Wireless Microphone Systems 101 - Sound Productions

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Cut the cord and explore what wireless systems can do for your audio. Wireless technology offers the same crystal-clear quality and reliability as traditional wired setups. Although transitioning your audio system to wireless can be an intimidating undertaking, with some basic knowledge about how wireless works, you’ll be equipped to find the best gear for your application, properly set it up in a way that optimizes its performance, and (last but not least!) reap the rewards of wireless audio.

HOW DO WIRELESS SYSEMS WORK?

Wireless audio systems operate by using a battery-powered transmitter (for example, a handheld mic or a bodypack for a lavalier or headworn mic) to translate sound into an electronic signal, sending the signal over radio frequencies (RF) to a receiver, which then disperses the signal to a loudspeaker or other piece of gear that translates the signal back into sound.

For wireless units to communicate with each other, they need to be on the same frequency. This is measured by the distance between the peaks of a radio wave: if there is a lot of distance between each wave, it’s a low frequency , whereas if the waves are more condensed together, there is a high frequency to the waves. As a rule, low frequencies can be transmitted a farther distance but tend to be weaker and more easily impeded by solid objects, while high frequencies can’t transmit as far but are stronger.

Another thing to understand about wireless systems is that, although they reduce the amount of physical space by minimizing the need for cables, there is a finite amount of bandwidth that is shared by myriad sources that include radio and TV stations, Wi-Fi devices, and other wireless systems.

Analog vs. Digital Wireless

The debate between analog and digital audio has a much wider scope than wireless alone—there are pros and cons to each, and many times preferences are simply based on personal taste. However, some of the factors that relate to wireless system performance are worth noting.

Digital technology is superior to its analog predecessor in many ways. In general, digital wireless audio uses less power, takes up less physical space, is more portable, offers secure signal encryption, and is more efficient at coordinating RF while avoiding interference. Digital audio quality is also considered to be superior to analog—though there are proponents of analog that like the sound better.

Latency is where analog wireless has an edge. Digital wireless has the added task of converting sound from analog to digital, transmitting the signal, then converting the digital back into analog before finally translating it back into sound. Granted, the delay may only be by a few milliseconds—and digital technology is continually improving—but analog wireless boasts virtually zero latency. If having near-instantaneous signal transmission is vital, analog may be the choice for your application.

WIRELESS SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Ensuring reliable, intuitive connectivity and pristine signal fidelity, transmitters and receivers are the backbone components of wireless audio systems.

Wireless Transmitters

As mentioned earlier, wireless transmitters capture audio and transmit it in the form of electronic signals. Also known as wireless microphones (or even cordless microphones), wireless transmitters come in a variety of forms, with the most common being handheld and bodypack models.

Wireless handheld transmitters offer great personalization: most models allow you to interchange mic capsules to better customization how your sound is captured.

Wireless bodypack transmitters are used to capture audio from headworn or lavalier microphones. (Note: Bodypacks can also be receivers when used with in-ear monitoring (IEM) or instrumental systems that utilize wireless plug-in transmitters.)

Wireless Receivers

Wireless transmitters are only half of the conversation. A receiver is where the transmitter sends the audio signals. From the receiver, the signal is then sent to another electronic device, such as a loudspeaker or mixer in live sound situations or a computer or other equipment in a recording studio.

Wireless Systems

While in some instances the freedom to mix and match wireless transmitters and receivers offers more opportunity to tailor your system to your specific needs, it can also entail more research and work on your part. Thankfully, many wireless audio products come in combo systems that include the components you’ll need to get set up straight from the box. This ensures that every component is optimized to work well with the others, taking some of the hassles out of assembling a wireless system.

• With wireless handheld microphone systems , a singer or public speaker can move around the space without feeling tethered by a cabled mic, allowing them to interact with the audience with confidence that they’re not going to accidentally pull a plug.
• Wireless lavalier microphones are miniature mics that capture audio discreetly while providing hands-free operation and flexibility of movement. Lavs are generally attached to or beneath clothing and can be clipped into hair for a virtually invisible mic placement for actors, singers, public speakers, etc. With options that are built to resist water, sweat, and makeup, these mics are designed to deliver quality and reliability.
• Wireless headworn microphone systems are designed for versatility, portability, and delivering accurate sound without visual distraction. Lightweight, flexible, durable, and easy to camouflage, headworn mics boast an astounding range of features, including sweat and water resistance. Speakers in active environments can communicate while keeping their hands free. Most models place the mic located at the end of a flexible gooseneck, so you can adjust positioning to capture the sound you want.
• Wireless instrument systems replace the jack cable that links your instrument to an amp, effects unit, or another component, plugging the instrument into a bodypack that clips directly onto the performer. Guitarists and bassists can enjoy cord-free mobility, which helps add interactivity with the crowd. Ideal for keeping a clear stage, they can also be used in recording studios where clutter needs to be kept at a minimum.

