Published in the June 2008 issue of DJ Times Magazine
Volume 21 - Number 6
By Ron Bryant

A mobile entertainer without a wireless microphone system? Can’t happen.
No, every mobile entertainer must have at least one reliable system (and probably more) to make announcements and get the party started right. Which type of system—handheld or headset—is certainly up to the DJ. But now more companies than ever offer credible solutions for mobile applications (including karaoke).

Here’s a quick rundown of the latest from companies that manufacture and/or distribute wireless microphone systems. Some companies—the ones which aren’t principally in the wireless business, like Behringer or Peavey—only offer a few systems; however, companies like Shure and Audio-Technica are knee-deep in options for mobile DJs. We’d encourage you to visit their websites for the incredible range of product offered by these outfits.

AKG Acoustics (akg.com)
At the most recent Musikmesse show in Frankfurt, AKG announced upgrades to its range of WMS 40 wireless systems. Look for a sleeker design and reduced handling noise on AKG offerings like the WMS 40 Pro 444 UHF Headset Wireless Mic System ($350 list). The popular mobile system includes the SR40 single receiver, PT40 Pro transmitter and the C-444l headset mic.

American Audio (adjaudio.com)
The L.A.-based company offers affordable solutions for all professional-DJ needs. Newer releases from American Audio include the WM-64 HH wireless handheld system ($179 list) and the WM-700 HH wireless handheld system ($279 list). Both are capable of 700 UHF frequencies and ranges up to 150 feet.

Audio 2000 (audio2000s.com)
Audio 2000’s AWM dual-channel, true-diversity series includes the AWM6546, which includes several variations (handheld, headset, and combination packages). The AWM6546DU rack-mountable UHF 100-frequency 2-channel system ($299 list) includes two handheld microphones.

Audio-Technica (audio-technica.com)
A-T offers a slew of options to mobile DJs, including the 700 Series Freeway systems. From that range, jocks might want to check the ATW702 ($399 list) handheld wireless package, which includes the ATW-R700 receiver and ATW-T702 unidirectional dynamic mic/transmitter, and features eight selectable UHF channels and automatic frequency scanning.

Behringer (behringer.com)
Behringer makes almost every pro-audio product under the sun, so naturally it offers a pair of wireless solutions. The Ultralink UL2000B high-performance UHF true-diversity headset system ($289) offers 320 selectable frequencies, while the similar Ultralink UL2000M ($249) comes with handheld microphone.

Gem Sound (gemsound.com)
The budget-priced Gem Sound offers several wireless systems, including the UMA-250HM ($249 list), which includes two handheld mics and features two independent frequencies and a 400-foot range.

Gemini Sound Products (geminidj.com)
Veteran supplier Gemini manufactures four wireless ranges, including the UF, UX, VH and UZ systems. The UZ series allows up to 12 channels to be used simultaneously with multiple systems and it includes the UZ-1128, which features 128 channels and 400-foot range, and is available in lavaliere ($389), microphone ($389 list) and headset ($399 list) versions.

Nady Systems (nady.com)
The longtime maker of wireless products for all applications offers a full range of options—from the single-antenna DKW-3 Handheld system ($69 list) to the 1,000-channel UHF U-2000RX ($1,439). Upstart DJs might want to check out the UHF3HT handheld system ($179 list).

Peavey (peavey.com)
Peavey is another company that makes products for every pro-audio segment. It offers several wireless solutions, including the PVi VHF system ($129 list). It includes a receiver, a handheld mic and a soft-shell carrying case. For DJs with a bigger budget, Peavey also offers the Pro Comm PCX U-1002 handheld wireless UHF system ($799 list).

RSQ Audio (rsqaudio.com)
Known for its karaoke and wireless solutions, RSQ offers a pair of newer systems—one VHF and one UHF. The VHF-22 karaoke system ($119 list) applies tone code squelch design to avoid interference from outside signal and noise. The UHF-77 wireless system ($179 list) includes a receiver unit that features a quartz-controlled fixed frequency UHF high band. Both systems include two handheld mics.

Samson (samson-tech.com)
Samson manufactures VHF and UHF systems for mobiles. The former includes VHF Stage 5 single-antenna system ($159 list) and the dual-antenna, true-diversity Stage 55 ($229). It also offers the Concert 77 ($289 list) UHF true diversity handheld system and headset system

Sennheiser (sennheiser.com)
Sennheiser makes wireless solutions for almost every application. The Evolution Series includes the durable EW135P-G2 handheld wireless system ($798 list) which features the MD835 dynamic cardioid capsule and a receiver with over 1,400 frequencies.

Shure (shure.com)
Known for its legendary SM-58 microphone, Shure offers microphone choices for all five wireless systems—Performance Gear, PGX, SLX, ULX, and UHF-R. The SLX24-SM58 handheld system ($850) with 960 operating frequencies is just one of many, many solid choices from the Shure family.

Voco Pro (vocopro.com)
Offering karaoke and wireless products for KJs and DJs alike, Voco Pro recently introduced the UHF-6800 wireless system ($499), which features 100 frequencies.