Wireless microphone systems play a critical role in modern productions, from energetic rock concerts to passionate house of worship services and big business presentations. Musicians, pastors, CEOs, journalists, vloggers, and fitness instructors all depend on wireless microphones to get their message across loud and clear.
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A wireless microphone system offers undeniable advantages over traditional cable-bound options. A wireless system lets you take advantage of an easy setup process and eliminates unnecessary onstage clutter. And most importantly, it allows performers or speakers to move throughout the sanctuary while performing or speaking freely. With a wireless microphone system, you no longer have to make holes in the walls and floors to accommodate wired microphones. Not only does it save labor and costs, but it also protects you from unnecessary drilling!
There are many options for wireless microphones, from simple analog microphone systems to complex, multi-channel digital microphone systems. Choosing the best wireless microphone system based on your unique needs is critical in creating an optimal sound environment for your production.
This guide will teach you several critical factors to consider when selecting a wireless microphone system and will provide you with wireless best practices. And we will introduce the latest Shure wireless systems:
Sound Quality – Analog vs. Digital Wireless Microphones
When choosing a wireless system, sound quality is typically the chief concern. Analog wireless microphone systems use a compander – the word is a contraction of the words compressor and expander – to squeeze the entire dynamic range of a voice or instrument into the narrow frequency allocation provided for wireless mic use.
On the other hand, a digital microphone system can transmit a consistent digital sound that provides a full dynamic range without companding and gives a more natural sound to your audience.
For further learning, take our Getting to Know Wireless course to learn more about Analog vs. Digital Wireless Microphones.
VHF vs. UHF Bands vs. 2.4GHz
Most wireless microphone systems operate in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band of 470 - 952 MHZ. Some work in the VHF (Very High Frequency) band of 49 – 216 MHZ. While VHF systems are typically more affordable, they will have fewer available channels. And VHF requires extremely long antennas.
However, the UHF band contains several bands that are readily available for wireless microphone systems. You can achieve high-quality audio in the UHF band and accommodate many concurrent systems.
The UHF band has been the standard for many years and typically gives the strongest and best performance due to its extensive frequency range and smaller antennas.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has limited the number of operating frequencies for wireless microphones. These limitations have caused UHF wireless microphone systems to become considerably more efficient in bandwidth use to accommodate multiple wireless microphones in a frequency band.
In addition, you can find several wireless microphone systems that operate in the 2.4 GHz band. Keep in mind that the 2.4 GHz frequency band is the same as your Wi-Fi network, making its operating range much shorter. It is best practice with 2.4 GHz wireless systems to make sure that you have a controlled environment.
Pro tip: To provide optimal communication between the transmitter and receiver, you must maintain a clear line of sight between the transmitter and the receiver.
The Basics – Transmitters and Receivers
Every wireless mic system has two major components. One is a transmitter – typically worn or held by the performer. The other component is a receiver – which collects radio signal from the transmitter, converts it to audio, and sends the audio through a cable to your mixer or power amp.
Wireless handheld microphones usually have a microphone capsule integrated directly into the transmitter body. This integration allows wireless handheld microphones to be quick and easy to set up. Lavalier and headset mics connect to a transmitter pack, usually worn on someone’s belt.
Frequency Agility & Automatic Frequency Selection
If you plan to use several wireless microphones simultaneously, each microphone must operate on a different open radio frequency so that the signals do not interfere.
Wireless microphone systems that are “frequency agile” offer users various frequency paths to work with during production. Being frequency-agile is essential if your venue requires multiple wireless microphones to operate simultaneously, or if stationed at a location with many competing signals from wireless devices.
Today, some wireless microphone systems have automatic frequency selection, readily scanning the environment for open channels and automatically picking the best one. This functionality is handy for novice users or volunteers with little experience coordinating or deploying available frequencies.
The three things you must know if you want to go wireless are:
Below are some of the most popular Shure wireless microphone systems. All systems mentioned below come with a variety of best-in-class Shure handheld, headset, lavalier, and instrument microphones.
