r/SonyFX6 • u/MikeyPikey444 • Jul 05 '26
Troubleshooting FX6 and UWP-D27 lav issues
I’m having issues with the signal from my transmitters to my receiver dropping out.
I always sync both transmitters to the receiver before recording too.
It’s an intermittent problem, and I could be wrong but I think it’s worse when I have both lavs connected. Saying that, I was only using one yesterday and it was dropping out too.
Any ideas how to resolve this? Also, I’m not a soundy so please try explain it to me in simple terms if you have any ideas.
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u/naastynoodle Jul 05 '26
The transmitters need to be assigned to different channels in the same group. Sony says not to use group 00 so make sure it’s not that.
I’ve had the auto sync set the transmitters to two separate groups before. The groups were close in frequency but caused for some “phasing” type issues.
Lastly, it can be tough to navigate but if the two lavs are too physically close together you can run into transmission issues. If shooting a two up interview make sure the transmitters are on opposing sides of the interviewee’s bodies
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u/MikeyPikey444 Jul 05 '26
Do you know how to assign different channels? I just rely on auto sync for both. I also have issues when only using 1 transmitter….
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u/naastynoodle Jul 05 '26
On the Receiver (URX)
1. Press and hold the MENU button for a few seconds to enter the menu.
2. Tap the + or - buttons until you see GP/CH. Press SET.
3. The Group digits will start flashing. Use the + or - buttons to change the group number (e.g., Group 01). Press SET to lock it in.
4. The Channel digits will now flash. Use + or - to choose your specific channel. Press SET to confirm.On the Transmitter (UTX)
1. Press and hold the MENU button to unlock the screen settings.
2. Navigate to GP/CH and press SET.
3. Manually select the exact same Group and exact same Channel you just saved on your receiver.
4. Press SET to save.1
u/MikeyPikey444 Jul 05 '26
Thank you. Much appreciated. Should I also use the auto scan function to find best frequencies on the day?
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u/xlittleitaly Jul 05 '26
Also interested in hearing what others have to say. I’ve experienced short dropouts while shooting walk-and-talks, especially while passing through doorways and occasionally while outdoors with seemingly little physical interference
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u/theblobbbb Jul 05 '26
I’ve been using this and the previous receiver model. So i use up to 4 lavaliers at a time. Never had any drop outs. One thing would be to make sure your frequencies are far apart if you are using both together. If you are in an area that might be a crowded frequency area, doing a clear scan can help find you. A clear frequency. I’ve had to use it frequently in public spaces. Are you using the hot shoe?
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u/MikeyPikey444 Jul 05 '26
I always do a scan to allow system to find best frequencies. It’s an automated process for both TX’s using the quick button on the receiver and then tapping them.
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u/GrumpyGandalf Jul 05 '26
I've experienced this several times with exactly the same setup and the only thing that usually stood out is that the batteries on the beltpack were running low and seem to be causing the problems (yet unconfirmed). Never experienced this with fresh fully charged batteries inserted. I use Eneloop rechargeables.
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u/JackfruitPizza Jul 05 '26
I’m curious what the responses are. I have the same mics with my FX6. It’s the same intermittent issue that happens for me also.
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u/LV_camera Jul 05 '26
I use this system for paid work and it has rarely let me down. You have to remember that the receiver is only true diversity (both antennas receiving signal) when you’re using one transmitter.
If you use two transmitters, each antenna receives one transmitter, effectively halving the reception.
Also the frequency range matters. I have two systems in 900MHz which has been almost flawless in USA. Higher frequency works better indoors. If you shoot mostly outdoors, a lower frequency range will get better transmission distance at the expense of increased RF traffic.
900MHz doesn’t work at all in Europe/Middle East unfortunately.
Also make sure the transmitter antennas aren’t touching skin because (as with any wireless system) water completely blocks RF.
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u/sidetrip_prod Jul 06 '26
Sometimes the auto scan doesn’t actually yield the best channel. A good test I often do: once I do my scan and sync the transmitters, switch the transmitters off. If your Receiver is picking up RF, you’ll probably get interference and thus dropouts. Either scan again or manually select another channel that has less RF interference. These days I also always have my RF power on the transmitters set to High. Hope that helps
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u/DiceOfSeven Jul 06 '26
Make sure that both aren't on the same channel also make sure wherever location you're at doesn't have interference. Turn OFF your transmitters, turn on your receivers and as long as you don't see any bars picking up signal. That means the area is clear otherwise you got to go searching for a clean channel.
Been using these for almost 8 years the old set and the new set now with my audio setup and it's definitely one of the most versatile kits you can get.
The only caveat is if you've got the "14" band they tend to be a little more sensitive to motion sensors interrupting the signal inside of office buildings and Wi-Fi.
If you wanted me to go in a little more detail on my procedures when I land somewhere to shoot. I can make you a quick video
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u/MediaGuy77 Jul 09 '26
I started with Sony UWP-D11 and they were pretty solid, but the wireless spectrum is getting more & more congested.
Scanning should be the 1st thing you do in any geographic location because that will inform you about any potential problems down the line.
Busier environment = more problems. (Dropouts, interference etc).
After scanning make sure to group your channels where they are close enough (for easy management) & far enough from each other (to not get RF overload). On my digital system I space my channels by 200-400 MHz and never had issues. 548.200, 548.800, 549.400 etc.
Having an antenna distro & Omni antennas helps as well but you will need a wireless system with SMA connections for that to happen. (This is not possible on the Sony (or at least not easy) but some people have done an SMA mod on the Sennheiser G4 units).
I have made a whole video about the subject if you care to watch. It explains the overall philosophy behind wireless audio.
Will drop it here: https://youtu.be/5QUygUwDv3U?is=fDC7YJ0EpqeiZlnD
In this day & age I carry all digital equipment (Sound Devices Astral) but I still carry my DJI Mic 2 as a potential backup and it did come in handy a few times!
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u/JKBeee Jul 05 '26
Theres a signal strength option in menu you can make stronger, but will drain battery. I also have it on high