Have you ever watched a preacher confidently striding up and down church aisles, his voice naturally amplified without tripping over wires? Or a fitness instructor demonstrating kickboxing moves to an exercise class with upbeat music pumping over the sound system?
Chances are wireless microphones made these seamless presentations possible. Unencumbered by cables stretching across room floors, wireless mics provide newfound freedom and flexibility to speakers, singers, teachers and entertainers alike.
This guide serves as your definitive resource to discovering the best wireless microphone for amplifying your own voice or instrument whether addressing a crowd, performing on stage, creating online tutorials or more.
A Brief History of Wireless Mics
While wired microphones sufficed for early radio broadcasts and local performances, audiences expected increasing freedom of movement with the advent of television and more elaborate stage productions.
The first wireless microphones utilizing vacuum tubes and external power supplies emerged in the 1950‘s but their bulkiness provided more encumbrance than liberation.
Thankfully, transistors shrank components allowing rack-mounted receivers by the 1960‘s. However, the 2 pound battery packs clipped onto belts still weighed down users.
By the 1990‘s, surface mount construction yielded belt pack transmitters hardly larger than a deck of cards. Diversity receivers utilizing two antennas boosted reliability. Condenser mic elements improved audio quality. Durability increased for routine use.
The rise of karaoke, guided tours and other applications expanded adoption in the early 2000‘s. Extended ranges over 300 feet became possible. Digital encryption combatted interference and eavesdropping.
Recent years find wireless transmitters integrated directly into mic bodies and musical instruments without need for external boxes. Some use wide swaths of spectrum resisting interference across 1-7 Ghz bands.
Wireless microphone technology progressed steadily to today‘s compact and versatile systems providing clear communication unimpaired by distance thanks to continuing innovations.
Types of Wireless Mics
Modern wireless mics utilize miniature transmitters to relay signals to a receiver connected to a sound system. While early models mandated large, heavy external packs, current versions embed transmitters inside the mic body or clip discreetly onto clothing.
Four common wireless microphone types suit different applications:
Handheld Wireless Mics
Resembling a wired mic with an antenna protruding from the body, handheld wireless mics offer familiarity of use for vocalists, fitness instructors and video creators. Condenser models excel at reproducing subtlety while dynamic versions shrug off loud volumes. Handhelds allow presentation without awkward wires.
Best Uses: Karaoke, lectures, streaming, stage performances
Lavalier/Lapel
Lavalier mics attach to clothing near the mouth for convenient hands-free use. Discreet Winter rivet lapels result in newscasters and interviewers wearing them routinely. Their smaller size picks up less ambient noise. Lavaliers commonly connect via belt packs containing the battery, transmitter and settings adjustments.
Best Uses: Interviews, theater, houses of worship, instruction
Headworn
Headworn wireless mics fit over your head with the mic capsule adjacent the mouth. Aerobics, spinning and dance teachers favor them for easily delivered directives even while demonstrating moves. Their constant positioning commonly yields excellent sound quality.
Best Uses: Fitness instructing, broadcasting, theater performing
Guitar/Instrument Systems
Instead of plugging in their guitar, bass or other electronic instrument with a cable, wireless systems provide greater freedom to roam the stage. A transmitter mounted on the instrument connects internally to route sound. This pairs to a receiver that connects to an amplifier or mixing board.
Best Uses: Guitarists, brass/woodwind players, vocal processors
| System Type | Description | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld | Microphone with integrated transmitter | Presenting, singing, performing |
| Lavalier | Clip-on mic & belt pack transmitter | Interviews, theater, lectures |
| Headworn | Head-mounted mic & body pack | Fitness, dance, broadcasting |
| Instrument | Transmitter & receiver | Guitar, bass, vocal processing |
Hopefully this overview better informs you on the wide selection of wireless systems available to amplify voices or instruments flawlessly across auditoriums without tripping over wires constantly.
Key Specs Demystified
Confused by the alphabet soup of technical jargon used to describe wireless performance? This simplified explanation clarifies specifications most affecting your experience:
Frequency Band
Wireless systems broadcast vocals and instrument sounds over assigned radio wavelengths just like radio stations. Key options include:
- 169 MHz – Favors reliable signals across long ranges
- 470-950 MHz – Balance distances with better fidelity
- 2.4 GHz – Shorter but high density range
Channels
Within each band exist multiple channels akin to preset buttons on car radios. More channels lessens likelihood of interference when using multiple wireless systems simultaneously.
Range
Operating range depends on transmission strength and frequency band utilized. While 100 feet covers many small to mid-sized venues, extending range to 300 feet proves useful when presenting in larger conference halls and auditoriums.
Sound Quality
Look for specs like 24-bit/48kHz sampling for crisp clean digital audio rivaling high-end studio mics. Also pay attention to signal-to-noise ratio with higher being better. Wireless only degrades quality slightly if at all.
Latency
Delay between speaking into the mic and sounds playing through the speakers should be minimal to avoid awkward echos. Analog systems offer lower inherent latency than earlier digital transmitters. Look for 20ms or less.
Battery Life
Internal rechargeable lithium batteries minimize hassles. Transmitters may operate 8 to 12 hours between charges. LED indicators warn of low conditions before audio dropouts occur mid-presentation. Some auto shutoff when nearly depleted.
