Things to Consider When Buying a Wireless Microphone
Whether you are a singer, musician or actor, a wireless microphone can make your performance better. However, if you are not sure which type of microphone you need, there are some factors you should consider before purchasing one.
Mac McClelland invented the wireless microphone
Using a wireless microphone to transmit a signal to a receiver is not new. In fact, the wireless microphone has been around for almost thirty years. The first big surge in demand came in the 1980s. A handful of notable companies have pushed the envelope with wireless mics, including Nady Systems, Inc. and Lectrosonics.
McClelland had a number of achievements in his long and illustrious career. He was a racing enthusiast, a member of the NHRA, and an inventor. He was also the man in charge of McClelland Sound, a dynasty that would last for three decades before he was lured away to the Big Apple. His wife Janice also joined the family business in 2007.
While Mac McClelland may have invented the wireless microphone, it was his son Richard who took it to the next level. While the mic was in the air, he was busy designing and building custom audio consoles and troubleshooting problems along the way. Eventually, he was able to retire. He did have one more big idea in his wheelhouse, though.
The most impressive accomplishment of the slew of wireless microphones was a device that was able to send and receive signals in the microwave range. In order to make it work, he needed to design an invention that was both durable and aesthetically pleasing. His solution turned out to be a low-power, low-cost, omnidirectional microphone. In the end, he was able to sell the idea to the likes of ABC, NBC, and CBS.
While the wireless microphone is still alive and well, the technology has undergone a few major evolutions. It has become more portable and sleek, while still retaining the same high-end features that made it so popular in the first place. Today, it is more about function than form. It can be powered by a cellular phone or a battery, but in most cases, a person can simply press a button to start transmitting and receiving signals. The best part is, a wireless microphone system can be used by a whole cast of thousands, without the need to lug around heavy equipment.
UHF vs VHF
Whether you’re looking to purchase a wireless microphone system for the first time or are replacing an old model, you may wonder whether a UHF or VHF model will work better for you. While there are many things to consider, the decision is generally determined by “line of sight” operation.
Both systems have their strengths and weaknesses. A UHF system has eight times the radio spectrum to choose from, but it also has a higher price tag. In addition, it is more difficult to design and manufacture.
On the other hand, a UHF signal has a much greater data rate and a much wider range. Moreover, the sound quality is often much more impressive than a typical low-band frequency.
A UHF system is best suited for situations with multiple wireless microphones. This is because it has a wider variety of frequencies wireless microphone available. It is also more reliable. Nevertheless, a UHF system may have a shorter range than a VHF broadcast. It is advisable to use a frequency-agile UHF system to reduce the risk of dropouts.
A UHF system also has a wider array of features and functions. These include signal amplifiers, low-loss cables and antennas. A UHF device also requires a bit more power than its lower frequency counterpart.
The UHF system is also much less likely to suffer from television interference. Although the signal is a lot smaller, it is still powerful enough to send a message to a large audience. However, because it is a very short wavelength, transmission through walls is not as effective.
A VHF system is usually the better choice for most applications. In particular, it is important to note that there are special frequency ranges in the VHF band, sometimes referred to as the traveling frequency. These are popular and are good for certain applications. The primary users of these bands are the Coast Guard, hydroelectric power stations and digital paging services.
In general, the quality of a wireless microphone depends on the support it receives. The latest models have a longer battery life and are more compact and lightweight.
Polar patterns on wireless microphones
Whether you are using a microphone for vocals, lavaliers, or other applications, knowing the difference between polar patterns can help you choose the right microphone for your situation. These patterns can change the directional impact of your microphone and affect your sound levels.
There are two types of polar patterns: omnidirectional and cardioid. These patterns have the same level of sensitivity to any sound coming in from any direction, but each offers a different type of pick-up. They are ideal for capturing natural sounding vocals and instruments. They are also commonly used for a variety of stereo recording techniques. However, they have some drawbacks when recording acoustic guitar or wind.
Omnidirectional microphones pick up all sounds in a 360-degree radius. These are typically the best choice for live performances and studio recordings. They also produce consistent sound levels and are a good option for recording room sound.
The cardioid polar pattern is a classic microphone polar pattern. It is most commonly used in vocals. Its heart-shaped sensitivity pattern allows the microphone to pick up most frequencies directly from the front of the capsule, but rejects most frequencies from the back.
Hypercardioid polar patterns provide more rejection from the sides of the microphone. These types of microphones offer a 105 degree angle of pickup, which is much narrower than the cardioid’s 115 degree angle of pickup. This pattern also offers better rejection wireless microphone of ambient noise, and is more directive than the cardioid.
Some microphones are multi-pattern and can have different polar patterns. These microphones are great for recording vocals and lavaliers, but may not perform as well as more expensive models. In addition, these models are often less effective at cancelling out ambient noise, especially if the environment is noisy.
Generally, the cardioid polar pattern is the most common directional polar pattern. This is due to the fact that it reduces sensitivity to the sound that comes in from the side of the microphone. This helps to eliminate bleed from speakers.
There are other microphone polar patterns, too. Figure-of-eight polar patterns, for example, have two angles of minimum sensitivity. These patterns are most useful for picking up two opposing sound sources.
Eligible users for a Part 74 license
Obtaining a Part 74 license for wireless microphone is a way for a user to obtain priority over unlicensed devices. While the license was originally only available to broadcasters, the FCC recently expanded the qualification of wireless microphone users. It is now open to professional sound companies, large venue operators, and performing arts entities.
While these entities may qualify for a Part 74 license, their eligibility to use the spectrum is limited. The vast majority of nonprofit performing arts venues are currently using fewer than 50 wireless microphones. As a result, the FCC wants to address the needs of these users by educating them about the rules and requirements.
The FCC has issued a number of regulations regarding the use of the spectrum. It once organized an incentive auction for the band, and made rules reorganizing the band for public safety and wireless broadband services. Now, it is examining access to other spectrum bands, such as the 600 MHz band.
The Commission is looking at how to improve the transition of wireless microphone users to other spectrum bands. It is also asking for input on the existing spectrum bands, and how to better educate and inform users. In addition, it is examining whether the current spectrum needs to be repurposed for other uses. Specifically, the Commission is interested in ways to provide information to users about the frequency bands, geographic areas, and the use of wireless microphones.
The FCC is concerned about the difficulty it has had in educating and enforcing the rules of wireless microphone use. To address this issue, the Commission is proposing to require that written disclosures be provided at the point of sale, or displayed on a web site. These disclosures would explain how a wireless microphone works, and what it is required to do to avoid harmful interference from television networks.
To qualify for a Part 74 license for wireless microphone, a user must regularly use 50 devices for a significant event. For example, a professional sound company may require that a concert or other event use at least 50 devices. In addition, the user must protect the primary TV broadcast operations.
