You may be wondering what the best wireless microphone is for singers.
- Perhaps it is your dream to stand on a stage one day, and dazzle thousands of people with your vocal prowess,
- Or maybe you just want to replace your current microphone
- Are you looking for a microphone to complete your recording studio set and get cracking?
Several people dream of being world-famous singers. For some, just being able to get close to a microphone and singing your heart out, sounds really good. Somehow, music has a way of touching the soul and communicating effectively.
Are you looking for a new microphone, that will help you deliver memorable performances? Consider a few factors that will ensure this. First of all, what do you want to use it for?
Think about how many people you want using it at a time. This comes in handy when you are choosing the type of microphone for your project.
Some microphones are set up to pick up sound from different directions. If you are buying it for a solo singer, then you know a multi-directional microphone will not exactly be necessary.
Also, consider where the microphone will be used. Let us explore which microphones are best for singers.
5 Best Wireless Mics For Singers
1. Shure BLX24/SM58 Wireless Microphone System with SM58 Handheld Dynamic Vocal Mic
OUR #1 OVERALL TOP PICK
Shure market this product as the perfect entry-level system for small venues. With a range of 300ft, they do not do this product justice. We will attempt to rectify this injustice.
The BLX288 delivers great quality, crystal clear sound. It does not take much effort to set it up. You could be using it in under a minute. The receiver has an easy to understand yet very intuitive interface.
This is where you would monitor the frequencies through which your sound is being transmitted. There are various preset configurations that you can use.
You can adjust the vocal between lead and backing vocalists. The microphones can also be grouped for output and used as single channels.
The microphone and the receiver are both quite sturdily built. You will not have durability concerns with this one. As with others on this list, you will notice how immaculately finished these microphones are.
There are two lights that you can look out for on the receiver. When you see the green light, you know that your transmission is coming through unhindered. The red light is an indicator that the receiver is not picking it up as well as should be.
When your battery is low the microphones a solid red light. This would give you an hour to replace the batteries before it switches off.
Our favourite function of the Shure BLX288 is that it has a one-touch quick scan feature that provides you with the best channel based on how busy the frequencies are.
This is a great way to ensure that sound is well-transmitted at all times. The gain can be adjusted at a rate of 10 dB. The RF transmitter output is 10 mW. Your battery life for two new AA can be up to 14 hours. The audio input levels are as follow; Gain: 0dB: -20 dBV maximum -10dB: -0 dBV maximum.
For connecting to other devices and systems you have the XLR and ¼” output connectors.
Pros
- The sound quality is exceptional.
- Battery life is an impressive 14 hours.
- This product provides great value for money.
- The overall build quality is good.
- Setting this up is very easy.
Cons
- Most of it is made out of plastic.
- Durability could be much better.
2. Shure BLX14/P31 Wireless Microphone System with Bodypack and PGA31 Headset Mic
RUNNER UP
The Shure BLX14/P31 Wireless Microphone System is designed for those that would rather use their hands for other things when they are performing. It can either be attached to an item of clothing or be a part of an ear-piece microphone.
The sounds that are captured are then wirelessly transmitted to the receiver. There is a transmitter that facilitates this transmission. The mic transmitter and the receiver can be up to 300 feet apart, without any issues of static or dropouts. Beyond this distance, you start to get frequent interruptions and complete blackouts. This shouldn’t be an issue at almost all venues.
To make it easier to get your audio into other devices such as your amplifier, mixer and other receivers, this system has an XLR and ¼ output jack. These are two of the most common connectors on professional audio equipment.
Each purchase includes a transmitter, headset microphone, receiver, power adapter and the user manual. The transmitter is powered by AA batteries, which are not included. Battery life will obviously depend on the batteries that you use. My preferred choice is always rechargeable ones. They are great for the environment and for your pocket.
The system uses a cardioid condenser microphone. This means that it only picks up sound from the direction in which it is pointed, which is great for vocals.
Pros
- Easy to set up.
- It covers a quite a long range.
