Let’s face it. Wireless microphones are no longer a gimmick. DJs of all levels have adopted and bought into the concept heavily within the last few years. In fact, most of the manufacturers that make microphones have spent big bucks on wireless mic technology in order to capture a piece of the ever-expanding DJ market.

From my years of retail experience as a P.A. sales manager at Sam Ash Music in New York City, most of the clients that I dealt with, who wanted a wireless system, were not convinced that it would always work in any situation. And to tell you the truth, some systems were prone to problems depending on variable circumstances.

What does that mean? I always told my clients that if the wireless system failed, it’s always a smart thing to have a back-up – a standard wired mic. But today, with the advent of technology, most wireless mic systems are a terrific option for DJs.

Which one is right for you? Which one is the best? In this article, I’ll talk about some of the concepts in wireless mic technology and give you a few examples of some products that I recommend. We’ll take a look into all the topics in question and make sure we’ve got something for you. Whether you are a beginner DJ or have a whole crew of jocks spinning out there, wireless mics are a cool way to go. Let’s get started.

The Basics

I always dealt with numerous types of clients when I was working in the world of retail. DJs with all levels of experience would look for advice on what system would be best for them. My answer was always the same – whatever system did exactly what you wanted it to do and which one didn’t cause you to miss a rent or mortgage payment. The truth is, there are systems available for every price point and systems with certain microphone options that can also cause the price to run up.

In case you aren’t familiar with how wireless mics work, I’ll break it down quickly and easily. First of all, a wireless mic system includes numerous parts. There is always a receiver, which picks up the audio signal, and there is always (don’t lose me here) a microphone. If you use a headset-type mic rather than a handheld mic, you will also need a "body" or "belt" pack that connects to the headset. In a wireless system, you get to pick which components you want. The available combinations are handheld mic and receiver or headset mic, belt pack and receiver. In any case, you are in control of what you want.

I know DJs who hate headset mics and refuse to use them. I know others who swear by headset mics and wouldn’t be caught dead holding a mic. Keeping your hands free, of course, is a main advantage when working on the DJ set. If you are a beginner DJ, you might want to get a basic wireless headset mic or even a handheld. Other higher-level DJs or mobiles working with a whole crew might want a headset wireless system for the actual DJs, but
a handheld for people to pass around
while working a party. There is nothing worse than annoying mic wires when you are trying to get someone to speak into the

microphone. The more you know what you want from the system, the more efficient the system will be for you.

Obviously I won’t be able to cover each and every piece that is made, but I’ll suggest some things based on my experiences and pass them along to you. For more information on any product, check of the company’s website or speak with your local retailer. I will speak very quickly on the subject of VHF vs. UHF reception. In a basic answer, VHF (which stands for Very High Frequency) is based on a fixed frequency or channel. If you choose a basic wireless system, it is most assuredly a VHF system. UHF (Ultra High Frequency) is a more elaborate and expensive system. UHF models are becoming more and more available in varied pricing points, but they are still a more expensive system.

Starting at the beginner level, there are some familiar names that make solid wireless systems. Based in Carteret, N.J., Gemini Sound Products makes numerous wireless systems for those just starting out. The VH-110 system can come either with a handheld mic (VH-110M) or a headset mic (VH-110H). It’s a non-rack mount receiver with a single antenna, but quite a sturdy performer for the buck. Gemini also has a cool system called the NX-220 Dual Channel Wireless System. It’s a unit that comes in numerous configurations, but its main slickness comes from the fact that it can handle two mic systems on just the one receiver. For example, there’s a handheld for you at the spin station and one to pass around for the crowd or an MC. For more on Gemini, check out their website at www.geminidj.com.

N. Kingstown, R.I.-based Numark Industries (www.numark.com) also offers numerous systems for the upstart jock. The WS-111 series comes with either a headset or handheld mic and has a range of 100 feet. It’s a half rack-mount receiver that’s perfect for the DJs who want a small, reliable wireless set-up. It’s quite an affordable system with a MSRP of $175. They also make a dual channel system called the WS-221, which features two handheld mics and one dual channel receiver with rack-mount accessories included. I thought the remote magnetic mountable antennas were a cool idea. It’s a bit more expensive than other beginner rigs, but remember that you’re getting dual mic capability. It’s in the $400 range.

Another good intro model comes from American DJ, a longtime and well-known brand in DJ equipment. Based in Los Angeles, the company has a starter unit for under $200 called the WR-80. It’s a handheld mic with a single-antenna half-rack receiver, which has a decent range of 150 feet. It comes in eight frequency configurations and has a "Battery Low" indicator. For more information on American DJ products, log-on to their site at www.americandj.com.

