Wireless microphones are a content creator’s not-so-secret weapon for enhanced audio quality on the go. For greater fidelity — beyond what you’d get from a phone or camera — wireless microphones are an easy-to-use solution, even for those with minimal prior audio experience. During a simple video shoot, subjects can hold or wear the microphone while it wirelessly transmits data to a receiver, often plugged into a camera via Bluetooth. The result is a recording that captures the source in high fidelity, for clearer, more intelligible sound with less noise. Bluetooth microphones can completely alter the way you approach audio for content, thanks to their intuitiveness and convenience.
What is a Bluetooth Microphone?
A wireless Bluetooth microphone forgoes clunky XLR cables and external hardware for streamlined connectivity to a recording device. Some Bluetooth microphones are all-in-one units that sync directly to a laptop, phone, or tablet. Others are part of a larger system that includes a transmitter — located in the microphone itself — and a receiver, which can connect to a DSLR camera, field recorder, or another device via 3.5mm or USB. In either case, ultra-portable wireless microphones utilize Bluetooth to conveniently pair a mic to a recorder or a transmitter to a receiver. Bluetooth microphones typically offer extended range, minimal interference, and plug-and-play operation without messy cabling.
Best Bluetooth Microphones
Sony ECM-AW4 Bluetooth Wireless Microphone System
The Sony ECM-AW4 is a wireless system consisting of a microphone, receiver, a pair of mono earbuds, and a 3.5mm TRS cable. The receiver connects to virtually any kind of video camera, DSLR, or recording device with a 3.5mm input jack. With up to 150 feet of range and three hours of battery life, the ECM-AW4 is a versatile wireless microphone that sounds great.
One exceptional feature is onboard intercom, allowing a camera operator to communicate with on-screen talent using the included mono earbuds and headphone jacks on the microphone and receiver. This supports quick pivots on shoots, even if the talent is out of earshot.
Rode Wireless GO II Compact Microphone System
RØDE’s Wireless GO II is a dual-channel microphone system including two transmitters and a receiver. Each transmitter contains a high-quality omnidirectional condenser capsule for completely wireless recording up to 200m, while a TRS input adds optional support for a lavalier.
For versatile connectivity, the receiver has a 3.5mm TRS output as well as a USB-C digital output for plugging directly into computers, phones, or tablets. The RØDE Wireless GO system also boasts internal recording of up to 24 hours of audio, so you’ll always have a backup should your primary audio capture device fail in the middle of a shoot.
Mackie OnyxGO Mic Wireless Clip-On Microphone
The Mackie OnyxGO is a completely self-contained wireless microphone system for your mobile device. Powered by the OnyxGO app, it gives creators a full-fledged content production studio in their pocket. Just pair the mic to your phone over Bluetooth, adjust your settings in the app, and you’re ready to go.
The powerful mobile application even records video, for a truly all-inclusive system for A/V production anytime, anywhere. OnyxGO will automatically keep your audio in sync with video, so you never have to worry about drift or other technical hang-ups while creating. The Mackie OnyxGO microphone also includes voice-changing effects, five-band EQ, and reverb for limitless possibilities.
Hollyland Lark M1 Duo 2-Person Wireless Microphone System with Charger
The Hollyland Lark M1 is an innovative take on the wireless Bluetooth microphone. Its hallmark feature is HearClear noise cancellation activated by the flick of a switch. In noisy environments, HearClear uses cutting-edge DSP and an advanced noise cancellation algorithm to filter out ambient sound for crystal-clear voice recordings.
Turning HearClear off allows the surrounding environment back in, which may be desirable under certain circumstances or used to creative effect. Each M1 microphone is sleek, lightweight, and comfortable to wear, and transmits richly detailed audio at 48kHz/16-bit. Capture pro-quality recordings with robust wireless transmission up to 200m with the Hollyland Lark M1 Duo system
