NADY DW-22 — an entry-level two-channel digital wireless system
Grigory Liadov
The NADY DW-22 is an entry-level digital wireless system operating in the 902–951 MHz UHF band. It uses a two-channel receiver. Ready-made sets offer handheld microphones, lavaliers, or headsets as transmitters. Extra letters in the system name identify the transmitter type. The following configurations are currently available:
- DW-22 HT — receiver and two handheld microphones;
- DW-22 LT — receiver and two lavalier microphones with bodypack transmitters;
- DW-22 HM — receiver and two headset microphones with bodypack transmitters;
- DW-22 HT-LT — receiver, handheld microphone, and lavalier microphone with bodypack transmitter;
- DW-22 HT — receiver, handheld microphone, and headset with bodypack transmitter;
We tested the DW-22 HT-LT package, containing a receiver, a handheld microphone, and a lavalier with bodypack transmitter.
Receiver specifications
| Frequency range | 20 Hz–20 kHz, ±3 dB |
| RF range | 902–951 MHz |
| Audio sampling format | 24-bit/48 kHz |
| Signal modulation | Digital QPSK |
| Dynamic range | 120 dB(A) |
| THD | <0.1% |
| Latency | 3 ms |
| RF sensitivity | -94 dBm |
| Operating range | Up to 90 m with line of sight |
| Display and indicators | LED display, power, AF, and RF indicators |
| Power supply | 13.5 V, 400 mA |
| Dimensions | 203 × 152 × 44 mm |
The system has no settings apart from receiver volume. Switch the devices on and the system is ready to use.
The receiver has a large display showing channel frequencies and RF signal strength. There are also AF and RF indicators. The RF indicator turns red when the transmitter is switched on. The AF LED lights green when audio is transmitted.
The rear panel has two balanced XLR outputs and a 1/4-inch TRS line output.
HT handheld transmitter specifications
| Capsule | Dynamic |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid |
| Transmitter power | 50 mW |
| Housing | Plastic |
| Controls | Power button |
| Power supply | Two AA batteries |
| Operating time | Up to 11 hours |
The handheld transmitter has a plastic housing and a power button with an indicator. The indicator briefly lights when power is switched on and stays red when the battery is low. Two AA batteries power the microphone. The battery compartment is in the lower part of the transmitter, as usual.
Packages with two handheld transmitters use different colors to identify them. The first channel's grille ring and battery cover are blue; the second channel's are orange.
The handheld transmitters use a dynamic capsule with a cardioid polar pattern. A foam layer under the metal grille provides extra wind and breath protection.
Capsule sound quality is good for an entry-level microphone. The main characteristics are extended bass and a less distinct midrange. We strongly recommend mixer EQ to balance the tone and improve midrange clarity.
LT bodypack transmitter specifications
| Transmitter power | 50 mW |
| Housing | Plastic |
| Controls | Power button |
| Power supply | Two AA batteries |
| Operating time | Up to 11 hours |
The bodypack transmitter has a conventional design: a light plastic housing and a metal belt clip. Like the handheld microphone, it has a power indicator and power button.
The transmitter uses two AA batteries. The microphone connects through a mini-jack socket with a locking thread.
The lavalier looks like other similar microphones, with a fixed clothing clip and a foam windscreen. We preferred its sound to that of the handheld transmitter. Tone is more even and clarity is better, especially at high frequencies.
Conclusions
Overall, the DW-22 HT-LT is an entry-level system with minimal settings that requires no special user knowledge. Simply switch the power on. Like similar budget systems, the DW-22 is an excellent choice for small events, presentations, and performances.
If two microphones are not essential, consider the single-channel DW-11. It offers similar capabilities for one transmitter. The DW-11 also comes in packages with a handheld microphone, lavalier, or headset.
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/nady-dw22.shtml.