Struggling with bad audio during your live streams? Good sound is key to keeping your audience engaged, and having the right microphone can make all the difference. Whether you’re using a camera or a phone, a wireless microphone for streaming can greatly improve your sound quality. With so many choices out there, picking the right one can be tricky. This article is a comprehensive buyer guide on wireless streaming microphones to help you find the ideal one for your next event, covering:
- Why do you need to buy a wireless microphone for streaming?
- Which type is the best?
- How to choose the right one?
- What three top picks you can buy in SYNCO?
- How to improve the mic audio during your live streaming?
- How to troubleshoot common issues?
Why do you need to buy a wireless microphone for streaming?
Wireless microphones have become a go-to choice for live streamers, offering unmatched freedom and convenience for speakers, interviewers, and performers. Here’s why adding one to your setup can significantly improve your live broadcasts:
Its wireless design enables free movement during live streaming
Traditional setups often tie you down with cables, making it tricky to adjust cameras or move around during a live event. A wireless mic eliminates this hassle—just ensure you’re within range and keep an eye on signal obstacles, and you’re good to go.
Its clip-on style frees your hands and keeps your audience focused
Wireless lavalier microphone is designed to be discreet, ensuring they won’t distract your audience. Clip-on styles leave your hands free, making them a favorite among live streamers for their seamless operation.
Wireless microphone for streaming is lightweight, portable, and easy to set up
Wireless microphones for smartphone live streaming are compact and easy to carry. Attaching the transmitter to your clothing is all it takes to boost audio quality, letting you move freely without being tethered to a mic stand.
It offers a comfortable and seamless live-streaming experience
It allows you to forget bulky boom stands and handheld mics that can weigh you down during long broadcasts. These devices move effortlessly with the speaker, offering a stress-free way to capture high-quality sound without interruption.
Which type of wireless mic is best for live streaming?
We’ve prepared a guide to explain the four main types of wireless microphones used in live streaming and their different application.
Wireless lavalier microphone for streaming on phone
Lavaliers are a fantastic hands-free solution for live presentations. Their compact design and versatile mounting options make them perfect for streaming on platforms like Facebook and Instagram via your phone. Since they’re lightweight and nearly unnoticeable, users often forget they’re even wearing them, which helps them feel more comfortable while presenting or performing live.
Wireless USB microphone for PC game streaming
These are easy-to-use, plug-and-play devices that connect directly to your computer. These are especially suited for beginners and budget-conscious users, offering stable and reliable sound for PC gaming streams. Their simplicity and convenience make them an excellent choice for hassle-free setups.
Wireless shotgun microphone for outdoor live events
These highly directional options are perfect for outdoor events and on-location broadcasts. They can capture sound from a specific source while minimizing background noise. Professionals frequently use them for live TV broadcasts, presentations, and speeches due to their precision in audio capture.
Wireless handheld microphone for live interviews
If you don’t need your hands free, a handheld wireless model is a solid choice. Thanks to its large diaphragm, it delivers exceptional audio clarity. They are known for their versatility and durability, making them a great option for live performers, street interviews, and situations where the mic needs to be shared among multiple speakers.
How to choose a wireless microphone for live streaming?
When choosing a wireless microphone for streaming, several factors should be evaluated, including budget, polar pattern, transmission range, frequency range, compatibility, and additional features.
Set your budget based on your basic or professional streaming use
Deciding on a wireless microphone for live streaming often depends on how much you’re willing to spend. If you only need it for a single live event, a budget-friendly option will suffice. However, if you’re aiming to become a professional streamer, investing in a reliable mic that ensures clear, real-time audio is essential.
Understand microphone polar patterns
You should understand different mic polar patterns and identify the best one for your needs. Here are three popular polar patterns:
- Cardioid: It rejects sounds from the rear while capturing audio from the front and sides, making it perfect for solo performances or podcasts.
- Omnidirectional: This captures sound from all directions, ideal for group recordings or live sessions.
- Bidirectional: Designed to pick up audio from the front and back while blocking side noise, this pattern is great for interviews and duets.
Consider the wireless transmission range according to your content
Wireless mics offer ranges from as short as 10 meters to over 200 meters. While shorter ranges may be sufficient for the majority of content creators, the distance you need largely depends on your specific content creation requirements.