Antennas and Accessories

Accessories allow you to make any wireless system your own. Swap out mic capsules to adjust your sound. Batteries and charging stations ensure your gear is powered up. Permanently install your system with rack mounts and hardware . Get a clean, reliable signal with wireless system antennas . Whether you’re a solo performer that needs a simple, intuitive setup for a gig, or a contractor/integrator installing a permanent wireless system, accessories that have been custom-built to complement wireless systems can help you personalize your setup to fit your unique needs.

WIRELESS AUDIO, UNTETHERED POSSIBILITIES: USING A WIRELESS MIC SYSTEM TO UPGRADE YOUR APPLICATION

With versatility and flexibility at their core, wireless audio systems offer great potential to myriad sound scenarios. Whether you’re a singer, speaker, musician, installer, or beyond, wireless systems can take your audio to new heights of quality and reliability.

Microphone wireless system turns audio signals captured by microphone into radio signals. Then the wireless mic receiver captures the signals that are transferred from the transmitter through the air and return them back to audio. It allows the target sounds to be transmitted wirelessly. There may be much for you to learn if you are new to it. What to look for in a microphone wireless system? When will it be used? How to choose a best one? Let’s dive in and get the answers.

Wireless microphone system components

In general, wireless lavalier microphone system comprises three parts, which is totally different form the corded microphone.

Mic

Typically, a wireless system will feature one of three mic types.

Handheld

It is the typical and standard microphone that comes in the type of condenser or dynamic. It is in the shape of streamline with a transmitter built in its body and preferred by stage performers, reporters, etc.

Headset

As its name suggests, it is worn on the head over your ear. You can adjust the arm to make the capsule stay close to the mouth at a suitable distance. It is helpful especially when you are in noisy environment or keeping moving.

Lavalier

Lavalier microphone, also called lav or lapel mic, is designed to clip on your collar without being noticed thanks to its small and unobtrusive body. It is commonly used in scenarios when a visible mic doesn’t satisfy the context or hands free is a must.

Wireless transmitter

Within a microphone wireless system, audio wireless transmitter conducts the task of audio signal transmission to receiver. There are typically three types.

Handheld microphone transmitter

As aforementioned, wireless handheld transmitter is included in the mic’s body and is is powered by battery. As a result, the microphone is bigger than traditional one to some extent. It converts audio to radio signals, which are broadcast from the antenna.

Plug-on

Plug on wireless transmitter is stand-alone device that can convert most corded microphones to wireless. It connects to the model's lower section, which is normally attached to a cable.

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Belt Pack

A wireless transmitter belt or body pack is used when using a hands-free microphone, such as a headset or lavalier. It is in the size of a deck of cards. It can be tucked into a pocket or clipped onto a belt or waistline.

Wireless receiver

The receiver for wireless microphone system receives the radio signals from the transmitter and turns them back into audio. It is connected to your recording equipment like camera. It comes in three main types.

• Non-diversity: It uses one antenna to gain the wireless signals. Usually high quality receiver doesn’t adopt this type since it may cause dropout with only one antenna.
• Diversity: Diversity wireless receiver has two antennas that both connect to the same receiver. If one antenna captures weak signals, the receiver can turn to the other one, which enables a stable signals transmission. However, chances are that it may weaken strong signals.
• True diversity: Two separate antennas are utilized in true diversity wireless microphone system and each connects to separate receiver module. The receiver will tell which gains the better signals and selects the better one, which reduces the chances of audio dropouts.

Besides the receivers mentioned above, there is also wireless plug in receiver without visible antenna. This kind of receiver is compact in size thus offering great convenience to mobile recording.

All the above components explain the question "How does a wireless microphone work".

Common uses of lapel microphone wireless system

Wireless microphone system boasts great advancement in the following uses.

Filmmaking, Broadcasting and Streaming

Microphone wireless system, especially the one with lav microphone, is favored by filmmakers, broadcaster and streamers. They use it for various reasons, and the most important is that it keeps the frame clean without a handheld microphone blocking the line of sight.

Obviously you can capture sounds with various microphones. Why does wireless lavalier microphone system stand out? It enables the microphone to stay close to the talents, eliminates the risk of tripping over and offers clean look with a discreet microphone.

Education

Another benefit of WMS is that it allows free movement, which is incredibly necessary in education environment. It allows teachers and lecturers to move freely, making students better engage in the class. It is beneficial not only in classroom teaching but also for online class. For example, a fitness instructor wireless microphone system is light, causing no burden when the instructor do actions like stretching the body.

Live Performance

Wireless microphone kit is able to free the hands, which meets the demands of a lot of stage performers. Since they are hand-free, they can sing and dance and make better interaction with audience. Additionally, wireless headset mics enable flexibility of movement and decrease the chance of tripping over cables. It can also simplify the complexity and size of cable looms and runs for large-scale shows.

Table: Advantages and disadvantages in uses

We can get the benefits of microphone wireless system from the examples of application. And the following table shows both pros and cons for you to acquire better understanding.

Pros Cons Discreet capsule for clean look and neat frame Likely to be interfered Free movement within the transmission distance Dead spots exist where WMS won’t work No risk of tripping over messy cables The whole system fails once one component goes wrong Hands free with lav or headset mic Durable without cable that may be worn out

How to choose the best wireless microphone system?

