Wireless Microphones:For work and play

Wireless microphones have taken over the music industry, giving the performers and musicians to dance and move about freely without the worry of tripping over cords, or having the cords get tangled, thus potentially damaging the cords. We see wireless microphones in the home and office these days as well as lecture halls, churches, gyms and theater. They’re everywhere. Read on to find out more information about the wireless microphone to see if it’s right for you.

Wireless Microphones/wireless Mics: why they’re used

There are a couple of different types of wireless microphones, the handheld and the hands free.   The hands free microphone is commonly referred to as the lapel microphone because it attached to the color of a shirt. These microphones are very small and discreet looking. You can see these microphones in use when you watch the evening news or an interview. These wireless mics are also used in live stage productions and are cleverly concealed under costumes or even wigs. The lapel microphone can be used for home and office use as well as PC use.

WIreless Microphones

The handheld microphone is commonly seen on stage during live music productions or at karaoke bars, at churches during services, lecture halls, on the news, during interview and at several live events. The handheld wireless microphone can also be used at home for gaming use with such games as ROCKBAND. These wireless mics can also be used when entering at home and using your own karaoke system. For these electronics the possibilities are endless.

Entertainers that use the wireless microphones have to pay attention to the parameters of the wireless microphones receiver if their systems are operating on a radio frequency system. There is typically a 300-600 foot range with the wireless microphones, stepping outside of the parameters can cause your microphone to fail.

Wireless microphones/wireless mic: how they work:

These wireless microphones operate on an infrared system or on a radio frequency. When using a wireless microphone system, you have to be sure to keep the microphone in the line of site of the receiver, otherwise the signal gets blocked and your microphone won’t work.  The infrared systems don’t offer much range, only about 30-60feet, depending on which model you purchase. The infrared wireless microphone would be more ideal for activities like home karaoke, or gaming.

The wireless microphones that operate on a radio frequency have a range of 300-600 feet.  There are two types of frequencies to choose from when using a radio frequency system. There is UHF or VHF. Uhf is more expensive, but offers more channels to operate on which minimizes your chance of interference from close by appliances like baby monitors or cordless phones.

Wireless Microphones

VHF offers fewer channels meaning your chances for picking up interference are increased especially if you’re using multiple wireless microphones or wireless microphone systems, but they’re much cheaper.

You’ll use your wireless microphones in conjunction with a wireless microphone system. This system is comprised of a receiver and a transmitter.   When using a wireless microphone you’ll wear a body pack transmitter that will convert the audio signal into a radio signal and broadcasts it through an antenna. The antenna will stick out of the bottom of the transmitter or it may be built inside the wireless microphone. The strength of the radio signal is limited by government regulated. The distance that the signal can effectively travel ranges from 100 feet to over 1,000 feet, depending on if you’re using UHF or VHF.

Because UHF can run from 300-12,00 depending on the wireless microphone system, if you’re going to use the wireless mic for personal purposes or small productions, with fewer than five other wireless components, it’s much more cost effective for you to purchase a VHF model.

If you’re going to be using more than five wireless components, minimize your risk of the other wireless microphones getting their interference crossed and purchase a UHF system.

Wireless microphones/wireless mic: do you need one?

Wireless microphones are all over the place, which helps to make them more affordable.  You can purchase a good quality sound VHF wireless mic from 40$-60$. It really depends on the type of application you intend to use it for.

You can also find deals online at places like guitarcenter.com. Guitar center sells both new and used equipment. Amazon.com is also a good place to look.