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Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Wireless Microphones
A wireless microphone is incredibly convenient as they have no physical cable connections, allowing any user to freely move around and still be able to transmit an audio microphone signal. However, it’s worth noting that getting wireless microphone systems to work consistently is not an easy task. The best wireless microphones are those that work well with only a few hiccups and are able to deliver clear, incredible audio quality in different applications.
A substandard wireless mic can cause great anxiety to performers and sound engineers as low-quality mics can have many problems regarding reliability. It’s essential to acquire a wireless microphone that has excellent standards and is worth your money so that you’ll be able to lessen your worries. If you want to attain that legendary Neumann sound, we’ve rounded up the best wireless microphones currently available in the market. Have a look and find the best wireless microphone system for you.
What are the Best Wireless Mics?
Editor's Choice  The Best Overall |  The Best Premium |  The Best Mic for Journalism |
Shure PGXD24A top of the line wireless microphone that's used for vocals and instrumentals. This wireless mic has 9 hours of usage and are usually used on live sets due to it's amazing sound quality. | Sennheiser EW 500 G4-935Sennheiser EW 500 G4-935 is a durable and a versatile mic. It's compatible with any Sennheiser G4 line up, you can use both dynamic and condenser capsule in this model. | Sennheiser Pro Audio EW 135P G4A journalist's to-go-to mic thanks to it's compact design and all-in-one wireless system. This microphone has a fast set-up time compared to other wireless mics, making this the perfect equipment for quick interviews. |
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Let’s Go Over Each Wireless Microphone
#1: Shure PGXD24
Shure’s world-class SM58 microphone is paired up with a PGXD24 wireless transmitter, creating the PGXD24/SM58-X8 wireless system. Offering excellent sound quality, this wireless system uses 24-bit/48Hz technology, allowing incredible precision when it comes to audio recording. The receiver utilizes 48KHz UHF while the body pack provides 26dB of audio gain.
Those who aren’t familiar with wireless systems don’t have to worry about using the PGXD24 as it has an automatic setup right out of the box. It also employs a one-touch sync that automatically links the transmitter and receiver. The PGXD24/SM58-58 offers up to five compatible channels per frequency band.
Perfectly tailored for vocals and most musical instruments, the wireless version of the SM58 mic has a bright, mid-range frequency and a bass roll-off. With its cardioid dynamic pickup pattern, robust construction, and integrated pop filter, you get the feeling that Shure has designed this microphone for live performance use.
You can also get up to 9 hours of battery life with its two AA batteries. It’s an expertly crafted professional wireless mic system that’s one of the best wireless microphone investments you can make.
Pros and Cons of the Shure PGXD24
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Dynamic microphone ✔ Automatic setup out of the box ✔ Five channels per bandwidth | ✖️ Has no on and off switch |
#2: Sennheiser EW 500 G4-935
One of the most trusted brands in the industry is Sennheiser so it shouldn’t be a surprise that they produce one of the best wireless microphones around. Composed of an SKM 500 G4 handheld transmitter with a dynamic MMD 935-1 cardioid capsule, and a condenser pickup pattern. Sennheiser EW cardioid microphone can be swapped with any of the others in Sennheiser’s G4 lineup. Its interchangeable design allows you to use a variety of dynamic and condenser capsules, making it highly versatile and one of the best handheld microphones.
The rack-mountable receiver of this Wireless Microphone System has a large, clear OLED display and can output RF signals up to 50MW. It also has up to 88MHz bandwidth with up to 3,520 selectable frequencies, giving you the absolute freedom to pick and play with any frequency you desire. Its metal construction also ensures that it’s tough, solid, and able to take any situation. Powered by two AA batteries, the EW 500 G4-935 is a premium, advanced wireless mic kit that guarantees users an exceptionally stable performance with good battery life.
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser EW 500 G4-935
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Robust, premium build ✔ Up to 88MHz bandwidth ✔ High RF output | ✖️ Frequencies can be limited in use in other countries ✖️ Expensive |
#3: Sennheiser Pro Audio EW 135P G4
Are you a journalist who needs to have a mic with you wherever you go and you want wires out of your line of sight? Then here’s one that you should consider adding to your arsenal. The Sennheiser Pro Audio is an all-in-one wireless system that you can take with you anywhere. Its portability makes it the perfect microphone pick for interviews, mobile journalism, and documentary use. Even the transmitter is designed to be compact, making it fit neatly and subtly on a person.
One of this microphone’s greatest strengths is its fast setup time. If you need to do a quick interview, this microphone has your back. It offers an impressive range of 330 feet, providing you with a powerful wireless transmission. Audio-wise, the EW 135P G4 exhibits a warm and smooth sound quality. Along with that, this mic also has great SPL handling and feedback rejection. It has a great battery life too, clocking in at about eight hours, more than enough to cover a full day of interviews.
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser Pro Audio EW 135P G4
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Portable and flexible ✔ Great for interviews ✔ All-in-one system | ✖️ Pricey |
#4: Audio-Technica System 10 ATW-1102
One of the best names in the industry is Audio-Technica, well-known for its wired and wireless microphones that always have great value for money. Among their product line-up, the System 10 ATW-1102 is a complete system that comes reasonably priced. This mic system has an easy-to-understand design, allowing newbies and professionals to operate with little to no issues.
The ATW-1102 lets users instantly select a channel or sync the microphone to the receiver. Even with such a simple setup, this system doesn’t sacrifice sound quality and utilizes a 24-bit/48kHZ wireless operation.
One of the best features of the ATW-1102 is its three levels of diversity based on space, time, and frequency responses. This wireless microphone has two antennas and two transmitters, making it one of the best wireless mic kits featured here. These diversity options ensure interference-free communication whenever you use the microphone. It can also comfortably manage a distance of up to 200 meters from the source without any problems.
