In an era where reliable wireless operation is harder than ever, Radio Active Designs is proving that innovation doesn’t always mean “new”—sometimes it means revisiting what works best. At NAB Show NY, James Stoffo, CTO of Radio Active Designs (RAD) and one of the industry’s top RF coordinators, gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look at how RAD is tackling one of broadcast audio’s biggest challenges: a shrinking, overcrowded wireless spectrum.
The Challenge: More Devices, Less Spectrum
Since wireless microphones began sharing spectrum with TV stations in the 1960s, audio professionals have faced an increasingly tight RF landscape. As mobile carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon purchased spectrum once reserved for broadcast, available space for wireless mics, comms, IFBs, and in-ears has been cut nearly in half. Now, even the 1.9 GHz DECT band—home to many modern intercom systems—is reaching critical congestion levels.
The Solution: Spectral Efficiency Through Smart Engineering
To address the crisis, Stoffo and his team at Radio Active Designs went back to fundamentals—reviving proven analog amplitude modulation technology and moving operations to the underused VHF spectrum. Their flagship system, the UV-1G, delivers unmatched spectral efficiency, fitting up to 60 belt packs into a single 6 MHz TV channel, while freeing up UHF space for microphones and IEMs.
Key features that make the RAD system stand out:
- Narrowband transmission – Occupies just 20 kHz of bandwidth, versus 200+ kHz for typical digital systems.
- VHF operation (174–216 MHz) – Takes advantage of underutilized frequencies for greater reliability and less interference.
- Unlimited belt pack scalability – A single transmit/receive antenna pair supports an unlimited number of users, just like an FM broadcast tower.
- Exceptional range and reliability – Proven performance at major live events, from the Super Bowl and NBA All-Star Game to SpaceX launches and Disney parks
Field-Proven for Mission-Critical Use
Over the past decade, RAD systems have become a go-to solution for major broadcasters and production teams needing dependable communications in congested RF environments. From Cirque du Soleil and Rose Bowl productions to nuclear power plants, RAD has earned a reputation for rock-solid reliability where communication failure simply isn’t an option.
Looking Ahead: The Advanced Wireless Group
During the session, Stoffo and Dale Pro Audio’s Technology Development Manager, Joel Guilbert, also announced the formation of the Advanced Wireless Group, a partnership between Dale Pro Audio and leading RF engineers aimed at helping broadcasters, houses of worship, and production teams navigate complex RF challenges. From expanding system capacity to integrating new stereo IEM workflows, the group provides consulting and coordination services designed to help users stay ahead of ongoing spectrum changes.
Learn more about RAD here.
Learn more about the Advanced Wireless Group here.
Want to learn more? Watch the full presentation below:
