Get two lavaliers or other sources wirelessly into your camera, recorder or mixer with this digital UHF kit from Deity. Two DBTX bodypack transmitters send to one D2RX dual-channel receiver, and each transmitter can record its own backup at the same time. That makes the THEOS system a good fit for interviews, documentaries and reportage.
Frequencies
The kit includes two antenna sets, color-coded by the antenna cap:
- Red: best between 608 and 630 MHz, usable from 550 to 694 MHz
- Yellow: best between 733 and 758 MHz, usable from 694 to 790 MHz
If you want to work on a different frequency within the THEOS range, let us know when you book and we’ll give you the matching antennas.
Digital UHF instead of 2.4 GHz
THEOS works in the UHF range rather than the crowded 2.4 GHz band that many compact camera systems use. UHF depends less on a clear line of sight, so a presenter turning away or a body between transmitter and receiver is less of a problem. The Sidus Audio app scans for free frequencies and pairs the units, which helps in busy RF environments. Our kit is the global version, so the app uses your phone’s location to assign the frequency band that is legal where you are shooting. Latency is 6.3 ms.
Backup recording with timecode
Each DBTX records to its microSD card as a BWF WAV file in 24-bit or 32-bit float. With 32-bit float, a level set too low or too high can be corrected in post. The global version can record and transmit at the same time, so the backup runs alongside the wireless feed. Recording starts on power-up, manually, remotely from the app, or when timecode is synced.
The transmitters write LTC timecode into the files. You can sync them via the Sidus Audio app without a separate timecode box, wirelessly from a Deity TC-1, or from a third-party generator via the 3.5 mm input.
Connecting to camera and mixer
The D2RX has two 3.5 mm outputs. Use the locking 3.5 mm cable for a camera’s mic input, or the two RX-Link XLR cables to feed a mixer or recorder at line level. You can send both channels separately, mix them onto one output, or switch output B to headphone monitoring. A USB-C port also sends digital audio to a smartphone or computer. The receiver mounts on the camera with the cold shoe adapter, which also has a 1/4″-20 thread.
Power and handling
The transmitters and receiver each run on two AA batteries or USB-C power. With Deity lithium AA cells, the transmitter runs for more than 12 hours and the receiver for more than 8 hours. Set the battery type (lithium or NiMH) in the menu so the level display is accurate, and keep spares handy. The transmitter’s menu buttons sit under the battery door, so settings can’t be changed by accident while the unit is on your talent.
This rental kit
You get two transmitters, the receiver, RX and TX antennas, belt clips, cables, two microSD cards and a hard case. Lavalier microphones and AA batteries are not included. The DBTX input accepts 3.5 mm lavs and supplies 3 V or 5 V mic power or works at line level. Lavs with Sennheiser-compatible wiring work, but Sony 3.5 mm lavs don’t.
