Wireless microphones are finding their way into more and more areas of audio production. They require far less cabling, and that means fewer issues with shorted wiring, lowered chances of cable-related tripping, and a higher number on the “Days Since Last Incident” sign. They’re more convenient for performers and subjects who need to be mobile and they provide a cleaner appearance, free of bulky wires. Audio engineers and A/V technicians appreciate the fast setup time and decreased storage space that wireless mics afford. So, with all the options out there, which ones are best? Surprise! It depends. The mic that wins “Most Likely to Succeed” will change based upon the occasion, whether it’s a routine karaoke night or a once-in-a-lifetime presentation. Read on to discover which wireless microphones are right for you.
Types of Wireless Mics
First, you should familiarize yourself with the various types of wireless mics because each has unique physical characteristics and mounting methods.
Lavalier
A miniature microphone, usually a condenser, designed to be attached to clothing or wearable items. Most lav mics do have a cable, which needs to be connected to a bodypack transmitter for wireless operation. The Lectrosonics M152/5P, Sanken COS-11D, and Sennheiser ME 2-II are fine examples of lavaliers for wireless systems.
Headset/Earset
A miniature microphone, usually a condenser, with a frame that allows mounting over the head or over an ear. Like lavs, headset and earset mics utilize cables and bodypack transmitters. Check out the Senal UEM-155 and Galaxy Audio HSM3 if you’re curious!
Instrument
A miniature microphone (typically a condenser) with a mounting system for attachment to a specific type of instrument such as a violin, saxophone, or flute. Most wireless instrument mics have cables and use bodypack transmitters for wireless use. Check out models such as the Countryman I2 (available in a variety of configurations) and the Audio-Technica Pro-35cW. When using instruments with installed pickups, 1/4" adapter cables, such as the Shure WA302 and the Sennheiser CI1, allow direct connection of your guitar, bass, or retro keytar to a bodypack transmitter.
Handheld
A condenser or dynamic microphone in a traditional and highly visible shape meant to be handheld or mounted on a mic stand. A wireless transmitter in the body of the mic eliminates the need for external cabling. The AKG HT 470 and Shure SLX2 are two of innumerable options available.
Gooseneck
A condenser or dynamic mic with a capsule attached to a flexible tube (typically metal), which is connected to a transmitter base. Gooseneck mics are usually placed on desks, tables, or podiums. This B&H Kit combines a Shure wireless transmitter base and removable gooseneck mic, while the Revolabs Gooseneck Executive Elite is a transmitter base with an attached gooseneck.
Boundary
A compact mic—often flat and rectangular and usually a condenser—designed to be set on a table or desk. Like handheld and gooseneck mics, the transmitter is part of the microphone assembly. Unlike the other wireless mic types, these are often designed for pick-up of multiple sources. Mics such as the Shure ULXD6/O-G50 and Audio-Technica ATW-T1006 are great options to entertain.
Scenarios
Knowing that different wireless microphones are purpose-built and intended for specific scenarios, a mic that’s perfect for a live concert is likely to be oh-so-wrong for the boardroom. The following list should help you familiarize yourself with an assortment of occasions and which type of wireless microphones suit them.
Musicians in Live Shows
Whether it’s a bold sax man carelessly whispering across the stage or an impromptu improvisation from a jazz flautist on top of a restaurant table, musicians need wireless mics that go where they go.
If the instrument is already outfitted with a pickup, simply hook up an instrument adapter cable to your bodypack transmitter. The instrument’s output is probably a 1/4" jack, but the input of the transmitter may be 3.5mm, TA4, TA5, or another one of many others.
For acoustic instruments sans electronics, grab a wireless instrument microphone with a clip or mount designed for your type of instrument.
Singers in Live Performances
Assuming the singer doesn’t need to use his/her hands to play an instrument, wireless handheld mics are ideal for vocalists performing at karaoke bars, church services, or singing the National Anthem in a stadium before thousands of perfectly attentive listeners.
If the singer happens to be keen on dancing, opt for a headset or earset microphone. Both will bestow freedom to roam about the stage with both hands free!
Performers in Theater Productions
It’s quite comical imagining each actor and actress in a play with a handheld mic in every scene—forget about believability and impassioned delivery! When using mics on performers in plays, comedy troupes, and musicals, the microphones need to be heard and not seen. Lavalier mics are the easiest to hide, while earsets and headsets offer the best positioning for minimized stage bleed with maximum direct sound from the mouth.
On-Camera Subjects
For interviewers and interviewees, news anchors in the studio, or actors and actresses in TV and film productions, hands-free and hidden is the way it needs to be. So, the obvious solution is lavalier microphones!
News Correspondents in the Field
In the field and on location, news correspondents need a single microphone that can be quickly oriented to any individual. That narrows it down considerably! With a wireless handheld mic, the correspondent can control where the mic is always pointing, whether it be at him/herself, a witness, or the friend of a friend of a witness.
Lectures from a Podium and Sermons from a Pulpit
Since the subject will be stationary, not fluttering about the room, a gooseneck mic is the perfect solution. There’s no need to repeatedly attach and remove it from the speaker; it just stays at the podium/pulpit. The flexible gooseneck provides easy adjustment for subjects of different heights and doesn’t require permanent installation.
Speakers Who Move Around in Houses of Worship, Conferences, and Large Classrooms
When subjects need to walk here and there during speeches, presentations, or lectures, favor headset, earset, and lavalier microphones. They offer minimal visibility, maximum mobility, and leave the hands free for expressive gestures.
People at Tables in Meetings and Conferences
Meetings and conferences often involve multiple people gathered around a table talking at different times or, in some cases, over each other. Boundary and gooseneck microphones are frequently the preferred choices due to their ease of use and flexible mute functionality. The main advantages of goosenecks in this scenario are that they’re so simple to position and they can be relatively close to the mouth. However, boundary mics require less space and can achieve the same coverage area with fewer mics per table.
Fitness Instruction
When a trainer needs a microphone, the mic should stay consistently positioned regardless of what the trainer is doing—jumping, leaning, lifting, or sitting. So, pick a headset or earset mic; it’ll stay close to the mouth no matter where the head goes!
Conclusion
Before you buy any new wireless microphones, first figure out what would serve the subject best and determine what’s compatible with your wireless transmitters and receivers. Enjoy your research and feel welcome to share your favorite wireless mics in the Comments section, below!
0 Comments