Recommended Shure Wireless Microphone Systems
BLX
The ideal wireless microphone system for small venues and cord-cutting newcomers, BLX offers professional sound in a variety of convenient configurations with a simple setup and an intuitive interface for performance you can trust right out of the box. BLX is a great choice for anyone looking to buy their first wireless system. It's affordable and easy to use yet high quality.
GLX-D+ Dual Band
The perfect solution for musicians and presenters who want to go wireless without complexity, GLX-D+ Dual Band operates in 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz ranges and offers automatic frequency management with backup frequencies. The included lithium-ion rechargeable battery delivers up to 12 hours of use, and there are multiple microphone options. The rack-mount version allows up to 16 channels on air simultaneously.
SLX-D
SLX-D provides crystal-clear digital audio quality with >120 dB dynamic range so that you can handle a whisper-quiet pastor and loud worship bands alike. SLX-D maintains stable signals with high efficiency for rock-solid, reliable performance with up to 8 hours of use from either 2 AA batteries (included) or optional Shure lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.
QLX-D
Ideal for mid-sized presentation spaces, music venues, and houses of worship, QLX-D wireless microphone system supports up to 17 simultaneous systems per 6MHz or up to 22 systems per 8MHz. Featuring pristine 24-bit digital audio and remarkably efficient RF spectrum usage, the QLX-D will give you clear, uninterrupted, worry-free performance. Confidentiality is ensured via AES-256 advanced encryption that generates a randomized key for each use.
ULX-D
Ideal for large conferences, convention installations, and rental companies, ULX-D wireless microphone system supports up to 47 simultaneous systems per 6MHz. Dual and quad receivers include Dante digital audio networking. ULX-D brings you crystal clear 24-bit digital audio. This wireless microphone system is loaded with the latest cutting-edge wireless technology - including predictive switching diversity, sophisticated interference detection, and AES 256-bit encryption.
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Axient Digital
Axient Digital wireless microphone system delivers world-class sound quality for the most critical broadcasts and live events with high channel counts. With impressively low latency, flat frequency response, and multiple digital audio output options, the sound will fill every corner of your space—clean and clear. Axient's ability to detect and avoid interference is second to none. Axient's Spectrum manager provides advanced frequency scanning. When using the Axient Spectrum Manager, backup frequencies are constantly monitored, ranked, and automatically deployed in the event of signal interference.
Shure: The Perfect Choice to Help You Go Wireless
When you're ready to take your facility wireless, Shure has the best wireless microphone systems to fit your unique needs and budget. Contact us today to get started!
Here are a few other resources you might find helpful:
How to Choose the Best Microphone for Vocals
How to Choose the Best Microphones for Home Recording
How to Choose the Best Mics for the Guitar
How to Choose the Best Mics for Brass, Wind, and String Instruments
How to Choose the Best Mic for the Pianist
How to Choose the Best Mic for the Pastor
How to Choose the Best Mics for the Choir at Worship
How to Choose the Best Handheld Mics for Worship
Wireless conference microphones are an essential tool for hosting audio conferences with multiple participants in different locations. Wireless conference microphones provide users with a convenient solution for hosting audio conferences by eliminating the need for cords and cables. This article will help you examine some of the factors which are relevant and related wireless conference microphones and how they are supporting entertainment and event technology sector.
Wireless conference microphones allow you to save money while reducing clutter by eliminating tangled wires, which can cause problems during meetings when they become knotted or wrapped around objects or furniture.
This is especially important if you have a large number of people in your office who need to speak at the same time. Furthermore, because they do not require power cords or batteries, wireless conference microphones are better for the environment than wired ones.
Wireless conference microphones are ideal for businesses that hold numerous meetings where multiple people must speak at the same time. They’re also useful for small businesses looking to save money by removing tangled wires and the need for power cords or batteries.
The history of wireless conference microphones is a narrative of technological advancement transforming the landscape of event communication. In the earlier days of conferences and meetings, wired microphones limited speakers’ mobility and constrained room configurations. The breakthrough in wireless technology marked a paradigm shift, liberating presenters from physical constraints. The late 20th century witnessed the advent of compact and efficient wireless microphones, offering speakers unprecedented freedom to move around the stage. As the demand for seamless and organized conferences grew, manufacturers integrated features such as interference resistance and multiple channel options into wireless microphone systems. This evolution not only enhanced the quality of audio transmission but also streamlined event setups by eliminating the need for extensive wiring. Today, wireless conference microphones play a pivotal role in event technology, fostering clear communication and facilitating dynamic and engaging presentations in various settings, from boardrooms to large-scale conferences.
