Recommendation of Wireless Microphones for Every Application - Handheld Edition 2025

In 2024, events and live concerts will be held in many places, and I often hear people around me talking about whose live concert they went to. I was able to participate in live performances as a performer, and when I held the sticks for the first time in a while, I realized that my skills were even worse than before, reminding me that continued practice is strength.

My instrument is drums, and since I am not good enough to play it while adding chorus, I have never had anything to do with a microphone. However, due to band circumstances, I decided to use a headset type wireless microphone so that I don't have to worry about cable routing…

Since the pandemic, more and more people want to have their own microphones instead of using other microphones all the time.

Furthermore, if you are a vocalist, it is extremely natural to want to have your own microphone to distinguish yourself from your competitors. Once you have your own microphone, you may have further desires such as wanting to move around at gigs or avoid having cables in the way. Wireless microphones can fulfill such desires!

First, let's start with a brief explanation of the basics you need to know when using a wireless microphone.

Advantages of Wireless Microphone

• As the name suggests, the greatest advantage of wireless microphones is that they are wireless, which means they can be moved around freely without worrying about cables.
• Noise generated by long cables running from the PA table through several devices can also be minimized.

Disadvantages of Wireless Microphones

• The number of microphones that can be used in the same area is limited due to the variable number of channels available for each product.
• There is a risk of interference depending on the radio waves used.
• More expensive than wired microphones
• Unlike wired microphones, audio signals output from a transmitter are sent to a receiver via radio waves and output as audio signals, which may affect sound quality to a small degree. However, this is not necessarily a disadvantage since the effect varies depending on the device.

About Frequency Bands

Several frequency bands are used for transmitting and receiving wireless microphones. Each frequency band is referred to as follows

A-band

Recently, it is also called the WS band (white space) or the new frequency band.
The A-band previously used radio waves in the 770-806 MHz band. It is also called a specific radio microphone and it requires a land mobile station license for use. In return, the possibility of interference is reduced, so this type of microphone is often used for events and large concerts in halls and domes. Due to the recent increase in the use of cell phones and other devices, the government has revised the Radio Law and is now shifting to the white space band (470-714 MHz), 710-714 MHz, and 1.2 GHz (1240-1260 MHz). The 710-714 MHz band that was most commonly used for radio is no longer available.

B-band

The B-band uses the 806-810 MHz band. This one does not require a license and is easy enough for anyone to use. This type is often sold in music stores. Depending on the model, some products allow up to 8 units to be used simultaneously within the same area. Due to the revision of the Radio Law, it has been announced that some products manufactured under the old standard will no longer be able to function after December 1, 2022. However, taking into account the impact of the spread of the pandemic, a grace period is still in effect. Although no deadline has been announced at this time, it would be advisable to consider replacing them.

Recently, 800 MHz digital wireless microphones are available from various manufacturers, and there are wireless systems with clear sound quality and a maximum simultaneous use capacity of 30 microphones.

C-band

The C-band is a type that uses radio waves in the 300 MHz band. No license is required. Although the sound quality is considerably inferior to that of the A- and B-bands, it is used for communication systems for staff to talk to each other in a store, taking advantage of its high radio frequency range.

1.9GHz band

This type uses the 1.9 GHz band. This doesn’t require a license, so anyone can use it. The 2.4 GHz band is the same digital band, but it is a different band from the popular Bluetooth and Wi-Fi bands, so it is a less congested band. However, some digital cordless phones and home security-related products use this band, so care should be taken when operating them.

2.4GHz band

This type uses the 2.4GHz band, which does not require a license and can be used by anyone. It does not require a license and can be used by anyone, but since it is in the same frequency band as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it may cause sound interruptions if Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices are used nearby. One of the advantages of the B band is that it can be used simultaneously with the B band without causing radio interference.

