Guide to choosing and buying a wireless microphone
This article has put together this guide to help you know what to look for and what to consider when choosing a great wireless microphone system. In this buying guide, you will learn how easy today's wireless microphone systems are to use and how their performance has improved significantly compared to previous systems.
Wireless microphone systems amplify and transmit sound sources just like traditional wired microphones; however, a wireless system offers the advantage of no cables, which means less clutter on stage and more freedom of movement. This can be very important for artists who don't want to be locked into a position or specific area that a cable requires.
1. Frequency
UHF (400 MHz and above) has been the standard for many years and typically delivers the strongest and best performance. In recent years, the FCC has restricted the operating frequencies of wireless microphones, but wireless frequencies can still vary. The best combination of long transmission distance and clear frequency is in the range of 470 to 548 MHz.
There are also some wireless microphone systems that operate in the 2.4 GHz band. Please note that the 2.4 GHz band is the same as your computer's Wi-Fi band and is subject to interference from microwaves. Their range is also significantly shorter. Only use 2.4 GHz wireless microphones in smaller rooms and without obstacles between the transmitter and receiver antennas.
Another frequency range that professional wireless microphones use is 902-928 MHz. For those replacing old and outdated wireless microphones that operate at 600-700 MHz, this is a popular replacement frequency range. Remember that old 700 MHz wireless microphones are now illegal and 566-698 MHz will be illegal in 2020. You will need to stop using these wireless systems and replace them with new wireless microphones that operate on legal frequencies. Some manufacturers also offer VHF in the 169 to 216 MHz frequency range. With new digital technology, this could become another viable option.
2. Scope of services
A good rule of thumb is to choose a wireless microphone system with a stated range that is twice the distance you think you need to cover. Your wireless system must have a range of 1,000 feet or more. Even if your operating room is only 900 square feet and has few obstructions, we have found that wireless microphone systems often have interference problems over short distances.
In addition, short-range wireless systems often do not transmit well through small barriers such as podiums, desks, doors or sound booths. This is something to consider when considering 2.4 GHz and VHF systems, as they typically do not have the range of UHF systems.
3. Reliability of the wireless microphone system
With wireless microphones, like most things, you get what you pay for. Of course, you want to buy a reliable system, but how do you know which system is trustworthy?
Cheaper systems may contain unreliable components and may even cause compatibility issues. Research microphone systems with low noise, low static and low sound decay.
Find out if the noise reduction method used in construction is true compression. Compression means compressing the signal as it enters your system and expanding the signal as it exits.
The noise reduction feature used by some systems produces a loud noise that your listeners may hear and find very disturbing.
4. Sound quality – digital and analogue
Although there are many reasons to choose a digital wireless microphone system over an analog wireless system, such as battery life (which can be up to 40% longer) and spectral efficiency (which means you can pack more devices into a given frequency band), the biggest benefit is improved sound quality.
Analog wireless systems use a compressor (compander is an abbreviation of the words compressor and expander) to compress the entire dynamic range of a voice or instrument into the narrow frequency allocation intended for use with microphones. wireless.
Digital systems can simply transmit a coherent digital signal that offers full dynamic range without compression. This results in a more natural sound. Discounted digital wireless microphone systems make them affordable for almost everyone. Some microphone systems even allow you to set your networked computer's transmitter to the receiver.
5. Wireless microphone function
Choosing a wireless microphone system with future expandability and features will benefit you the most.
Separate power and mute switches:
One of the most requested features in wireless systems is separate mute and power (transmit) switches. When your receiver and transmitter are communicating, both are "locked" to the same frequency.
During this communication, nothing except another system on the same frequency can interfere with the system. However, when your receiver is on and your transmitter is off, no signal is transmitted, so your receiver can receive any signal transmitted on the specified frequency. Even a single stray signal can destroy a performance or a message.
With a separate mute switch, the pastor can mute his audio signal when he doesn't want others to hear it. His transmit switch can still be on, locking his transmitter to the receiver and eliminating unwanted stray signals.
Antenna diversity:
Emphasize that any wireless microphone system you are considering has two antennas. Single antenna systems are prone to network failures. Dual diversity antenna systems actually use two antennas, so if the signal is lost on one antenna, the other antenna is there to pick up the signal. A sure sign of a true diversity system is detachable antennas.
Low impedance, balanced current output:
Commercial and professional wireless microphone with balanced output from the receiver for direct connection to your mixer. A balanced connection reduces or eliminates interference and noise problems with the audio signal as it leaves the receiver.
The batteries can recharge themselves:
Newer systems have high-performance batteries that last 10 hours on a single charge. They can go through 1,000 charge cycles, saving you thousands in battery costs! The powerful digital system monitors these batteries both during charging and during use. Some systems even show you how many hours the battery still needs to be charged.
6. Screen
While it may not always be the most considered element of a wireless system, a good backlit display can be very helpful for showing important information. You may want to quickly check important information such as your system's battery life or AF (signal strength) for peace of mind while using it, so a good monitor may be just what you need for your system.
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