Testing 1,2,3….: This Is How to Buy the Best Wireless Microphone
Are you a DJ, event host, or radio personality looking for the best wireless microphone in 2022? Good news! There are plenty of options out there on the market, some of which offer unique features and abilities.
The problem is… there might be too many. A big issue that many people face when deciding how to choose a wireless microphone is getting drowned beneath all the possible options.
To help you get a better sense of what to look for in a wireless microphone, keep on reading. This guide will cover how to buy the best wireless microphone for whatever needs you may have.
First: What is a Wireless Microphone?
We’ll keep this section short as the description of this device is rather self-explanatory. Simply put, a wireless microphone is, you guessed it, a microphone with no wires.
A wireless microphone system usually comes with three main features. These are the microphone itself, a receiver, and a transmitter. Its good to note that a pair of a receiver and a transmitter is required for every individual microphone.
So if you need multiple microphones, you have to buy separate receivers and transmitters. They can’t be shared. Make sense?
The receivers and transmitters must also be the same brand as different brands aren’t compatible with one another. The best thing you can probably do is to buy a package or bundle that includes all three. But before that, let’s look at some things you should consider before buying anything.
What to Consider Before Buying
The first thing you should ask yourself is (quite obviously) what you’ll be using the wireless microphone for. Different mics are good for different reasons. For example, a singer might want a handheld wireless microphone.
Handheld wireless microphones are usually cheap, reliable, easy to use, and can be mounted and plugged in. They also deliver great quality live sound without needing anything too fancy.
Clip-on mics are better for live speakers or presenters as they can talk with their hands and don’t need to be passed from person to person. The drawback is that they pick up background noise. A good place to look would be the BK Radio mic from BK Radio.
Range, Frequency, and Sound Quality
How far do you need your transmitter? A lower frequency is good for small rooms and small projects since interference is less likely. For both optimal performance and clear sound, aim for a frequency between 470-548Mhz.
Please note that older 700Mhz wireless microphones are illegal, and 566-698Mhz were just recently made illegal in 2020.
Operating ranges for wireless microphones should start at 1,000 feet or more. Choose a microphone with a capacity for double the range you think you’ll need for optimal performance.
Finally, sound quality is divided into analog vs digital. Analog wireless systems have a compresser that compresses the full dynamic range of a sound into the mic’s frequency capacity. Digital systems produce a full dynamic range without needing to compress.
Digital is by far a better choice since the prices have dropped since they first became popular. It’s also more widely available, and great for nearly all uses.
Additional Features
Some add-ons might be necessary for your specific case. Here are some possible addons:
- Mute buttons
- Antennas for a better range
- Portable power buttons
- Rechargeable batteries
- Built-in receivers
Again, these are optional but increase the cost of the mic. With that being said, our final tip is to consider the cost.
What is in your budget? Are you looking for the best wireless microphone while on a budget? Do you have a high price range?
Take a few options and weigh them against each other, find the ones that best suit your needs, and decide from there.
Making A Choice
There’s so much more to consider when buying a wireless microphone. This guide covers the basics of what to look out for.
If you need more helpful tips, please visit the tech section of our blog.