, 19-inch rack mounted using the supplied brackets. The receiver unit is 1U in height (1.75 inches).
Attaching the removable receiver antennas to the receiver was quick and easy, and the dual LCD displays are clear and bright. The addition of a carry case for the system would have been a bonus, but the original packaging is more than adequate to keep the system protected during transit or storage.
A DC socket and mains adaptor supplies power to the receiver. You may find the adaptor cable a little short if you’re using it as a stand-alone unit, such as on a DJ booth shelf, but again, it is more than adequate. The indicated battery life for the transmitter microphone and bodypack transmitter should be more than five hours.
To the rear of the receiver unit, there are two balanced XLR outputs and a mixed ¼” jack output. For testing, I chose the ¼” jack option and connected this to the ¼” microphone input on my controller. The advantage of using the 1/4” output is that it combines the signals from channels A and B, making it ideal if you’re using the system with a limited number of inputs on your mixer or controller.
The receiver unit has separate volume control knobs and menu function buttons for each channel, so it’s easy to deliver the required output per channel and control the power levels. The frequency-scanning menu can also be accessed through the menu function buttons, letting you find free or less noisy frequencies, if required.
If you’re curious about how easy the QWM 1970 is to use, I can assure you it’s straightforward – even for users who have limited technical knowledge. The quick setup guide in the instruction manual meant that my total setup time was between five and ten minutes. It was quick and easy to connect the receiver to the handheld transmitter microphone and bodypack transmitter too, as both transmitter frequencies are factory-set to match the receiver, meaning they work straight out the box. I also tried the IR sync option, using the IR buttons on the receiver and handheld. Again, the transmitter unit connected quickly and easily to the receiver, as soon as the microphone was close to the receiver unit.
On the handheld microphone you’ll find an LCD display, whilst the bodypack transmitter offers an OLED screen. Both are bright and clear, indicating frequency, battery life and channel details, giving you the essential visual information at a glance.
The bodypack transmitter is also fitted with volume controls, and both the microphone and bodypack have on/off switches that also double as mute buttons with a quick tap.
During testing, the handheld microphone provided a reassuring feel of quality, with a durable build that feels as if it belongs to a higher-priced system. Inserting and removing the supplied batteries was simple, as the internal battery compartment is well thought-out and makes it easy to replace them when needed.
The sound quality from the handheld microphone was crisp and clear, passing the ‘range’ test with flying colours – it was still working 30m away from the receiver unit, with no break in sound and no noticeable hiss or distortion, although the test was undertaken with minimal obstructions. Indeed, the UHF technology provides a decent range (typically up to 50m) that makes the system a reliable choice for small- to medium-sized events, and I’m sure the QWM 1970 would be perfect for an average sized wedding, party venue or outdoor event.
In the instruction manual, Q-Audio helpfully specifies how the handheld microphone should be held in order to ensure optimal use. This may prove challenging when handing it to new users at events, such as those giving speeches or announcements, but having the flexibility to use the bodypack transmitter microphones would easily overcome any concerns about using the handheld mic.
The bodypack transmitter comes with a small aerial on top, and an easy-to-use clip to the rear for attaching to a belt or garment. The TA4 (4-pin mini-XLR) input means that the unit can be connected to a range of different input options. The supplied head- worn microphone and lapel microphone are both easy to wear and adjust. The sound quality and pick-up from these microphones was good too – again, they passed my 30m range test with no issues. Q-Audio does also state that other microphones and input options from other manufacturers can be connected to the bodypack transmitter, although compatibility is not guaranteed.
To summarise, the QWM 1970 is a great piece of kit for the price, providing a durable, reliable wireless microphone system that feels more expensive than the £229 price tag. Q-Audio have ensured the system is easy to set up and use, and I believe it would make a fantastic addition for anyone wishing to purchase their first wireless microphone system or upgrade their existing one.
Straight out the box, the QWM 1970 looks well-constructed and sturdy for its £229 price point. Along with the main handheld transmitter microphone, the system comes with a bodypack transmitter that offers a choice of head-worn or lapel microphones and a guitar cable (4-pin mini XLR to ¼-inch jack), making it versatile for use by multiple performers. Q-Audio also supplies two sets of AA batteries for use in the transmitters.
