While wireless condenser microphone has released content creators from the restrictions of cords and wires, it has also brought the sound crew a number of problems. Getting a wireless system to perform consistently is a task that both experienced filmmakers and novices must overcome. However, everyone will be able to deal with dropouts, interference, and distortion if they have a fundamental grasp of how wireless devices and radio waves work. Start today by staying away from the following common mistakes.
1. Wrong wireless microphone frequency
Always ensure that your receiver and transmitter are tuned to the same frequency. Some systems are auto-pairing. Others need only the press of a "sync" button on the handheld or receiver. Older and less costly versions, on the other hand, need to be manually tuned to the same channel.
For example, SYNCO wireless lavalier condenser microphone is auto pairing. Once it powers on, the transmitter will pair with the receiver automatically. And it also offers pairing button on the TX and RX for manually pairing.
2. Signal blockage
Maintain as much line-of-sight as feasible between the transmitter and receiver. Avoid placing metal items, walls, or big crowds between the wireless condenser microphone system. Therefore, you are advised to place the wireless transmitter and receiver at the same room and raise them above humans or other impediments. The RF (Radio Frequency) signal will be absorbed, blocked, interfered with, and reflected by the human body.
For wireless condenser microphone adopts external antenna, when a user cups his or her hands around the antenna, the effective output is lowered by 50% or more. Similarly, if the flexible antenna is folded or coiled, the power of the transmitted signal will be greatly diminished. So try your best to avoid the aforementioned situations.
3. Incorrect antenna type or placement
Wireless microphone receiver antenna is one of the most misunderstood aspects of wireless microphone functioning. Short range, dead areas, or poor signal strength at the receiver can all result from errors in antenna selection, location, or cabling, which will cause frequent dropouts. Modern diversity receivers outperform single-antenna kinds, but the correct antennas must still be installed in the proper positions to enhance system performance and durability.
To obtain good diversity performance, space antennas at least one-quarter wavelength apart (about 5 inches at 600 MHz). One wave length is even better (approximately 20 inches at 600 MHz). The receiver antennas should be oriented apart in a broad "V" shape to offer clean and clear audio pickup when the transmitter moves about and is held at various angles. If possible, keep antennas close to transmitters with line of sight.
4. Improper wireless lapel condenser microphone gain set-up
When using the wireless condenser microphone for camcorder, smartphone, etc. setting the right input gain is one of the most crucial adjustments. When the gain is set too high, distortion can happen, and when the gain is set too low, the signal-to-noise ratio suffers.
Most wireless microphones have a gain control on the transmitter in the form of switch, potentiometer, or programmable adjustment. Consider this gain control to perform the same job as the “trim” or “gain” adjustment on a mixer. Its goal is to make the input sensitivity low enough to avoid input overload or “clipping”, but high enough to keep the signal level above the system noise floor.
The gain of wireless microphone transmitter is adjusted in the same manner as the mixer input gain: set the gain control such that the loudest input signal barely illuminates the overload or peak indication. If the peak indicator is continually flashing, adjust the transmitter strength until it only flashes rarely. If the indicator never lights, adjust the gain so that it only flashes on the loudest signals.
In most cases, the wireless microphone receiver has an output volume control. Because this control solely impacts the receiver output, it has no influence on incorrect transmitter gain adjustment. That example, if there is distortion or a low signal-to-noise ratio in the transmitter, it cannot be "corrected" by adjusting the receiver output level. Most pros advocate leaving this control at maximum. The whole system will have the best dynamic range conceivable as long as the mixer input can support this level.
5. Dead battery
Battery, the lifeblood of the wireless condenser microphone, is fickle. The battery life is impacted by a lot of factors, so it is hard to estimate how long it can last during recording. The battery type, brand, working temperature, and transmitter power can all have an impact on the battery life.
Some people engage in the Russian roulette game of estimating how much juice they have left on a particular scenario basis. Others purchase a battery tester or a multimeter. The most intelligent users never let a microphone start capturing sounds without new batteries. This leads in a lot of half-used batteries that end up in the battery recycling bin.
However, if you have a SYNCO G2(A1), the aforementioned scenarios can all be avoided. It is the best wireless condenser microphone for those who worry about the battery issue. It carries a TFT display screen on both the transmitter and receiver to show the battery status. Therefore, you can have a clear awareness of the battery left, arrange your shooting reasonably and charge the whole system in time.
Conclusion
All in all, it may be troublesome to operate the wireless condenser microphone during recording and live performance. However, you can avoid some common mistakes to ensure smooth and clear recording without any hiccups. Just pay attention to the mistakes mentioned above and learn how to deal with them.