Getting The Most From Your Wireless Microphone Systems
In the fifty plus years since production wireless microphones have become available, a lot of changes have taken place. Today’s equipment is more versatile, due to advances in the electronic art, and the choices available to the prospective user are many.
In addition to individual handheld and lapel microphone systems, there are also multi-microphone, multi-channel units to choose from. A popular innovation is the “plug-on” transmitter, that turns your favorite handheld performance microphone into a wireless handheld. There are also more frequency choices today, especially in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band where electrical noise interference is not as pronounced. Many receivers use “diversity” antenna systems, which make use of two antennas searching for the strongest signal. There has never been a better time to enhance the worship experience by the addition of wireless microphones.
The best equipment, however, can provide frustration if not properly set up and operated correctly. Some simple rules and tips can go a long way toward better sound…you do not have to be an RF (Radio Frequency) expert to implement these ideas.
Choosing the right wireless microphone is the first step. Consider the duty of the microphone: singing performance or lecture/speaking? You should never sing into a lapel mike that has an omnidirectional (all-around) pick up. You are sure to get poor sound and possibly feedback as the microphone picks up reflected audio signal. Use a handheld wireless for singing. Use the lapel for speaking. Some purchase two microphones, for interchangeability, or double duty. If they are on the same radio frequency, be sure one microphone is turned off while the other is operating, or you will have them interfere with each other. A dual frequency system is the better choice. If a handheld microphone is not desired, some nice over-the-ear microphones suitable for singing are available.
Microphone gain is a very important part of the picture. Remember, one half of the system is a radio receiver, and this part supplies the audio signal to your sound system. Start with the input channel on the sound system or mixer. Adjust this channel to about ¾ volume level, or if marked, to 0dB. Set your master amplifier output to a comfortable listening level. Now have someone speak into the wireless microphone while you adjust the receiver’s gain control until you get a nice clean distortion free audio signal. This “stage gain” adjustment guarantees that the sound system volume control has enough range to adjust for multiple voice levels and can kill the signal by taking the control down to zero.
Place the receiver where the antennas are not completely obstructed, and try to place it as high as is practical. This will greatly improve reception. If you must run a very long cable between the receiver and sound system, choose a system that has XLR type connections. This will insure much less loss of signal in the cabling.
These are just a few ideas, but can make a world of difference when you want the audio to be “just right” so as to enhance your worship service.