Top 6 Longest Range Wireless Microphones

Which wireless microphone systems have the furthest range? We know what you want; you want to jump in the audience as you crowd surf throughout the entire Festival as you sing into your wireless mic. Alternatively, maybe that has absolutely nothing to do with the reason you want a long-range wireless microphone. For whichever reason that you do need one, we did extensive research so that you don’t have to.

Although there is a large number of wireless microphones that give you 300 feet of range, believe it or not, the extra 30 feet does make a big difference. The wireless mic’s range is an important factor when trying to find a good system to fit your needs. However, multiple factors make up an excellent system to keep in mind as we dive into each one of them later on.

Here are the 6 longest-range wireless microphone sets all tied at 330 feet With the exception of the Sennheiser SKM 6000 at 400 feet.

1. Sennheiser EW 100 G4-835-S

The SKM 100 G4-S is a handheld wireless mic where the transmitter is built into the microphone. Ran as an analog system, the microphone includes a simple mute switch so that no unwanted noise gets picked up when not in use. The e835 capsule puts forward a smooth sound with built-in feedback rejection.

View Sennheiser EW 100-835S 

• True Diversity (Best for signal reliability) 
• Analog
• 12 compatible frequencies
• Range 330 Feet
• Auto frequency scan
• 2 AA batteries, 8 hours battery life, battery life is shown on receiver
• Mic weight 1 lb
• Made of rugged aluminum housing
• Condenser mic
• No issue with latency for all analog systems

2. Sennheiser EW 300 G4-865-S

Despite looking similar to the younger version EW 100, the Sennheiser EW 300 G4-865-S has more features and upgrades. This product’s mic is made of a durable metal housing, able to withstand dynamic touring conditions.

Compatible with 32 frequencies rather than 12, the EW 300 has an e865 capsule for better vocal punch, extended dynamic response, and more of a pronounced presence. It used to be priced at $1,250 now running for $999.

View Sennheiser EW 300 G4-865-S

• Made out of Sturdy Metal Housing (durability)
• 32 compatible frequencies
• Analog
• e865 capsule exhibits extended dynamic response, pronounced presence, and vocal punch
• High-Quality True Diversity (Best for signal reliability) 
• 2 x AA, 1.5 V or BA 2015 accupack (8 Hour Life)
• Condenser Mic
• 330 feet range
• Mic weight 1 lb
• Auto frequency scan
• Wireless synchronization of the transmitter parameter from receiver
• No issue with latency for all analog systems

3. Sennheiser EW 500 G4-935

It’s unclear to me that the latest version of the Sennheiser EW series with even more features and upgrades is $100 cheaper than its earlier EW 300. The Sennheiser ew 500 comes with a dynamic mic rather than a condenser microphone. While having the highest of the 3 Sennheiser’s, e935 capsule offers a smooth, natural sound with fast transient response. Along with that, the e935 capsule employs a tight supercardioid pickup pattern for superior feedback and off-axis rejection.

Its auto-frequency scan feature makes this system easy to use, for any changes on the rackmount, just press sync. The microphone weighs about 1/3 of its earlier versions, believe me; this makes a big difference on a 2-hour gig/speech.

View Sennheiser EW 500 G4-935

• Highest of the 3 Sennheiser, e935 capsule offers a smooth, natural sound with fast transient response
• Up to 32 simultaneous channels 
• High-Quality True Diversity (Best for signal reliability) 
• Auto frequency scan
• e935 capsule employs a tight supercardioid pickup pattern for superior feedback and off-axis rejection
• Built-in Equalizer and Soundcheck mode
• Sturdy metal housing (durability)
• Analog
• Increased protection against sweat, humidity, and water splashes
• Up to 88 MHz bandwidth with 3,520 selectable frequencies for interference-free reception
• 330 feet of range
• Dynamic mic
• 2 x AA, 1.5 V or BA 2015 accupack (8 Hour Life)
• Mic weight 0.35 lbs
• No issue with latency for all analog systems

4. Shure QLXD24/SM58

Shure QLXD24/SM58 Digital wireless mic will give you an uninterrupted clear signal for a worry-free performance with its 24-bit digital audio and remarkably efficient RF spectrum. Very easy to use, with the push of a button the receiver finds open frequencies.