I found that the black handheld microphone transmitter felt solid and had a nice weight to it, whilst the transmitter pack also felt well-built, although it took a few efforts to ensure the battery cover was closed correctly after inserting the batteries. The receiver unit has a durable metallic housing and features a lovely sleek design that can be either shelf mounted, or, if using the system in a professional setup, 19-inch rack mounted using the supplied brackets. The receiver unit is 1U in height (1.75 inches).
Attaching the removable receiver antennas to the receiver was quick and easy, and the dual LCD displays are clear and bright. The addition of a carry case for the system would have been a bonus, but the original packaging is more than adequate to keep the system protected during transit or storage.
A DC socket and mains adaptor supplies power to the receiver. You may find the adaptor cable a little short if you’re using it as a stand-alone unit, such as on a DJ booth shelf, but again, it is more than adequate. The indicated battery life for the transmitter microphone and bodypack transmitter should be more than five hours.
To the rear of the receiver unit, there are two balanced XLR outputs and a mixed ¼” jack output. For testing, I chose the ¼” jack option and connected this to the ¼” microphone input on my controller. The advantage of using the 1/4” output is that it combines the signals from channels A and B, making it ideal if you’re using the system with a limited number of inputs on your mixer or controller.
The receiver unit has separate volume control knobs and menu function buttons for each channel, so it’s easy to deliver the required output per channel and control the power levels. The frequency-scanning menu can also be accessed through the menu function buttons, letting you find free or less noisy frequencies, if required.
If you’re curious about how easy the QWM 1970 is to use, I can assure you it’s straightforward – even for users who have limited technical knowledge. The quick setup guide in the instruction manual meant that my total setup time was between five and ten minutes. It was quick and easy to connect the receiver to the handheld transmitter microphone and bodypack transmitter too, as both transmitter frequencies are factory-set to match the receiver, meaning they work straight out the box. I also tried the IR sync option, using the IR buttons on the receiver and handheld. Again, the transmitter unit connected quickly and easily to the receiver, as soon as the microphone was close to the receiver unit.
On the handheld microphone you’ll find an LCD display, whilst the bodypack transmitter offers an OLED screen. Both are bright and clear, indicating frequency, battery life and channel details, giving you the essential visual information at a glance.
The bodypack transmitter is also fitted with volume controls, and both the microphone and bodypack have on/off switches that also double as mute buttons with a quick tap.
During testing, the handheld microphone provided a reassuring feel of quality, with a durable build that feels as if it belongs to a higher-priced system. Inserting and removing the supplied batteries was simple, as the internal battery compartment is well thought-out and makes it easy to replace them when needed.
The sound quality from the handheld microphone was crisp and clear, passing the ‘range’ test with flying colours – it was still working 30m away from the receiver unit, with no break in sound and no noticeable hiss or distortion, although the test was undertaken with minimal obstructions. Indeed, the UHF technology provides a decent range (typically up to 50m) that makes the system a reliable choice for small- to medium-sized events, and I’m sure the QWM 1970 would be perfect for an average sized wedding, party venue or outdoor event.
In the instruction manual, Q-Audio helpfully specifies how the handheld microphone should be held in order to ensure optimal use. This may prove challenging when handing it to new users at events, such as those giving speeches or announcements, but having the flexibility to use the bodypack transmitter microphones would easily overcome any concerns about using the handheld mic.
The bodypack transmitter comes with a small aerial on top, and an easy-to-use clip to the rear for attaching to a belt or garment. The TA4 (4-pin mini-XLR) input means that the unit can be connected to a range of different input options. The supplied head- worn microphone and lapel microphone are both easy to wear and adjust. The sound quality and pick-up from these microphones was good too – again, they passed my 30m range test with no issues. Q-Audio does also state that other microphones and input options from other manufacturers can be connected to the bodypack transmitter, although compatibility is not guaranteed.
To summarise, the QWM 1970 is a great piece of kit for the price, providing a durable, reliable wireless microphone system that feels more expensive than the £229 price tag. Q-Audio have ensured the system is easy to set up and use, and I believe it would make a fantastic addition for anyone wishing to purchase their first wireless microphone system or upgrade their existing one.
The full review can be found in Pro Mobile Issue 127, Pages 82-83.
