Why can't I receive and mix multiple wireless lavalier mics using only one receiver?

Question

I want to do on-the-move camcorder action following four people wearing wireless lav mics. I don't have the budget or the patience to employ/train a sound man (which is why I'm not using a boom). Based on what I've read from dealers and manufacturers, it seems that I am expected to carry four different receivers, some piece of extra equipment to mix and balance them...not to mention the camcorder all at the same time! If I can have four different broadband wireless internet connections from a single wireless router...why can't I receive and mix multiple wireless lavalier mics using only one receiver...handily attached to the tripod mount under my camcorder?! I would think this is common sense, but apparently don't fully understand the subject...could someone explain?

Answer 1

each lav has to have its own receiver.  because each lav has to be on its own frequency channel. so each reciever looks for its own channel. now you have 4 distinct sounds that are suppose to go into the field mixer - like a shure fp33.  you put all of those sounds into that machine and it will spit it out as stereo or mono.  then you can have that into the camera or what else you want to record straight to.  it is best to do it with two or three people so they can carry the equipment with you and worry about how things look with the sound and  video.

Answer 2

Good question.  I believe it is due to the way the wireless audio is broadcast that requires separate frequencies for each mic.  Having more than one mic on a same frequency causes interference.

As for the four wireless broadband connections - the four connections aren't really connected at the same time.  Your equipment is switching between connections at a very fast rate that makes it appear that you are.  But in reality only one of you is connected but just for a split second and that process is continuosly repeated.