Wireless microphones are a staple of live event production.  Once freed of a mike cord, presenters are no longer confined to a lectern and can use the entire stage with confidence.  Questions from the floor can be fielded swiftly with the use of roaming microphones in the audience.  This freedom of mobility helps to produce events that look and sound more professional.  Because wireless microphone technology is such a standard part of modern event production, expectations are high that this equipment will perform flawlessly.  However, many factors contribute to making this possible.

Wireless microphones must operate free of interference.  Audio is transmitted through FCC-regulated radio frequencies.  It’s the job of your event’s audio team to find clear and stable channels for each wireless microphone to be used – the more microphones, the more available frequencies needed.  Every venue is different, and in more locales, competition for usable frequencies can be challenging.  Working in a large convention center may increase the competition because of other productions using wireless microphones elsewhere in the same facility.

Understand the changes in regulations.  There are now even fewer wireless microphone channels available because the FCC recently sold off a large portion of the frequency range for use by other services such as cell phone networks.  Effective June of this year, it made it illegal to use wireless microphones designed to operate within the 700 MHz band.  While we at Mills James are prepared for this change, it will make competition for useable frequencies even greater.

Analyze your wireless environment.  Interference from other devices can cause wireless microphones to drop out, make ugly static sounds, or even transmit someone else's microphone.  Mills James takes detailed precautions to prevent interruptions or interference to our wireless microphone systems.  We use professional computer frequency analysis and calibration software to find free and clear channels.  On show sites, we run extensive diagnostic frequency scans before anyone takes the stage.  We use distribution systems to boost the power of our antennas so the microphone signals can cover any size event space.  We ensure that no presenter is wearing a cell phone or other portable electronic device that could cause havoc with wireless systems.

Having a good backup plan is crucial.  Every audio system must have a “Plan B,” and at each event we have backups standing by – including a wired microphone located either at the podium or the side of the stage in case of an emergency.  We make sure presenters understand exactly what to do if there is a problem with their microphone, so they can gracefully transition to a backup if necessary.  The show must go on!

Wireless microphones add freedom and flexibility for meetings and live events of all kinds.  Before your next gathering, make sure your production team is prepared to manage all the issues to assure high-quality audio in an increasingly wireless world.

By Bill Wells, Audio Director, Mills James