By understanding these key wireless microphone specifications and how they impact utility, you can better match gear capabilities with usage needs and environments.
Choosing the Best Wireless Mic
I evaluated over three dozen wireless microphone systems for this guide across varied applications and budgets. These options shone as top overall picks:
Best Overall: Shure PGXD24/SM58
Renowned for audio excellence, Shure sets the standard for vocal clarity and reliability. Automatically finding interference-free frequencies, the PGXD24 digital handheld system coupled with their iconic SM58 mic capsule made famous by rock stars delivers studio-quality sound with ultimate robustness.
Ideal Uses: Lead vocals, presentations, lectures, aerobics
Best Lavalier: Audio-Technica PRO 8
When wearing wireless, the tiny Audio-Technica PRO 8 lavalier disappears behind ties and lapels while capturing crystal clear audio. Its metal construction withstands abuse while the belt pack transmitter provides tone adjustments to optimize voicing. Reliable and roadworthy performance for demanding applications.
Ideal Uses: Broadcast, theater, interviews, lecturing
Best Headset: Jabra Evolve2 65
Cutting edge technology gives the leading edge Jabra Evolve2 65 professional grade wireless headset clear calls and music everywhere within a 100 foot range. Its adaptive active noise cancellation alongside a 4 mic beamforming array deliver exceptional sound. Adjustable leatherette ear cups provide lasting user comfort. Seamless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and 30 hour battery life cement premium capabilities.
Ideal Uses: Remote work, customer service, personal assistance
With such a wide variety of wireless systems available manufactured for optimal utility across assorted uses, applications and environments, the following guidance will help narrow selections matching your needs.
Handheld, Headset or Lavalier?
The type of mic matching planned use cases matters most. Handheld wireless mics serve well for audience addresses and stage performances. Discreet lavaliers excel for broadcasts, lectures and theater where mobility aids delivery. Headsets benefit coaches and instructors in motion.
What‘s the Required Range?
Larger venues and stages demand extended reach while compact office settings may only require short range transmitters. Consider all dimensions of spaces the wireless system must sufficiently span.
Will Multiple Mics be Used Together?
Using wireless systems simultaneously risks frequency conflicts and interference. Ensure adequate selectable channel counts or automated frequency assignment to support concurrent mics.
What Battery Life Suffices?
Those only occasionally needing wireless can utilize AA powered options while instructors through day-long classes will appreciate long life rechargeable lithium choices lasting 8-16 hours. Analyze average usage durations.
What Connectivity is Essential?
Wireless handheld mics contain integrated transmitters. But lavalier and headset systems may mandate belt packs with required connectors for sound systems, mixers etc.
Getting the right wireless microphone system need not break budgets nor baffle buyers. By clearly considering intended applications, usage environments, existing amplification equipment and user preferences, ideal models matching needs and experience level abound. Consider future ambitions too when deciding.
Tips for Reliable Wireless Operation
Follow these expert tips for smooth sailing with your new wireless mic system:
Fully Charge Batteries
Avoid embarrassing dropouts by charging transmitters and receivers completely pre-use. For longest lifetime, avoid full drain cycles.
Maintain Line of Sight
Position receiver antennas where transmitters signals can easily reach them without major obstructions which can induce dropouts.
Keep 6 Foot Mic Spacing
Avoid adjacent transmitter/receiver setups closer than 6 feet to prevent audio feedback. extended ranges allow ample spacing.
Scan for Clear Frequencies
Utilize built-in frequency scanning to identity and assign optimal interference-free channels before presentations.
Use Quality Antennas
Upgrade from standard antennas to higher gain directional models ensuring signals between transmitter and receiver remain loud and clear.
By applying best practices pioneered by professional users spanning decades of live performances and broadcasts, you sustain confidence in wireless equipment reliably working sans signal loss embarrassments or audio artifacts hearing Franny feedback.
The Future of Wireless Mics Looks Bright
Wireless microphone technology continues rapidly improving. Each year realizes extended battery life, heightened transmission integrity resistant to dropouts even over long distances, reduced latency, and rising encryption strength.
One rising trend uses ultra-wideband transmission spreading signals across very wide 1-7 Ghz frequencies making them highly resistant from interference. Software defined radios with tuning agility promise robust performance as they dynamically hop between bands to sustain optimal reception.
Expect integrated multi-channel wireless personal monitor systems allowing each performer to define their preferred mix. Intelligent tuning algorithms dynamically manage frequency assignments between multiple devices simultaneously. Reliability improves to near flawless levels expanding applications even further.
Continued shrinkage of transmitter circuitry allows their seamless integration directly into microphone bodies and instruments without need for external packs and wires. Wireless audio embodies technology enhancing flexibility and mobility. It forever reshapes live sound production, presentations and instructional environments where free movement heightens engagement and impact for audiences and participants alike.
So whether speaking to convention attendees from the back of a hotel ballroom, leading aerobics while correcting form and technique or channeling Freddie Mercury before a full arena, today‘s wireless microphones empower talent to broadcast voices clearly everywhere unleashing greater dynamism and creativity advancing communications beyond where wired predecessors allowed.
