Deity has been quietly becoming a favorite among those needing quality audio without breaking the bank. They offer a range of shotguns, lavs, and on-camera mics that harness the best qualities of its more expensive competitors while still keeping you on a modest budget. We detailed the Deity Connect wireless system over a year ago, which runs off the 2.4 GHz frequency band, and now, they've added a plug-on style transmitter dubbed HD-TX. Being part of Deity Connect, it too is a 2.4 Ghz system but packs in similar tech we see from Audio Limited, Lectrosonics, WisyCom, and Zaxcom.
It features 24bit 48kHz recording, encrypted audio and selectable RF output of 10, 25, 50 and 100mW. They also added an auto RF output feature, included 75Hz and 150Hz low cut filters, an analog limiter, +48V phantom power, a boost frequency between 7KHz - 20Khz and a headphone jack directly on the unit for live monitoring and playback. Playback you say? Yes. The most notable feature is its built-in recording.
Tech Specs
- Frequency: 2.4Ghz
- Audio Input Connectors: XLR, Locking 3.5mm TRS
- Input Gain Range: -12dB~+36dB
- Input Frequency Response: 20Hz~20KHz
- A/D Converter Dynamic Range: 92dB
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 93dB
- Phantom Power 48V via XLR, +3V Plugin Power via TRS
- Limiter Analog
- Low Cut: 75Hz / 150Hz
- High Frequency Boost: 7kHz-20kHz @ +1dB steps
- Mute Switch
- Audio Retransmission Modes: Low 19ms/ Medium 30ms/ High 40ms
- Transmitting Power: 10mW/25mW/50mW/100mW/AUTO
- Range Up to 100m / +300ft
- Antenna Internal
- Transmitting Bitrate/Sampling: 24bit/48kHz
- Recording Bitrate/Sampling: 24bit/48kHz
- File Sizes: 1Hr = ~1Gb
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery
- Battery Capacity: 2600mAh
- Battery Recharge Time: <90 minutes via USB QuickCharge 2.0/3.0
- USB-C (Supports QC 2.0/3.0 and MTK PE quick charge)
- Display Type: 1.3″ OLED Display
Deity has added a memory card slot that supports up to a 128GB microSD card. The HD-TX can record 24bit 48kHz WAV files up to 1 hour to microSD but not while simultaneously transmitting audio...at least not in the United States. If you live outside the U.S. you'll be able to transmit audio and record simultaneously to the microSD card. If you're wondering why you can't do this in the U.S., Zaxcom holds the patent behind unique technology. However, companies like Audio Limited and Tascam have started offering both options of wireless and internal recording (but keeping them separate). Lectrosonics does the same for some of its wireless products too. Either way, internal recording is a great feature to have, especially if you cannot connect wirelessly or want to stash a mic and hit record.
That aside, Deity says the HD-TX will provide a transmission range up to 300 ft (100 m) which is comparable to its competitors that can top out around 500 ft in direct line of sight. The one drawback of 2.4GHz is that it can have trouble transmitting through thicker walls, unlike a UHF system. We'll have to fully test the unit to know exactly what we're getting.
Another cool feature Deity added is the locking 3.5mm TRS input. It's just another option at your fingertips without needing to worry about adapters. However, the HD-TX can only record one input at a time, but maybe in a future firmware update, this will change. Other specs include a 1.3″ OLED to navigate the menu, a screen and button lock, assignable user ID's dnd track names.
A drawback that I do see besides the 2.4GHz transmission is the design. Yes, it's the standard rectangle look we've seen from others like Lectrosonics and Zaxcom, but the Deity yellow branding jumps out. If you're using it with a handheld microphone that yellow might be distracting on screen, so it will be important to always remind the talent to keep that facing them. It's something I have always disliked about plug-ons. The design is so outdated and the branding is usually way too big. Keep it simple and streamline it as much as possible.
With all that said, the HD-TX is only $249 and will hit shelves in December. Let us know what you think about it in the comments below.