Pros and Cons of the Audio-Technica System 10 ATW-1102
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Simple and easy operation ✔ Three diversity options to maximize signal integrity ✔ Exceptional sound quality | ✖️ Battery life may be quite short |
#5: Shure QLXD24/B58
If you’ve ever attended concerts and other performances, you’ll notice that most artists use wireless microphones. These cord-free mics allow artists to move freely around the stage and interact with the audience without accidentally tripping or unplugging any cables. If you wish to move as much as you can on stage, one of the best wireless microphones that you can use is the Shure QLXD24/B58.
A single handheld wireless system, the QLXD24/B58 features 24-bit digital audio and a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. This system also utilizes AES-256-bit encryption and networked control options, streamlining your performance. The Beta58 capsule employs a super-cardioid polar pattern, providing excellent sound rejection and feedback rejection.
Aside from its stock capsule, you can also interchange it with the SM86, Beta 87A, and SM58 capsules if you desire. Offering outstanding sound quality, long-term durability, and consistency, you can’t go wrong with the QLXD24/B58 to maximize your live experience.
Pros and Cons of the Shure QLXD24/B58
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Best for live applications ✔ Interchangeable mic capsules ✔ Compatible with Mac, PC, and iOS for easy remote operatio | ✖️ Can get expensive if creating a large system with multiple microphones |
Are There Any Wireless Microphones?
Yes, wireless microphones do exist. Wireless microphone systems are used all over the world in different applications: music-making, performances, filmmaking, broadcasting, journalism, business, education, and a whole lot more. Wired microphones can be inconvenient and impractical sometimes, and there can also be times when they simply can’t be used.
Also called cordless microphones, wireless mics were first made sometime in the 1950s. Since then, technology development has also improved the quality of wireless mic systems. Today, wireless mics have become more reliable and offer an incredible sound quality that’s on par with or even better than wired mics.
How Do Wireless Microphones Operate?
The typical microphone works by converting audio signals into electric signals, sending them through a cable. On the other hand, wireless microphones pick up audio signals but instead of using cables, it converts the signals using radio frequencies, just like mobile phones, remote-controlled toys, and Bluetooth devices. Certain frequencies can be awful for wireless microphones to transmit and receive on as they’re sensitive to too much interference or require huge antennas.
To reduce those, wireless systems technology utilizes VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF frequencies (Ultra High Frequency) bands to operate. Microphones that work on the VHF range fall between 169MHz to 216MHz; this range offers excellent sound quality, minimal transmission loss, and acceptable interference.
Meanwhile, wireless microphone systems that function on UHF signals are in the dynamic mic’s range of 300MHz. The dynamic range of these wireless microphones allows numerous systems to work simultaneously, making them handy as an operating range to use in loud stages, concert halls, large venues, festivals, and the like.
The best wireless microphone for you is the one that suits your needs, and if you use famous mics that are incompatible with your needs, regardless if they have the same price, a built-in mic, mute switch, amazing digital transmission, or good volume control, it won’t matter. They won’t be the recording device suitable for you.
Is a Wireless Mic Worth It?
Like most things, there are pros and cons to using a wireless microphone. A wireless microphone’s number one advantage is that it allows you complete freedom of movement when you use it. It can come in three types: handheld mic, lavalier mics, and headset mic models. A lavalier microphone and a headset mic allow you to be hands-free which can be helpful for presentations. A wireless microphone also eliminates tripping hazards and makes your stage look clean and less cluttered as you have no wires in your line of sight.
On the other hand, most wireless microphone systems, if not all, have built-in batteries and the mics cannot be used while charging. Sometimes, there are dead spots in the area you’ll be using your mic, and the mic won’t work in these places. Some wireless microphone systems can operate with two microphones, and some cannot use more than one microphone.
Wireless microphone systems operate with a transmitter and a receiver in the same package; if you mix brands or components from different systems, your device may not work.
All in all, while it certainly has its pros and cons, a wireless microphone is extremely adaptable to numerous scenarios and virtually has unlimited uses. It’s certainly worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wireless microphones do pros use?
Our top pick, the Shure PGXD24, is just one of the best wireless mics pros use. Some professionals also use the Shure BLX288, Røde RØDELink Performer Kit, and the ATW-1102. The previously mentioned mics are all handheld microphones.
For headset mics, pros prefer the Shure BLX14/SM31 or the Samson Concert 88 system. As for lav mics, the Pyle Pro PDWM2145 and the Movo WMIC80 are popular picks. They also take into consideration the clear LCD screen, fixed frequency design, high-quality sound, and a dual channel receiver,
Final Note
There you have it, a list of the best wireless microphones in the market available today. Whether you’re a newbie or a professional in need of a wireless system, this list has you covered. Do remember that when choosing the best wireless microphone, always go for the newer systems as they offer better quality, better battery life, longer operating range, longer frequency range, specific sound pressure, stable connection, remove background noise, provide detailed sound, has diversity receiver and improved technology.
Editor’s Choice
Shure PGXD24
Shure is a legendary brand in the industry, so it’s not surprising to find out that they offer the best wireless microphone system. The Shure PGXD24 is an exemplary wireless system that features the industry gold-standard Shure SM58 microphone.
Tailored for vocals and popular for its bright mid-range frequency response, the PGXD24/SM58-X8 delivers an impressive sound perfect for on-stage use. It employs a cardioid polar pattern, has great noise reduction, and can run for up to 9 hours using two AA batteries. This wireless microphone system is undoubtedly one of the best investments that you can make.
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