Properties of Radio Waves

Different frequencies (wavelengths) of radio waves change the way they are transmitted. For this reason, frequencies are selected to suit various purposes. Although radio waves travel straight through the air, the way they propagate differs greatly depending on whether the frequency is high or low.
The frequencies between 800 MHz and 2.4 GHz used for wireless microphones are the ones with the most direct propagation, and the 2.4 GHz band is especially useful for large outdoor events. The 800 MHz band is more shield-resistant than the 2.4 GHz band due to its wrap-around nature, and is the same frequency band used by NTT DOCOMO and SoftBank in their mobile handsets, known as the platinum band.

Difference in Sound Quality between Digital and Analog

There are two types of wireless radio waves: analog and digital.
Analog signals are compressed or decompressed by a compander, so the timbre changes in response to the input signal. To put it simply, the tone is close to that of the human voice. The digital method, on the other hand, does not use FM modulation and does not use a compander. The sound is good because it becomes digital data before being sent over the airwaves, and the voice signal doesn’t change its shape. It also features a wider dynamic range than analog.

Points to Consider When Selecting a Wireless Microphone

When selecting a wireless microphone, there are some factors to decide on.

■ How many microphones do you want to use in the same area?

It is often written on the product page that “X waves can be used in the same area”. This refers to the number of microphones. First, decide how many microphones you want to use, including you and other band members.

■ What are the frequency bands and makes/models of the other wireless system users?

In general, I recommend that you use the same make and series of wireless microphones. This is true for both the transmitter and receiver, as well as when using multiple systems in the same area. For example, let's assume you have a SHURE SVX series receiver. If you want to take advantage of this and add more microphones, you will need a microphone and transmitter that are compatible with the SHURE / SVX series.

Compatible handheld microphones

SHURE / SVX2/PG58

SHURE / SVX2/PG28

Second, if I have one set of SHURE's SVX288/PG58, what if I want to add two more singers?
Since the SVX can only use up to three waves in the same area, you cannot add another SVX series. Since priority is given to the least number of simultaneous use, even if you add a higher-end BLX model that can use six simultaneous waves, you will not be able to use another wireless microphone in the same band (800 MHz) since only one more wave can be added when two SVX waves are in use.

In such a case, you can simply add a 2.4GHz microphone with a different frequency band.
With 2.4GHz microphones, there is no worry of interference even if they are used simultaneously with the B band.
They are available from CLASSIC PRO, LINE6, SHURE, and audio technica.
Please refer to the following

• CLASSIC PRO / Wireless Microphone / Handheld 2.4GHz List
• SHURE / wireless microphone / handheld 2.4GHz list
• audio technica / wireless microphone / handheld 2.4GHz list
• SENNHEISER / wireless microphone / handheld 2.4GHz list

As I described above, you can avoid problems by researching in advance the number of microphones you wish to use and the environment in which you will be using them.

With that general explanation out of the way, here are some recommended microphones for different applications.

Cheapest price anyway. Only one microphone is necessary.

AKG / WMS40 PRO MINI VOCAL SET(JP1)

B band wireless microphone with excellent cost performance. If you buy the JP2 (sold separately), you can use 2 sets in the same area if combined with AKG / WMS40 PRO MINI VOCAL SET(JP2) ! Ideal for vocal, karaoke, and speech. AKG / WMS40 PRO MINI2 VOCAL SET DUAL is also available.

I want to use two microphones, but I prefer a variable channel type while keeping costs down.

SAMSON / CR288 Dual Handheld

B-band wireless microphone. Up to 4 waves can be used in the same area. There are 15 variable channels, so this type can be operated stably up to 4 waves. I want to use it in situations where two people use it, such as karaoke and speeches. And, I want them to be as inexpensive as possible.

I want to use it in situations where two people use it, such as karaoke and speeches. And, I want them to be as inexpensive as possible.

CLASSIC PRO / CWE802M Receiver & Dual Hand Microphone

Ideal for karaoke, speeches, etc. Easy to set up. Even first-time wireless microphone users can use this product with confidence. This product was reviewed in the November 2022 issue of Sound & Recording magazine!