- Good sound quality for vocals
Cons
- Slightly inferior sound to the hand-held microphones
- There are compatibility issues with connecting directly to a PC.
3. Phenyx Pro 4-Channel UHF Cordless Mic Set
Perhaps you would rather hold your own microphone when singing. Singers have different preferences. The good thing is that the Phenyx Pro has you covered. It is a 4 channel wireless system.
The receiver may be intimidating to look at when if you are not used to sound equipment. Rest assured that there is not much to it. Basic functionality does not require extensive knowledge or expertise.
The sound is transmitted to a UHF wireless microphone receiver. It is captured by 4 very sensitive unidirectional handheld mics.
While there are certain disadvantages of using a unidirectional microphone, they are perfect for singers. They will cut out sound from the surrounding instruments and singer to focus solely at the singer at which it is pointed.
I cannot tell you how incredibly beneficial this is, especially when working with various artists at the same time.
All of the equipment is made a strong type of metal. This is something that you can tell from the first moment when you touch it. There are no initial durability concerns at all.
A dynamic cartridge has been used to minimise the amount of feedback and interference that you get when using the microphone. It is worth noting that the microphones come with set frequency. If for any reason one of them is not working, it may be due to jamming.
This is what occurs when you have more than one device tuned to the same frequency. You can reassign the other device to a new frequency as a remedy to this. The frequency is very stable. There are two LCD displays through which you can see what frequency each microphone is set to.
The range from which performance is best is within 260 feet. There are 4 XLR outputs and a ¼ jack one to connect to other devices from the receiver. Each box contains the wireless receiver, 2 antennas, 4 wireless mics, a power adapter, ¼” cable, a user manual and 8 AA batteries. The battery life is quite good.
Pros
- The XLR and ¼” make it versatile.
- It comes with batteries.
- There are 4 set frequencies
- The receiver and mics are well-made
- There are LCD displays on the receiver.
- You get a 12-month warranty with each purchase.
- Set up is straightforward.
Cons
- Some issues with noise on some units
4. TONOR Dual Professional Dynamic Mic
The Tonor Dual Professional Dynamic Mic is another great pick. It is a handheld system. You will be pleased to know that setting the equipment up is incredibly easy.
They have designed a system that delivers professional-quality recordings. The system is beginner-friendly. You will not need to be much of a tech or sound person to get it to produce good recordings. This is a system that you could get up and running in under a minute.
There are two antennas on the receiver, in an effort to ensure that drop out and interference are all but eliminated. We are happy to report that we did not experience any during product testing. It covers a range of up to 200ft between the receiver and the microphones.
It is difficult to think of scenarios where that would not be sufficient distance.
There is no limit to your liberty of movement within the aforementioned range. This is courtesy of the stability that the signal provides. Any singer will appreciate that.
There is nothing more annoying than having a system that drops out due to movement while you are performing. The receiver has an LCD at that allows you to control and monitor functionality among the various options that it offers.
For connecting to other equipment there is the usual audio cable. You can link it to your amplifier, home theatre or directly to the television. The one thing that will not work is a direct connection to your laptop or PC.
This seemed to be a common theme among manufacturers. The reason for not resolving this eludes me. You will need a pair of AA batteries to power the microphones. The receiver is powered by plugging to an electric power supply.
If you decide to buy more microphones, the receiver will be able to work with up to 15 of them before you need another one. There are two XLR ports for sound output as well.
Pros
- It is easy to set up.
- The receiver supports up to 15 microphones.
- The sound quality produced is good.
- There is a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer.
- It is reasonably priced.
- It comes with windscreens.
- The sound produced is very clear.
Cons
- It is not compatible with laptops, PCs and iPads.
- The manual needs to improve.
- There is no mute button.
5. Innopow WM200 Metal Dual UHF Wireless Microphone System
Our final pick is the WM200 from Innopow. It is a handheld microphone system similar to some of the ones that we have on our list. There are two antennas on the receiver.
As far as looks go I can not say that they are particularly impressive, nor could I say that they disappointed me. This is just as good looking as the others, but not better.