Opt for a wireless microphone for streaming with a 2.4GHz frequency range and a stable connection
The best choice is a microphone that operates within the 2.4GHz frequency range. This range provides excellent interference resistance, ensuring stable sound for live interviews, podcasts, and streams. When selecting, consider your environment—if it’s crowded with devices using the same frequency, opt for a mic designed to maintain reliability in such conditions.
Verify its compatibility with your streaming devices
Ensure that the microphone connects seamlessly with your streaming devices, whether it’s a computer, camera, or mobile device.
Explore extra features to improve your streaming audio quality
Look for additional features that can improve your streaming experience:
- Noise cancellation ensures clear audio in noisy environments.
- The headphone jack or volume control allows real-time audio monitoring and flexible adjustments during live streaming.
- Accessories like pop filters or shock mounts can enhance sound clarity further.
Check the warranty and support policy of the mic brand
Check the warranty and customer support policies of the brand. A solid warranty ensures peace of mind if your microphone encounters any issues.
What to buy: Three top picks you can get in SYNCO
Once you’ve considered these key factors, it’s time to narrow down your options. SYNCO is a professional microphone brand with a reliable warranty and customer service. You can confidently choose from the following three SYNCO picks to offer excellent performance for your live streaming.
Quick list: Specs. of 3 SYNCO picks based on aforementioned factors
|
SYNCO P1S |
SYNCO G1 Pro |
SYNCO G2 Max |
|
|
Price |
Affordable |
Medium |
Expensive |
|
Polar pattern |
Omnidirectional |
Omnidirectional |
Omnidirectional |
|
Transmission range |
492ft/150m (LOS area); 164ft/50m (NLOS area) |
656ft/200m(LOS area); 164ft/50m(NLOS area) |
656ft/200m(LOS area); 164ft/50m(NLOS area) |
|
Frequency range |
Digital 2.4GHz |
Digital 2.4GHz |
Digital 2.4GHz |
|
Audio output |
Type-C/Lighting |
Type-C/3.5mm TRS |
Type-C/3.5mm TRS |
|
Active noise reduction |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Gain control |
5-level |
4-level |
6-level |
|
Noise reduction accessories |
Mic windshield |
Mic windshield |
Mic windshield |
SYNCO P1S: Wireless microphone for streaming with best budget and simple plug-and-play design
The SYNCO P1S is a versatile and budget-friendly wireless microphone designed for seamless streaming and recording. Available in two versions—P1SL for iPhone with a Lightning connector and P1ST for Android with a Type-C connector—it offers wide compatibility with smartphones and tablets. The P1S features a built-in noise reduction chip for clear voice capture, even in noisy environments, and provides a stable 150-meter transmission range. With an easy plug-and-play setup, quick pairing, 5-level volume control, and long battery life (5 hours on a full charge), it's an ideal choice for streaming beginners. Plus, the compact charging case ensures you’re always ready to record.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- The plug-and-play design is easy to set up.
- The Type-C or Lightning receiver ensures wide compatibility with smartphones.
- The 5-level volume control ensures flexible audio adjustment.
- The included mic windshield helps reduce distorted sounds.
Cons:
- The transmission range of 150m might be too short for some uses.
- The charging port of your streaming devices will be occupied by the receiver.
SYNCO G1 Pro: Wireless lapel microphone for live streaming including charging case
The SYNCO G1 Pro wireless lapel microphone system is ideal for outdoor live streaming, delivering superior audio quality and extended usage time. Equipped with Syncoder™ 4.0 technology, it ensures stable, interference-free transmission up to 200 meters. Its built-in noise-canceling feature eliminates background noise, while the 83dB signal-to-noise ratio minimizes the need for post-production adjustments. The real-time gain control and safe track mode protect against audio distortion. The portable charging case provides up to 24 hours of continuous use, making it perfect for long outdoor broadcasts, interviews, or vlogs.
Pros:
- Impressive 200m transmission range
- The charging case provides longer live-streaming sessions.
- The included mic windshield helps reduce distorted sounds.
- The 3.5mm headphone jack and four-level gain control enable you to monitor and adjust the audio easily.
- The 3.5mm TRRS cable and Type-C to USB-A adapter ensure wide compatibility with phones, computers, cameras, and other devices.
- The included mic windshield helps reduce distorted sounds.
Cons:
- The cables are required to connect the receiver to your streaming devices like phones or cameras.
