Frequently Asked Questions
Q
Reasons for wireless microphone silence / intermittent sound
A
Low battery: The transmitter (handheld) or receiver is out of power, causing signal interruption.
Signal interference: Interference from nearby 2.4GHz devices such as WiFi, Bluetooth, and microwave ovens (especially susceptible in the UHF band).
Connection disconnected: The transmitter and receiver are not correctly paired, or are beyond the effective transmission distance (generally ≤50 meters, shorter with more obstacles).
Q
How to adjust the microphone gain?
A
Principle:
Excessive gain can lead to increased noise floor, while insufficient gain results in a weak signal. Ideally, peak levels should be between -12dB and -6dB during recording (for digital devices).
Adjustment Method:
First, set the device volume to 50%, then slowly increase the microphone gain until the ideal level is reached.
If distortion occurs, reduce the gain and increase the volume of the downstream device (such as the sound card monitoring volume).
Q
How to pair a wireless microphone with a new device?
A
General Steps:
Press and hold the receiver's "Pair" button until the indicator light flashes, entering pairing mode.
Turn on the transmitter and press the pairing button for the same brand (e.g., Bose requires a four-digit code).
Wait for the indicator light to remain lit, indicating a successful connection (some models require a device restart).
Multi-channel Pairing:
When using multiple wireless microphones simultaneously, assign a frequency point to each channel to avoid frequency interference.
Q
How to handle a condenser microphone after it gets damp?
A
Immediately cut the power:
Turn off the phantom power, remove the microphone to avoid short circuits.
Drying process:
Wipe the casing with a dry towel and place it in a moisture-proof box or use a desiccant (such as a silica gel pack) to absorb moisture.
Air dry for 24 hours in a low-humidity environment. Do not use a hair dryer.
Q
Will the delay of the wireless microphone affect the live broadcast?
A
Latency Standard:
Professional wireless microphones have a latency of <20ms, which is almost imperceptible to the human ear; consumer-grade products may have a latency of >50ms, resulting in audio and video desynchronization.
Solutions:
Choose a low-latency model (such as the Sennheiser XSW-D series), or enable the "audio synchronization" function in the live streaming software to compensate for the latency.
Q
What kinds of sounds are condenser microphones suitable for recording?
A
High-sensitivity scenarios:
Human voices (such as singing, voice acting), string instruments (such as guitar, violin), and delicate ambient sounds (such as rain, wind).
Unsuitable scenarios:
High-volume dynamic scenarios (such as rock drum kits), prone to overload and distortion; requires a pop filter to reduce plosives (such as the impact of "b/p" sounds).
Q
How should I maintain the cable of a wired microphone?
A
Avoid tangling and pulling:
Use a cable winder or the "figure eight" method for storage to avoid excessive bending that could break the cable.
Regularly check the interfaces:
Clean dust from XLR or 3.5mm interfaces and check for loose solder joints to prevent poor contact.
Shielding maintenance:
If the outer rubber is damaged, wrap it with insulating tape immediately to prevent the shielding layer from being exposed and causing noise.
Q
How to solve the problem of wireless microphone dropouts or noise?
A
Interference Issues:
Stay away from WiFi routers, microwaves, and other 2.4GHz devices. Switch to a less congested frequency band (such as 5.8GHz).
Use a metal interference shield or dedicated frequency pairing function.
Low Battery:
Replace or charge the batteries, ensuring that both the transmitter and receiver have sufficient power.
Excessive Distance:
Maintain a distance within the effective transmission range (typically 50-100 meters, depending on the model). Avoid obstructions such as walls.
Q
Why do condenser microphones need phantom power?
A
Working principle:
Condenser microphones pick up sound through changes in capacitance between the diaphragm and backplate. A DC voltage (phantom power, typically +48V) is required to activate the internal circuitry.
Compatibility:
Some small-diaphragm condenser microphones support low voltage (such as +5V), which can be powered by a sound card or mixing console; large-diaphragm condenser microphones usually require standard phantom power.
Q
What is the core difference between wireless and wired microphones?
A
Connection Method:
Wireless microphones transmit signals via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless frequency bands, etc., without physical cables; wired microphones connect directly to devices via 3.5mm, XLR cables, etc.
Flexibility:
Wireless microphones are suitable for mobile scenarios (such as stage performances, outdoor activities), while wired microphones offer more stable signals and are suitable for fixed scenarios (such as recording studios, conference rooms).
Latency and Power Consumption:
High-end wireless microphones can have latency as low as 10ms or less, but require charging or battery replacement; wired microphones have no latency and rely on device power.