First, decide on the types of wireless microphone technology

Analog VS Digital

Generally, digital wireless microphone system is recommended. It outweighs analog in the following aspects.

Sound quality: Digital system converts sounds into electrical signals as 1s and 0s, which are stable and won’t be influenced. The analog system, however, transfer sounds in the form of modulated radio wave, which are easily interfered and result in poor audio. Moreover, the dynamic range will be compressed by compander, causing the degradation of the audio signal, which is easy to notice in cheap analog unit.

Long battery life: On average, digital system can last 40% longer because it has the lower power requirement of the transmitter.

Security: The transmission is encrypted so the transmission is secure and there is no risk of eavesdroppers in digital system. However, analog signals can be captured with a suitable receiver.

[For more information, check the article Why go digital: analog vs digital wireless microphone?]

VHF VS UHF Bands VS 2.4GHz

VHF: Short of very high frequency, VHF is at the range between 49 and 216MHz. To get the best performance, it is better to be 169MHz and upwards. If you want to record high quality sounds within a decent range and run single microphone wireless system, VHF is your best choice.

UHF: UHF wireless microphone system falls at 300MHz and above. This spectrum is less crowded in many countries, so it is feasible to run multiple systems at the same time. Therefore, UHF is ideal for getting excellent audio quality, operating more than one system while you have high requirement on transmission distance.

2.4GHz: This system is legal in almost every country in the world so you don’t need to worry about the international spectrum policy anytime and anywhere. Additionally, 2.4GHz wireless microphone system is easy to match the transmitter and receiver, which saves the time of setup. If you are eager for a user friendly system, it will be your first choice.

Second, consider the following factors to make further choice

These are the things you need to consider.

Microphone Type: From the aforementioned part we know that there are 3 typical types of microphones and each is suitable for different situations. Think about your recording content and place then you can get the one that is for you need.

Wireless microphone transmitter: This is also related to your shooting requirements. Do you need to be hand free? Is it better to be smaller? Just think about this questions before you make a decision.

Receiver connector: Receiver is directly connected your recording device, so it is necessary to take the connector into consideration. Generally speaking, a totally matching connection is the best choice. For example, if you use your smartphone to make the film, a wireless receiver for which features a Type-C or Lightning connector can be the top choice.

Range: Transmission range is differed from one microphone wireless system to another. It is advises to consider how far your recording device is to the sound sources and then look for a system with double range. In most cases, the higher the price is, the greater the transmission capability is. So going for one that perfectly fits your need is a cost-effective choice.

Size: There are variable sizes of wireless microphone systems on the market, from ultra compact size of a card to large desktop kits. Compact system plays a big role when you take outdoor recording frequently or need something unobtrusive. If you utilize it in the fixed place like classroom, a larger one with controls and screen allows easy operation.

Battery Life: Battery life is an important factor to consider for rechargeable wireless microphone system especially when the shooting lasts for a long time. Check the product specification list to see if it can finish a complete shooting for you. But pay attention, battery life usually has something to do with size and range so you should consider them together and decide which is the most significant for you. For example, if compact construction is your top need, you may reach a compromise on battery capacity.

Latency: The signal transfer leads to the latency in digital wireless system. Remember to check the time of latency and make sure it is within your acceptance.

Third, think about the frequency agility if filming places is changed frequently

In this circumstance, there are two types. Fixed-frequency wireless system means that it operated on one preset band while frequency-agile one can select an open channel. If you want your WMS to work in more places, a frequency-agile system will be good for you. In addition, it is useful when multi-person recording is needed since it reduces the chances of interference.

However, for two-person recording, there is another user-friendly choice. Dual channel wireless microphone system are now for sale, allowing running two microphones at the same time.

Three tips to make microphone wireless system sound better

After shopping for a wireless transmitter and receiver kit, you need to master some knowledge to make it record professional audio. Below we list three tips.

Get your mic closer to the receiver to reduce noise

A short distance between the mic and the receiver for wireless microphone results in strong signal transmission and better audio. Generally, all environments are full of radio waves that emitted by various electronic devices like computers. Chances are that there will be signal interference thus causing noise. Therefore, it is advised to isolate your wireless signal and direct it to the receiver.

Avoid blocking the signal

Maintaining a line of sight between the wireless transmitter and receiver also makes sense. If you want the microphone to work at its best, stay away from huge things like walls and metals. Most critically, if at all possible, avoid huge crowds. This is due to the fact that the human body is mostly made up of water, which absorbs RF radiation. Consider putting the receiver and transmitter in the same room, then elevating them above other obstacles and the audience for the greatest results.

Select appropriate batteries

Use rechargeable batteries made exclusively for the audio wireless transmitter whenever possible. Make sure the batteries are of good quality, preferably disposable lithium or alkaline ones. These batteries provide nearly the most consistent output voltage, which aids in signal quality. If the voltage is too low, it can cause sound distortion.

Conclusion

In this article, we talks about the components of microphone wireless system, the uses, the tips to find a suitable one for you and how to improve the system performance. Naturally, there are more topics that we can discuss about it. But at least now you have a idea about what it is and which can be best fit your needs. So you can have more choices the next time you invest in a microphone.

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