Sony UWP series URX-P03D & UTX-B03 problem: intermittent preamp static / RF interference

[Rick S]

I started hearing intermittent static sounds in one of my UTX-B03 transmitters. Sounds just like an FM radio between stations—comes and goes.

Problem presents at locations I recorded in for years with no issues. I ruled out mics, batteries, and power supplies, always sync to open frequencies before each use, and run the OEM Sony locking TRS-XLR cables into my Sound Devices recorder. Compander set to UWP. Firmware is up to date.

 

Sony tech support went through all the troubleshooting with me and concluded it's maybe the UTX-B03 preamp—if I send it to Sony for repair, it's a $155 non-refundable consult + shipping and I will probably end up paying about $275 to replace. Instead, I bought the same exact Sony URX-P03D + 2x UTX-B03 set used thinking that would replace the bad UTX-B03, provide backups, and also give me another true diversity channel. (Turns out true diversity is not active w/ both channels activated on a P03D)

Nope!

Same exact intermittent static sound problem with all new transmitter and receiver.

Same cables, power, and recorder.

Thoughts?

 

Any advice is much appreciated. I know Sony UWP series are on the prosumer side, but this set has worked great for years and I'm not quite ready to go all in with Zaxcom or Lectrosonics—plus I already own Countryman and Sony lav mics terminated to Sony locking TRS with tip/ring reversed.

 

 

[Matt P8]

Have you ruled out occupancy sensor light switches in the rooms where you're recording? I find the sensors built into light switches in a lot of more modern buildings. Hard to describe in text, but it sounds like a static-like ffffft-ffffft-ffffft when you're getting the interference. 

On the UTX there's an Occupancy Sensor menu item sandwiched between Compander and Battery Type. You only have choices of Low and High, but give those a try and see if that solves your issue. 

[Rick S]

12 hours ago, Matt P8 said:

Have you ruled out occupancy sensor light switches in the rooms where you're recording? I find the sensors built into light switches in a lot of more modern buildings. Hard to describe in text, but it sounds like a static-like ffffft-ffffft-ffffft when you're getting the interference. 

On the UTX there's an Occupancy Sensor menu item sandwiched between Compander and Battery Type. You only have choices of Low and High, but give those a try and see if that solves your issue. 

Matt—thanks for the response. Much appreciated. I don't see an Occupancy Sensor menu item on the UWP-D11 UTX-B03 transmitter (Firmware V1.012). Nothing in the manual. Googled it. Looks like that feature became available in a later generation UWP-D12 series UTX-B40. Sony confirmed no firmware update. Does anyone ever just cover or otherwise block the effect of these sensors? What if you gaffer tape over the light switch sensor, etc?