Microphones & Wireless Systems

Microphones & Wireless Systems for Sale

Musicians can’t do their jobs without high-quality microphones and wireless systems, which capture and amplify sound for live and studio performances. But these days, there’s an even more diverse marketplace for this gear, spanning podcasters to presenters to content creators. To pick the perfect tools, you have to consider how and where the sound is being used.

Choosing the Right Microphone or Wireless System

When you’re browsing microphones or wireless systems for sale, it’s best to be practical and think a few steps ahead. Some setups prioritize sound detail and control, while others factor in flexibility and ease of use.

• Live sound and stage use: For any live show, reliability is crucial. Nothing can ruin the vibe faster than a busted microphone or finicky wireless receiver. Dynamic microphones provide the durability and feedback control needed for loud gigs, while wireless systems allow performers to move freely across the stage.
• Recording and studio use: Just as with songwriting, there is no universally perfect microphone. It all comes down to personal taste and application. Are you recording a guitar amp, a vocal overdub or an accordion? Are you isolating the drum kit? There are many variables to consider. For example, condenser mics are widely preferred for recording vocals and acoustic instruments, given their wide frequency response and ability to capture subtle nuances.
• Speech, broadcast and fixed setups: For podcasts, broadcasts or conferencing, you have a different — but equally important — set of priorities. You should pick your equipment based on placement and maximum intelligibility. Look into specialized options like lavalier, shotgun and gooseneck microphones, which help ensure consistent, clear speech.
• Wireless systems: A wireless microphone setup, such as a handheld system, is an excellent choice for singers or speakers who want to move while onstage. The same goes for wireless instrument systems, which allow guitarists, bassists and other players to move freely while performing, without being reined in by cables. Wireless in-ear monitor (IEM) systems allow performers to hear a clean, balanced mix without a stage monitor system. This can protect the musician’s hearing while offering greater control over how they experience their live mix.

For more information on choosing the right microphone for your needs, consult our general microphone buying guide, as well as guides to microphones for horns and orchestral strings.

Shop Microphones & Wireless Systems at Music & Arts

At Music & Arts, you can explore a wide selection of microphones and wireless systems for sale, helping you achieve optimal results for live sound, recording and professional audio. Shop online or visit a local store for guidance in choosing the right gear for your setup.

Microphone Buying FAQs

Are microphone accessories needed for optimal sound quality?

Some accessories certainly help improve your odds, and others are basically non-negotiables. Pop filters are protective screens that help minimize the harshness of popping sounds (“p” and “b” plosives) in singing and speech. Shock mounts suspend microphones, reducing the impact of physical vibrations. Stands secure microphones, allowing you to experiment with placement and reduce the handling noise that mics pick up.

How do different environments affect microphone performance?

There are many factors to weigh here. Is your recording environment treated for optimal acoustics? Depending on the materials and surfaces in your room, you may encounter natural reverbs and echoes that impact microphone selection. The distance between the sound source (your voice, your trumpet, your guitar amp) and the microphone can also color your recording or performance.

When should I choose a wired microphone over a wireless system?

Budget, tech savvy, setting and experience level all come into play. Wired microphones do have their advantages, allowing you to avoid any potential concerns with battery life, signal or latency. The biggest factor is probably the physical environment of your event — the amount of room you have at disposal, the sheer physicality of your performance — and, frankly, how much you’re bothered by mic cables.

What’s a microphone preamp, and when do I need one?

Some microphones are very quiet, and a mixer or audio interface may not be able to boost them enough without adding hiss. A standalone preamp gives the mic a cleaner, stronger signal. Some people also use one because they like how it changes the sound, making it warmer, brighter or punchier. Check out our microphone preamp buying guide to learn more.