How to Choose A Wireless Microphone System
Tired of all the mic cables around your feet? We’ve put together this guide to help you know what to look out for when picking out a great wireless mic system. Whether you're completely new to the topic or you simply want to learn more, we've got you covered!
We’ve put together this guide to help you know what to look out for and consider when choosing a great wireless mic system. We'll cover topics such as: what it is, what it does, and which features affect the price and quality. Use the tiles below to navigate through the 3 main sections: A quick 5 minute guide on the key details, a section on the main brands to look out for and a final in-depth section that goes into much more detail on the technical terminology.
Click the tiles below to navigate to the relevant section!
What is a Wireless Mic System?
A wireless microphone system amplifies and transmits an audio source just like a standard wired microphone does; however, a wireless system offers the benefit of going cable-free, meaning less potential mess on-stage and greater freedom to move. This can be crucial for performers who don't want to be fixed to a spot or range that the cable dictates.
Analogue or Digital?
Wireless Mic Systems exist in both digital and analogue forms, each coming with their own pros and cons.
Analogue Systems
Analogue wireless systems are often cheaper than their digital counterparts. You can generally run an ample amount of analogue systems and channels in the same location due to greater bandwidth availability compared to digital systems.
They may require a PMSE licence to operate legally - check out the Ultimate Guide later on for more info on licencing and how to apply for one!
One potentially huge benefit a analogue system offers is that you can apply for an exclusive license, which reserves a particular bandwidth just for you and your channels to occupy, guaranteeing nobody else will connect and interfere or listen in. This is a key reason for big venues almost exclusively using analogue systems but it may not be relevant for everyone.
Digital Systems
Digital wireless systems are a little bit more expensive but generally offer a lower signal-to-noise ratio meaning a cleaner, clearer transmission than a lot of their analogue counterparts. They also have a greater frequency range, so if you're playing an instrument such as bass or synth with a lot of low-end, a digital system may help capture this more effectively.
Another benefit is that the battery life of a digital system is generally longer as they use a lower-power transmitter, which could mean up to 40% longer battery life.
Digital systems are also generally license free, meaning one less thing to sort out. However, most wireless systems occupy the same 2.4GHz frequency bandwidth as Wi-Fi, meaning you can probably only run a maximum of 3 or 4 systems at the same which could be a problem depending on the size of your set-up.
It’s also worth noting that you can get wireless digital transmitters than can plug into a standard microphone’s XLR out. This means you could find something that works with your current setup so that you can continuing using your favourite microphone!
Which Features Impact the Price and Quality?
Capsule Quality
Simply put, the microphone’s capsule is the part responsible for capturing sound. Typically, the better the capsule, the more transparent a microphone is which results in a clearer sound and cleaner recording.
Capsules have two main types – dynamic and condenser – which we’ll cover in more detail later in this guide! Capsules usually have a wireless equivalent of a wired version available, which means that if you have a favourite wired mic, there will most likely be a wireless version available, so you don’t have to make a compromise on either the convenience of wireless or the sound of your wired mic of choice!
Number of Channels
It’s worth thinking about how many channels you will need available in your setup – ask yourself, how many microphones will I need to have hooked up at once?
We’ve discussed a few trade-offs between analogue and digital systems, but analogue systems do generally offer more channels which is a plus. If you’re planning a system for a large group, such as a choir, then you may want to consider going down the analogue route. If you’re speaking at a conference and it’s just you, you may not need as many channels and may decide to go with a digital option. It’s all about what your application and environment demand.
Compander
Companding is a process that happens in all analogue wireless systems to accommodate for the limited dynamic range of FM radio. The process takes its name from the compression and expansion processes that takes place to achieve a full dynamic range signal on output.
Better companding means better sound quality. The companding process can lead to degradation of your audio signal, however in the better analogue units with higher-quality components, this is usually not noticeable. It can be an issue with cheaper units, so this component is something to consider if you’re considering buying an analogue system.
If you’re a guitarist, for example, you can spend hours choosing other aspects of your setup such as amp, pedals, cables, power supply etc. to preserve your tone. It would be a shame to then ruin all of this by sending your signal through a poor quality compander.
The Screen
While perhaps not always the most considered element of a wireless system, a good backlit screen for displaying key information can go a long way. You may want to check key info such as the system’s battery life or AF (signal strength) on-the-fly for peace of mind during use, so a decent screen may be something you want in your system.
Latency
Latency refers to the amount of time it takes for your microphone to capture its source, send that to the transmitter, then to the receiver and from there to your speakers/monitors. You ideally want this whole process to be as quick as possible.
It’s vital to reduce latency as much as you can, as it can completely throw off a performance if it’s noticeable for the audience – you want all aspects of a performance, from vocals to guitars, to be as in-time and synchronised as possible!
