Axelvox DWS7000HT, DWS7000ST, and DWS7000LT — an affordable wireless system with handheld or bodypack transmitters
Grigory Liadov
The Axelvox DWS7000 has sold successfully on the Russian market for a long time. It is one of the most affordable analog wireless systems in the 710–726 MHz UHF band. Despite its low price, the DWS7000 is well equipped. Its two-channel receivers work with handheld or bodypack transmitters, with the latter connecting to a lavalier or headset microphone. Bodypack transmitters were previously optional accessories, but the manufacturer now offers complete packages for different tasks.
Three Axelvox DWS7000 packages are currently available, differing in transmitter count and type.
The simplest DWS7000ST package contains a single-channel receiver and one handheld transmitter. This is the most affordable option for individual use.
The DWS7000HT has a two-channel receiver and two handheld transmitters. All Axelvox packages use the same handheld transmitter. Brightly colored silicone rings help identify the microphones when several are used together.
The DWS7000LT uses the same two-channel receiver, but replaces the handheld units with two bodypack transmitters. Interestingly, this package includes four microphones: two lavaliers with clothing clips and two headset microphones with behind-the-neck supports.
The Axelvox DWS7000 is very easy to use. Press scan, select the most suitable channel, and synchronize the frequency with the transmitter. Almost no other setup is needed. Simply adjust microphone volume on the receiver and, if necessary, select a more suitable transmitter sensitivity setting.
As noted earlier, Axelvox DWS7000 systems use PI/4-DQPSK signal coding and modulation. This keeps the signal stable even with interference and other radio signals present. Compared with ordinary UHF wireless systems, the format offers better spectral efficiency, an extended frequency range, special filtering algorithms, and low distortion. The receiver automatically scans the radio environment and finds the clearest available frequency.
Receiver specifications
| Number of channels | Two | Operating frequency range | 710–726 MHz | Signal modulation | PI/4-DQPSK | Transmitter pairing | IR port | Display | LCD display | Power supply | 12 V | Housing | Metal | Connections | 1/4-inch TRS mixed output, separate balanced XLR outputs |
The receiver has one large display showing RF signal strength, transmitter signal level, and selected frequency. Three buttons handle all control. The down arrow scans the radio environment, and the up arrow changes channels. SET synchronizes the receiver and transmitter frequency through the IR port. The system provides 30 fixed-frequency channels in total.
The receiver can connect to a mixer or loudspeakers in two ways. The 1/4-inch TRS line output carries a mix of both microphones, while the balanced XLR outputs carry the individual signals.
Axelvox handheld transmitters are large, full-size microphones. The metal housing has a slight texture that prevents slipping and feels comfortable to hold. The microphone has a moderate weight, evenly distributed along the body. Flat sections on the grille rim stop it from rolling across a surface.
Handheld transmitter specifications
| Capsule | Dynamic | Polar pattern | Cardioid | Gain/attenuation level | -10 dB | Maximum input signal level | -20 dBV | Housing | Aluminum | Power supply | Two AA batteries | Operating frequency range | 710–726 MHz | Display | LCD display | Signal modulation | PI/4-DQPSK | Receiver pairing | IR port |
Under the metal grille is a conventional dynamic capsule with a cardioid polar pattern. A thin layer of foam inside the grille provides extra protection against wind and breath noise.
The microphone has a small display and a power button. The display shows the selected frequency and remaining battery charge. It is bright but dims after 10 seconds. An IR port next to the display synchronizes the transmitter with the receiver. Hold the button for 2 seconds to turn the microphone off completely. When the transmitter is switched off, the receiver detects the loss of signal and mutes the unused channel to prevent extra interference.
The handheld transmitter uses two AA batteries. As usual, the battery compartment is in the lower part of the microphone under a screw-on cover.
A sensitivity switch on the opposite side reduces the microphone level by 10 dB.
The Axelvox bodypack transmitters also look good. They have light plastic housings and metal belt clips.
The bodypack has the same display as the handheld microphone, showing frequency and remaining battery charge. An IR port below the display synchronizes the frequency.
Microphones connect through a locking mini-XLR socket. The power switch is on the top to prevent accidental operation. Its middle position selects Mute mode.
The transmitter uses two AA batteries. A switch under the battery-compartment cover reduces microphone sensitivity by 10 dB or 20 dB.
The supplied microphones look good, with none of the signs of a cheap product or replica.
The lavalier has a plastic clothing clip and a foam windscreen. Its connection cable is about a meter long.
The headset microphone sits behind the neck, with its steel support resting on the ears. The gooseneck is long enough to position the microphone comfortably in front of the mouth. A foam windscreen provides extra capsule protection.
We tested the wireless system in different conditions and found no difficulties or failures. Reception was stable, without noticeable delays or dropouts.
Considering the low system price, the Axelvox microphones sound very good. The handheld microphones have their own tonal character, but that is not a deciding factor for professional use. Capsule isolation from handling noise is especially good. Even when the housing is handled firmly, low-frequency thumps and rustling do not reach the capsule. These noises are common in many cheap handheld microphones.
The electret microphones also sound quite good, matching the handheld models. They have no unusual sound characteristics and compare well with similar affordable systems.
Conclusions
The Axelvox DWS7000 feels like a good-quality, stable wireless system at a very low price. It is an excellent choice for sound reinforcement at events, presentations, and performances. Complete bodypack packages are also a useful option for video bloggers, educational institutions, and leisure centers.
Note. This is an adapted machine translation into English. It follows the “In simple terms” approach. Read the original article at https://prosound.ixbt.com/microphones/axelvox-dws7000.shtml.