The build of the microphone and that of the receiver feels sturdy when you hold it. It covers a range of between 150-200 ft. There are varied output options that you can turn to.
These are the usual XLR and ¼” cable options. For the best possible results, you can employ the services of a power amplifier.
The microphone uses a unidirectional neodymium dynamic cartridge to produce great quality sound. This is what allows it to capture the sound from the direction to which the microphone is pointed.
It helps eliminate most of the background noises that would cause interference. Singers will also be thrilled to learn that this means that most of the noise that is generated when moving your hands about is also eliminated. It works on a fixed frequency.
You will find that this can be very inconveniencing. It could take you up to 5 minutes just to find a channel that is not congested.
There is a 2-year warranty that comes with this product. In case of replacement, there is an average turnaround time of about 4 days. Each package includes a receiver, 2 microphones, a power adapter, ¼” audio cable, 6.35 to 3.5mm audio adapter and 2 antennas.
Most batteries will last you up to 15 hours in these microphones. It takes 4 batteries at a time.
Pros
- This product delivers great value for money.
- The sound quality is very good.
- There are various output methods that you can use.
- The built feel sturdy.
- Each microphone has a volume control feature.
- Battery life is very good.
Cons
- It does not have the option of muting.
- The channels cannot be reassigned.
Why you need a wireless microphone if you are a singer
Singing is an age-old tradition that dates back to prehistoric times. People would use it to get through difficult situations, celebrate life, mourn a loved one, and sometimes even pass on encrypted messages across enemy lines. It communicates emotion and the state of society in a remarkable way.
The way it is distributed and taken to the public has developed tremendously over the years. From having to figure out room and space acoustics to make sure your voice carried well, to simply using a wireless microphone that will amplify your voice for you and make your voice heard (literally). Before the microphone came along, singers had to find ways to project their voices when singing in public, so that their voices could be carried to the farthest corner, even in the largest venues.
The advent of the microphone, from as early as the 1600s meant a lot had to change in society, including culture and industry. It has gone through various phases and modifications to get to the gadget we know today. It brought along with it, a whole new way of life and revolutionized the way music was listened to. In 1910, Lee de Forest invented the first practical amplifier. He demonstrated it by broadcasting Enrico Caruso’s operatic singing from the Metropolitan Opera House to other locations in New York on January 13. The microphone made this possible.
As times changed, singers had to adapt and learn how to use microphones. Now, singers could maintain a softer more intimate sound and feel, as if they were singing in someone’s home (which was the only way one could get such a feel). This meant that techniques had to change. Microphone techniques had to be developed. What a microphone does, is to place the listener’s ear at the point where the microphone is, so it feels like you are where the singer is.
Simply put, the microphone is a device that has come a long way from the days of its invention, to serve as a sound assisting tool. Vocals can be recorded using a microphone, and the music is immortalized.
Microphones come in different variations, and depending on the intended use, you can get the right one to suit your needs.
Today, microphones are not just used for live performances, or to capture an audience, they are also used for recording. It is thanks to the use of microphones, that the world is now a global village. Music in Russia can now be heard in Africa, all because someone stepped into a studio, and recorded their sound. Now the world can be one big happy musical family.
We take a look at the best microphones for vocals. One of our favourite picks is the Fifine wireless microphone. It is great value for money and it is super easy to use.
Best Wireless Mics For Singers – Buyer Guide
If you are just starting out as a singer, you probably have no clue what equipment will help your craft. Yes, you know how to sing, but without the right microphone, you will not be able to get the most out of your skill. There are various microphones on the market that can help you be the singer you were born to be and sound great too.
What are UHF and VHF?
When it comes to wireless microphones (which is what you want to get if you are to perform more effectively), you can get them in UHF (ultra-high frequency) or VHF (very high frequency). This does not refer to the frequency of the voice, but rather to the transmission of the voice signal from the microphone to its receiver.
