Wireless Microphones – Great for Movie Makers!

The wireless microphone offers advantages over the standard, cable microphone in many ways, and for movie makers can be a vital item of equipment.

Not being tied to a cable – no matter how long – means you can move around at will, and such freedom has further benefits.

How Do They Work?
Quite simply, wireless microphones – otherwise known as Radio Mics – use a radio frequency to transmit the signal they receive, rather than a cable. The signal is then converted by a receiver into the audio required. Think of your home radio or TV receiving its signals via an aerial – it’s the same concept.

In the UK you are required to have a license for a radio mic unless it uses the available free channels; these are 173.8 to 175.0 MHz and 863 to 865 MHz. The problem with using the free channels is that interference can occur thanks to other devices using the channels, hence more sophisticated users choose a licensed channel to combat this.

Where the advantages of radio mics lie in the freedom of movement, there are some disadvantages; interference we have already mentioned, and it remains the primary problem with radio mic use. For the most versatile version you should look at the clip on wireless microphones that are small and often quite powerful.

Which Model is for me?
For movie makers there are many radio mics to choose from, but one very impressive model is the Sennheiser SK 2000. This is lightweight and time-served unit that is designed to attach to the body and be used in conjunction with either a hand held or clip on microphone, and comes from one of the most highly regarded names in the business.

Sennheiser radio mics are great pieces of kit

Also worthy of consideration are a number of models from Sony, another long established brand, and the company offers a range of hand held and clip on versions that may be the choice for you.

There is one area of wireless microphones that it is of concern to anyone looking at making movies on a budget, and that is cost. Radio mics can be expensive – to the tune of many hundreds of pounds – so it may be worth looking at hiring or borrowing, if at all possible, the equipment for when you need it.

Do I Really Need One?
This depends entirely on what you are producing. Documentary makers find radio mics to be a major bonus, especially if filming ‘in the field’, while movie maker’s use them both as communication for the crew and also to enhance the limits of the major players. There is, as always, a decision to be made and it can only be made by those who are planning the shoot.

Overall
All in all, wireless microphones are the way forward as they do away with the need for intrusive and restrictive cables. The downsides are cost and the possibility of interference, but if you can cut out the cost factor the pros far outweigh the cons.