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What to Look Out for When Buying a Wireless Microphone?


By Ned McRae


When looking for a wireless microphone, you want to ensure you get the best product for the money. There are many different types of microphones on the market, so it's crucial to figure out what kind of performance you need before you start shopping.

Different types of wireless microphones

A wireless microphone, also called a cordless microphone system, allows the user to move freely while talking or singing without the limitation of cable wires and the dangers of tripping over them. These are often used in theater productions, speeches, symposiums, concerts, and other types of stage performances.

There are different types of these microphones. Some are handheld while others are worn and often hidden clipped on clothing. If you’re buying a wireless microphone, it’s important to know the different types that can match your requirements. Below are some examples:

  • Wireless handheld microphone - Handheld microphones work in the same concept as wireless phones. It works via a transmitter in the handheld unit that connects to the receiver. This is ideal for events such as concerts, ceremonies, and entertainment events in which the microphone needs to be passed on to different people.
  • Headset microphone - Headset microphones are often the choice of stage performers wherein they need to do a lot of movements such as dancing while singing. The device is composed of three units including the head-worn mic, the body transmitter, and the wireless receiver.
  • Wireless lavalier microphone - A lavalier mic, also known as neck mics or collar mics, works in the same concept as headset mics but the device is clipped on clothing. The mic is connected via wire on a body transmitter and sends off a signal to a remote receiver. This is often used in quieter events such as symposiums and lectures.
  • Instrument mics - These are mics specifically optimized to capture the sound of instruments. The mic is connected to musical instruments such as brass, percussion, congas, and woodwinds. The player wears the bodypack transmitter and transmits a signal to a nearby receiver.

How to choose the best wireless microphone?

When buying wireless microphones, there are a few things to consider. For instance, you need to ensure the unit has a good range and can pick up sound from the distance that you will be using it at. It is also important that the device is able to hold enough battery power to work for as long as needed throughout your event.

That being said, here are some of the specifications you need to check before buying a wireless microphone.

Sound quality

Your wireless microphone should have a clear and crisp sound quality, whether you are using it for personal or professional use. The sound quality of your wireless microphone will be determined by its frequency response, noise reduction, and dynamic range.

Frequency response

A wireless microphone with wide frequency response is able to pick up sounds from low to high frequencies without distortion. Many of the wireless microphones today operate at the 2.4 GHz band.

Take note that this is similar to your computer's Wi-Fi signal transmissions and may be subject to interference. A wireless microphone with a narrower frequency response range may not be able to pick up all the sounds you want it to and may distort some sounds that are important to you.

Signal strength

This refers to how far away from the receiver you can be before your signal starts to fade out. If the signal strength is too low, there is a good chance that it won't work well unless you physically move closer to the receiver. This defeats the purpose of having a wireless microphone in the first place.

Power

You'll want to look into how much power is required to run the microphone and what type of batteries it requires. Some models can run on AA or AAA batteries, while others require 9V batteries or even AC adapters. You'll also want to consider how long it takes for the mic's battery life to run out. The average time a wireless microphone will last is about 5 hours on a full charge.

Rechargeable batteries using USB are better for many reasons. The first and most obvious reason is that you no longer have to deal with the hassle of buying new batteries every time your old ones run out. Instead, you can simply plug in your rechargeable batteries using USB, and they will be ready for use again when you need them.

Another advantage is that rechargeable batteries using USB are more environmentally friendly than disposable ones. After all, when people throw away their disposable batteries rather than recycle them properly, they contribute to pollution. Rechargeable batteries using USB, however, can be recycled over and over again without ever causing harm to the environment.

Finally, rechargeable batteries using USB are cheaper than disposable ones! This is because they last longer and don't need to be replaced as often as disposable batteries do—and this means less money spent on buying new sets of batteries every time an old set needs replacing.

Warranty

Product warranty is always a good thing. It should cover at least one year warranty. If something goes wrong with your microphone after purchasing it from a retailer, you'll want them to be able to replace it quickly and easily without being charged extra fees.

Are all wireless microphone compatible?

Compatibility is an important factor when looking for a suitable mic/transmitter set because not all brands are created equal. iOS and Android don’t work together, so it’s the same concept. Some brands will work better with certain types of equipment than others, so make sure you know what brand works best for your needs before spending money on equipment that may not be compatible.

Generally, microphones, transmitters, and receivers must be of the same brand, frequency, and series to function. They will not work with just any receiver since they need to be under the same frequency. Additionally, you cannot use two or more wireless microphones in one receiver.

If you're buying a wireless microphone system for use with multiple performers, it's important that each performer has their own channel on their receiver so they don't interfere with each other's signals during performances.

When you're buying a wireless microphone system, you need to consider more than just the price and brand. Make sure you’re buying the correct type from the adapter to the receiver to suit your requirements.

Takeaway

When it comes to purchasing a wireless microphone, make sure that the frequency range of your microphone is compatible with your sound system. If possible, try out different brands and models before making a purchase so that you can get some hands-on experience with them. Lastly, consider buying from a local retailer, as they may offer more personalized customer service.

We hope that this guide has helped you to understand the basics of wireless microphones. If you need further information on the technicalities of purchasing such equipment, you may read SpinTel’s blog for more.

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