Mics - MusicM

To make the most out of a live performance, the best wireless microphone for singers goes without saying is a must-have. Wireless mics are super flexible, easy to use, and won’t limit singers in one place which boosts their confidence. How do they work? Well, wireless microphones system comprises three units: Mic, transmitter, and receiver. Through the mic, the electrical signal goes to a transmitter then converted to radio waves, and finally converted back to an electric signal by a receiver to a sound system. Using a wireless microphone for sure do away with an array of cables. But if you prefer cable mics check out my Best microphone for vocals Wireless microphones have been in existence for quite a long time now but the dawn of advanced technology has completely revolutionized the capabilities of a wireless mic. They are sleek, smaller, and more powerful than ever. But with the tech surge, we’ve witnessed the entry of a battalion of new wireless mics into the market each boasting to be the best which makes finding a good mic such a tough task. So, today I have compiled a list of the best wireless microphone for singers that I have tested and the most recommended from most sound engineers I’ve interacted with. Before we review the mics let’s check what you need to consider when buying a wireless mic. Wireless Microphone Buyer’s Guide Budget- The price of a mic is determined by its quality response. So, the more bucks you are willing to throw in, the better the quality mic you'll get. Where to Use the Mic- The location where you intend to use the wireless mic really plays a key role. You need to know if there are lots of obstacles, buildings, the distance between mic and receiver (Range), etc. Digital or Analog - Wireless mics allows user to pick from two options: Digital or Analog. A digital wireless mic utilizes a dedicated signal like Wi-Fi to transmit signals while Analog mics use radiofrequency to connect. Type of Frequency- Wireless mics utilize two systems: Ultra high frequency (UHF) or Very High Frequency (VHF). VHF is the oldest option that has become outdated due to its slow speed. UHF systems are well upgraded and offer higher frequencies with minimal congestion. Pickup pattern- The direction in which the mic picks sound varies a lot. We got four common picking patterns in wireless mics. That’s Omnidirectional, unidirectional, cardioid, and super-cardioid. Cardioid wireless mics are the most sensitive. Type of Wireless Mic- Wireless mics allows you to pick either a handheld, lavalier, or headset microphone. Read Also: Best live vocal mic Best wireless microphone for singers Reviewed 1. Shure BLX2/SM58- Best Wireless Mic Specifications Wireless mic & transmitter Integrated mic capsule design 100 m operating range 50-15,000 Hz Frequency range Operate up to 14 hours on 2 AA batteries On/Off Power Button At this level, Shure doesn’t need an introduction. The company is a legend so to speak and BLX2/SM58 handheld wireless mic cuts straight to the chase packed with a plethora of features. Check Price on Amazon It features the SM58 cardioid dynamic capsule which works magic for vocal and singing purposes. The capsule is equipped with a cardioid polar pattern designed to reject off-axis noise. The BLX2SM58 also comes with a pneumatic shock mount system plus a grille of hardened steel ideal for handling noise and protecting the whole device. Talk of durability and this wireless mic is a true example. It’s crafted for the most hostile a mic can undergo. Starting from mic drop…you name it. Thanks to infusing Shure’s premium BLX2 wireless transmitter, the SM58 raises the bar of excellence in vocal capturing. This timeless wireless mic has a tremendous career history as it was the most common mic used by US Presidents, church events, pop singers, standup comedians, and the list goes on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfHNl2Cmt9U 2. Sennheiser EW 500-965 G3- First Runner Up Wireless Mic Specifications Enhanced frequency bank system HDX compander for crystal-clear sound Integrated Equalizer and Soundcheck modes 42 MHz bandwidth: 1680 tunable UHF frequencies Illuminated graphic display (transmitter settings) Enhanced AF frequency range If you want to enjoy rich sound while capturing every good and bad note, go for the Sennheiser way. It’s the leading wireless mic for professional singers performing in any size concert. Check Price on Amazon The