The transmitter and receiver are the two key components here and the more you invest, the less likely you are to run into latency issues. Digital systems have better latency which gives you a tighter, more accurate response. If you’re a guitarist, for example, this is super important as you’re going to want that instant attack, however if you’re speaking at a conference with no other sound sources to time yourself with, it may not be such a big problem to have a little bit of latency.
Auto Setup
It’s important to make sure you’re not connecting to the same bandwidth as another nearby system someone else is using. Some wireless mic systems feature the option to auto-scan and set up your channel connection to find a bandwidth that has the least interference. This can be a really useful feature that saves you time and hassle, so it may be worth considering investing in a system that can offer this utility.
Range
All systems will have a different transmission range, varying from short distances to hundreds of feet. It’s worth thinking about how far you’ll need to be from your system and adding on a little extra distance to be safe. Are you someone who moves around on stage a lot? – it may be worth considering a system with a greater range, for example. A good rule of thumb often recommended is to take what you think is your required range and double it. A system’s range is often reflected in its price, so it’s something to factor in when choosing yours.
Build Quality
This is fairly self-explanatory - better build quality and housing for the components of a wireless system means they’ll be far less susceptible to damage through gigging and travel, meaning less money spent on repairs or replacements. Of course, better housing materials (such as metals compared to plastics) will often result in a higher price but it’s usually worth paying for something solid and reliable to take on the road. You might save money once buying a cheaper option, but if it needs replacing due to a cheap chassis that breaks easily, you’re going to have to shell out once again.
AKG
AKG have been making quality audio gear since 1947. With solutions tailored for a variety of applications, AKG wireless mic systems are a great choice for reliable, high-quality sound without wires. In 1995, AKG introduced the world's smallest dual-diaphragm wireless system in the world, the CK 77/C 577 - smaller than a thumbnail in size and specifically designed for theatre, TV and film uses. This successful path continued throughout the nineties: AKG presented product innovations like the WMS 60 Multichannel Wireless Microphone System and continue to make great wireless systems to this day.
Rode
The RØDE story began in 1967 and by the mid-2010s, they had become an industry-standard brand in the broadcast industry. This reputation was taken to new heights with the release of the RØDELink digital wireless audio system in 2015. The system utilised RØDE’s groundbreaking 2.4Ghz digital wireless technology to deliver flawless audio transmission for film, TV, presentation, and stage use. The RØDELink Filmmaker Kit, Newsshooter Kit and Performer Kit set a high benchmark and established RØDE as a top brand for innovative, affordable wireless microphones.
Sennheiser
With over 75 years of history and experience behind them, Sennheiser wireless systems help performers to keep on-track and performing with confidence. Their line-up of wireless microphones, powerful transmitters, receivers and great sounding in-ear monitors provide the ability to stay true to your sound. Even the highest demanding events worldwide depend on their wireless systems for optimum control and freedom of movement!
Shure
Since 1925, Shure have been making great microphones and audio electronics constantly. Shure continues to set the worldwide industry standard for reliable products and their dynamic microphones can be found on most stages around the world! Released in 1933, Shure presented the Model 99 Modulator - their first ever wireless product. Fast forward to 2011 and Shure introduced its first all-digital wireless system, PGX-D, and the PSM1000 Personal Monitor System. Since then, they've continued to innovate and inspire with their wireless products.
Xvive
Xvive was started in 2014 and has earned a reputation in the music industry for producing high-quality, reliable products for musicians, producers, engineers and videographers. In 2016, Xvive entered the wireless market with the U2 Guitar Wireless System. This became a huge international hit for the brand, and established Xvive as one of the world leaders of wireless. It also paved the way for other wireless systems, designed for microphones (U3), in-ear monitors (U4), MIDI (MD1) and audio for video (U5).
The Ultimate Guide to Wireless Mic Systems
If you’re enjoying this guide and you want to learn more, then here's a chance to dive deeper and inform your choice even more!
More and more performances and speeches are being delivered via wireless microphone systems and for good reason. The absence of cables connecting each component can be a huge benefit for a lot of different scenarios and stage setups.
Wireless mics play an important role in several environments beyond just the world of live music performance. From live TV broadcasting to theatrical performances, there are a variety of situations where wired mics are impractical or unfeasible and thanks to continuous advances in technology, wireless systems are now more affordable and reliable than ever before! Sick of dealing with long mic cable runs across the stage or in rehearsal? It might be time to switch over to a wireless system!
The Microphone Types
Handheld
Handheld wireless mics look like your standard stage microphone – usually a dynamic or condenser. These will usually have a transmitter built into their body, making them easy to set up and move around with. You’ll find them used by everyone from stage performers to reporters.
