Update: the Phenyx PTU-52-2H and PTU-71-2H are no longer available from MSM AV. If you are choosing a two-microphone wireless system today, the rechargeable TrueWave Pro AIR-B2 is the replacement, and we have added it to the comparison below.
View the AIR-B2 AIR-B2 vs AIR-B4 guideWhether it's a wedding, a karaoke night or a party in the backyard, a good wireless microphone system makes the moment. Fixed-frequency systems are simple and affordable, but if you use your system in different locations or a crowded RF environment, an adjustable-frequency system is more practical because you can switch frequency when interference appears.
Phenyx Pro offered two adjustable-frequency dual handheld systems, the PTU-52 and the PTU-71. The biggest difference is how each one pairs the microphone with the receiver: the PTU-52 uses frequency hopping, and the PTU-71 uses IR synchronisation.
Jump to: Hopping vs IR sync · Other differences · Comparison table · Accessories
Frequency hopping vs IR synchronisation
Frequency hopping changes the carrier frequency among many frequencies, controlled by a code both transmitter and receiver know. On the PTU-52 you press the SET button on the transmitter to change frequency and the receiver follows, so you can change frequency from more than 6 m away. The SET and volume buttons sit behind the handheld's battery cover to prevent accidental touches, so it is best to choose the frequency and pair before going on stage.
IR synchronisation exchanges data through infrared sensors. The PTU-71 has an IR window on the handheld and another on the base unit. To pair, hold the two windows close together (about 2 inches) and the sync completes in a few seconds. It needs a close distance, which is less convenient than the PTU-52's method.
Other differences
- Functionality. The PTU-71 has AutoScan, which scans the RF environment to find the best available frequency, and a lock function to stop settings being changed by accident. That makes it better suited to professional venues.
- Build. The PTU-52 receiver has a metal housing with an ABS front plate and an aluminium alloy handheld. The PTU-71 receiver and transmitter are full metal.
- Number of frequencies. The PTU-52 has 30 adjustable frequency groups; the PTU-71 has 100 (2 × 100), which gives more options when facing interference and suits multi-system setups.
- Replaceable capsule. The PTU-71 capsule connects by metal contacts and can be unscrewed and replaced. The PTU-52 capsule is wired inside and cannot be removed.
- Rack mounting. The PTU-71 can be rack mounted, with a separate antenna kit to front mount the antennas. The PTU-52 cannot.
- Antennas. The PTU-52 has two built-in antennas. The PTU-71 has detachable antennas with more advanced circuitry for stability and interference rejection.
- Sound. The PTU-52 sounds clear and crisp. The PTU-71 sounds fuller, warmer and rounder, with a broader frequency range.
PTU-52 vs PTU-71 vs AIR-B2
| PTU-52 | PTU-71 | TrueWave Pro AIR-B2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channels | Two | Two | Two |
| Frequencies | 2 × 30 | 2 × 100 | 2 × 100 |
| Synchronisation | Frequency hopping | IR sync | IR sync |
| Coverage distance | 200 ft / 60 m | 328 ft / 100 m | 330 ft / 100 m |
| Auto-scan | No | Yes | No (manual channel selection) |
| Lock function | No | Yes | — |
| Antennas | Built-in | Detachable | Detachable (BNC) |
| Microphone capsule | Not replaceable | Replaceable | — |
| Rechargeable handhelds | — | — | Yes, ~10 h per charge |
| Availability at MSM AV | No longer available | No longer available | In stock |
In short: the PTU-71 suited stages, gigs and DJ parties that needed a rack-mountable system, while the PTU-52 suited karaoke, meetings, church events and small parties on a budget. If you need four microphones, see the TrueWave Pro AIR-B4, or the Phenyx PTU-5200 and PTU-7000 systems still in stock in the Phenyx Pro wireless collection.