Sennheiser G3 comes with an SKM500 G3 handheld transmitter flanked with an e965 true condenser. Its enhanced frequency bank system is designed to use up to 32 compatible frequencies. Sennheiser mics are known for durability and this unit follows closely in their footsteps. It’s forged with a sturdy metal housing that features an illuminated graphic display to ease usage. To spice things up, this wireless mic utilizes a built-in Ethernet port that secures the connection with Wireless System Manager (WSM) software. This allows you to control it easily from the computer. It’s reliable and durable and the only regret you’ll have about the EW 500-965 G3 is not buying it sooner. 3. Audio-Technica ATW-1102- Second Runner Up Handheld Specifications Operating Frequencies: 2.4 Ghz ISM band (2400 to 2483.5MHz) Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20KHz (Depending on Mic type) Operating Range: 30m (100’) typical Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.05% typical Battery type: Two 1.5V AA (not included) Weight: 2 oz/ 290 g If you are looking for a portable digital wireless handheld microphone that’s quick to set up then grab the Audio-Technica ATW-1102. This mic comes already with preconfigured setup ready to use after unboxing. Check Price on Amazon The Audio-Technica comes with a handheld transmitter that is equipped with hypecardioid dynamic microphone capsule that ensures the output sound is natural and perfectly optimized for vocals. The transmitter can run up to 7 hours of continuous use powered by two AA batteries while it supports up to 8 mic channels that work concurrently. Having been engineered with excellence, the AWT-1102 offers pristine communication via powerful volume controls and AF highest. Having attended several gigs where the Audio-Technica ATW-1102 was used, I feel very impressed with this mic and strongly recommend it. 4. Shure BLX14/SM31- Best Headset Specification Wireless Technology: Analog UHF Antenna Diversity RF Frequency Band H9: 512 to 542 MHz RF Bandwidth: 24 MHz Polar Pattern: Cardioid Max Operating Range: 300’ / 91.4m Dynamic Range: 100 dBA Audio Output Level XLR Output: -27 dBV The Shure BLX14/SM31 is a wireless Headset microphone solely crafted for singers who love to dance and move all over the stage while performing with its super-lightweight feature. Check Price on Amazon It features an SM31FH cardioid fitness headset mic with windscreen plus a whisperer. The headset is designed to fit perfectly and comfortably hold tightly enough even during intense activities. Also, its equipped with moisture-repellent hydrophobic fabric that helps shield the mic capsule from sweat and humidity. To help you quickly search for frequency availability, the Shure BLX14 receiver features a one-touch QuickScan that also locates a clean RF channel when interference occurs. This condenser mic is built for comfort and detailed vocal projection. Its’ cardioid polar pattern help to get rid of unwanted noise with a custom-made frequency response enhanced for voice articulacy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlTsaph_dNY 5. Sennheiser EW 135P G4- Best for live Performance Specifications MMD 835 Dynamic Cardioid Mic Capsule 1680 Auto-Scan Frequencies Capsule: Dynamic Up to 12 Mics on Set/33’ Range Type: Handheld RF Bandwidth 42 MHz RF Frequency Band A: 516 to 558 MHz Receiver Type: Camera-Mount The Sennheiser EW 135P G4 is designed to offer a decent sound solution fused with flexibility. It's simple to mount and super easy to use. Check Price on Amazon To ease setup, the EW 135p frequency scan function automatically searches and selects the best frequency for you while fully utilizing the UHF spectrum. The systems feature a camera-mount receiver and a modern lightweight handheld transmitter that features an MMD 835 cardioid capsule design. This is a perfect pic in states where there’s no time to position a lavalier mic or pass the mic quickly between several people. You get up to 100 meters of range and a whopping 8 hours of battery life. Read Also: Best studio headphones for mixing Conclusion The current market is flooded with a plethora of wireless mics designed for singers which makes the selection process stressful. The listed mics cut to the chance in my list of the leading mics that are ideal for professionals and start-ups. I have used a good number of the listed wireless mics and also got a decent response from most users.