Buying a wireless microphone may seem a clever and satisfying idea to the majority of microphone users. For wireless microphones, the most important factor is frequency.
If your frequency is not properly adapted to your recording gadget, then your wireless microphone may not be able to pay off as it should be.
Technically speaking, expecting a good result from a wireless microphone with a tricky frequency is never advisable. Most of my readers must be familiar with this jargon called frequency.
For those who don’t understand this term, I’m explaining it briefly to develop a better insight into the objectives of this article and what a reader should expect to know after a thorough read.
We all know, sound travels in the form of mechanical waves. You can understand frequency as waves passing through the diaphragm of your mic as input in a defined time.
Here I would introduce another term called frequency response.
It carries the equivalent significance of frequency and plays a vital role in determining the quality of audio output that a user receives.
Frequency response is defined as the output that your microphone generates when sound strikes its diaphragm. Audio Connoisseurs can distinguish between the variety of microphones based on the signature outputs they deliver when sound waves strike their diaphragm.
So this question must be popping in your mind, that how to adjust the frequency for the best results.
- Firstly, you need to switch off the wireless microphone transmitters.
- Then adjust all the receivers and their antennas in the desired position.
- Now you may start the scan process by observing one receiver at a time rule.
- After that, obtain your desired channel frequency.
- Next step is to use the infrared transfer button to update your settings.
- Check for smooth transfer of audio signals from the transmitter that is your wireless microphone to the receiving gadget.
That was a brief idea, for an explanation, please read the article till the last word.
Post Contents
Types of Frequencies
Frequency is a highly variable domain in audio, so for your convenience, we have divided it into different bands. Each band has a defined range of maximum and minimum frequencies.
Each band of frequency holds up its signature application. Here I would try to explain some bands with their range and use in practical life.
The frequency band ascends from extremely low frequency to extremely high frequency.
- Extremely low frequency ranges from 3 to 30 Hz and can travel from 10,000 to 100,000 km. This frequency is usually utilized during underwater communications and pigging.
- Super low frequency comes next after the extremely low frequency it ranges from 30 to 300 Hz and can travel from 1,000 to 10,000 km. You can use this frequency range for submarine communication.
- Then we have ultra-low and very low frequencies, respectively. With a frequency of 300 Hz to 3000 Hz for ultra-low frequency, this range is 3 to 30kHz for very low frequency. Ultra-low frequency can cover a distance of 10 km minimum, and the maximum capability of this frequency is 100km. For very low frequency, it is 1 to 10 km. Frequency is inversely proportional to the traveled distance, so as the frequency range increases, distance for that certain frequency decreases and vice versa.
- Ultra-low frequency is typically used for mining purposes due to its capability to travel through the core. As well as in some cases is utilized for military purposes. Geologists usually use very low frequency. In the past, we have used it for investigation beacons.
- Then comes low to medium frequency. It carries a range of 30 to 300kHz for low frequency and 300 to 3000 kHz for medium-level frequency. Distance ranges from 1 to 10 km for low frequency and 100 to 1000 m for medium frequency. Both the bands are utilized for broadcasting purposes.
- Starting with the high-level frequency levels. Firstly, you have a high frequency also known as Deca frequency, ranging from 3 to 30 MHz, traveling a distance of 100 meters maximum and 10 meters minimum. It has an application in the field of radio and antennas.
Then we have frequencies ranging from very high to extremely high.
- Very high frequency covers a magnitude of 30 to 300 MHz and is effective over a distance of 1 to 10 meters. It is utilized in broadcasting applications such as FM radio.
- Next to very high frequency, comes the band range of ultra-high frequency typically employed for walkie-talkie sets, Wi-Fi, mobile phone signal, etc. It has a very high frequency varying from 300 up to 3000 MHz, covering a very short distance of a few centimeters.
- Super high and extremely high frequencies fall in the band range after ultra-high frequency. Overlying a range of 30 to 300 GHz respectively and traveling at a distance of 1 cm to 10mm only.
These bands are used for satellites and radar communication, in microwave ovens for heating and cooking purposes.
The extremely high-frequency band is used for remote sensing and also plays an integral part in the newly introduced 5G mobile phone systems.
What Frequencies Can be Used by Wireless Microphones?