Review Article

I would like to use up to 6 in the future, but want to keep costs down.

SAMSON / Concert 88X Handheld System (w/ CL6)

B-band wireless microphone. Up to 6 waves can be used simultaneously in the same area. 30 B-band waves are available, and the system automatically scans for the most appropriate channel. Highly cost-effective product. Recommended for vocal and speech applications.

I want to keep costs down, but also want the best sound quality.

CLASSIC PRO / CWS801M Wireless Set, Hand Microphone

CLASSIC PRO's B-band wireless microphones offer reliable quality at an amazing price. It is equipped with an auto-scan function that automatically searches for obstacle-free channels and a sync function that transfers the receiver's settings to the transmitter. Easy to set up, easy to handle, and provides excellent sound. Up to 6 waves can be used in the same area. (Only one microphone can be connected to one receiver.)

Dual type is here → CLASSIC PRO/ CWS802M Wireless Microphone Receiver & Dual Hand Microphone

CLASSIC PRO / CWM241S Handheld Microphone Set

Eight waves can be used simultaneously within the same area. It features clear and natural sound output. It promises excellent performance not only for live vocal performance, but also for a wide variety of applications such as karaoke and talk shows.

Dual type is here →CLASSIC PRO / CWR242 DUAL HANDHELD SET Wireless Microphone Set

Want a wireless set with a standard microphone head?

SHURE / BLX24/SM58

B-band wireless set equipped with a SHURE/SM58 head, which is said to be the world's most standard microphone. Up to 6 waves can be used simultaneously in the same area (conditions apply for installation). It has clear and strong midrange characteristics, optimally tuned for vocal use.

Click here for dual set → SHURE / BLX288/SM58

SHURE / BLX24/BETA58

B-band wireless set. Up to 6 waves can be used simultaneously in the same area (installation conditions apply). The sound quality is easy to handle, with a clean low-frequency range and good mid-range and high-frequency range. Experience the BLX vocal wireless system equipped with the BETA58A head, a standard microphone used by professionals.

Click here for dual set→ SHURE / BLX288/BETA58

Want to use the latest digital wireless microphones with stable communication?

SHURE / GLX-D24+/SM58 vocal wireless system

I recommend the SHURE/GLX-D+ series, the GLX-D series has been updated to the GLX-D+ series. The battery has been changed, and this product has a longer operating time (about 15 hours) and a backup frequency to eliminate communication interruptions as much as possible. It is equipped with the SM58 head, a standard microphone for vocals.

→ Click here to see other products

I would like to try the 800 MHz digital band!

SENNHEISER / EW-D 835-S SET (T12)

SENNHEISER's 800MHz digital system is the successor to the analog wireless evolution wireless G4 series. This latest model can be managed via an app. The system can be operated continuously for up to 12 hours with a dedicated rechargeable battery (sold separately). This system is made by SENNHEISER for live vocals, and the sound quality is as good as you would expect! 10 waves can be used at the same time.

SHURE / SLXD24J/SM58-JB

The SLX-D, with its clear 24-bit digital audio and dependable RF performance, is ideal for live vocals. It is capable of 10 waves of simultaneous use. This digital wireless set is equipped with the well-known microphone SM58 head. The moment you hold the microphone, you will be excited by the solid feeling of the microphone!

I want to use more than 10 microphones at the same time in a multi-person unit, etc.

audio technica / ATW-1422

The SYSTEM20PRO series is the successor to Audio-Technica's SYSTEM10 series. This half-rack sized receiver is equipped with four tuners and can be connected to four microphones. The clear sound quality of the 2.4GHz digital band and the ability to use up to 20 channels simultaneously make it ideal for idols and other multi-person units!

Finally

How was your experience? Did you find your favorite wireless microphone? I hope to introduce recommended products while mentioning wireless microphones again next time. Thank you for reading to the end.