Wireless Microphone Buying Guide

A wireless microphone system — also known as a cordless microphone system — is most commonly used in live sound applications and allows performers and presenters to move freely about the stage without the restriction of a microphone cable. A wireless system can sometimes be a necessity, for example, in theater productions that may require every performer to have their own mic hidden on their body. Don’t try that with a wired mic! There are many aspects that need to be considered when you’re choosing the best wireless microphone for your application, and this buying guide is here to help. So, read this guide, browse our wireless systems, and if you have questions, then Sweetwater’s mic experts are always on hand to help you choose.

Wireless System ApplicationsHandheld Microphone with Built-in TransmitterLavalier Mic with Bodypack TransmitterHeadset Microphone with Bodypack TransmitterInstrument Mics & Guitar SystemsWhat to Look ForWireless Setup BasicsAnalog (UHF) vs. Digital WirelessWireless Spectrum & the FCCWireless Antennas

Wireless System Applications

In the real world, your production may require a few or all of these types of systems. Picture a typical small band setup — guitar and bass can use instrument wireless systems, the lead singer may prefer a handheld transmitter system, and the drummer might want a headset system. The important thing to know is that the basic setup and operating principles of these systems are all the same.

No matter what you do onstage, there’s a wireless solution for you. Here’s a rundown of the different types of wireless microphone systems available.

Handheld Microphone with Built-in Transmitter

A wireless handheld is the ideal microphone system for most lead vocalists (unless you want to whip your mic around like Roger Daltrey). These types of wireless microphones are also a smart choice for stage situations in which the mic will be passed from person to person. The wireless transmitter is built into the body of the handheld microphone, so you only have two components in this type of system: the handheld transmitter/mic and a wireless receiver. Most manufacturers offer wireless versions of their most popular wired mics so that singers don’t have to change their sounds when switching to a wireless system. Also, you can easily upgrade the sonics of your Shure or Sennheiser wireless microphone body with a compatible enhanced capsule, like the pristine Earthworks SR3117 supercardioid condenser vocal wireless capsule, the premium DPA d:facto 4018V softboost supercardioid condenser microphone capsule with SL1 adapter, or a host of others.

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Lavalier Mic with Bodypack Transmitter

When you want to be discreet, wireless lavalier microphones are a number one choice. There’s a reason why public speakers and presenters, pastors, and stage actors use them almost exclusively. Lavalier microphone systems are similar to headset mic systems but substitute a lav mic for the headset one. They’re a breeze to use — simply clip the lavalier mic to your clothing, connect it to a bodypack transmitter, and it transmits to the wireless receiver. For public speaking in quiet venues such as lecture halls, omnidirectional mics can work fine. In noisier environments such as a school’s gym, a directional lavalier mic may work better.

Headset Microphone with Bodypack Transmitter

If you move around a lot or use your hands for gesturing during a performance, then a handheld microphone may not be a practical choice — and you definitely don’t want to get tangled up in cables. That’s where wireless headset microphones come in handy. They’re tailor-made for singing dancers, singing drummers, dance and fitness instructors — basically anyone who is active onstage. They’re also useful for someone like a music director who needs to move from front of house to the stage or backstage yet remain audible through in-ear monitors. Wireless headset systems consist of three components: the headset microphone, the bodypack transmitter, and the wireless receiver.

Instrument Mics & Guitar Systems

Wireless instrument and guitar systems are ideal for brass musicians, woodwind musicians[SR1] [JJ2] , and percussionists. Just remember that the mic is connected to the bodypack transmitter — if you hook the mic to a set of congas and the percussionist is wearing the beltpack, then be sure he doesn’t walk away without detaching one of the two! The main difference between this type of system and the lavalier mic system described above is that this system uses a microphone that’s optimized for the sound of an instrument as opposed to the sound of a voice. Guitar and bass systems only have two components: a beltpack transmitter that the musician plugs their instrument into directly without a microphone and the wireless receiver that plugs into a pedalboard, amplifier, snake, or the sound console.

Best Wireless Systems for Guitar

Guitar Wireless System Setup Guide

What to Look For

When choosing the best wireless microphone for live performances, there are a number of factors to consider. Naturally, good sound quality goes without saying, but there are also other equally important factors:

Touring is rough on gear — that’s a fact. That’s why you should choose a mic that’s rugged, reliable, and built to hold up to the rigors of live performance and travel.Mic drops can be a triumphant gesture — when they’re intentional. It’s not such a cool thing when it happens in the midst of a serious performance. That’s why the best wireless microphone for you should be comfortable and easy to hold while performing.You probably don’t like it when your PA system squeals. Here’s a tip: your audience doesn’t like it either. That’s why it’s important to find a microphone that boasts excellent resistance to feedback.While distorting your wireless microphone probably won’t damage it (within reason — we’re assuming that you’re not putting it in front of a jet engine or a stun grenade), it doesn’t sound good. That’s why you should choose a mic that can withstand high SPLs (sound pressure levels).Dropouts are annoying. We’ll say it again: dropouts are annoying. That’s why you should use a wireless microphone system with true diversity operation to ensure maximum signal stability.

Wireless Setup Basics

A wireless system essentially allows you to bring audio signals from your stage to the sound system without using cables. The two components you will always find in a wireless system include the transmitter(s), which stays onstage and close to the musicians or performers, and the receiver(s), which picks up sound from the transmitter(s) and generally stays close to the sound mixing position or pedalboard/amplifier. The best wireless systems offer the same audio quality as a wired system — just without the mess and the limitations of cables.

