Whether you need one wireless mic to take this year’s family reunion to the next level or ten for a large-scale event, the first step is deciding exactly what you need. Wireless mics are more complicated than they seem, and too many event planners face last-minute disasters because they didn’t do their homework. Audio Images Sound & Lighting in Batavia, NY, rents high-quality audio visual equipment, and they want to make sure their customers get exactly what they need.

There are several different kinds of wireless mics to choose from, but here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

• Hand-Held: Hand-held wireless transmitters look like regular microphones and can be held in your hand or inserted into a mic stand. One of the biggest benefits of this is that the speaker can control the volume by moving the device either closer or farther away from their mouth. They’re ideal for concerts and events where hosts make frequent announcements.
• Lavalier: The drawback of a handheld wireless mic is that it can be cumbersome on stage. For more casual occasions, a lavalier is the better option. Also called a “clip on,” this element is part of a body pack that works best when attached to a person’s shirt. It’s often recommended for live panels and interviews where the user faces the same direction the entire time.
• Headworn: These wireless mics also use body packs. You can choose a model that is worn around the back of the head, and there are also kinds that wrap around the ear. The main benefit of headworn mics is they keep a steady volume because they’re always the same distance from the mouth. They’re also easy to transfer between users.

Once you determine which wireless mic setup will work best for your needs, consider other factors including necessary cables, batteries, and pickup and drop-off times for the equipment. If you’re not sure what you need, the professional team at Audio Images Sound & Lighting is always available to answer your questions. Call them at (585) 343-4050 or visit their website for more information about renting staging equipment.