Cordless Microphones

One of the most important tools for audio is a cordless microphone system. I want to write to you today about choosing a cordless or wireless microphone. I'm going to talk about some of the best practices. Cordless mics are great for people running and gunning and shooting video.

Cordless microphones are great if you are a one man show. They will save you a lot of time. There are 2 wireless frequencies that you can work in. VHF which stands for "very high frequency". There is also UHF which stands for "ultra high frequency".

VHF is a more crowded frequency. More people use VHF Cordless Microphones than UHF. It's easier to find a cleaner uncrowded frequency when using a UHF cordless mic. They both accomplish the same thing however. They both transmit and receive an audio signal.

Most cordless mic equipment will consist of a body pack transmitter with lapel microphones. Some people will refer to these microphones as a lavalier microphone. The actual cordless mic will plug into your transmitter and you will attach the transmitter to your belt or pocket. The transmitter will send the radio frequency audio to the receiver.

The receiver will usually be attached to the video camera in some fashion, probably by way of the shoe mount and will have some sort of wired input directly into your video camera. It could be a simple plug or XLR input.

Things to consider before purchasing a cordless microphone system.
1. Make sure the cordless unit will display a low battery signal. Its always good to know when a battery needs to be replaced.
2. Some of the higher end units will tell you which frequency you are working on. That way you can make sure your transmitter and receiver are matched on the same frequency.

Cordless Microphone Tips:

Always keep a line of sight between the transmitter and receiver if possible. It's always possible that cordless microphones can work through walls and such but a direct line is better.

It's always good to monitor your audio with a headphone. This will ensure that there are no surprises when you start editing.

Always carry spare batteries. No explanation needed here right? You don't want a weak battery just at the moment of crucial audio.

If you can choose a diversity receiver that will be great and help to ensure good audio from your cordless microphone. Sometimes audio from your body pack can bounce off walls. If the timing of the audio signal is slightly off, the signals can sometime cancel each other out. A diversity receiver creates a second antenna and a second demodulator. That will ensure different timings. The device will monitor your cordless mic and choose the best signal. This type of receiver will ensure you get the best audio signal.

I hope all of this will help you improve your audio when using and selecting a cordless microphone system. Wireless technology will take your videos to the next level.

If you are into home theater and enjoy wireless gadgets, check out my review of the Logitech Harmony 880 Universal Remote.

Cordless Microphones