Cordless Microphone: finding the one that’s right for you

The cordless microphone has found a place in the home, on the stage and in our places of business. These electronic devices have a million uses and are designed to make any application they’re a part of more manageable for the user. Giving you more freedom to move around without the constraints of wires and long microphone cords, you can focus more on your performance of speech without the lingering concern of tripping over the cording at some point in your song and dance or presentation. Here we will discuss the benefits of the cordless microphone and how it can be of use to you, for whatever your intended use may be.

Cordless microphone: What type of model is right for you?

There is several style of the cordless microphone available. For those giving a live music performance, or even partaking in karaoke, these applications usually feature a handheld cordless microphone. For applications such as lectures, the user might use a lapel microphone or possibly a handheld.  Theater stage productions commonly use the lapel microphone, for its ability to be discreetly mounted under costumes and wigs.  If you aren’t certain about what type of technology is right for you, such as should you go with infrared or a radio technology, read further and I’; try to help your decision be a little easier to make.

Cordless Microphone

Cordless microphone: what is the technology available?

The most common technologies used with cordless microphones are the infrared technology and radio technology. Infrared technology operates on line-of-sight. This means the user of the microphone will have to keep the sensor on the microphone visible to the receiver, so that they can communicate with each other.  The infrared technology is the same kin you can find in your home with any electronic piece of equipment that uses a remote control.  One sensor is located on the stereo; the other sensor is located on the remote. You can see the light blinking on the remote once you’re using it to change a station.   So the cordless microphone user would have to be aware of this during their speech or performance and this may cause some distress.

I recommend using the infrared technology more home based activities such as gaming or voice recognition software, even a home karaoke performance. When it comes to a public performance, it’s a safer bet to go with radio technology.

Radio technology has its up’s and downs, depending on the potential for interference. UHF offers a more minimal chance of interference, so if you’re putting on a production with five cordless microphones in the vicinity, operating with UHF will lessen your chances for interference.  If you’re using VHF, for big productions with five or more cordless microphones, there could be some interference issues. You get the idea.

Cordless Microphone

Cordless microphone: Which brands carry the best lines?

Audio Technica and Shure have some of the most affordable cordless microphones that still provide you with high quality sound; AKG is another brand that you’ll want to check out, along with Logitech and Sennheiser. You can check out their products in most music equipment stores, like Guitar Center, or online straight from the manufacturer or other music equipment sites.