Generally used during live shows, the best wireless microphones allow artists and presenters to move freely on stage, without cable impediments.
Can you imagine singing without a cable in between? Of course, as a result of your imagination wireless microphones emerged, what better than to be able to sing from wherever you want, whether sitting, dancing, standing, from the kitchen, from your room, from wherever you want, it is fantastic!
A wireless system can sometimes prove to be an indispensable piece of equipment, such as during theatrical performances, where each actor is given a “hidden” microphone on his body. This is impossible with a wired microphone!
However, you need to make several considerations to make sure you buy the most suitable wireless system to meet your specific application.
What is a wireless microphone and how does it work?
It’s a microphone like any other that picks up sounds but with a difference, they don’t need a cable. This is because they contain a very small FM or AM transmitter. The best window that wireless microphones have is that you have total freedom to move, and feel like Michael Jackson dancing and singing! Its disadvantage is that the prices of these microphones are not so cheap and it is more prone to radio interference.
There are two types: the self-contained wireless microphone, generally used in concerts, and the reversible wireless microphone, which is widely used in television production.
A wireless self-contained model uses technology similar to that of mobile phones. It consists of a standard handheld microphone that picks up sound vibrations and converts them into an electrical signal.
This signal is then sent to a small transmitter built into the handle that transmits it over the air. Some devices have a small antenna visible at the bottom of the handle.
The reversed version works in the same way as the self-contained version, except that the microphone and transmitter are two separate units, connected together by a small cable.
On talk shows, each person is equipped with a wireless microphone, which is assigned a separate channel: the director thus has the ability to independently adjust the volume of each device, deactivating it when someone leaves the scene.
Wireless: analog or digital?
There are two types of transmission, one analog and one digital, the analog one works on UHF and VHF frequencies, the digital one instead uses a proprietary signal network, as if it were a sort of internet router.
The analog connection despite the name can be misleading, given that we are used to considering the “analog” world in audio as “superior” in terms of audio quality, it is inferior to the digital one, for the simple reason that it is much more subject to interference.
The cost, in this case, is even lower, this solution is recommended only to those who have no major claims and need a system to use at home, the price to pay will be some interruption on the signal every now and then.
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What are the best wireless microphones on the market?
The criteria that guide the choice of a wireless microphone are many. The first and most important is perhaps the budget. There are economic models that offer medium quality, alongside top-of-the-line products that require a much higher investment.
Another important factor is the number of microphones. Many users need at least two. Is this strictly related to the type of job you intend to do: concert, talk show, or seminar?
Once the type of use has been defined, the other technical characteristics are then considered, such as the power and range of action. Below we present the best options on the market.
Shure SM58, The Best Professional Wireless Microphone
This may be one of the best professional wireless microphones if many of you know, the Shure brand is synonymous with the word microphone. The well-known brand offers us a microphone so we can sing or do what we want with total freedom.
This particular model is the wireless version of the infamous Shure SM58 (which made it one of our best dynamic microphones). It is considered one of the best professional wireless microphones for singers of all time. So the unit is great, but what about the transmission system? The SLX wireless system uses the patented Audio Reference compounding technology with a configuration that can be synchronized automatically. It is a great option for the interpretation of live music, portable suitcases, conference rooms, corporate meeting rooms, church, or, in fact, any wireless application that comes to mind. Without any doubt, this is one of the best professional options for singers. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
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Audio-Technica System 10 ATW-1102
This product is part of System 10 Wireless, a digital wireless transmission system launched by the brand in 2012. The range, for both voice and instruments, is available in seven different configurations.
For each configuration, we find the receiver ATW-R1100. More specifically, the product in question, there is a cardioid handheld microphone ATW-T1002.
Among the aspects that are appreciated in this system, it is particularly easy to install. Indeed, just turn it on, plug it in, and let the system automatically detect the best frequency.
In addition, it is very easy to pair the microphone to the receiver. Simply unscrew the battery compartment, click on the pairing button, and press the “system ID” button on the receiver. Somehow like systems that work by Bluetooth!
As for the operation of the microphone itself, it’s just as simple. To mute the microphone, simply press the “mute” button. You can also use the same button to turn on the microphone.
