Best Wireless Microphone System Reviews 2017

There’s a wide price range when it comes to wireless microphone systems. It all depends on your specific applications. Some models can go for as low as $30 for low-level applications like seminars and karaoke. However, for top-of-the-line, professional applications, you should be ready to spend up to $1,000 or more. So, how much are you willing to cough out? The more you spend, the better sound quality and longer lasting microphone set you’ll get. Let’s be real here! Very cheap wireless microphone systems are just not good. We’ve heard lots of negative reviews for models that cost below $30. It’s better to spend a little more and invest in functional wireless mic systems that will serve you for many years to come.

When shopping for a wireless microphone system, there are lots of considerations to make. Here are just a few tidbits to keep in mind to ensure that the wireless mic system you get will live up to your expectations:

• The number of mics – Depending on your intended use, it’s good to consider models that come with more than one microphone unit to save you costs, especially if you’re going to use multiple speakers/performers. For some applications with a single presenter, a single unit microphone and a transmitter will suffice.
• Your intended use – Do you have more than one speaker in the seminar or you’ll have several singers or performers on the stage? The intended use is important when choosing a wireless microphone system. This will help you determine the required power, wireless range, and much more.
• Where you’re going to use the wireless microphone – Check how far you’ll be from the receiver. Are there objects or people in between? These parameters will help you determine the strength of the receiver you require. But if you’re not sure, go with the middle range.
• Type – There are various types of wireless microphone systems to choose from. The common types include headsets, handheld, and lavaliers. Each type is applicable and convenient for varied uses.
• Number of Antennas – The more the number of antennas on your transmitter, the better the diversity. The number of antennas determines the signal strength while the diversity chooses between the strongest antennas hence minimizing dropouts.
• Analog vs. digital – Analog systems use airwaves to transmit the sound signal while digital systems convert the audio signal into a digital signal at the transmitter to eliminate or minimize interference. Analog systems with high-end designs are said to offer better audio quality but can be susceptible to interference since they use airwaves. However, for signal stability, digital wireless mic systems offer better performance.

Wireless microphone systems are not made equal, and we can’t say with certainty that one model is the best since it all boils down to your needs and budget. Let’s now look at the design features that make one model stand out from the rest within a budget category. We look at the wireless range, frequency response, and the receiver/transmitter components as some of the critical features that influence audio quality.

Frequency Range

Consider which frequency you want your system to support. Some models support VHF(very high frequency) that operates within the 174 to 216MHz range while others support UHF (ultra high frequency) that range between 470 to 805MHz. VHF is the lowest-quality frequency range that rivals the radio stations. UHF, on the other hand, offers much better quality with minimal crowding for better operation. UHF also allows for higher transmitter power and offers a better range than VHF. However, you can still opt for digital systems for minimal signal interference, though it lacks some high power frequencies.

Wireless Mic System Components

All wireless mic systems consist of a receiver and a transmitter. A transmitter works to convert audio signals from the microphone into a radio signal. The radio signal is then sent to the receiver that converts it back to an audio signal which is sent to the mixer system.

Now, there are different types of transmitters. The handheld microphone transmitter has the transmitter incorporated in the handle, so both functions are performed within a single unit. Some manufacturers design separate transmitter units that are plugged into an XLR connector of a dynamic microphone, which makes microphone options quite plentiful in the field of wireless mic systems.

Bodypack transmitters clip onto the performer’s clothing or guitar straps. You can also use them with a head-worn vocal mic, a lavalier, or with a clip-on and a plug-in instrument microphone. Lavalier vocal mics are common for capturing conversations in film, TV productions, and other public speaking settings. However, headset vocal mics offer better consistency and high-quality sound pickup during highly active performances. They come with a headband for ease of positioning.

Relying on a wireless audio transmission system can sometimes be scary due to possibilities of sound drop-outs. It’s never a nice experience, but it occurs from time to time. Living with such mishaps will depend on what you’re doing with the wireless mic system. If you’re running a show in your local bar or garage, it will be pretty much acceptable. But if you’re handling a huge venue and your profession depends on it, you might want to do better.

Frequency Agility (FA)

This refers to wireless systems that have numerous frequency paths that you can select from. Whichever direction you face, one frequency can work better than others and offer signals free of interference from any competing frequencies from other wireless gadgets. This feature allows for use of multiple wireless systems simultaneously. For instance, if more than one performer is using a wireless mic system, you will need a variety of frequencies.

Automatic Frequency Selection

This feature provides a better way to utilize frequency agility. The system automatically selects between frequencies whenever you make resets. Some high-end models offer automatic frequency setup of the entire wireless system.

Displays

The display may not seem as important as the other technical features, but it plays an important role when setting up and monitoring the wireless system. The display keeps you informed of the status of the mic system and should be highly legible and properly lit. It should display the signal strength, show the channel being used, and indicate the battery level warning. Note that most models have the battery status display on the transmitter, but others have it on the receiver as well.