What’s the Best Wireless Microphone System?

The key piece of equipment for any dynamic live performance is the wireless microphone system. If you’re a performer who needs the freedom to move, you don’t want to get tangled up in a microphone cable and have to worry about dragging a heavy stand around the stage. That’s where the wireless microphone system comes in. By going wireless, musicians, actors, and public speakers can give a more flexible and animated performance without being confined to a single area, while still having their voice projected loudly to the entire audience. If you are performing a play, for instance, wireless microphones are especially essential, as they can easily be hidden without sacrificing vocal quality. Many wireless microphone systems also can control their broadcasted frequency, so that interference from other electronic devices is minimized.  In fact, the best wireless microphone systems can equal or even surpass the audio quality generated by more ungainly wired systems.

Benefits of Using a Wireless Microphone System

  • The biggest advantage of any wireless microphone system is undoubtedly freedom of movement. What artist wants to be constantly thinking about tripping over a snaky microphone cable? Wireless microphone systems allow a performer the entire reign of the stage and must be the go-to solution for creating any dynamic performance.
  • Wireless microphone systems also present a cleaner look on stage. Can you imagine watching a play in which the actor is constantly having to bat a microphone cable out of his face or to try to mask a dangling cord? Wireless microphones can easily be concealed in an actor’s clothing to give the illusion that the actor is projecting naturally to the audience. Other public speakers or musicians may also want the advantage of performing without the distraction of extra cords dangling from their bodies.
  • When it comes to quick set-up, wireless microphone systems are the way to go.  Setting up a complete wired microphone stage set-up involves running hundreds of feet of cable, carefully positioning microphone stands, and making sure that the cables are all within proper reach of the sound board. The entire process can be lengthy and frustrating, depending on the stage limitations. By going wireless, you can avoid the hassle of having to run and organize cable, not to mention the tear down that is required after the show is over.
  • Finally, wireless microphone systems provide excellent portability. Most wireless microphones consist of only an audio receiver and a separate transmitter, both of which can easily be packed away into luggage for the performer who is constantly on the move. On the contrary, wired systems usually require extra cables, stands, and sound boards which can be heavy and expensive to transport.

Wireless Microphone System Buying Guide

When purchasing your first wireless microphone system, there are several factors that you will want to consider. Firstly, a good wireless microphone system should be durable and able to hold up to the rigors of live performance. The clips on the microphone receiver should be strong enough to secure the receiver to clothing throughout an entire energetic performance. You should also consider the type of wireless microphone system that will best fit your primary needs, as wireless systems come in a variety of fastening options. Headset microphones are generally the most conspicuous, while earpiece microphones might be more ideal for a live performer. If you are an actor or public speaker, a lavalier microphone may be the best option, as the microphone clips to one’s clothing and can most easily be concealed.

mixing board

The second factors to consider are the technological factors that may prevent your wireless microphone system from operating under inclement circumstances. One of the disadvantages of wireless microphones is that they sometimes have limited ranges and frequencies and can lose connection or receive interference from other electronic devices. Analog wireless microphone systems are more likely to battle interference, while digital systems can transmit signal in binary, thus avoiding becoming tangled up with other competing transmitting devices. It is equally important to consider the wireless microphone system’s advertised range, especially if you are only able to plug your receiving unit in far away from the performance stage.

Finally, make sure to consider any additional accessories that you will need to purchase to use your wireless microphone system. The advantage of wireless microphones is that they are, for the most part, all-inclusive and do not require extra cables or stands for easy use. However, you will want to ascertain that the provided batteries for the transmitting units are long-lasting enough to fit your overall needs. It can be frustrating when a wireless unit dies in the middle of a performance and there is no charger or spare battery available. Most wireless microphone systems will provide included spare batteries and chargers, but it is worth noting whether or not these additional accessories are provided when you make your purchase.