Wireless Microphone System Buying Guide

Wireless Microphones: Handhelds, Lavaliers, Headsets, and Combination Systems

Wireless microphones let performers move freely onstage, unrestricted by cables. Musicians, teachers, corporate meeting spaces, and houses of worship can all benefit from the freedom of a wireless microphone system. If you're thinking about adding a wireless system to your school, theatre, or karaoke bar, this wireless microphone buying guide can help you find the system that's right for you.

The Basics -- Transmitters and Receivers: Every wireless mic system has two components: a transmitter, typically worn or held by the performer -- and a receiver, which collects the wireless signal from the transmitter, converts it to audio, and sends the audio through a cable to your mixer or power amp. Handheld wireless microphones integrate the transmitter into the microphone's handle or base. Lavalier/clip-on microphones typically have a bodypack transmitter that clips onto a belt or fits in a pocket. Headset microphones might use a bodypack, or integrate the transmitter into a neckband. We've organized this guide by type of transmitter: handheld, lavalier, or headset. "Combination" or "combo" wireless systems come with multiple types of transmitter in one system, so you can choose between a handheld or lav mic as needed -- but be aware that some combo systems have just one receiver channel, which means you can't run both transmitters simultaneously.

Running Multiple Simultaneous Wireless Mics: If you plan to use several wireless microphones at the same time, each microphone must operate on a different radio frequency, or channel, so their signals don't interfere. Look for frequency-agile systems, which allow you to choose from a range of frequencies to find an open channel. For two-mic setups, it's a good idea to choose a "Dual" system that's designed to run both microphones simultaneously.

Fixed-Frequency vs. Frequency-Agile: Fixed-frequency wireless systems are just that: they always run on one predetermined frequency band. Frequency-agile systems can hunt around for an open channel. If you're installing a wireless system in a venue, a fixed-frequency system may do the trick. But if you're planning on bringing your wireless system on the road to use in multiple venues, a frequency-agile system is far more likely to work in more places.

VHF vs. UHF Bands: The majority of wireless microphone systems operate in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band of 450-952 MHz. Some operate in the VHF (Very High Frequency) band of 49-216 MHz. While VHF systems are typically more affordable, they have fewer available channels, and must use very long antennas. UHF systems are the professional standard. Diversity receivers -- which use two independent antennas to improve reception -- are very effective in the UHF range, and UHF systems can use shorter antennas due to their shorter wavelengths. However, the UHF spectrum has potential for interference from TV stations, and since the FCC has reallocated the 600 MHz band (614-698 MHz) for wireless broadband use, those frequencies are no longer available to wireless microphones. Wireless microphone manufacturers do offer Frequency Finder tools to help you find clear frequencies in your local area -- take advantage of those tools before buying a UHF system to avoid UHF-TV interference.

2.4 GHz Band: Many entry-level and mid-tier wireless microphone systems run on the 2.4 GHz ISM band (2.400-2.483 GHz), which offers worldwide license-free operation, and very short antennas. The 2.4 GHz band works best if you're running just 1 or 2 channels of wireless. However, don't expect to run more than 4 to 8 digital wireless channels simultaneously -- this part of the spectrum is crowded with Wi-Fi devices, Bluetooth devices, etc., and in many corporate settings and venues where Wi-Fi is the priority, you're better off sticking with the UHF band.

5.8 GHz Band: Some wireless microphones run in the 5.8 GHz range, which offers a larger spectrum than the 2.4 GHz range. There are fewer devices operating in the 5.8 GHz range than the 2.4 GHz range, meaning it's easier to find a clear channel, minimizing dropouts. You'll also benefit from dual-band systems that can switch between the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands.