We appreciate the fact that the microphone has two antennas, the small touch is very interesting. Indeed, some people tend to grab the microphone up, and others at the base level. With both antennas, whatever the way we take the microphone in hand, there will be no problems. The receiver also has two antennas. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
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Sennheiser XSW 1-825-A Vocal Wireless Microphone
This is another of the best wireless microphones for vocals to buy. This particular model is a system that works in UHF and is designed to make wireless instruments such as electric or electro-acoustic guitars since in the pack it comes with a 6.3mm jack cable to 3.5mm mini-jack to make possible such utilization.
Apart from said cable, the system consists of an SK-XSW flask transmitter, powered by 2 AA batteries and with the 3.5mm minijack input typical of Sennheiser systems, prepared to thread the instrument cable, or any lapel microphone, headband, or instrument that has this connection.
The receiver is the EM-XSW1, with internal antennas and diversity technology to ensure the reception of the signal and with balanced XLR output for connection to the mixer, in addition to a 6.3mm jack connection. The 12-volt external power supply is of course supplied with the pack. In the back it has a line-microphone switch, to adjust it according to the input where it is going to be connected and a squelch wheel, which is a noise gate that is regulated to prevent us from entering the sound of an external radio frequency when we turn off the flask.
This is a multi-frequency system, with a broad bandwidth, which allows us to search for the channel that has no interference and synchronize up to ten wireless microphones of the same model at the same time. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
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Shure BLX24/PG58 Handheld Wireless System
The legendary Shure SM58 dynamic microphone is assembled in a wireless transmission system of the American brand … for what else? Even in the case of the most economical Shure wireless series (the BLX), it guarantees a high quality of vocal reproduction and can be used for concerts in small venues with total confidence.
Here we talk about a wireless microphone that operates in the UHF band, multichannel, being able to choose between 12 channels for greater security. The pack includes the BLX2 / SM58 handheld transmitter and the BLX4 receiver.
The transmitter works with two AA batteries that guarantee an autonomy of about 14h (but buy quality batteries that then come to the complaints! -)), and the receiver equips with two controlled antennas through a microprocessor and a system that identifies the frequency that works best at that time and place.
For a singer looking for a quality microphone without breaking the bank, this is one of the best options. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
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TONOR VHF Handheld Wireless Microphone System
This is another of the best wireless microphones for vocals to buy. Toner is a renowned brand in the world of headphones, however, it has enough capacity also to offer some of the best wireless microphones today. A clear example of this is the Tonor VHF, very solid in terms of materials and finish. In addition, it has a really affordable price (around $ 60).
If we delve deeper into the model, we see that it presents a battery-based battery with a duration of up to 30 hours. On the other hand, its configuration is simple, as well as provides maximum portability. As a climax, a twelve-month warranty and dual antennas that maximize the power of the wireless signal up to 20 meters range are added. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
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Gemini VHF-02M Professional Audio
This double-hand system of the American brand Gemini transmits in the VHF band, it is useful for domestic vocal applications such as karaoke, or professional DJs, for example, and within the cheap wireless microphones, it is one of the best value for money.
In the pack come two hand-held wireless transmitters powered by 1.5v AA-type batteries and the integrated microphone is dynamic and cardioid or unidirectional.
In the receiver, we find two-level controls to regulate the volume of each microphone and a 6.3 jack output to connect it to the corresponding microphone input.
It is a system with a fixed frequency in each of the microphones, although Gemini markets several different frequencies for the same model, in order to be able to use several equal systems at the same time.
The same model is also available but with two flask transmitters, the VHF-02HL, which comes with two headbands and two tie microphones, to be able to connect to the flasks the option that best suits us. For a budget of about $ 60-80, it is one of the best options in double systems, both in hand and in the flask. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
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Rode RodeLink FM Digital Wireless Filmmaker System
This is one of the examples of a wireless microphone for use on camera, which consists of a flask transmitter and receiver shaped like a flask too. It is widely used for small shootings, TV interviews, etc.
It is a wireless model that works in the 2.4 GHz band, digital transmission, which provides a high-quality interference-free sound. The range according to the Australian brand is up to 100m, and the system allows us to select the frequency between 8 channels.
The pack includes the flask transmitter with the microphone input by 3.5mmn minijack and powered by AA batteries or via USB, the receiver also with minijack output to connect it to the camera input and with OLED screen where We can see the state of the batteries and the selected channel, and the Rode lavalier model Cortle microphone of cardioid or unidirectional polar pattern.
