It’s almost impossible to get through an entire day without seeing one and yet, we hardly give them

much thought. Whether it’s at the pop star’s concert, on a daytime talk show, in the Zumba class at your
gym, or at your child’s school talent show, you’ve certainly seen someone using a wireless microphone.

If you grew up in the era where singers and television performers were constantly flipping the mic cord
out of their way so as not to trip over it, you may wonder how this technology works. You’d likely be
surprised to discover how simple the technology actually is. This ease of use along with the cordless
convenience are the main reasons cable mics have become a thing of the past.

Functional Difference Between Cable and Wireless Microphones

Old school wired microphones convert sound into an electrical audio signal that is sent to a sound
system through a cable. Wireless microphones , on the other hand, convert sound into radio signals
which are then sent from a transmitter to a receiver which sends it to the sound system. So the process
is somewhat similar with the key difference being that wireless mic systems are actually using radio
frequencies to transmit the sound. The result is easier mobility when using wireless mics.

Key Components of the Wireless Mic System

Using a wireless mic system is easier and more affordable than you might first imagine. All you need to
get started are the three primary components which are:

1. The Microphone

2. Transmitter

3. Receiver

Wireless Microphones come in many different styles, each with a specific purpose. The most common is
the handheld mic which is what many people picture when conjuring up an image of a microphone. This
would be used by stand-up comedians on stage or singers who prefer this mic style. Another common
wireless mic is the Lavalier or ‘lapel mic.’ This is what you would see talk show hosts and guests wearing.
These are small but effective mics that can be very easily hidden under clothing. There is also the head-
worn mic which is what you would see at the aforementioned Zumba class or at a pop concert.

Transmitters are required to send the audio signal to be output as live sound. Handheld mics do not
require a separate transmitter as there is one built right in to the unit. For all other smaller, wireless
mics, the user would be required to also wear a small transmitter pack. These are small enough to be
clipped on to the user’s belt or somewhere else on their person. For anyone who’s used both
conventional and wireless, the wireless mic/transmitter setup is much more convenient than having to
constantly deal with mic cables.

Receivers are the electronic devices that receive the radio signal from the transmitter and convert it into
the live audio you hear through the sound system. They come in either single of multi-channel receivers,
depending on how many wireless mics you will be using at the same time. Multi-channel receivers are
often available in either dual or quad capabilities.

Benefits of Going Wireless

If you have a function or production that requires the use of microphones, you will definitely want to go
wireless. The most obvious benefit is the ability to move and maneuver without worrying about tripping
over mic cords and cables. Beyond this, they also provide a cleaner sound compared to wired mics.
When the mic is fixed to the performer or speaker, the mic will turn and move as that person does. This
prevents the audio drop-offs that can occur when someone turns away from a mic-stand or another
fixed mic.