The SM58 is the most popular mic in the world. Its tailored vocal response for sound is a world standard for singing or speech. This system offers over 120dB dynamic range, secure transmission with AES 256-bit encryption, stable RF connection with digital predictive switching diversity, along with the QLXD4 receiver. Abnormally low latency for a digital system at 2.9 ms.

View Shure QLXD24/SM58

• Digital
• The Shure QLXD2 offers the choice of interchangeable Shure SM86, Beta58A, Beta87A, and SM58 capsules, which provides you with amazing flexibility
• 120dB Dynamic Range
• Range 330 feet
• Up to 60 Simultaneous channels per band
• Frequency Range 470-534 MHz
• Dynamic Mic, pattern Cardioid
• 256-bit encryption for secure transmission
• Undetectable low latency at 2.9 ms 

5. Rode RodeLink Performer Kit

An excellent bang for your buck, the RODELink Performer Kit is an easy setup by pressing the red button on the receiver, choose a channel on the receiver, then press and hold the red button on the transmitter.

The microphone comes with a lithium-ion rechargeable battery located in the transmitter, plug the USB into the transmitter to charge it. Rechargeable batteries eliminate consistent battery purchases for higher year-end profit/convenience. Power button located at the bottom of the mic, this reduces accidental shutoffs while performing. It has low latency for digital at 4 ms.

View Rode RodeLink Performer Kit

• Digital
• 8 Simultaneous channels
• Condenser mic, Supercardioid mic pattern (for feedback rejection)
• Dynamic range 118dB
• LB-1 Rechargeable battery (included), 2 x AA batteries (optional) 10 hour battery life
• Auto selects the strongest signal, ensuring a solid connection
• 2.4GHz signal on two simultaneous channels (worldwide license-free)
• Range 330 Feet
• Gives you 40dB, 5-step level adjustment (-20, -10, 0 10, 30dB)
• Desktop (small) receiver 
• does not pick up sound from side rears of the mic
• 128-bit encrypted signal for clarity
• The receiver is compatible with all Rodelink transmitters
• Mute switch located on the mic
• Low latency, 4 ms max

6. Sennheiser SKM 6000

Where anything less than stellar is not an option, the Sennheiser SKM 6000 has been used at super bowl performances to some of the biggest festivals around the world with top artists. This is the most expensive but best wireless mic on this list.

The Sennheiser SKM 6000 is designed for the top professionals in theaters, stadiums, festivals, professional live sound, convention centers, rental business, or broadcast.

The compatible receiver is the Sennheiser EM 6000

The other microphone of professionalism as this one by Sennheiser is their SKM 9000 with minor differences.

Features

• Able to support Digital 9000 encryption and AES 256 encryption
• Handheld vocal mic transmitter for 6000 series wireless systems
• Compatible with EM 9046 and EK 6042 while it’s in Long Range mode
• 5.5 hours of playtime with a Lithium-ion battery 
• Compatible with microphone heads from evolution wireless G3, 2000, Digital 9000, and Neumann KK 204 and KK 205 series
• The compatible receiver is the Sennheiser EM 6000

Tech Specs

Digital vs Analog Wireless Microphone Systems

“Analogue systems sound great in good RF conditions, but they’re inherently noisy, and the audio suffers when things get tough. Properly engineered digital systems offer clear and crisp audio even under difficult circumstances”  

Shure UK Area Sales Manager, Dave Phillips

Digital Wireless Mic Benefits

• Batteries last 30-40% longer
• Digital systems can give a flat frequency across the entire audio range so that the sound of the capsule will not be affected where analog has a higher chance that it would be.
• Has less of a chance the radio link or Rf noise will affect the signal.
• Depending on the manufacturer and model, digital systems can often deliver nearly twice the channels in the same slice of the spectrum as their analog counterparts
• Digital systems can produce roughly twice the channels in the same spectrum. This is not the case for all systems; it depends on the manufacturer make and model. Unfortunately, to get the clear and crisp audio of digital wireless under challenging circumstances, the wireless systems are typically on the more expensive side. If your willing to save up the money for one of the most reliable and clear wireless microphones in the market, the Shure ULXD24/B58 H50 is the option for you with its unique feature “High-Density mode.” 
• Signal encryption which is perfect for information-sensitive events

Analog Wireless Mic Benefits

• Analog wireless mics typically have a lower latency
• Some of the more high-end analog systems are comparable to digital systems in terms of the audio section
• Tend to do better with holding on to range with the (with albeit noisier operation). At the end of the range for digital systems, they usually just drop out.

