Wireless Microphone Buying Guide: How Many Mics and Which Ones

Start with what you already own

Before you pick a mic, look at the back of your speaker or mixer. A wireless system is a mic plus a receiver, and the receiver needs somewhere to plug in. Most powered PA speakers and DJ mixers have a mic input that takes an XLR cable, a 1/4-inch cable, or both. If your setup has a free mic input, you are ready for wireless.

If you only have a small Bluetooth speaker or a home stereo with no mic jack, a wireless mic will not fix that. You need a PA speaker or a mixer with a mic input first. Bring a photo of the back of your gear and Joe will tell you what plugs where.

Also think about the room. A backyard party, a church hall and a banquet room all have walls, crowds and other wireless gear around. Keep the receiver where it can see the mics, and plan to set it up early so you can test before guests arrive.

Handheld or hands-free?

A handheld mic is the easy pick for toasts, the MC, karaoke and anyone who passes the mic around. People know how to hold it, and you can hand it off in a second. For most parties, handhelds are all you need.

Headset and lapel mics are for people who need their hands: a pastor who walks the aisle, an instructor, a host who also runs the music, or someone giving a speech while holding notes. They use a bodypack that clips to a belt. The tradeoff is setup time, since the person has to wear it and you have to check placement.

If you need both, a combo system covers it. The Shure BLX1288/P31 pairs a PG58 handheld with a PGA31 headset on one dual receiver, and the Technical Pro WM1322 pairs a handheld with a bodypack that takes a lapel mic or a headset. Call to check stock on both before you come in.

How many mics for your event

Count the people who talk at the same moment, not the total number of speakers. At a quinceañera there is usually the DJ or MC, plus a family member for the toast or the father-daughter speech. That is two mics. A wedding is similar: one for the MC, one for toasts that gets passed around.

Church services often need one mic at the pulpit and a hands-free mic for the pastor, and sometimes a couple more for readers or singers. Karaoke nights and panels can use three or four handhelds so nobody waits. A house party with one person on the mic can get by with a single system.

When in doubt, buy one more channel than you think. The second mic is the one that saves the night when someone shows up with a speech you did not plan for.

One mic: for the DJ or MC starting out

If it is just you on the mic, a single handheld system keeps it simple. The Shure BLX24/PG58 pairs a receiver with a handheld and a PG58 vocal capsule, runs up to 14 hours on two AA batteries, and has both XLR and 1/4-inch receiver outputs. One-touch QuickScan finds a clear frequency for you.

If you are tired of buying AA batteries, look at the Shure GLX-D24+/SM58. It is digital wireless with an SM58 capsule and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that charges in the receiver's built-in charging bay. The tradeoff is that you have to remember to charge it before every event.

Both are single-channel systems. If you think you will need a second mic within a year, it can make more sense to start with a dual system now.

Two mics: the usual party and quinceañera setup

For tight budgets, the Technical Pro WM1302 gives you two handhelds and a rack-mountable receiver with separate XLR outputs per channel and a mixed 1/4-inch output. The Technical Pro WMR52 adds rechargeable handhelds and also comes with AA battery cases, so you have a plan B if you forget to charge.

The Shure BLX288/PG58 is two PG58 handhelds on one BLX88 dual receiver, with QuickScan picking clean frequencies for both mics. It runs on AA batteries, and the receiver is a compact tabletop box with XLR and 1/4-inch outputs.

For people who work most weekends, venues and churches, the Shure SLXD24D+/SM58 runs two SM58 handhelds on one pro digital receiver. It includes rackmount hardware and antennas and can sum both mics to one output. It costs more and is more than a casual user needs, but it is built for steady use.

More voices, and why a wired mic still belongs in the bag

If you need four people heard at once, the Technical Pro WM1641 has four handheld mics and a rack-mountable receiver with an XLR output for each channel plus mixed outputs. It fits karaoke, panels and church groups.

No matter which wireless system you buy, keep a wired mic and an XLR cable in your bag. Batteries die, someone walks too far, or another system in the building steps on your frequency. A wired mic does not care about any of that. The Shure SM58S is the classic SM58 with an on/off switch, so the person speaking can mute it without you touching the mixer.

A wired mic is also the cheapest way to add one more voice when your wireless channels are full, as long as your mixer has a free input.

What else you need to actually use it

Plan for power and batteries. AA systems need fresh batteries for every event, so buy a pack and keep it in the case. Rechargeable systems need to go on the charger the night before. Either way, start the event with a full charge or fresh cells.

You also need a cable from the receiver to your mixer or speaker, and a mic stand or two. A straight stand works for the pulpit or the DJ table, and a boom stand helps for singers and toasts. A mic clip that fits your handheld is easy to forget.

Last, think about where the receiver sits. Keep it up on the table, in view of the mics, not on the floor behind the speakers. Run a frequency scan at the venue, not at home, and do a quick walk-around test before guests arrive.

What to tell Joe, and how pickup works

Come in with a few answers ready: what speaker or mixer you have and what inputs are on the back, how many people talk at once, whether anyone needs hands free, and whether you would rather use AA batteries or rechargeables. A photo of your gear helps a lot.

We sell gear only. We don't play events or send DJs out, but Joe will help you hook the receiver into your setup and set levels so you avoid feedback. You buy and pick up at the shop at 8696 Atlantic Ave in South Gate. Call (323) 944-7844 or text (213) 674-9042 to confirm the system you want is on the floor before you drive over.