PTU-52 Vs. PTU-71: In-depth Comparison

It's always a pleasure to share important and joyful moments with your friends and family. Whether it's a wedding ceremony, a karaoke night or a party in your yard with music and dance, a good wireless microphone system to deliver your voice is necessary. 

It would be embarrassing that sound and music get cut off in the middle, which is what people might easily encounter with a fixed-frequency wireless microphone system. Fixed frequency systems have many advantages, including ease of use with the plug-and-go operation and great affordability with relatively low prices. However, it is more practical to have an adjustable frequency system if you use the systems in different locations or in a complicated RF environment with electronics and other wireless devices. In this case, one can switch to other frequencies when the preset frequency is prone to interference.

Here at Phenyx Pro, we offer two adjustable frequency sound solutions, the PTU-52 and the PTU-71. Both cordless microphone systems are dual handheld sets with multiple selectable frequency groups for multiset operation. The most significant difference between the two is their synchronization methods: the PTU-52 uses the frequency hopping method, while the PTU-71 uses IR synchronization.

Frequency Hopping vs. IR Synchronization

Frequency-hopping is a method to transmit radio signals by rapidly changing the carrier frequency among many distinct frequencies occupying a large spectral band. The changes are controlled by a code known to both transmitter and receiver. In short, you can press the SET button on the transmitter to change the frequency, and the receiver will adjust accordingly. Thus, you can distantly (more than 6m) select and change the frequency for the PTU-52 system with a simple press on the transmitter. Besides, the SET and volume control buttons are hidden behind the battery cover of the handheld microphone to avoid accidental touch. Thus, it is suggested to finish frequency selection and paring before going on the stage using the PTU-52 system.

On the other hand, IR synchronization is a wireless communication method that transmits data and exchanges information between different devices via infrared sensors. Generally, a functioning infrared pairing system includes an infrared pulse transmitter and an infrared pulse receiver. We put the transmitter sensor on the PTU-71 handheld and the receiver sensor on the PTU-71 base unit. That's what the IR windows are for. When pairing up, you need to aim the two IR windows closed to each other, preferably between 2". The synchronization would be successful after a few seconds. However, this technology requires synchronization at a close distance, which seems to be a bit inconvenient compared to the PTU-52.

Other Differences 

Functionality. The PTU-71 boasts more advanced circuitry with the auto-scan function and lock function. The state-of-the-art AutoScan circuitry scans the entire RF environment more precisely to quickly locate the best available frequency and deliver promising wireless performance effortlessly. Guarantee fewer cutoffs and dropouts for your important moments. Besides, it is equipped with a lock function to secure your setting and avoid inadvertent touch by other people. Hence, the PTU-71 is more suitable for professional venues.

Material. The PTU-52 receiver utilizes a metal housing with a high-quality ABS plastics face plate. The handheld transmitter of the PTU-52 system is made of aluminum alloy. As for the PTU-71, both the receiver and transmitter are full heavy metal build.

Numbers of frequency. The PTU-52 has 30 adjustable frequency groups, while the PTU-71 has 100. With a 2 x 100 adjustable UHF frequencies configuration, the PTU-71 provides more alternatives when facing interference. Thus, the PTU-71 is more flexible for multiset operation.

Interchangeable capsule. The capsule of the PTU-71 is connected by metal contact, so you can unscrew the microphone capsule and replace it with a new one if the original one is defective. However, the capsule of the PTU-52 is nonremovable, for it is connected by wire inside.

Rackmount. The PTU-71 is a rack-mountable system. You can purchase a separate antenna kit to front mount the antennas for better reception. However, the PTU-52 does not support such use.

Antenna. The PTU-52 utilizes two built-in antennas, which are convenient for setup and less prone to be lost. The PTU-71 antennas are detachable and feature more advanced circuitry for better transmission stability and interference cancellation.

Sound quality. The PTU-52 has a clear and crisp sound quality. However, compared to the PTU-52, the PTU-71 has a fuller, warmer, and rounder sound. In addition, due to the advanced circuitry on the transmitter, it sounds very “bassy”, like it has a broader frequency range.

Some Closing Thoughts

To put it in a nutshell, you can visualize their differences according to the table below.

 If you still cannot make your purchase decision, please consider your budget, preference for sound quality, and application scenario. For example, if you prefer a lush, smooth, and natural sound and need a rack-mountable system for stages, gigs, DJ parties, or other more professional events, the PTU-71 system will never disappoint you. On the other hand, if you want your voice more powerful and crystal clear and need a solution for karaoke, meeting, church events, or small parties, the budget-friendly PTU-52 will be suitable enough. Since you may need more transmitters, we also offer two quad wireless systems, the PTU-7000 and the PTU-5200. You can choose the one you need and go for it to enhance your audio.

Related accessories are below. Just click and customize your unique personal gear!

For PTU-52:

Handheld transmitter

Bodypack transmitter

Black headset and lapel mics

Battery cover

For PTU-71:

Handheld transmitter

Bodypack transmitter

Beige headset and lapel mics

Black headset and lapel mics

Antenna kit

Other Accessories：

XLR cable 

Medium carrying case

Anti-rolling rings