Radio Mic Frequencies FAQ

Frequencies in the UK

In the UK It can be simply broken down to two sections. 1. License exempt frequencies and 2. Licensed Frequencies.

License Exempt Frequencies:

863MHz to 865MHz – The License free frequencies are available in UHF (ultra high frequency) –
Within this range you’ll be able to use 4 frequencies and transmitter power is limited to 10mW ~ 50mW on belt pack transmitters.

163.5Mhz to 180Mhz – all low powered devices are exempt from licensing. Mandate UK11. According to Ofcom’s Interface Requirement IR2030.

2.4GHz to 2.483.5GHZ – Wifi band
We often see this being used by some digital transmitters and brands such as Zaxcom, Timecode Systems, Sennheiser, etc.

Ofcom describes the low powered devices as – ‘A Short Range Device (SRD) is a general term, applied to various radio devices designed to operate usually on a license exempt basis, over short range and at low power levels. This includes devices such as alarms, telemetry and telecommand devices, radio microphones, radio local area networks and anti-theft devices with maximum powers of up to 500 mW at VHF/UHF, as well as certain microwave/Doppler devices with maximum powers of up to 10 W.’

For more reading please visit Ofcom – Short Range Devices Info

The Licensed Frequencies – ‘Shared License frequencies’

Since the DSO (digital switch over) in 2012 we are now confined to using Channel 38 – 606 to 614MHZ.
You need a license to operate in Channel 38 or you will run the risk of being fined.

For more information or to apply for a UK license please visit the PMSE site.
Email at – pmse@ofcom.org.uk

Travelling abroad and need to figure out which frequencies you can use?

Give our friends over at Mission Control a shout. They will take care of your licensing, giving you the peace of mind that your equipment is legally compliant at every performance. MISSION CONTROL

Alternatively check the APWPT link – who are an International association, whose work focuses on frequency requirements, frequency usage and frequency policy.

Sennheiser have also developed an international spectrum planning database, the ‘Sennheiser International Frequency Advisor‘ or SIFA, this is a free to access database featuring local frequency regulations worldwide.

Some useful links –