SYNCO G2 Max: Vlog & live stream wireless microphone featuring onboard recording and TFT screen
The SYNCO G2 Max wireless microphone is a professional-grade solution designed for live streamers and vloggers. It offers onboard recording with 8GB of internal storage, ensuring uninterrupted audio even beyond the transmission range. It has a 200m stable range, providing clear and high-quality sound for indoor and outdoor streaming. This mic features six-level gain controls and three recording modes, including a safety track to prevent audio clipping. Its compact design, easy-to-use TFT screen, and magnetic clips make it user-friendly for seamless recording and monitoring. Compatible with all devices via USB-C, TRRS, and TRS ports, the G2 Max delivers up to 8 hours of recording time with a quick 2-hour charge.
Pros:
- Impressive 200m transmission range
- Onboard storage ensures uninterrupted audio.
- The 3.5mm jack and TFT screen make it easy to monitor audio during live streaming.
- The three-level noise reduction and six-level gain control ensure the most flexible audio adjustments.
- The included mic windshield helps reduce distorted sounds.
Cons:
- Expensive
How to get the most out of your wireless microphone for streaming?
If muffled audio or intrusive background noise is disrupting your live streams, try these tips to achieve clear and professional sound every time you go live:
Position your wireless streaming microphone correctly
A common issue is vocals that come across as distant and flat, almost as if they were recorded in an echo chamber. Thankfully, this can be easily resolved by adjusting the microphone’s placement. Keeping the mic closer to your mouth helps capture your voice clearly while reducing unwanted background noise. Aim to position the microphone 6 to 12 inches from your mouth, angled at about 45 degrees. This not only prevents distortion from plosive sounds like “p” and “t” but also ensures your speech is recorded clearly without interruptions from airflow.
Avoid overloading the bass
At times, the transmitted sound from your mic may resemble an underwater effect. This often occurs due to an excessive amount of bass, which can make recordings sound muffled or overly heavy. Low frequencies can dominate the audio mix, leading to a lack of clarity as competing tones overcrowd the available auditory space. To maintain crisp sound quality, adjust the microphone’s settings to achieve balanced bass levels and an appropriate volume.
Use your wireless microphone for streaming with additional accessories to reduce noise
To improve audio quality during live streaming, consider using noise-reducing accessories. A suppression filter can effectively minimize light background noise, such as faint hums from a computer fan. Additionally, a pop filter helps soften harsh plosive sounds caused by letters like “p” and “t” while a shock mount reduces vibrations that might be transmitted to the microphone. While these accessories are excellent for managing minor noise issues, they may be less effective against loud or widespread ambient sounds.
How to troubleshoot common issues with wireless microphones?
Using wireless microphones during live streaming can sometimes present challenges, especially since there is no physical connection between the transmitter and receiver. Here are some common issues you may encounter.
Why you can’t hear any sound from your mic during the stream?
If your wireless microphone is silent during the live stream, check that it is powered on and correctly connected. Ensure that the batteries are charged and that the receiver is plugged into your live streaming device. Also, confirm that the cable or adapter you’re using is compatible with your smartphone or camera.
How do you fix low gain levels on a wireless microphone for streaming?
If the sound from your microphone is too quiet, start by adjusting the gain to the correct level. Make sure the microphone is properly placed and not picking up excessive background noise. Be mindful not to set the gain too high, as this can cause distortion. Also, ensure the mic is positioned at a proper distance from your lips to avoid unwanted popping sounds. Monitoring the audio levels with an external app during the stream can help maintain sound quality.
How to address interference affecting live broadcast audio?
If you're experiencing static or dropouts, try moving the receiver and microphone away from other electronic devices. Increasing the distance between the transmitter and receiver can sometimes resolve the issue. If the interference persists, switch to a different frequency channel if possible. Consider using a wireless microphone with strong anti-interference features for better performance.
How to deal with the connection issues at the live event?
After attaching the receiver to your recording device and clipping the transmitter to the speaker’s collar, power on both units to allow them to connect wirelessly. This connection is typically automatic, but manual pairing may be needed in some cases. Ensure that no obstructions are blocking the signal and that the mic is within the receiver’s range. If connection issues persist, try reconnecting the audio jack or replacing the cable.
Conclusion
To sum up, using a wireless microphone for streaming can greatly improve the audio quality and boost viewer engagement. By focusing on key factors like budget, transmission range, and brand reliability, you can choose the perfect one for your needs. With the right equipment in hand, applying practical tips to enhance sound quality and quickly resolve any issues will significantly boost audience interaction and feedback during your live streams.