The system also includes the cable to connect the receiver to the camera inlet and an anti-wind of hair to protect the microphone capsule in the external recordings.
Made in Australia, like almost all the products of the Rode brand, and very easy to use and synchronize the transmitter with the receiver. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
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Behringer ULM300USB, is best for teachers, vocalists, or podcasters
This is another of the best wireless microphones for vocals to buy. The Ulm300Usb is one of the best Behringer wireless microphones. Ideal for teachers, vocalists, or even podcasters, it stands out for its complete design. It has volume controls and a mute function to cut the signal in case of unwanted coupling or interference. Additionally, it has a useful USB port to connect to a PC or Mac.
Despite its low price, the Behringer Ulm300Usb captures the audio clearly and precisely. In addition, unlike other cheap options, this model offers sound free of the digital defects of the wireless options. On the other hand, with a pair of simple AA batteries, the Behringer Ulm300Usb works for about 24 hours. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
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BONAOK, the best wireless microphone for karaoke
The Bonaok Bluetooth 3.0 is one of the best wireless microphones for karaoke. To its main economic asset (it is one of the best cheap options) is added a youthful design in multiple colors ideal for the smallest of the house. Although it is more intended for recreational use, its sound is clear and crisp in all ranges.
Apart from karaoke, Bonaok Bluetooth 3.0 is also ideal for outdoor activities. This is due to its powerful ECO effect, which improves sound transmission live and in open spaces. In addition, it is also one of the best options for karaoke due to its compatibility with countless devices and its charging via USB. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
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How to choose your wireless microphones?
Your budget
The wireless microphone market is very large. Some may go for a few hundred dollars per thousand (offering you the high-end, professional models), while other more affordable models will cost you around $ 100 or less. How much are you willing to spend? The more you invest, the more the microphone will be of high quality (and more durable).
Receiver, transmitter, or both?
For a wireless microphone “system”, this sentence has several parts. For a microphone to be “wireless”, you must be able to send and receive data in and out of the microphone. Therefore, this guide is mainly about systems, but we have some naked microphones (the microphone itself without a receiver, which means that you have to buy one separately or you already need it. They usually come with their own transmitter).
How many microphones?
If you need multiple speakers, a bundled package with several microphones will save you money. Otherwise, simply grab a high-quality, one-piece wireless microphone with a transmitter and receiver.
What type of wireless microphone?
Right off the bat, many associates the word “micro” with a traditional pocket mic. We wish to highlight some types of main wireless mics (especially the microphone with the transmitter).
Types of wireless mics
Handheld
The traditional microphone usually involves a dynamic microphone with a transmitter built into the microphone itself. They are the most versatile and versatile, such as stage performances, speeches, karaoke, etc.
Listening channel
As the name suggests, it is usually equipped with a microphone mechanism supported by your head. This microphone allows near-head adjustment, similar to something we all know, such as a traditional headset.
Lavalier
lapel mics are tiny, non-intrusive, fine-wire microphones that connect with a clip on your shirt or some other creative way to try to hide. These are ideal for most uses, especially speech if you’re not interested in holding a hand-held microphone or wearing a headset and instead ask for a less glaring look “I’m wearing a microphone!”. We simply would not use them for live music performances because their size and quality are not optimal for actual lyrics or instruments because the music will interfere with the transfer.
Intended use of wireless microphones
We feel that the use is relatively important when we try to find the wireless microphone system that suits you. This will ask you what “type” of wireless microphone, as indicated in the previous point, but also corresponds to the number of microphone units you will really need – several speakers during a seminar. Singers and instrumentalists on stage for a performance? Maybe not even related to music or speech, but do you need a wireless microphone for your DSLR camera? Your use is also important for determining other needs of your system, such as the wireless range required, power, etc. You can find a packaged system with multiple microphones and transmitter units that all send the same receiver.
Buy a wireless microphone as they work and benefits
A wireless microphone works by connecting one or more microphone units to a wireless radio frequency receiver or transmitter or digital signal. This allows us to cut those annoying cables, giving us some obvious conveniences that come with not having to deal with cables. The receivers/transmitters come in different shapes and sizes. Some connect to a 3.5mm jack and transmit sound from the microphone to the speakers/headphones in that way, while others sit at a desk or table and connect to the speaker system through a cable.
Microphones can also come in all forms. What type of receiver/transmitter and/or microphone (s) really depends on its uses and needs when it comes to a wireless system.