Setting up a wireless mic may not seem as simple as plugging in a wired microphone. Just remember that by the time you have finished reading this buying guide, you could have already set up a multichannel wireless system. The following is a generic startup guide that applies to the vast majority of wireless microphone systems available. (We always suggest that you follow the tips found in your owner’s manual to get the most out of your specific system.)

Turn on your receiver while the transmitter is still powered off. Most wireless receivers have an “Automatic Frequency Selection” function — press that button, and your receiver will assign itself a frequency.Most wireless transmitters have a button that will make them [SR3] [JJ4] synchronize with the receiver that you just turned on (once the receiver has chosen a frequency). Press this button, and the transmitter will shake hands with (connect to) the receiver that you just set up. Now, you’re ready for wireless audio.Check the signal levels at the transmitter and at the receiver to make sure that you’re getting a good signal without any distortion. If things sound too quiet with a lot of noise, then chances are the volume control on the transmitter is set too low. If you get a very loud signal that sounds distorted, then chances are the volume on the transmitter is too high.Make sure that you don’t cover the antenna on the transmitter. Hold your handheld mic closer to its capsule to avoid covering its internal antenna, and make sure that the external antenna on your bodypack isn’t wadded up or bent.Maintain line of sight between your transmitter and receiver. At Sweetwater, we’ve found this to be a common cause of signal dropouts. Sometimes, this means positioning antennas away from their receivers. Placing the bodypack on the front of the person using a headset or lavalier mic (rather than on their back) helps as well — human bodies are lousy RF conductors.Be mindful of your system’s operating range, and place transmitters and receivers as close to one another as possible. The more distance a signal has to travel, the greater chance for interference.Keep fresh batteries in your transmitter. As a battery dies, signal strength and operating range begin to dwindle.

Batteries and Wireless – the Real Deal

The transmitter-to-receiver distance has a major effect on the signal-to-noise ratio of a wireless system. As the transmitter moves farther away from the receiver, the overall signal-to-noise ratio grows smaller (gets worse) as the transmitter signal gets weaker. When the system gets near the limit of its operating range, dropouts will become more frequent, and a buildup of steady background noise (hiss) may be audible.

Analog (UHF) vs. Digital Wireless

Digital wireless systems, despite the name, aren’t completely digital; they use an analog ultra-high frequency (UHF) carrier signal just like an analog system. The main difference, however, is that digital systems are sending ones and zeros over the signal rather than pure analog audio. Why would you want to do this? Simply put, it’s easier to filter out noise in a digital system. Pro-quality analog wireless systems do a credible job of mitigating unwanted noise. That said, there’s still the potential for signal-quality loss. Digital wireless systems, on the other hand, convert your audio to digital at the transmitter, send the digital information to your receiver, and then decode it back to analog. Because your receiver only deals with the digital data, it doesn’t even worry about analog noise or interference; it simply ignores anything that’s not a stream of ones and zeroes.

So, you should use digital, right? Not necessarily. Digital units take up a bit more of the frequency spectrum — which is already in short supply — to get better audio quality. Plus, they can introduce latency into your system. High-quality analog wireless systems can rival digital wireless systems in audio quality and ease of use, but, as always, you should factor in all of your needs when choosing the best wireless microphone system for you.

Wireless Spectrum & the FCC

In 2015, the US government authorized the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to auction off a portion of the 600MHz frequency spectrum to free it up for wireless broadband and cell phones. Bidding closed in March of 2017, at which time a 39-month transition period commenced and was due to be complete by July 2020. So, why should you care? Well, the affected frequencies (616MHz to 653MHz or 663MHz to 698MHz) are where many wireless systems have historically operated. And since those frequencies are no longer available, that leaves less space for wireless microphones — about a third of the space we had 10 years ago. Many legacy wireless systems will no longer work properly, which makes buying used items or products from online vendors a risky proposition. If you’re new to implementing wireless systems, then you need a qualified professional, like one of our Sweetwater Sales Engineers, to steer you clear of frequency issues.

The FCC’s Wireless Spectrum Auction: Why You Should Care

The FCC’s Wireless Spectrum Auction: When Will It Impact You?

The FCC’s Spectrum Auction and Your 600MHz Wireless Mics — Time’s Up!…

Wireless Antennas

To address dropout and interference issues, one go-to solution is to upgrade your wireless receiver’s stock antenna with a more powerful model. Some external antennas can handle signals from multiple devices and help cut the clutter if you’re using numerous transmitters. If your venue is in a city or other area with dense wireless use, then frequency issues can become increasingly complicated.

RF 201 – Antennas, Distro, and More!

Coordinating Wireless Frequencies for Live Sound

Five Common Wireless Microphone Problems SOLVED!

Where Do You Go from Here?

Naturally, the discussion of wireless systems doesn’t end here. There is a myriad of other factors to consider. That said, you should now at least have an idea of what kinds of wireless systems are available and what situation each is best suited for. Remember that it pays to consider all of your needs, including what type of application and who your wireless microphone system will be used for.

The next step is to call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 to discuss the finer points of choosing the best wireless microphone system for your needs. With an incredible selection of the best mics at every price point, free expert guidance, and valuable extras, like our 2-year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty, Sweetwater gives music makers more than any other retailer.
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