Deity Theos Digital Wireless Microphone System Now Available for pre

The Deity Theos Digital Wireless Microphone System is an all-new wireless kit that brings Deity into the wideband UHF spectrum rather than the crowded 2.4 GHz band. This should make the wireless system more reliable in more areas. I had a peak at the new system at NAB 2023.

Due to component availability issues, Deity has retired two wireless systems. The Deity Microphones Connect Timecode Kit and the Deity Microphones BP-TRX. The smaller Deity Microphones Pocket Wireless Digital Microphone System is still available. Instead of figuring out how to make the former models with different components, they returned to the drawing board, and the THEOS was born.

The Deity Theos Digital Wireless Microphone System has two versions. One for the US market and another for the rest of the world. This is due to frequencies that are available for wireless, depending on the location.

All US Theos Digital Wireless devices will support multiple bands for a total of 96 MHz of available spectrum.

550-608 MHz UHF TV Band614-616 MHz Guard Band653-663 MHz Duplex Gap902-928 MHz ISM Band

Theos Digital Wireless also features swappable frequency ranges based on your phone’s GPS / Firmware Update. Now you can travel the world with one wireless microphone kit. *Local laws limit the actual spectrum. See your government’s rules on RF spectrum for wireless microphones.

Both the DBTX and D2RX come with SMA antenna ports, which allow you to swap out antennas to fine-tune your frequency or replace them if they get damaged. This is great as it makes packing and transporting them easier as the antennas can be removed. Also, being removable will make them less prone to damage.

The kit comes with two sets for each unit. One set has a tilting feature to get the antennas in the best position if the unit isn’t standing upright. I like this a lot for mounting to a camera since it will be horizontal on a cold shoe.

This is an excellent feature, making the DBTX much more useful. It records in two format options. 24-bit and 32-bit float as a .wav BWF file. 32-bit float is wonderful as you can adjust the levels in post without introducing noise, so nailing your recording levels are not as important. The flexibility is great, but it comes at a higher file size. I say it’s worth it! You have to keep in mind that other variables like handling noise, wind, and anything other than level will not magically be fixable. This is why placing the microphone correctly is important if you can’t monitor it. Always risky!

Unfortunately for US consumers, you can’t record and transmit at the same time due to a patent infringement. The rest of the world has the option to record and transmit simultaneously. Don’t get me started! Zaxcom has the record while transmitting patents that are set to expire in 2030. Until then companies will have to pay Zaxcom if they are willing to license the feature.

When using the recording feature, the “RF POWER” on the TX has to be set to OFF and RECORD selected. Now you can use the Record function with the function button and the Sidus Audio App. You can monitor the recording with the 3.5mm headphone jack on the side.

The built-in recorder features an EIN self-noise of -130dBu (A-weighting, gain at +30dB, 150ohm source impedance).

Nevertheless, it’s great to have a portable recorder built into the DBTX, and since the system can be integrated with the Deity TC-1 you can have uniform timecode. The DBTX can be synced via the 3.5mm jack if you are using 3rd party timecode generators.

Deity has done a great job making the D2RX receiver a compact dual-channel model. It’s a little bigger than the transmitter and comes with a cold shoe mount that attaches with a metal wire clip similar to other brands. There are no other mounting options on the DBTX body; however, a 1/4 20″ tap is included on the cold shoe mount.

The kit includes two 3.5mm to XLR cables to connect to a camera or sound mixer/recorder. If you are using only one RX the “B” 3.5mm output can be used as a headphone jack to monitor the audio. You have a few options on how you can setup the two channels.

Maybe you hate menus and want a different way to change all the settings. Well, there is an app for that! The Sidus Audio app allows you to perform frequency scanning and frequency assignment, frequency coordination between multiple receivers, gain staging, and remote triggering of the backup recorder. This means you can make adjustments to your audio settings without having to touch the device physically.

The remote control feature is especially useful for filmmakers who need to work with multiple devices or those who need to make adjustments to their audio settings quickly. It saves time and ensures you never miss a critical moment on set.

Preorders started today. The kit retails for $1090 and is also available as a single transmitter, but you will need to purchase the RX and TX separately. The DBTX retails for $399 and includes the Deity the W. Lav Pro lavalier microphone. The D2RX Receiver sells for $339.

Erik is an 18 time Emmy award-winning DP, with over 20 years experience in photojournalism, working in newsrooms all over the USA. The last decade has seen Erik migrate into broadcast television and filmmaking, where he has discovered a passion for visual storytelling and production.Additionally, Erik is an outstanding educator, teaching filmmaking via courses on Linkedin Learning and Lynda.com.