Choosing a Wireless Microphone System : CCI Solutions

“I Got No Strings, to Hold Me Down...”
A Guide to Sorting Out Wireless Microphone Systems

Choosing a wireless system may seem costly, and many wireless systems can seem difficult to use or have inherent problems. Thankfully, those are the problems of yesterday. Most of today’s systems are easy to use and have dramatically improved in quality compared to their predecessors. Best of all, they are offered at better prices than ever before. The following is a list of features to look for when selecting a wireless microphone system.

1) High Band Frequencies. Always choose a system with high band frequencies (400 MHz and up in a UHF system). Taxis, ambulances, police and CB radio operators all use systems which typically operate in the low band frequencies. Try to choose a traveling frequency which avoids television station frequencies anywhere in the U.S. Never buy a low band VHF or any AM system since these easily receive interference. If your wireless system easily picks up interference, you may as well not have a system.

2) Range. Your wireless system must have an operating range of 1,000 feet or more. Although your operating space may only be 900 square feet and has few obstructions, we've found that wireless systems which have short operating distances generally have interference problems. Additionally, short-range wireless systems typically can not transmit very well through slight barriers such as pulpits, desks, doors or sound booths.

3) Reliability. Of course you want to purchase a reliable system, but how do you know which systems are reliable? Start with the price tag. Systems that cost $350.00 or less should generally be avoided. Research the systems that are low-noise,

low-static and low-dropout. Find out if the noise reduction they employ is the true companding type. “Companding” is the compression of the signal as it goes into your system and expansion of the signal as it comes out. Noise reduction used by some systems generates a pumping noise which is discernable and annoying.

Make sure the system is well made. Antenna and lapel mic connections are strained with daily use—often by people who are unfamiliar with the system. Investigate the track record of various wireless manufacturers. Determine which systems stay out of the service department the most.

4) On-Board Features. Pick a system with features and future expansion capabilities that will benefit you most. One of the most requested features in a wireless system is separate mute and power (transmission) switches. When your receiver and transmitter are

talking to each other, the two are “locked on” together to the same frequency. During this communication nothing can interfere with your system, except another system on the same frequency. However, when your receiver is on and your transmitter is off, no signal is being transmitted, therefore your receiver is open to pick up any transmitted signal. Even just one stray signal can destroy a performance or message. With the addition of a separate mute switch, the pastor can mute his audio signal when he does not want to be heard. His transmission switch can still be left on, thus “locking” his transmitter on to his receiver and avoiding unwanted stray signals.

Another feature which is almost a necessity today is two diverse antennas.

Single antenna systems are prone to dropouts. True diversity twin-antenna systems use two antennas so if one antenna drops out the other is there to pick up the signal. A sure sign of a true diversity system is detachable antennas. If the antennas can be remotely mounted at least six feet apart then you know you have a true diversity system.

If you know you’ll be operating multiple wireless systems at the same time in one facility, start with the purchase of a system that operates on a narrow band. Many organizations will only need between one and six systems operating simultaneously, and most wireless systems described here will suffice. If you need to operate six or more systems simultaneously, call your CCI Solutions Sales Representative for help.

Other desirable on-board features might be low impedance balanced XLR connections at the receiver, a smaller than usual transmitter, LEDs that show operation mode or battery condition, and unobtrusive antennas.

5) Accessories. Many kinds of accessories are available for every wireless system. Among them are antenna dividers, which allow for multiple systems while using only two antennas; rechargeable batteries and chargers; remote antenna accessories; lapel clips; pop filters and rack mount kits.

Choosing a wireless microphone system may sound overwhelming, but the staff at CCI Solutions is well-equipped to answer your questions and help you select the right wireless system. Avoid costly mistakes. Give your CCI Solutions Sales Representative a call today at 1-800-426-8664.