We are living in the modern era, where more or less every sophisticated instrument is working by radiating different frequencies and radiations.
A wireless microphone is one of those types of equipment. But here, determining the accuracy of the frequency carries prime importance.
This is because each wireless microphone exhibits a complementary frequency that must match the signal receiving devices for smooth working output.
Different frequency spectra are label under various licenses. Each one occupies a different limit. If it fails to obey the set limit and frequency, you can not operate your wireless microphone under that frequency.
For instance, if you want to operate your microphone under the category of 174-230 MHz, the maximum power should remain between 3mW.
Similarly, if your microphone frequency range is between 520-694 MHz, the voltage that at most approved is 100mW.
In the same way, you encounter the upcoming broad range of frequency and power.
The point to note here is whenever you choose a frequency, its voltage and frequency should fundamentally match. Otherwise, you may not be able to work with that microphone.
Room for an increased level is there but, for that, a big crowd or a special event is necessary for raising the levels. Where you cannot avoid but raise the frequency levels.
How Do I Choose Best Frequency For Wireless Microphones?
The question that must be popping into your mind while reading the complex frequency and power debate is how you can choose a suitable frequency for your wireless microphone without getting into trouble. Here is your answer.
The first thing to keep in your mind while deciding a frequency is the distance. Yes, the displacement at which you are using your wireless microphone plays an integral role. Therefore, your mic must have a considerably broad effective range. One thousand to fifteen hundred feet is considered a decent range for the operations.
If you are choosing a mic with a narrow range, then you might end up facing disruptions.
Ultra-High Range frequency is the most reliable frequency horizon when we decide on frequency for a wireless mic. It ranges from 470 MHz to 548. It can be transmitted clearly over large distances without any distortion.
Here let me address another myth related to the wireless mics. Nowadays, you have microphones with a frequency of up to 2.4 GHz in the market.
Many users connect high frequency with good performance of their mics, but this is not true in case your microphone frequency is 2.4 GHz or more, then it might end up interfering with your microwave oven frequency or internet signals as the frequency for both the domains remains to be 2.4 GHz. So yeah, you should avoid this high range.
What Is the Best Frequency for Wireless Microphones?
The best frequency for wireless microphones depends on several factors, including location, distance, and interference. In general, frequencies between 400 MHz and 900 MHz are considered the best for wireless microphones, as they offer a good balance between range and interference resistance.
It’s important to note that the specific frequency you choose may be affected by your location and any interference in the area. For example, if you’re in an area with a lot of wireless devices, such as Wi-Fi routers or Bluetooth devices, you may need to choose a frequency that is less likely to interfere with those devices.
Additionally, some frequencies are reserved for certain uses, such as emergency services or broadcast television. It’s important to research and ensure that you are using a frequency that is legal and appropriate for your intended use.
Ultimately, the best frequency for your wireless microphone will depend on your specific needs and the environment in which you are using it. It’s important to do your research and choose a frequency that offers a good balance between range and interference resistance, while also being legal and appropriate for your intended use.
What Are the Unlicensed Frequency Bands in The USA?
Federal communication commission, USA has categorized different operating frequencies, either as licensed or unlicensed frequencies.
Now firstly, let me explain to the reader what is meant by licensed and unlicensed.
Licensed frequency is the range of frequency in the USA, if you need to use it, you first need to apply to the FCC and explain why you want to use it.
Then FCC permits you to use it under certain circumstances. However, without prior permission, you are not allowed to use these frequency ranges.
Then we have another frequency category called unlicensed frequency bands. These bands are in the range of 900 MHz to 5.8 GHz. For their operation, you do not require prior permission or license. Wireless microphones usually do not exceed the unlicensed frequency bands.
Final Thoughts on How to Set Wireless Microphone Frequencies
Wireless mics operate by transmitting different frequencies. Therefore, it is fundamental to understand different types of frequencies and their uses in our daily life.
You have frequencies operating from extremely low to extremely high. But Wireless mics operate under the frequency band of ultra-high frequency.
Different countries have their regulations over frequencies and categorize them as licensed and unlicensed.
I tried to explain the frequency thing in correspondence to power and distance and how you can select the best suitable frequency for your wireless microphones.
I also mentioned the things to avoid while choosing a wireless microphone.