VHF microphones usually transmit at around 170Mhz to 216Mhz while UHF microphones transmit between 450Mhz and 952Mhz. This wide range of frequencies, give ultra-high frequency microphones an edge over the very high-frequency microphones. They are less prone to interference because you are less likely to bump into another UHF device, on the same frequency. The downside of these microphones is that they are quite costly.
Which microphone should I get?
The honest truth is that a good microphone will cost you an arm and a leg. But if you are just starting out, this just sounds ridiculous. You are not yet sure what type of return you will get on this if any. And so spending so much on a hobby can seem foolish. But here’s the thing, you can find microphones that fit right in your budget, and still give you the sound you want. It is all about asking the right questions instead of sitting back and crying over what could have been because of the seemingly high expense. There are several great, affordable options on the market, and some of those we have outlined here. Since there are microphones that fall on both ends of the spectrum in terms of price, you will have to compare your prices and contrast what it is you need in a microphone. Analyze what is needed.
What type of microphones are available on the market?
There are a few main types of microphones on the market.
Dynamic microphones
Dynamic microphones are the older cousins of the one you have probably seen. They are pretty cheap and they have stood the test of time. They are durable microphones, so if you know someone who has been using a microphone for a while, then they probably have one or they have used one.
Larger diaphragm condenser microphones
You also get microphones that are large-diaphragm condenser microphones. These are great for studio recordings and are quite easily the most common. They work by using a capacitor to convert acoustic vibrations into an electric current. They are more sensitive than dynamic or ribbon microphones. Them being so sensitive, makes them super great for recording vocals, they can capture every breath and sigh, the little things that make a song unique and personal.
These microphones are exceptional when it comes to producing larger than life vocals. You know when you listen to a song and the voice sound so big, and clear, it is thanks to the help of a good studio recording microphone. Most modern larger diaphragm condenser microphones, offer multi-polar patterns which makes them versatile and allows them to pick a wide range of sounds from different sources. You just need to know which sounds you need and the ones you do not.
Larger diaphragm condenser microphones have a sibling, that is smaller, sometimes referred to a pencil condensers. They may be smaller and thinner microphones, but they still pack a punch and pull their weight. They have an excellent transient response, extended top end, and consistent pickup patterns. They are great in creating acoustic experiences and they usually come in pairs.
Ribbon microphones
Ribbon microphones, go a long way back. If you have seen photos of early day musicians, most of them were singing into ribbon microphones. They use a really thin ribbon of electro-conductive material suspended between the poles of a magnet to generate their signal. In the old days, the design was really fragile. If you moved it recklessly or improperly, you could break the ribbon. In as much as they were not very durable, they still earned their keep by producing amazing sound. They are renowned for their warm and vintage tone and naturally produce a figure-eight polar pattern, responding very well to EQ. Today’s ribbon designs are definitely more durable, however, they are still more fragile than dynamic and condenser microphones.
Versatility
You want a microphone that is versatile and can record a wide range of sounds. If you are buying your first microphone, ask yourself if you want the microphone to be solely for vocals, or if you would also like to double it up for instruments or group recordings. If you commit to a unidirectional microphone then you may regret it. A multi-directional microphone, or a microphone that is versatile and can switch between polar patterns, will give you value for your money and help you stretch your money a little farther.
What is your budget?
One of the most heartbreaking things when it comes to shopping is to see something you truly need (in most cases it is a want more than a need!) and realize that you can not afford it. As the saying goes, the heart wants what the heart wants. To avoid utter heartbreak, have a clear and realistic budget to work with. This way you will know what is in your league and what is not.
Make sure your singing style matches the microphone
A microphone is a personal tool to aid your voice, Because of this, you can not say there is one microphone for one singing style. With this one, you will have to try it and see which one fits you the best.
Final Thoughts
When you decide to record vocals, you will realize that the microphone you use is probably the most important tool, after your voice, that you will use. There are many microphones on the market, that can do the job, but you want the right one, which will give you optimal sound. It is not always easy to know which one is best for what you need it for. If you take the time to look at the characteristics of the microphones available to you and match them to what you need a microphone to do for you, you will find that you can find your perfect microphone in a heartbeat.