Always recognized as a major player in beginner entry wireless systems, Nady has increased their performance and has recently shook their "beginner" status. They offer a wide variety of models to meet the requirements of DJs. Based in Emoryville, Cal., Nady Systems can be purchased in either VHF or UHF and can run from single to dual channels as well.

I like the Silver Series, a system that’s made perfectly for the DJ. High quality without breaking the bank, it’s a VHF, non-rack mount package that can be purchased in either a handheld or headset version with a 250-foot range of pick-up. Nady also says that the system, if in "line of sight," can be picked up at about 500 foot. For more information on the numerous configurations and systems that Nady offers, check them out on the web at www.nadywireless.com.

One of the most popular systems amongst DJs is the Shure T Series system. Based in Evanston, Ill., Shure puts out the product in both a handheld system (with the popular SM-58 model microphone) and a headset mic. They are priced economically and have standard features including volume control, mute switch, LED indicators for power and battery, single antenna, a carry case and batteries. Taking a step up in performance and price, the LX wireless series is a rock-solid performer. It’s a VHF-based system that can be rack mounted with accessories and carries a high reliability of output performance. You can get the system with either SM-58, SM-87A, Beta 58 or Beta 87A mics or the WH20 headset mic. I sold so many of these products while in retail that I never had enough in stock. Also check out the Shure SC, UC and UT wireless series.

As for UHF, Shure’s got you covered. There are two main players in UHF Shure wireless – the U4S and the U4D, one for single-mic capability, the other for two mics. You can make any combo between headset and handheld that Shure offers. Both are rack-mountable and feature all the bells and whistles that wireless a mic systems can deliver. Since it’s UHF, the system is not cheap, but unmatched in quality, reliability and overall performance. From the data given out on the website, I understand that there are something like 190 channels available on the system, so you can be sure the rig will work anywhere and everywhere. Check out all the possibilities from Shure at www.shure.com.

Samson Technologies, based in Syosset, N.Y., (www.samsontech.com) offers a wide variety of products as well, from VHF to UHF. One of their most popular series is the Concert IV wireless system. It’s one of the better choices for the jock that wants quality without spending huge bucks. The Concert IV series uses high quality components and has all the standard features of a VHF system including rack mount size, removable dual antennas, XLR and ¼-inch output, and LED audio meter. The other products available from Samson are too numerous to mention, though I would check out the UHF Series One. It’s an affordable UHF system with serious performance. Check them out on the web or at a local retailer.

Of course, other companies that offer varied models in price and configuration. They include Franklin Square, N.Y.-based Azden Corp. (www.azden-corp.com), which offers a large variety of wireless systems, including the 211HS VHF series, which has 30 frequencies, and the 400UDR UHF series, which has 63 frequencies. Models from Stow, Ohio-based Audio-Technica (www. audiotechnica.com) range from the PRO100 VHF handheld and bodypack system to the PRO200 true diversity VHF handheld and bodypack system to the PRO400 UHF handheld and bodypack system.

Nashville-based AKG (www.akg-acoustics.com) offers a great range of product from the WMS 51 diversity system to the WMS 300 UHF true diversity system with 16 switchable frequencies. Old Lyme, Conn.-based Sennheiser’s Evolution Wireless UHF systems include ranges from its basic 100 Series to the top-of-the-line 500 Series. Buchanan, Mich.-based Electro-Voice (www.electrovoice.com) offers its N/DYM UHF ClearScan systems, which include the NRU-N1 and NRU-N2 handheld systems and four different UHF bodypack systems.

Check your local retailer for other products and choices. In order to get the most of your purchase, make sure you understand what you want from the wireless system. Make sure when purchasing a system, you look into what the outputs of the receiver are, since many companies use XLR and others use ¼-inch. Be aware that the packaging for a wireless mic system usually shows all the mics available. Sometimes a headset, lav and handheld are pictured together. Understand that in almost all of the cases, unless you are buying a multi-channel, multi-microphone system, that the product is usually one microphone of choice and a receiver (belt pack is including with any headset system package). Decide whether you want rack-mount capability or not. Think about whether you need two mics on a system. Do you need them to both work independently of each other? Understanding your requirements is half the battle. Embrace the web and talk to other jocks – they will have strong opinions on equipment. Take some advice and think about which system is right for you. Enjoy the wireless world of technology.