Whether you’re a singer, speaker, musician, or installer, professional wireless systems provide a flexible, intuitive way to take your audio to the next level. Wireless systems operate by transmitting signals via radio waves rather than the traditional wired connection. Also known as wireless mic sets or wireless mic kits, SoundPro carries multiple wireless systems that offer all the wireless components you need to experience the ultimate freedom of “cordless” audio.
Wireless handheld microphone systems are great for music venues and concerts, special events, public speakers (particularly for events where a mic is passed around), houses of worship, education, business and commercial uses, etc. A great choice for stage use, wireless lavalier microphone systems boast a low-profile design that helps focus your audience’s attention on your performance, not your tech. Along those same lines, but with more active presentations in mind, small-but-mighty wireless headworn microphone systems are designed specifically for versatility, and portability, and for delivering accurate sound without distracting your audience. Wireless instrument systems are another alternative for adding mobility to your musical performance. Last but not least, wireless transmitters and receivers are the backbone components of wireless systems, ensuring reliable, intuitive connectivity and pristine signal fidelity.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How do wireless microphones work?
A: Wireless microphone systems operate by using a battery-powered transmitter (for example, a handheld mic or a bodypack paired with a lavalier or headworn mic) to translate sound into an electronic signal, sending the signal over radio frequencies (RF) to a receiver, which then disperses the signal to a loudspeaker or other piece of gear that translates the signal back into sound.
Q: What do you need for a wireless microphone system?
A: The exact number and type of wireless components you need for your microphone setup will vary according to your application, but at its simplest, you’ll need one transmitter (the wireless microphone) and one receiver. If you’re hoping to use a lavalier or headset microphone, you’ll need a bodypack to connect the microphone to. Fortunately, Sound Productions carries comprehensive systems for Handheld, Headworn, and Lavalier wireless microphones to help you get all the components you need; just note the “In the Box” section that lists all the included components when browsing these products.
Need help deciding between headworn and lavalier options? Our article Go Hands-Free: Lavalier Vs. Headworn Microphones outlines the best applications for each option.
Q: How do you use a wireless microphone?
A: For a wireless transmitter to communicate with a receiver, they need to be on the same frequency. This is measured by the distance between the peaks of a radio wave: if there is a lot of distance between each wave, it’s a low frequency, whereas if the waves are more condensed together, there is a high frequency to the waves. As a rule, low frequencies can be transmitted a farther distance but tend to be weaker and more easily impeded by solid objects, while high frequencies can’t transmit as far but are stronger.
Q: How do you find the frequency for a wireless microphone?
A:
- Power on your wireless receiver. Most receiver models provide an automatic scan feature that can be accessed by its own designated “Scan” button or easily accessed via a main menu on the front display or panel. The receiver will scan for available frequencies.
- Synchronize the receiver to your wireless transmitter to ensure they’re operating on the same frequency.
- You can manually adjust the frequency of your transmitter to match the information displayed on the front of your receiver.
- Alternatively, many wireless components boast a feature called Infrared Sync. Locate the infrared eye on both the transmitter and receiver, as well as the “Sync” button on the receiver. Hold the transmitter 4-6” away from the receiver and press “Sync” on the receiver.
- The receiver’s display should indicate when the process is complete—at which point you’re ready to go!
Q: Can I use more than one wireless microphone with a receiver?
A: If your wireless system uses more than one transmitter, you will need to coordinate frequencies. Each channel’s frequency must be sufficiently spaced apart to avoid interfering with each other’s signals. Higher-end wireless systems are more efficient and can pack separate channels tighter together, but you’ll still want to provide some margin, so the signals don’t bleed together and cause dropouts, noise, or other audio problems.
(When setting up larger systems of 10, 15, 20, or more wireless units, this process can be more complex. Call the experts at SoundPro if you have any questions about setting up a larger wireless system, or if you want to learn more about wireless audio.)
Q: What frequency is best for a wireless mic system?
A: Frequency types include VHG, UHF, 2.4GHz (Wi-Fi), and even Bluetooth. For most wireless microphone systems, UHF is the best choice due to its greater bandwidth, optimized reliability, pristine audio quality, and available frequency agility.
Q: What is the best wireless microphone for a church or other house of worship?
A: Handheld wireless mics are a great choice for a mic that is “passed around” amongst the congregation or to a guest singer or performer for one musical number. Wireless lavalier mics work well for speakers and presenters that face forward and don’t move around on stage, but headset mics are quickly becoming the new standard for worship applications where the freedom of wireless is key. Check out our article about Considering Wireless Mics for your Worship Facility for more information.
Q: What is the best wireless microphone for singing or live vocals?
A: In general, the best microphone for capturing vocals is one that can handle high SPLs, offer a uniform frequency pick-up pattern, minimize proximity effect, and deliver a natural response while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. To achieve these results, look for a dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. Our article SoundPro’s Top Microphone Picks for Live Vocals outlines the favorites of our experienced Account Managers, and many of these are available in wireless options.
Check out our article Wireless Microphone Systems 101 to learn more. For more information, e-mail us at info@soundpro.com or call our knowledgeable Account Managers at 800.203.5611.