Other Factors To Consider When Purchasing A Wireless Microphone System

1.Reliability

The reliability of a wireless microphone system is, in my opinion, the absolute most crucial factor in determining a good system. You need to know that your microphone will not randomly cut out due to signal interference while performing or speaking live. When your wireless mic is more susceptible to dropouts, even if it’s as little as once every three events, you still have the “fear of uncertainty” in the back of your mind.

This “fear of uncertainty” while singing or speaking, will negatively affect the way you perform and the overall experience of the event. I personally know about this “fear of uncertainty,” considering a few bands I used to play in used a few wireless mic systems that fell on the cheaper side. It is not only essential but vital to have a reliable wireless microphone system with excellent signal strength and frequency interference agility that will not drop out.

The best way to figure out the honest reliability and signal strength of a wireless microphone system is (1) Make sure it is a true diversity system. This means both antennas work independently each locating its own clearest available channel. (2) Get a wireless microphone system above $500 with excellent reviews. (3) Make sure the wireless microphone system uses frequency interference features.

2. Durability

The durability of a wireless microphone system is far more important than we think at first. Wireless mic’s cost a fair amount of money. If it’s not durable enough and it breaks, you lose money. You don’t want to spend money on a cheaper built plastic unit thinking your smart because you saved money just to have it break a year later.

If you are a touring musician, you need a wireless microphone system made with a durable microphone and a metal receiver to withstand vigorous touring conditions. A rack-mountable receiver will go a long way as well if you don’t mind a rackmount.

3. Microphone Sound Quality

Even more so important for singers rather than speakers, it is crucial that your microphone delivers excellent sound quality. Microphones were not all made equally. Some mics produce more of a warm tone, some are bright and punchy, some mics are much more articulate than others, and the list goes on.

A few other things to keep in mind for the sound quality of a wireless microphone system.

• Dynamic range at 120dB is good
• Digital transmission produces higher quality sound than analog
• System frequency response at 20Hz-20kHz is good
• Dynamic microphones are better at rejecting background noise but condenser microphones are more articulate

4. Convenience

Convenience is not a common thought when first purchasing a wireless microphone system. In terms of battery life, how to charge or change the batteries, setting up the system before gigs, etc. an inconvenient wireless microphone system gets annoying fast. Not to mention, consistent battery purchases increase the annual overhead at a much faster pace than expected. Therefore, wireless microphones that either uses rechargeable batteries or have a much longer battery life is best.

To make it simple, the most convenient wireless microphone system would be where the receiver automatically picks the clearest open channel while auto-linking the mic to the receiver. If you prefer using a rackmount, a rack-mountable receiver will definitely come in handy.

5. Frequency Band

One of the more complicated subjects in the wireless music equipment realm, which frequency band for your wireless microphone system is the best choice? 

First off, what is a frequency band?

The entire frequency range, or radio spectrum, operates between 3 kHz to 300 GHz. Frequency bands are an interval in the frequency domain, having a fixed boundary between a lower frequency and an upper frequency. For example, the wireless guitar system Shure BLX14 -H10 operates in the frequency band between 542-572 MHz. The 542 MHz is the lower frequency when the 572 MHz is the higher frequency, everything between the fixed boundary is the frequency band that the Shure BLX14 -H10 operates in.

In short, 2.4GHz Digital Wireless is the all-around best frequency band choice for your wireless microphone system. 2.4GHz is globally available, globally unlicensed, and has more chance of a sustainable future. The majority of the other frequency bands are either unavailable outside of the US or Canada, need a costly/inconvenient license to operate in some countries or have an uncertain future with the FCC banning the frequency.

Bottom Line | Longest Range Wireless Microphones

The range is an essential factor when determining a wireless microphone, but it is no more important than signal reliability, durability,  vocal tonality, latency, and dynamic range. If your planning on purchasing a quality mic that will last, it’s best to wait until you have the money to spend rather than buying a mic in a hurry just to be unsatisfied in the long run.

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