Do you need to set up a conference room for a ceremony or are you planning to organise a series of events such as product presentations, fashion or music shows? Maybe you have a venue, and want to attract more customers by installing a karaoke system? Wireless microphones are undoubtedly the top of practicality: raise your hand if you have never thought of buying one, maybe just to have fun singing with friends. The first question is: how much do you have to spend to have a cordless microphone for singing or for quality wireless conferences? Much less than you think! Technology is constantly evolving, and on HiFi-Tower you can now find excellent portable microphones at absolutely affordable prices.
There are microphones for any type of application, we will tell you about a series of characteristics so that you can select the best microphone for the desired application. The three basic concepts for choosing the right microphone are:
After these somewhat abstract concepts to choose your microphone you have to ask yourself some questions.
There is no such thing as a one size fits all microphone; they all sound different, and they all have their specific use depending on the application. However, vocal microphones, including wireless microphones, can be divided into three common categories:
The environment you are in also plays an important role in the selection of your microphone and the polar pattern you use. For example, an omnidirectional pick-up pattern can work very well in a studio. Still, in a live environment, where other sound sources are present, it is important to choose a directional polar pattern. A cardioid or supercardioid polar pattern will pick up sound from the front and reject sound from other directions; reducing the possibility of feedback, while a bi-directional wireless microphone picks up sound evenly from the front and back, rejecting the sound from the sides.
Cardioid pickup patterns are affected by a physical presence known as "proximity effect", which causes bass frequencies to increase as the microphone approaches the sound source. This effect can be used by the singer or engineers to fatten up a vowel if desired.
Do you really need wireless microphones, or can you settle for a simple traditional microphone? What good is spending money on a wireless system when you can achieve the same goal with a slightly longer cable? Well, if these are the questions you are asking yourself, then you should know that choosing a wireless microphone system is not just a question of aesthetics or comfort. A cable is not a neutral element, but opposes the passage of the audio signal; therefore, longer cables mean more signal degradation. Furthermore, connectors are subject to wear and tear, and burdened by the weight of the cable, on which you often end up tripping and causing heavy stress, they risk breaking down right in the thick of it.
Exactly: the oldest, apparently most reliable technology is the one that can cause the most problems. In the case of karaoke, then, the wireless microphone is an indispensable tool if you want to liven up the evening and make the patrons sing at the tables. Not everyone has the right personality to stand up in front of everyone and go to the console, but give them a microphone in their hand and you will see them go wild.
As soon as you dive into the sea of online microphone offers, you go for a ride to one of the "physical" musical instrument shops, the first thing you notice is the presence of receivers with a double or single antenna. What really changes? A radio microphone can lose its signal if it finds obstacles between itself and the receiver. In the case of a dual antenna receiver, there is an automatic switch that automatically connects the microphone to the antenna that has the best reception. Dual antenna systems also differ according to which system the receiver uses to prioritise the antenna with the best reception: ant-diversity, which chooses which signal to send to the receiver, and true-diversity, which sends the signals from both antennas to the receiver, which are then selected according to quality. The first system is cheaper; the second guarantees better reception.
Setting up a wireless microphone may not seem as simple as plugging in a wired microphone. We always suggest that you follow the advice found in the brand's instruction manual to get the most out of your specific system.
No matter what you do on stage, on HiFi-Tower you can easily find a suitable wireless microphone for your needs. Here is an overview of the different types of wireless microphone systems available.
Wireless handheld microphones are perfect for singers, and they are also ideal for stage situations where a microphone will be passed from person to person. The wireless transmitter is integrated into the body of the handheld microphone, so it only has two components in this type of system: the handheld transmitter/microphone and the wireless receiver. Most manufacturers offer wireless versions of their most popular wired microphones so that users or singers do not have to change their sound when switching to a wireless system.
Wireless headset microphones are the best choice for dancers, vocal drummers, dance and fitness instructors, and anyone acting on stage, a wireless microphone headset uses a headset microphone or earpiece that is connected to a body-worn transmitter that you wear, and a wireless receiver.
This wireless microphone is ideal for brass, woodwind and percussionists. Just remember that the microphone is connected to the bodyworn transmitter: if you plug the microphone to an instrument set and the percussionist wears the belt, make sure that he or she does not leave without removing one of the two.
The main difference between this type of system and the lavalier microphone system, is that this system uses a microphone optimised for the sound of an instrument rather than the sound of a voice. Guitar and bass systems have only two components: a pouch transmitter in which the musician directly connects his instrument and the wireless receiver. In the real world, your production or use may require some or all of these types of systems.
Imagine a typical small band configuration: guitars and bass guitars can use wireless instrument systems, the lead singer may prefer a handheld transmitter system, and the drummer may want a headphone system. The important thing to know is that the basic configuration and operating principles of these systems are all the same.