A wireless microphone uses radio frequency to convert acoustic signals to electric signals before transmitting them to the receiver. Powered by batteries, it is used within a certain range from the receiver without the need for a cord or a wire. It can be categorized according to how it is handled (body pack, handheld, and plug-on) and according to its frequency band (VHF and UHF).
Kinds of Wireless Microphones include the following:
Types according to how they are handled
Handheld
A wireless handheld microphone is commonly used by vocalists and stage performers.
It can be held by the hand or placed on a microphone stand for hands-free use.
It has a built-in transmitter for wireless amplification.
Bodypack
A wireless bodypack microphone should be referred to as a wireless cable rather than a microphone, as it consists of the transmitter only.
Any type of microphone with the appropriate adapter cable can be plugged into it for wireless amplification.
It is generally used with lapel or lavaliere microphones.
It comes with a clip for clipping to the belt (back, hip, or front).
The microphone also has a clip for attaching to the collar, lapel, or necktie.
Plug-on
A plug-on unit is a transmitter that can be plugged into and used with a condenser microphone or a stationary microphone planted in the set.
Types according to frequency range
VHF
A wireless microphone using the VHF frequency range works in the upper VHF bands (TV channels 7 to 13).
It should not be used when shooting out of town or on the road because local TV stations broadcast in the same frequency.
UHF
A wireless microphone using the UHF frequency range is less susceptible to the most common sources of radio interference compared to the one using the VHF frequency range.
It is ideal for ideal for stage applications.
It usually has a short transmitter antenna that makes it easy to conceal in clothing.
Receiver: Choose a wireless microphone with a “diversity receiver” that can switch between two receivers and antennas positioned at least ¼ wavelength apart. This type of receiver compares incoming signals continuously, switching instantly to the better signal to eliminate dead spots or dropouts.
Sound: Choose a wireless microphone with an open sound, as opposed to one that tends to isolate, to soften the problem of forced close-up perspective when recording for film or performing on stage.
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