As we venture into the big world of wireless microphones, today we wanted to focus on one of the most common ‘types’ — the handheld wireless mic. Although these are known to have a pretty large budget, especially when we get into advanced wireless mic systems that professionals use on stage, there are also some decent models we’ve been able to find and recommend over the years that don’t cost an arm and a leg. We tried to get a balance in our list below. Let’s get into the best handheld wireless microphones.
The Best Wireless Handheld Microphones
Shure QLXD24/SM58
To kick off our guide, we wanted to find simply a reliable wireless mic system by a brand that we trust. As some come with multiple handheld mics, these here includes one of Shure’s most famous mics ever with the SM58, a very powerful QLXD2 transmitter, two antennas, two BNC cables, two BNC bulkhead adapters, power supply and rackmount kit. In terms of specifications, this handheld wireless microphone system has a dynamic range of 120 dB, operating range of 330 feet, sensitivity of 145dB and a frequency response of 50Hz – 15kHz. It also has a backlit LCD which shows AF and RF levels, menu, navigation, etc. and its battery life is nine hours.
Its Ethernet port lets multiple receivers to network together for frequency coordination through Shure’s Wireless Workbench software in case you need to set up an entire network or perhaps pair up with a few more. The SM58 microphone delivers quality sound when it comes to sound isolation, and wirelessly it is clear and accurate audio with the stable solid RF signal. The Shure QLXD24/SM58 is a professional dynamic cardioid UHF handheld wireless microphone with a high range price tag, but an amazing solution if you can afford it.
Audio Technica ATW-1322 System 10 Pro
Next up, the Audio Technica ATW-1322 System 10 Pro is a professional dual channel hyper-cardioid dynamic digital wireless handheld microphone. It comes with ATW-RC13 rack-mount receiver chassis, two ATW-RU13 slide-in receiver units and two ATW-T1002 transmitters. The transmitters can run for up to 7 hours on battery with an operating range of up to 200 feet, has a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz and its operating frequency is between 2400 and 2483.5 MHz.
The removable receiver units can be mounted remotely and work at a range of up to 328 feet away via Ethernet cable. Regarding sound quality, this microphone has a clear 24-bit / 48 kHz digital audio and the receiver features automatic frequency selection. The Audio Technica ATW-1322 also most notably features triple diversity: Space Diversity, Time Diversity and Frequency Diversity.
Sennheiser XSW 1-835
This microphone has a warm, smooth sound and is easy to use. This system can operate up to ten channels at the same time and features automatic frequency management and synchronizing. The Sennheiser XSW 1-835 system operates at a frequency range of UHF 548 – 572 MHz.
In terms of pickup range, it has a frequency response of 80Hz – 16kHz with a battery life of 10 hours. It includes a receiver with built-in antennas, a vocal microphone and a mic clamp. This mic is ideal for vocalists as it features a gentle boost to help brighten vocals and give them presence. The Sennheiser XSW 1-835 is a professional handheld dynamic cardioid microphone with a price in the mid-range.
Shure BLX288/PG58
Here’s another beautiful wireless handheld microphone by Shure, and this comes with one BLX88 dual channel receiver, two of their PG58 handheld transmitters (mics), two microphone clips and power supply. The receiver comes with built-in antennas, has a two-color LED indicator for audio status and features the QuickScan technology that searches for and chooses the best frequency available. The Shure BLX288/PG58 system can run up to 12 compatible systems per band.
We really recommend this one if you have more than one performer or speaker, although the SM58 is a better mic altogether, the PG58 still brings us some great power and flexibility. This system operates at a frequency range of up to 300 feet and it has a frequency range of 572 – 596 MHz and frequency response of 50Hz – 15kHz. Whereas the microphone has a frequency response of 50Hz – 16kHz. The Shure BLX288/PG58 is another professional, dependable, dynamic super cardioid wireless handheld microphone with great quality sound.
Sennheiser EW 100 G4-835-S
The Sennheiser EW 100 G4-835-S is a wireless handheld microphone system that comes with a SKM 100 G4-S dynamic cardioid wireless transmitter with the mute feature and runs for up to eight hours on battery; one EM 100 G4 rackmount receiver that has two removable antennas, an LCD display; microphone clip and a power supply. This system can run up to 12 compatible systems per band at the same time. The microphone has a frequency response of 80Hz – 18kHz and sensitivity of 154dB.
The system operates at a range of up to 330 feet and has a frequency range of UHF 566 – 608 MHz. It features automatic frequency scan to search for available frequencies, amplified AF frequency range and increased range for sensitivity. It is equipped with the HDX device to improve the signal-to-noise ratio for transparent sound. The last pick as the best handheld wireless microphone in the market right now.
Concluding the Best Wireless Handheld Mics
Wireless microphones are known for having frequency issues; in other words, there are many handheld microphones that are unreliable. But as the wireless technology advances, a lot of wireless microphones are getting more reliable. No matter what, before buying one, check for frequency compatibility as you may have other wireless systems in your setup.
In this article you will find a variety of some of the best professional wireless microphones that are reliable and have different price range, but for the money you are paying, you are getting more quality than the value. Some of these microphones can be used for broadcasting, some for live shows, at home, karaoke, etc. We hope the guide helped your search.