Headset
As the name suggests, headset mics are worn on your head and feature a small arm which keeps the mic capsule close to the mouth. Headsets are especially useful if you’re in an environment with a lot of background noise or if you’re likely to be moving around the stage. This is because a headset mic capsule always stays the same distance from your mouth and allows you to be completely hands-free during use. Headsets usually use the same beltpack systems as lavalier mics.
Lavalier
Often referred to as ‘lapel’ mics, lavalier microphones are small and designed to be clipped onto the clothing of the user. They have a good signal-to-noise ratio due to the fact they are kept in place near the mouth. Lav mics are commonly used for scenarios where a visible mic is not appropriate, or the user needs their hands to be free.
Lav mics can often take a bit of time to set up, as you need to make sure they look tidy and are positioned correctly (or in some cases, it’s crucial that they aren’t visible at all) meaning lavalier microphones may not be suitable for all scenarios, especially ones that require a quick set-up.
Transmitter and Receiver
Transmitter
The transmitter’s job is to convert audio signal it receives from the mic into a signal that can be picked up by the receiver and then transmit that signal wirelessly. In reference to digital systems, this involves converting an analogue mic signal into a digital signal which is then sent to the receiver via radio link.
Receiver
On the other end of the radio link is the receiver. It converts the digital signal it receives and converts it back into the audio signal to be played through a speaker system. Receivers can be either single or multi-channel systems and in terms of size, they can either be larger desktop/rackmount units or smaller units such as pedals.
Capsule Types
Condenser
Condenser microphones have a greater frequency response than dynamic mics and can capture the finer details of your sound source due to their more complex, delicate internal structure. They’re great for studio settings where you need to record all the nuance and character available, but they can also be used in a wide range of settings as long as you're careful not to pick up too much from surrounding audio sources.
Dynamic
Dynamic mics are great for recording higher SPL sources to help rein in any unwanted inconsistencies and are great for live use as they generally pick up far less background noise compared to condensers. They’re often far simpler internally which means they can be more robust and might be a better option if you need to throw something in a bag and go. You'll see condenser mics more commonly used liven than condensers and are particularly popular for keeping speech smooth and reducing plosives and pops.
Both main types of microphone capsule have their strengths and weaknesses, but it’s worth trying and testing things out to see which works best for you and your needs!
Security
Digital systems are encrypted, meaning your link will be secure from unwanted connections listening in. Analogue signals can be picked up by anyone in the area with a suitable receiver, so it’s definitely worth bearing this in mind depending on the environment you’ll be using your system in as this feature may be crucial.
Licensing
Please Note: information included here is correct at the time of publishing. Please be sure to check the OFCOM guidelines yourself to ensure you're covered.
As we mentioned earlier, you may need to get a licence to make sure you’re using your wireless system legally.
Visit the OFCOM website here for more information and application forms. OFCOM are the governing body in charge of wireless licensing so be sure to visit their website if you need more information on PMSE licenses.
When it comes wireless transmission, there are 4 main zones your signal could occupy, and each zone has different licensing requirements:
Channel 70 – This zone is completely license free in UK and Europe, which is very convenient. The disadvantage of using this zone is that you can probably only use a maximum of 4 systems simultaneously.
Channel 38 – This zone has 4 times the bandwidth of channel 70, meaning you should be ok using up to 16 systems simultaneously. This zone is licensable but it will not be an exclusive license however, which means other wireless systems nearby could occupy this zone as well.
Exclusive license – There are other sections of the spectrum where you can get an exclusive license. Some fixed venues, such as churches or West End theatres will likely have an exclusive license to make sure they are occupying a different bandwidth to neighbouring venues. It’s far more expensive than the options previously mentioned, but it’s very much essential in certain settings. This is not particularly relevant to the types of systems covered in this guide however, but worth bearing in mind.
2.4Ghz spectrum – This zone is license free worldwide because this is where Wi-Fi lives. Not needing a licence is a benefit as you'll cut costs however the downside is that you’ll be occupying the same bandwidth as nearby Wi-Fi devices, so you’ll be restricted on the number of systems you can use at the same time, perhaps 3 or 4 maximum.
These licensing rules apply not only to just wireless mics, but also in-ear monitors and wireless cameras. With a PMSE license, you can reserve specific frequencies that you wish to operate on for a set period of time within a specific location. This could be for as little as 15 minutes or as long as a year.
There can be legal consequences if you’re operating without a license when you should have one, so don’t get caught out! Make sure you check the OFCOM website and get hold of the right information and the right license if necessary.
Battery
All transmitters will run off batteries, these can either be replaceable (standard AA etc) or rechargeable. Though systems using rechargeable batteries will typically be more expensive, you’re likely to find that they will last a lot longer and you’ll end up saving money in the long run because you won’t have to keep buying new batteries! Using rechargeable batteries also has environmental benefits that you may want to consider as well.
More Info
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