The Best Wireless Microphones for Live Vocal Performance
Get a wireless mic system that suits your budget.
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The world of wireless mics can be complicated, so we’ve put together a list of the best wireless microphones to help you navigate through.
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If you’ve never used wireless mics before, there are a few things to consider. A wireless mic system is generally made up of three parts: the microphone capsule, the handheld transmitter it’s attached to, and the receiver base station that plugs into the front-of-house mixing console.
The Best Wireless Microphones
As far as stage vocal mic capsules go, there is a wide range available in both dynamic and condenser options, and most of them are compatible with the industry standard handheld transmitters. While you can find transmitters with built-in capsules and Wireless bundles that include a suitable capsule, it’s important to note that the high-quality options are usually sold separately, and condensers are more expensive.
It’s also essential to know about the various wireless frequency ranges used in different parts of the world. A non-diversity receiver unit has a set transmission range for specific regions, while a diversity receiver, which generally costs more, has a variable frequency range. With this in mind, be sure to look up the correct range for your region so you know which systems to look at.
The Best Wireless Microphones: AKG WMS40 Mini
If you need a wireless microphone system on a budget, the AKG WMS40 Mini offers a complete solution that starts at around $100 for a single channel, and there’s a dual-channel option too. The basic package includes the SR 40 receiver unit, with its simple plug-and-play operation, and the HT 40 transmitter mic.
With a single AA battery, the HT 40 will run for up to 30 hours, and the cardioid dynamic mic offers good off-axis rejection, as well as a three-way switch for on, off, and mute functions. On the base station, you’ll find RF and clip indicator LEDs alongside the main volume control, which is useful.
Overall, the WMS40 Mini is a perfect system for beginners as it allows you to get set up without having too much technical know-how. At this price, you can’t expect the same sound quality as a $500 mic capsule, but it gets the job done. What’s more, there are options in the range with instrument transmitters for guitarists. Get it at Thomann.*
The Best Wireless Microphones: Sennheiser EW-D
When you want an entry point into professional wireless mics, Sennheiser’s Evolution Wireless Digital systems offer an ideal solution that includes a transmitter and a receiver with a wide range of options for different regional wireless transmission standards.
The EW-D base set includes the SKM-S handheld microphone transmitter, which is also available separately, and there are options with microphone capsules or without. This means you can truly customize your wireless system to suit your requirements and choose from a wide range of Sennheiser dynamic and condenser microphone capsules.
With the EW-D system, you get a 134 dB dynamic range, and the AA-battery powered transmitter lasts up to 8 hours with a useful battery life meter on the base station. In addition, you can use the Smart Assist mobile app to manage your settings remotely, which is convenient.
The Best Wireless Microphones: Sound Devices A20-HH
The A20-HH is part of the renowned Sound Devices Astral range of premium wireless solutions. Equipped with the CD1 dynamic microphone capsule, the A20-HH is designed specifically for the vocal frequency range. However, you can also swap out and connect mic capsules from any manufacturer, allowing you to harness the powerful wireless features.
For exceptional transmission quality, the A20-HH uses digital RF modulation and offers a wide 10 Hz – 20 kHz bandwidth and a lithium-ion battery that offers up to 10 hours of use. With the SpectraBand feature, you can tune the wireless signal anywhere between 470 and 1525 MHz, which allows you to find open frequencies in any region around the globe.
The Astral wireless system uses GainForward technology, which allows you to adjust the gain exclusively on the console, exactly like you would with a wired mic. Meanwhile, convenient features like AutoAssign make it a breeze to scan and set the transmission frequency for an easy setup.
The Best Wireless Microphones: Shure RPW KSM
The KSM series is Shure’s flagship range of vocal condenser mics, offering the most truthful sound possible for stage performers. In the wireless range, you can find the KSM8, KSM9, and KSM11 capsules, each offering uncompromising performance quality, particularly when paired with Shure’s Axient® Digital transmitters and receivers.
The KSM capsules range from cardioid (KSM8) to switchable hypercardoid / wide cardioid (KSM9), to the deep cardioid pickup pattern of the KSM11. In each case, the capsules offer wider frequency response as you go up the range, and the vocal sound delivered is particularly natural, especially with the KSM11.
The capsule’s off-axis rejection is optimized to minimize the potential of feedback, even in high-SPL situations. Meanwhile, the internal three-stage pop filter ensures the highest quality vocal intelligibility and clarity. The KSM series is also available as wired microphones, so ensure you explore these as additional options. Also, the Shure Nexadyne series offers a more affordable alternative.
The Best Wireless Microphones: DPA d:facto
When it comes to wireless microphone technology, few manufacturers command as much respect as DPA. The d:facto handheld system is a supercardioid condenser available in an ultra linear version (4018VL) and a Softboost version (4018V) with a 3 dB boost at 12 kHz.
With a wide range of adapters, the d:facto capsules can be used with wireless systems from a range of manufacturers, including Sennheiser, Wisycom, Lectrosonics, SONY, and Line 6. The individual capsules are sold with different adapters, so you simply have to select the one that is compatible with your particular wireless system.
In addition, you can also get the d:facto microphone with an XLR-compatible wired handle. This gives you the flexibility to bring this top-quality microphone to rehearsals and smaller-scale live setups without wireless connectivity. If the d:facto is out of your price range, be sure to check out the 2028, which offers a similar level of sound quality.
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One response to “The Best Wireless Microphones for Live Vocal Performance”
How do i get the AkG in Nigeria?