Italian manufacturer of professional wireless microphone systems featuring proprietary 32-bit digital companding, dual-antenna diversity, and sub-2ms latency.
Technical Details
Wisycom systems utilize proprietary digital companding with 32-bit processing, offering selectable 25 kHz or 12.5 kHz channel spacing. Transmitters achieve output power levels of 10, 25, or 50 mW and operate for up to 8 hours on standard AA batteries. A key feature is the Dual Antenna Diversity technology with automatic antenna switching for interference-free reception. The devices are equipped with OLED displays featuring a real-time spectrum analyzer and allow for remote control via infrared. Wisycom offers analog FM systems and digital transmission with proprietary algorithms achieving latency below 2 ms.
History & Development
In 1987, telecommunications engineers Polo and Abbonizio founded Wisycom in response to the poor quality of existing wireless microphone systems. The breakthrough came in 1995 with the MTP40 system, which was the first to offer true diversity reception in a compact design. In 2003, Wisycom introduced the first digital transmission with proprietary compression. This was followed in 2010 by the launch of the MRK960 series with wideband receivers capable of monitoring up to 60 MHz of spectrum simultaneously. Since 2018, the company has also offered Dante integration for IP-based audio networks.
Practical Application in Film
Wisycom systems are preferentially used in demanding productions where audio quality and reliability are crucial. The systems were employed on films such as "Roma" (2018) and "1917" (2019), where low latency was critical for playback synchronization. A typical workflow involves the Sound Mixer configuring the transmitters via infrared programming, while the Boom Operator monitors the spectral environment using the integrated scanners. Advantages include exceptional RF performance even in challenging environments. Disadvantages are higher acquisition costs and more complex operation compared to standard systems.
Comparison & Alternatives
Wisycom positions itself in the premium segment, above brands like Audio-Technica or Shure, but competes directly with Lectrosonics and Zaxcom. Unlike Lectrosonics' focus on robustness, Wisycom emphasizes audio quality and spectrum efficiency. Zaxcom offers similar digital features but with a different compression philosophy. For standard productions with limited budgets, Sennheiser EW-G4 or Sony UWP-D series are suitable. Wisycom is chosen when maximum audio quality, challenging RF environments, or special requirements like ultra-low latency are necessary.