Wireless Audio Systems

Here is how this works in practice. We supply wireless audio systems and the sound crews to run them for shoots across South Africa, covering radio microphones, wireless boom links, IFB and comms. Our sound recordists scan the RF environment at each location, set up frequencies to avoid trouble, and deploy multi-channel digital wireless systems for shoots that need many simultaneous radio mics, from large ensemble scenes to multi-presenter live events. Wireless audio is central to the country's busy commercial and broadcast sector. Our teams are used at managing dense channel counts under pressure. South Africa's twelve official languages mean radio mics often carry multilingual dialogue. Our recordists handle each performance with equal care.

Here is the short of it. Cape Town Film Studios gives controlled stage space, while our crews are skilled setting up wireless on demanding urban and event locations. Because South Africa's film-services industry is mature and competitively priced, full wireless audio packages can be sourced locally through set up rental houses, and a complete sound department can be crewed within the country.

Here is the breakdown. Wireless audio in South Africa operates within a RF range covered by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, ICASA, and our sound teams set up frequencies in compliance with the ready bands at each location. Urban centres such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria have congested RF environments where careful scanning and planning are key, while remote locations in the Karoo and the bushveld are cleaner but bring their own range and terrain considerations. ATA carnets are accepted for any imported wireless gear. English is the working language of the sound crew.

Here is what that looks like on the ground. The dry, sunny Western Cape summer from November to February, the prime production season, supports settled outdoor and event work. The SAST time zone at UTC+2 suits European shoots. The DTIC production rebates, in the past around a 25 percent rebates of qualifying local spend for foreign shoots, together with the favourable rand exchange rate, keeps audio-intensive shoots cost-good. The country's standing as a top commercial and broadcast destination reflects the trust of its wireless audio skill.