Location Sound Wireless Microphones

Shopping for Location Sound Recording Equipment

Location sound recording equipment usually comes as tiny, inconspicuous, clip-on mics used by presenters who need their hands free or want to move about freely. Because of their small size, they come with a separate ENG wireless transmitter that you wear on your belt or place in your pocket. The mics plug into the bodypack transmitter with a thin cable.

Choosing a Wireless Mic System

The frequency of a wireless mic is quite important. UHF has been the standard frequency for wireless mics for many years. UHF wireless microphones have a frequency of 400MHz and higher, to give out the strongest performance. You can also find wireless mics that operate in 2.4GHz band frequencies. These are suitable for smaller rooms with little or no obstructions between the receiver and transmitter antennas.

You should also consider the operating range of a wireless mic. For best results, choose a wireless mic system with an operating range of at least 1,000 feet. When it comes to the sound quality, you can either go for analog wireless systems or digital systems. Analog wireless systems have a compander that squeezes the entire range of sound into a narrow frequency for wireless use. On the other hand, digital wireless systems transmit digital signals with full dynamic range consistently without companding. Other newer models, such as RodeLink wireless filmmaker kits, use a 2.4GHz, 128-bit digital transmission that hops between frequencies to get the strongest signal.

Wireless Microphone System Features

Wireless microphone systems come with a variety of features that make them user-friendly. Noise-canceling mics have filters that eliminate ambient noise. An integrated preamplifier makes the mic have a higher sound quality without any distortion. Integrated pop filters in wireless dynamic recording microphones eliminate any popping sound that occurs when fast-moving air hits the mic. Additionally, just like large diaphragm recording microphones, wireless mics also have internal shock mounts that reduce vibrations between the mic and the mounts, as this vibration can distort the sound. An adjustable gain feature allows you to change the mic's volume and reduce background noise. When choosing a wireless mic system, always insist on one with two antennas. This way, when one antenna drops out, the other can pick up a signal.

Wireless Microphone Accessories

Overcovers are ideal for wind protection and keeping clothing away from lavalier microphones. DPA concealers secure wireless lavalier microphones by encasing them in a small plastic holder. Some UHF wireless microphone systems require batteries to function. For top performance, go for rechargeable batteries that can last for more than 10 hours and can go through many charging cycles.