Choosing a wireless system

October, 2013

When choosing a wireless mic system, there a 4 main factors I believe you should consider:

1.  Sound Quality   

As a rule you get what you pay for.  When it comes to wireless mics, get the best mic your budget will allow.

2.  UHF vs. VHF

UHF systems are much less susceptible to interference from other wireless, and electrical sources, but they cost more. 

3.  Lavalier vs. Headset

Lavalier mics may be more comfortable but headsets tend to give better performance as they stay the same distance from the mouth at all times. 

4.  Diversity Systems

True diversity systems receive the signal through two distinct and separate receivers with two different antenae at the same time.  The system then monitors both signals and switches back and forth between them using whichever signal is stronger.  This greatly reduces the risk of signal drop.  Diversity systems have two receivers but they do not monitor the signals being received they simply switch from one to the other when the signal in use drops below a certain strength.  Unfortunately there is no guarantee the alternate signal is better than the original, and switching channels might actually make the problem worse.  True diversity systems obviously cost more.