Filmmakers can simply use wireless microphone for voice recording. It sends and receives audio signals across long distances. Similarly, it allows filmmakers to discreetly catch all of the events in real time. It provides a flexible room configuration, and setup, and allows the speakers to move freely. To help you dive into the wireless recording world, this article will cover the following topics:
- What’s the basic component of a wireless audio system?
- How does it work for voice recording?
- If you want to pick one, what factors should you take into consideration?
Wireless microphone component explained
Wireless recording microphone is made up of three fundamental components:
Microphone - It is responsible for picking up audio.
There are three types to pick from, depending on your needs:
- Handheld (Dynamic) - excellent for live performance singing and passing to several speakers.
- Lavalier (Condenser) - used when the microphone must be inconspicuous, such as in broadcasting. The most significant disadvantage of these microphones is that they are susceptible to rustling noises caused by movement.
- Headset (Condenser) - ideal for hands-free activity such as dancing, strolling, or fitness teaching.
Transmitter - It receives the mic signal and transfers it to the receiver.
Depending on your requirements, you may pick one of two types of transmitters:
- Handheld – It is usually used with the handheld mic as part of the handle.
- Bodypack – It is connected by cable to either lav or headset mics.
The Receiver – It transmits the signal to the recording device or PA system.
How does wireless microphone system work in voice recording?
Maybe you are wondering how to use voice recording microphone wirelessly. Actually it can be divided into 5 steps. Below we take a deeper look at each stage of the wireless recording procedure, as well as the gear utilized for each step.
STEP 1: Microphone captures the sound
The sound we hear is caused by air pressure waves contacting our eardrums and causing them to vibrate. In a wireless microphone for voice recording, the same thing happens. The sound waves cause the diaphragm to vibrate. This vibration is amplified and transformed into an electrical signal.
Dynamic and condenser microphones are the most common types of microphones. Both types generate a fluctuating electrical current, or signal, which reflects the pressure waves that humans perceive as sound. However, they generate the audio signal in two ways.
In dynamic mic, a coil of fine copper wire is linked to the diaphragm and rests in a magnetic field created by a permanent magnet. The coil vibrates in tandem with the diaphragm. Since a wire, in this instance the coil, moving in a magnetic field produces a little electric current, the transmitter's amplifier may use the current to amplify the sound waves.
The diaphragm functions as a component of an electrical capacitor in a condenser microphone. In actuality, a capacitor also goes by the term condenser. The capacitance varies in step with the diaphragm's vibration caused by the sound waves. The electrical signal needed to represent the sound is made using this fluctuating capacitance.
STEP 2: Wireless microphone transmitter converts and sends the signal
The electrical signal produced by the wireless microphone for recording audio may be amplified and then be converted into a binary digital signal. After that, the signal is transmitted in a particular region of the VHF, UHF, or 2.4GHz spectrum.
In order to safeguard the transmission, certain transmitters may additionally employ 128-bit or 256-bit encoding. This makes it such that no one else will be able to access the audio if they pick up the signal.
STEP 3: Receiver captures and converts radio waves into audio signals
The incoming radio waves create a fluctuating current in the antenna(s) of the receiver. The digital information is included in this electrical signal, which the receiver "decodes," converting it back to a standard acoustic electrical signal. This signal may be boosted before being delivered to the audio output of the receiver. The output is then linked to the device to which the audio signal will be sent. In our example, we'd attach a recording device (STEP 4), but if you're streaming, you'd link the receiver to a computer through an audio interface.
STEP 4: Recording device saves audio signals to memory
The receiver's output will be recorded onto the sound device you're using. It's most likely the same device that you use to record the video, such as a smartphone, DSLR/Mirrorless camera, camcorder, or a computer. On these devices, audio and video are recorded to the same file, which is usually an mp4 or MOV.
STEP 5: Transfer audio files to computer for editing
After using the wireless microphone for video recording, the video and audio data are usually saved on a computer. This gives us the ability to edit and mix footage.
This might just be cutting the beginning and ending of our clips to clean them up. Editing might also entail eliminating sections, shifting pieces around, or mixing bits from other recordings.
In both situations, the video and audio files are transferred to the computer by either connecting the recording device to the computer through USB or putting the device's memory card into the computer's card reader. You can transmit files via WiFi in some circumstances, however quality music and video files might be enormous, making WiFi transmission difficult.
What to consider for a best wireless microphone for voice recording?
If you would like to buy the best wireless microphone for recording voice, there will be many things to consider. Below we list some key factors that you need to take into consideration.
Budget
When it comes to purchasing new equipment, budget is always an issue. You must conduct research in order to make the best buying option for the price range you are in.
Frequency range
Wireless technology operates on three frequency bands: very high frequency (VHF), ultra-high frequency (UHF), and 2.4GHz.
VHF was the initial standard, but as radio stations use this range as well, interference can occur. UHF is a newer technology that runs at a considerably higher frequency. This reduces interference and improves overall sound quality. Wireless microphone systems operating at 2.4GHz are permitted in practically every nation on the planet.
Choose VHF if you want high quality over a reasonable range and do not need to run many systems concurrently. Go with UHF if you need to provide numerous performers wireless microphones, require high quality, and aren't overly aggressive with transmission range. 2.4GHz systems are simple to set up, typically offer good value for money. It's the way to go if you want an easy-to-use system for small venues or if you're a travelling band.
Operating range
The antenna affects how far the wireless microphone can function. A receiver with several antennae has a greater range. Think about where you will take the voice recording and how far are the talents from the receiver. Then check the product specs to decide if it meets the requirement.