How does a wireless microphone work?

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Hoe werkt een draadloze microfoon set? blog MOJGOEAR

A wireless microphone set is convenient for recording videos. How does a wireless mic actually work? And what exactly does a wireless microphone set consist of? In this blog we will explain more about the wireless microphone set.

How does it work?

A wireless microphone consists of several parts:

  • One or more microphone transmitters;
  • A receiver that you connect to your camera or smartphone.

The signal from wireless microphone sets is sent via radio waves from the transmitter to the receiver.

The signal from transmitter to receiver is sent wirelessly. There are various technologies for transmitting audio through the air. This happens at a set frequency. Microphones such as the RØDE Wireless GO II and the Comica Boom XD D2, for example, work via the 2.4GHz frequency. That is the same frequency as WiFi. The advantage of this is that this frequency can be used worldwide without a license.

VHF or UHF

There are also wireless microphones that use UHF (abbreviation for Ultra High Frequency) or VHF (Very High Frequency).

Microphones that work via 2.4Ghz (such as all wireless microphones from our range) are very easy to use. With one push of a button you can turn on the transmitter and receiver and you are ready to record sound.

What does a wireless microphone set consist of?

A wireless microphone set consists of one or more transmitters and a receiver. The part between the transmitter(s) and receiver is wireless.

The receiver

You connect the receiver to your camera, smartphone, tablet, laptop or recording device. You connect some receivers with a cable. Most sets come with different audio cables, allowing you to connect the receiver to different devices. If you want to record the sound via a smartphone or tablet, you often need an adapter .

There are also receivers with a USB-C or Lightning connector, that you plug directly into the port of your smartphone. This is ideal if you only use the microphone set with your smartphone or tablet.

Looking for accessories for your GoPro?

The transmitter(s)

There are different types and models of wireless transmitters. Wireless lavalier microphones are most commonly used for video recording. These are available in two variants:

  • Transmitters with built-in microphone (such as the RØDE Wireless Go, Comica BoomX-D or Ulanzi J12 ). You attach it directly to your shirt.
  • Transmitters to which you connect a lavalier microphone (such as the Boya BY-WM4 Pro or Saramonic UwMic9). You attach the transmitter to your trousers (belt).

Many newer microphone sets can be used both ways.

There are also wireless microphone sets with handheld microphones (also called handheld). These are useful for recording interviews or presentations or if the speaker wants to pass the microphone. Handheld microphones are also widely used at music performances and events.

Do you have the RØDE Wireless GO II wireless microphone set? Then it is possible to transform it into a handheld microphone with the RØDE Interview GO hand holder .

How do you use a wireless microphone?

Most wireless microphones are very simple to use. You can switch on the transmitter and receiver with one push of a button. On the transmitter's screen you can see the battery life and volume, which you can easily adjust. Thanks to the small size of the microphone and the clip-on system, you can easily attach the microphone on or under your clothing.

A pin microphone (also called a tie clip microphone) may be included that you can connect to the wireless microphone transmitter, such as with the Comica BoomX-D D2 . Hide the pin microphone under your clothes and attach it to your clothes with the clip. Wondering how to correctly attach the lavalier microphone? Read more in our blog post 'How does a tie clip microphone work?'

Once you have connected the receiver and confirmed the transmitters, you can start recording immediately. The receiver often has a headphone port so that you can monitor the sound during recordings.

Want to buy a wireless microphone set?

Hopefully, the above information will give you a better understanding of how a wireless microphone set works and what its possibilities are. Do you have any questions or would you like personal advice? Contact us. We are happy to help you!

View our wireless microphones

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