Analog vs. Digital Wireless Microphones: Digital wireless systems convert audio to a digital signal before sending it through the air. High-quality 24-bit digital wireless systems deliver extremely clear audio, with a wider dynamic range than traditional analog systems. High-end digital wireless systems that run on the UHF band offer the best of both worlds -- superb audio quality, plus high channel counts -- and are very much worth their more expensive price tag. We are starting to see more entry-level and mid-tier wireless systems that combine digital audio with UHF transmission, such as Sennheiser EW-D wireless systems or Shure SLX-D wireless systems.
Handheld Wireless Microphone Systems
Perfect for reinforcing singers, handheld wireless microphones look similar to wired microphones, but with a thicker handle to house the transmitter's antenna and battery. Most wireless handhelds have cardioid or hypercardioid pickup patterns that reject sound to the rear of the microphone, making them less susceptible to feedback on stage. If you need to mic up two singers at a time, choose a dual-channel system with two microphone transmitters, and one multiple-channel receiver.
SALE

Sennheiser EW-D 835-S Vocal Set Wireless Microphone System

$599.00

  • 12 x  
    $49.92
  • 8 x  
    $74.88
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $99.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $149.75

Sennheiser ew100 G4 e835 Vocal Wireless Microphone System

$749.00

  • 12 x  
    $62.42
  • 8 x  
    $93.63
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $124.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $187.25

Shure BLX24/PG58 Handheld Wireless PG58 Microphone System

$299.00

  • 8 x  
    $37.38
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $49.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $74.75

Shure BLX288/SM58 Dual-Channel SM58 Wireless Handheld Microphone System

$649.00

  • 12 x  
    $54.08
  • 8 x  
    $81.13
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $108.17
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $162.25

BACK IN STOCK

Sennheiser XSW-D Vocal Set Digital Wireless Handheld Microphone System

$379.00

  • 8 x  
    $47.38
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $63.17
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $94.75

Xvive U3 Digital Plug-On Wireless System for XLR Dynamic Microphones

$199.00

  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $33.17
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $49.75

Sennheiser XSW-1 e835 Dual Vocal Wireless Microphone System

$699.00

  • 12 x  
    $58.25
  • 8 x  
    $87.38
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $116.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $174.75

Sennheiser XSW 1-825 Dual Vocal Wireless Microphone System

$599.00

  • 12 x  
    $49.92
  • 8 x  
    $74.88
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $99.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $149.75
Lavalier/Clip-on Wireless Microphone Systems
Wireless lavalier microphones are designed to be worn on your lapel, which makes them perfect for presenters who need their hands free. These tiny, inconspicuous clip-on microphones can even be hidden in a performer's costume or hair. Lav mics with an omnidirectional pickup pattern are very easy to place, since they pick up in all directions. Lavs with a cardioid pickup pattern offer higher gain before feedback, but for best results, they should be carefully aimed at the performer's mouth.

Due to their small size and delicate electronics, lavalier microphones require a separate transmitter. The transmitter is typically housed in a "bodypack" or "beltpack" about the size of a deck of cards, which is worn on the belt or tucked into a hidden pocket. The lavalier microphone plugs into the bodypack transmitter with a short, thin cable that can easily be hidden under clothing.
SALE

Sennheiser EW-D ME 2 Lavalier Set Wireless Microphone System

$599.00

  • 12 x  
    $49.92
  • 8 x  
    $74.88
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $99.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $149.75
SALE

Sennheiser EW-D ME 4 Lavalier Set Wireless Microphone System

$599.00

  • 12 x  
    $49.92
  • 8 x  
    $74.88
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $99.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $149.75
ONLY 2 LEFT

Sennheiser EW-112P G4 Wireless ME-2-II Lavalier Microphone System

$699.00

  • 12 x  
    $58.25
  • 8 x  
    $87.38
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $116.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $174.75
ONLY 3 LEFT

Sennheiser ew100 G4 ME4 Wireless Lavalier Microphone System

$749.00

  • 12 x  
    $62.42
  • 8 x  
    $93.63
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $124.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $187.25

Sennheiser XSW-D Portable Interview Set Digital Wireless Microphone System

$269.00

  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $44.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $67.25

