Top 3 Wireless Microphone Headsets For Theater (Below $400)

What are the best wireless microphone headsets for theater and musicals?

Finding the right wireless microphone headset on a budget for theater can be quite tricky. It’s even harder to find a reliable system will only that will only enhance the experience of the audience.

As far as what makes a wireless microphone headset suitable for drama, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances; There are many factors to put into consideration. To name a few; The range of the wireless headset is it signal interference-resistant where you will not have any cutouts, convenience, and sound quality with a microphone designed for both speaking and singing. 

What we did in this article is narrowed it down to our three favorite wireless headworn microphone systems for theater performances. Our goal was to get the top 3 units with excellent reliability, headset comfort for the long hours of performance, and great sound quality for both singing and speaking all while keeping it budget-friendly under $400.

Bolymic-4200 UHF

The Bolymic-4200 UHF is specifically designed for theater with its skin tone colored headset. It’s hardly noticeable while the actors are on stage during there performance, which is a huge benefit.

At a great bang for the buck, It comes with 4 separate wireless headsets with 4 separate channels. This means all headsets are able to work at the same time while each on their own separate channel.

Sound Quality
The sound quality of the Bolymic-4200 UHF is good. Although it may not be the loudest, it most definitely gets the job done for small to medium-sized venues. With a little equalizing, the headsets produce great clarity while enhancing the voices of the performers.

Reliability
The Bolymic-4200 operates in the 530MHz – 580MHz frequency band which is FCC compliant. Fortunately, the Bolymic-4200 has a wide range of frequencies to choose from. Each channel has 100 separate frequencies that are different than the other. This makes it impossible for 2 wireless headsets to interfere with each other. If one of the channels get interference from a 3rd party, it’s easy to find an available frequency between the other 99 channels to choose from.

Convenience
It is always very convenient for a wireless headset to have a far reach of range. With 300-feet of range, the actors are free to move across the biggest of stages. If needed, actors can even walk the entire small to medium-sized theatres, and the wireless headset will still pick up their voice.

Another convenient factor with the Bolymic-4200 for stage actors is the rack-mountable receiver. Overall, it is much better to rackmount the receiver for added protection. Especially for those who are used to carrying around a rackmount or having a stationary one in your theatre, the receivers rack-mountable ability reduced hassle.

Features and Details

• Auto channel select setup
• 300-foot range
• 4 channels
• 4 separate XLR outputs
• 4 headsets
• Skin colored headset
• Durable all-metal receiver
• Frequency Band: 530MHz – 580MHz
• One 1/4″ mixed output

 Shure BLX14/P31

The Shure BLX14/P31 the most budget-friendly wireless headset on this list. It is an excellent wireless headset microphones system for theatre, considering its background noise rejection and comfort. It offers an incredible range of 300 feet with its analog transmission in the 512-542 frequency band.

Designed specifically for small to mid-sized venues, the Shure BLX14/P31 makes a great all-around choice for musicals or speech for a theatre performance. The headset itself fits on the head nice and comfortable and can withstand theatrical physical performance without falling off.

Sound Quality
The BLX14/P31 has a condenser microphone that significantly enhances the vocal articulation. It works great for both speaking and singing. It sounds very clear and has excellent background noise rejection.

Reliability
Anyone familiar with Shure, knows their wireless products are some of the most reliable and dependable systems on the market. The QuickScan feature automatically locates the clearest available channel to ensure little to no signal interference. The receiver has a built-in microprocessor-controlled internal antenna for removing any chances of damage or nuisance of antennas. The system uses diversity transmission.

Convenience
A huge benefit of this system is the 300ft radius of range. Actors, speakers, or singers can walk around the venue without any sound dropouts. One of the benefits of the Shure BLX14/P31 is the quick and intuitive setup. Shure’s state-of-the-art 1-touch QuickScan technology locates the clearest open channel automatically with the touch of a button.

Features

• Analog diversity transmission
• Able to use up to 12 simultaneous systems per band
• Comes with a mic windscreen

Pros

• Incredible range: 300 feet
• Headset designed for comfort
• Cheapest system on this list

Cons

• Plastic receiver build

Tech Specs

 Shure PGXD14/PGA31-X8

The Shure PGXD14/PGA31-X8 is an extremely high-rated digital headset microphone system that is excellent for theatre. If you’re looking for incredible dependability at an affordable price, this is the pick for you. Like the previous headset, it’s perfect for musicals or plays where the actors both sing and speak. However, it works flawlessly for either one without the other.

Keep in mind; this system operates in the 900 MHz frequency band which is not available in countries outside of the U.S.A and Canada. Therefore, if you live in or planning on touring outside of those countries, your better off skipping down to the next wireless headset microphone system.

Sound Quality
The Shure PGXD 14 uses 24-bit/48kHz uncompressed digital transmission for the most accurate wireless representation of your microphone. The Shure PGA31 headset microphone is yet another condenser microphone designed for greater voice articulation. The sound quality is clear and even. It uses a unidirectional cardioid polar pattern for reduced background noise. The headset microphone is also able to withstand higher gain before feedback occurs. Overall, the Shure PGXD14/PGA31-X8 sound quality is outstanding and perfectly suitable for singers.

Reliability
The Shure PGXD14/PGA31-X8 is one of the few wireless systems that operate in the 900 MHZ frequency band which is less congested than other frequency bands. In other words, there is a much less chance for signal interference. It also uses True Digital Diversity, meaning both antennas work independently to scan for the best open channel. If one antenna starts to get signal interference, the other antenna acts as a safety net. The PGXD Automatic frequency selection feature finds the clearest open channel with a push of the button on the receiver. Overall, the Shure PGXD14 is incredibly reliable. Based on my experience in the audio world mixed with every single review of this product, there are no recorded dropouts with this system.

Convenience
Like most wireless guitar systems, the PGXD 14’s transmitter takes 2 AA batteries for 9 hours of playtime. Another convenient downside of the PGXD 14 is the units do not automatically sync up with each other. After turning on both the transmitter and receiver for the PGXD 14, you must sync the transmitter to the receiver by keeping the transmitter case open toward the receiver, then press the circular button on the right of the receiver.

Plastic systems are more susceptible to damage than those that are metal. Unfortunately, one of the reasons the PGXD 14 is at a cheaper price is because both the transmitter and receiver are made of plastic. It’s best to purchase a Neotech Wireless Pouch for added protection for the transmitter.

Features

• True digital diversity
• Less congested 900 MHZ frequency band
• Gain adjustment range: 10dB
• 1/4″ and XLR audio outputs
• Very accurate sound with 24-bit / 48kHz digital technology
• Included Accessories: PGA31 headset microphone, Power supply, carrying case, windscreen, clip, user manual, and 2 AA batteries

Pros

• Digital transmission
• Extremely reliable: zero recorded dropouts
• Great bang for the buck: Affordable for exceptional performance
• Highest rated wireless headset microphone system on the market for the price below $600
• 24-bit / 48kHz 
• Great range: 200 feet
• Comfortable headset

Cons

• Not available outside of the United States and Canada
• Plastic receiver
• Plastic transmitter

Tech Specs

Quick Recap

Here are the 3 best Wireless Microphone Headsets For Theater and Musicals

• Bolymic-4200
• Shure BLX14/P31
• Shure PGXD14/PGA31-X8

We tried our very best to narrow the choice down to our top 3 vocal headsets for the best clarity, articulation, and comfort at the lowest price. Anyone of these headsets will be a great choice for you and your art.

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