If you’re planning on moving your wireless microphone set up between different locations, then consider one with three or more inputs so that it can be easily connected to multiple devices like laptops and smartphones, as well as tablets and computers, without having to worry about having multiple cables running across your desk or workspace and causing clutter.
Wireless conference microphones allow you to save money while reducing clutter by eliminating tangled wires that can cause problems when they get knotted or wrapped around objects or furniture during meetings.
They are also a great option for anyone who needs to record meetings or presentations. Wireless conference microphones have the ability to capture audio from anywhere within a room, which means that you don’t have to be standing right next to the person speaking in order for them to be heard clearly.
Wireless conference microphones can be used for a number of different purposes, including:
-Recording interviews and presentations.
-Filming documentaries and movies.
Wireless conference microphones are a great way to guarantee that your business is heard loudly and clearly.
Shure:
Shure is a well-known manufacturer of audio equipment and their wireless conference microphones are highly regarded in the industry. Their MXCW640 Wireless Conference Unit is a popular choice for its advanced features, including customizable LED colors, touchscreen display, and remote control software.
Sennheiser:
Sennheiser is another top manufacturer of audio equipment and their wireless conference microphones are highly regarded for their superior sound quality. Their TeamConnect Wireless system is a popular choice for its ease of use, plug-and-play functionality, and ability to connect up to 24 microphones.
Audio-Technica:
Audio-Technica is a Japanese manufacturer of audio equipment and their wireless conference microphones are known for their superior sound quality and durability. Their System 10 PRO Digital Wireless Conference System is a popular choice for its easy setup, high-quality sound, and ability to connect up to 10 microphones.
Bosch:
Bosch is a leading manufacturer of conference equipment and their wireless conference microphones are known for their superior reliability and flexibility. Their CCS D Digital Discussion System is a popular choice for its advanced features, including automatic microphone activation, built-in recording functionality, and the ability to connect up to 245 discussion units.
Beyerdynamic:
Beyerdynamic is a German manufacturer of high-quality audio equipment, including wireless conference microphones. Their Quinta wireless conference system is a popular choice for its ease of use, high-quality sound, and ability to connect up to 20 microphones.
ClearOne:
ClearOne is a leading manufacturer of conferencing equipment and their wireless microphones are known for their ease of use and superior sound quality. Their Beamforming Microphone Array is a popular choice for its advanced features, including adaptive steering, noise cancellation, and echo cancellation.
What are the advantages of using a wireless microphone?
The main advantage of using a wireless microphone is freedom of movement. Wireless microphones allow performers to move around the stage or room without being tethered to a cable. They are also more convenient to set up and remove than wired microphones.
What are the different types of wireless microphones?
There are several different types of wireless microphones, including handheld microphones, lapel microphones, headset microphones, and clip-on microphones. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the intended use and the environment.
How far can a wireless microphone be transmitted?
The range of a wireless microphone depends on several factors, including the power output of the transmitter, the frequency band being used, and the presence of obstacles such as walls or other electronic devices. Generally, most wireless microphones have a range of between 100 and 300 feet.
How do you set up a wireless microphone?
To set up a wireless microphone, you will need to connect the receiver to the sound system, power on the microphone and receiver, and then sync the microphone and receiver using the appropriate buttons or switches.
How do you maintain a wireless microphone?
To maintain a wireless microphone, you should keep the microphone and transmitter clean and free from debris. You should also replace batteries regularly and store the microphone in a protective case when not in use.
What are the common problems with wireless microphones?
Common problems with wireless microphones include interference from other electronic devices, poor signal strength or range, and low battery life. Proper setup and maintenance can help to prevent these issues.
How can you troubleshoot wireless microphone problems?
To troubleshoot wireless microphone problems, check for any physical damage or loose connections, ensure that the microphone and receiver are properly synced, and test the microphone with a different sound system or location to rule out environmental factors.
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