Rode Wireless GO II Dual Compact Wireless Microphone System

$299.00

  • 8 x  
    $37.38
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $49.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $74.75

Shure PGX Digital Lavalier Wireless Microphone System with WL93 Microphone

$459.00

  • 8 x  
    $57.38
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $76.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $114.75

Shure BLX14R/W85 Wireless Lavalier Microphone System

$489.00

  • 8 x  
    $61.13
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $81.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $122.25
Headset Wireless Microphone Systems
Headset and "earset" microphones are worn over the ear or around the back of the head. They vary in size and appearance, but they can be very small and inconspicuous. Head-worn microphones are great for fitness instructors, or any presenter who can't hold a handheld microphone or clip on a lavalier mic. Since head-worn microphones can be placed so close to the sound source -- the performer's mouth -- they can deliver higher gain-before-feedback than a microphone clipped to the chest. Most headset microphones come with a bodypack transmitter, but some models incorporate the transmitter into the neckband.

Shure BLX14/SM31 Wireless System with SM31FH Fitness Headset Microphone

$389.00

  • 8 x  
    $48.63
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $64.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $97.25

Shure BLX14R/MX53 Wireless Headset Microphone System

$599.00

  • 12 x  
    $49.92
  • 8 x  
    $74.88
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $99.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $149.75

Sennheiser XSW2-ME3 Wireless Headset Microphone System

$499.00

  • 8 x  
    $62.38
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $83.17
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $124.75
ONLY 2 LEFT

Sennheiser ew100 G4 ME3 Wireless Headset Microphone System

$799.00

  • 12 x  
    $66.58
  • 8 x  
    $99.88
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $133.17
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $199.75

SALE

Sennheiser EW-D ME-3 Headmic Set Wireless Microphone System

$649.00

  • 12 x  
    $54.08
  • 8 x  
    $81.13
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $108.17
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $162.25

Shure PGXD14/PGA31 Digital Wireless Headset Microphone System

$429.00

  • 8 x  
    $53.63
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $71.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $107.25
PRICE DROP

Samson XPD2 Headset USB Digital Wireless Microphone System

$69.99
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $17.50
Save $112.90

Shure QLXD14/SM35 Wireless System with SM35 Headworn Microphone

$1,016.10

  • 18 x  
  • 12 x  
    $84.67
  • 8 x  
    $127.01
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $169.35
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $254.03
Combination Wireless Microphone Systems
Can't decide between a handheld, lavalier, or headset? "Combination" wireless mic systems include at least two types of transmitters -- like a handheld/lavalier combo, or handheld/headset combo. And some combination systems have one wireless vocal microphone, plus one instrument wireless system: a bodypack transmitter with a 1/4" cable that can plug into a guitar or bass.

Single or Dual? Single-channel combination systems are perfect for venues that want to offer a performer the choice of a handheld or clip-on mic. Single-channel systems only let you run one microphone at a time, not both together. If you plan on using two or more wireless mics simultaneously, choose a "Dual" combination system with a dual-channel receiver.

Shure BLX1288/CVL Combination Wireless CVL Lavalier and PG58 Handheld Microphone System

$639.00

  • 12 x  
    $53.25
  • 8 x  
    $79.88
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $106.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $159.75

Shure BLX1288/P31 Dual-Channel Combo PGA31 Headset and PG58 Handheld Wireless Microphone System

$599.00

  • 12 x  
    $49.92
  • 8 x  
    $74.88
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $99.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $149.75
SALE

Sennheiser EW-D ME 2/835-S Combo Set Wireless Microphone System

$899.00

  • 12 x  
    $74.92
  • 8 x  
    $112.38
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $149.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $224.75
ONLY 2 LEFT

Sennheiser ew100 ENG G4 Wireless Microphone Combination System

$899.00

  • 12 x  
    $74.92
  • 8 x  
    $112.38
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $149.83
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $224.75