Introduction to the EN 300 422 Standard

What is EN 300 422?

EN 300 422 (Full name: Wireless Microphones; Audio PMSE up to 3 GHz) is formulated by ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) to regulate the radio frequency characteristics, measurement methods, and spectrum access requirements for audio wireless transmission equipment operating below 3 GHz.

It belongs to the Harmonised Standard under the EU's Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED). It is primarily used to demonstrate that a product meets the essential requirements of RED Article 3.2: "effectively uses and supports the efficient use of radio spectrum in order to avoid harmful interference."

Which Products Does EN 300 422 Apply To?

The standard covers Audio PMSE (Audio Programme Making & Special Events) equipment, typically including:

1.Wireless microphones (handheld / bodypack / lapel)

2.In-Ear Monitoring systems (IEM)

3.Conference wireless audio systems

4.Intercom / talkback systems

5.Tour Guide systems

6.Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems (WMAS)

7.Cognitive PMSE (C-PMSE)

8.Assistive Listening Devices (ALD, partially covered by EN 300 422-4)

Operating Frequency Range:

1.Old version: 25 MHz – 3 GHz

2.New version: up to 3 GHz

The maximum output power is generally designed as ≤ 250 mW; for higher power equipment, refer to EN 300 454-1.

EN 300 422 Testing Requirements

When conducting CE/RED certification, EN 300 422 primarily evaluates "RF spectrum behavior":

Frequency and Bandwidth

1.Nominal frequency, frequency stability

2.Necessary Bandwidth / Occupied Bandwidth (OBW)

3.Channel spacing and Spectrum Mask

Transmit Power

1.ERP / EIRP or conducted power

2.Different frequency bands have different upper power limits (e.g., rules differ for 863–865 MHz, 470–694 MHz, and 2.4 GHz)

3.National frequency plans take precedence over general standards

Out-of-band and Spurious Emissions

1.Out-of-band emissions

2.Spurious emissions (harmonics, parasitics, intermodulation products)

3.Reference to ERC/REC 74-01, etc.

Receiver-related

1.Receiver spurious emissions

2.Blocking, immunity, and adjacent channel performance (the new version places more emphasis on multi-channel scenarios)

3.Class A / B / C receiver classification

Modulation Methods

1.Analog FM

2.Digital modulation

3.Hybrid systems

4.New architectures such as WMAS / C-PMSE

Note: EN 300 422 is not an EMC standard, nor is it a safety standard.

EMC usually refers to EN 301 489-9, and safety refers to EN 62368-1. A complete CE certification is a "combination of multiple standards."

Why Must Manufacturers Understand EN 300 422?

Direct Reference in CE Certification For wireless microphones, IEMs, and WMAS exported to the EU, EN 300 422 will almost certainly appear in the technical documentation.

Frequency Band Compliance is More Important Than "Making Sound" For the exact same UHF microphone:

1.Channels that are usable in Germany

2.May be restricted in France

3.The 694–790 MHz band has already been reallocated to 4G/5G mobile services. EN 300 422 helps you understand "how to specify device parameters to avoid compliance violations."

Amazon / Overseas Channel Audits European e-commerce platforms, engineering integrators, and broadcasting station procurements frequently require:

1.CE DoC (Declaration of Conformity)

2.RED Test Report

3.EN 300 422 Report Number

Global Mutual Recognition Trends The fcc also references the EN 300 422 emission mask in its wireless microphone rules; Brazil's ANATEL has also adopted EN 300 422-1 as a reference standard for broadband wireless audio in recent years.

Common Misconceptions About EN 300 422

1.Misconception 1: Doing EN 300 422 is equal to getting CE. ❌ False. You still need to complete EMC, safety, RoHS, DoC, labeling, user manuals, etc.

2.Misconception 2: The entire 470–790 MHz band can be sold anywhere. ❌ False. 694–790 MHz has been allocated to mobile broadband in many European countries; products must have their frequencies locked according to specific national regulations.

3.Misconception 3: 2.4 GHz is license-free, so spectrum management can be ignored. ❌ False. It still needs to meet the requirements for occupied bandwidth, frequency hopping/spread spectrum, spurious emissions, and power limits.

4.Misconception 4: Receivers do not need to be tested. ❌ False. In the new version, receiver spurious emissions, immunity, and classification (A/B/C) are all critical.

FAQ

Is EN 300 422 a mandatory standard? It is not a "mandatory legal text," but it is a harmonised standard cited by the OJ EU under the RED; applying it provides a presumption of conformity with RED Article 3.2.

Which standards should be used for wireless microphones exported to the EU? Usually: EN 300 422-1 (RF) + EN 301 489-9 (EMC) + EN 62368-1 (Safety).

Who regulates equipment above 3 GHz? EN 300 422 does not cover this; you need to refer to other SRD / broadcast / 5G / 6 GHz audio link rules.

Does WMAS need to comply with EN 300 422?Yes. EN 300 422 has explicitly included Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems (WMAS) into the scope of Audio PMSE.