MIT Musical Theatre Guild Eliminates Wireless Mic Dropouts with RF Venue DISTRO5 HDR and Diversity Fin AntennaThe Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Musical Theatre Guild (MTG) eliminated chronic wireless microphone issues by deploying a single Diversity Fin antenna, a DISTRO5 HDR antenna distribution system, and RG8X cabling, all from RF Venue. "RF dropouts disappeared and frequency coordination issues were resolved," says Cal Rustad, lights and sound manager for the Musical Theatre Guild. "Directors are relieved, performers are more confident, and audiences are hearing the clearest, most reliable wireless audio we've ever delivered." MTG, the oldest and largest of the institute's several student-run theatre organizations, stages four fully produced musicals each year across two very different venues: a proscenium theatre located beneath a busy concert hall and a ballroom space that must be transformed into a full performance environment. Both spaces present difficult RF challenges, from overlapping wireless energy bleeding down from simultaneous concert hall productions to the unpredictable geometry of temporary build-outs. "With up to 15 wireless channels active during each performance, the need for stable, dropout-free audio was critical," says Rustad. "We were experiencing frequent interference, range limitations, and unpredictable dropouts. Clustering stock omnidirectional antennas in a rack created antenna clumping and forced us into poor line-of-sight compromises. It was frustrating for both performers and production staff." With the adoption of RF Venue's DISTRO5 HDR and Diversity Fin antenna, the Guild now enjoys reliable, flexible coverage in both performance spaces, the company says. "The DISTRO5's small form factor fits neatly into our rolling 12U wireless rack, which travels between venues. Its HDR circuitry has improved signal-to-noise performance, while integrated receiver power distribution has eliminated wall-wart clutter," Rustad elaborates, adding that placement of the wireless mic rack can now be based on operational preference rather than being mandated by RF reception. The Diversity Fin antenna, mounted on a mic stand and aimed toward the stage, has proven especially transformative. "The cross-polarized design makes us immune to whether an actor is using a beltpack or handheld, and its single mounting point delivers true diversity reception. Setup is faster, line-of-sight is better, and coverage is dramatically more consistent," Rustad says. "Compared to OEM paddle antennas, the Diversity Fin provided superior functionality at a lower cost, an extremely important factor for MTG's budget-conscious program." Rustad also began using Wavetool software during productions to monitor the wireless system transmitter battery life, RF stability and dropouts, which gave clear, measurable evidence of the upgrade's success. "The difference in RF performance before and after integrating the DISTRO5 was remarkable," he notes. The upgrades included deploying RF Venue RG8X cabling, further enhancing signal integrity and system resilience under heavy use. "The RG8X cables are rugged, hold up to repeated load-ins and strikes, and maintain reliable connections with superior shielding," Rustad says. "The overall system feels more professional and resilient." Rustad added that RF Venue's customer support also played a critical role in the decision to make the upgrade. "Within 24 hours of reaching out, I spoke with someone at RF Venue who totally understood our unique challenges and guided us to exactly the right solution. It was a ten out of ten experience." "RF Venue's system has truly felt like a force multiplier for our workflow," Rustad concludes. "We'd recommend it to any collegiate or regional theatre program facing complex RF environments and tight production timelines." Diversity Fin antenna
DISTRO5 HDR antenna distribution system
RG8X cabling 
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