How Wireless Microphone Systems Work
A wireless microphone system sends a performer's voice to your sound system by radio instead of a cable. Each performer needs their own channel.
The parts of a channel
- Microphone: the earset, headset or lav the performer wears (for example a Bodymic).
- Transmitter (bodypack): worn in a belt or pouch; the mic plugs into it. It sends the signal on a radio frequency. Handheld mics have the transmitter built in.
- Receiver: tuned to the same frequency as its transmitter. One receiver channel per transmitter. Dual and quad receivers hold 2 or 4 channels in one box.
- Antennas and distribution: on multi-channel systems, an antenna distribution unit lets several receivers share one pair of antennas. Paddle (directional) antennas improve range.
- Mixer input: each receiver channel needs its own input on your sound board.
What makes it work reliably
- Coordinated frequencies. Every channel in the room must be on a frequency that doesn't clash with the others or local TV stations. See Understanding wireless frequencies.
- Line of sight between transmitters and antennas.
- Fresh batteries. See Battery best practices.
- Enough mixer inputs for every channel, plus your area mics, band and playback.
Don't want to sort all this out? Show-Ready Wireless Systems arrive racked, programmed, coordinated and tested.