Everything You Need to Know about 2.4 GHz Wireless Microphones

2.4 GHz microphones operate in 83 MHz of spectrum between 2.400 GHz and 2.483 GHz. By comparison, most wireless microphones today operate at lower “UHF” frequencies between 470 MHz and 698 MHz.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of wireless microphones that operate in the 2.4 GHz ISM band.

Pro’s

Simple to operate (under ideal conditions)

The selling points for most of these models are “easy,” “easy,” and “easy.” The predictable locations of WiFi channels allow 2.4 GHz mics to sniff out where occupied frequencies are and are not, and they are also great at communicating with other mics and self-coordinating (this is probably because 2.4 GHz microchips ship with more advanced radio protocols than off the shelf UHF chips).

2.4 GHz chips do not use FM modulation, and they are (at least the ones we’ve seen) all digital, so they are less susceptible to the intermodulation artifacts that plague multi-channel UHF FM systems. Mics from professional grade manufacturers like Shure, Sennheiser, AKG, Line6, and AT have tuned their modulation and circuitry to bring latency down to acceptable levels, as opposed to simply sending audio over WiFi.

International compliance

Properly manufactured 2.4 GHz microphones can be used in nearly every country without a license, in the same frequency range. UHF frequency bands are not synchronised across international borders, and the rules for wireless microphones vary from country to country. In some countries like the U.K. operating professional UHF equipment requires a permanent or temporary license, and half of the equipment sold in the UK in the 700 MHz band is illegal to use in the United States. 2.4 GHz mics give users a free pass from all the regulatory confusion.

Latency

Since all professional grade 2.4 GHz mics are digital, latency is a bit higher than UHF analogue. But the delays aren’t all that bad on digital microphones, and don’t really stand too far behind UHF digital microphones. In fact, Line6 has latency that beats some UHF digital mics. Latency on 2.4 is only an issue when shows are being recorded for broadcast, or a picky artist starts complaining about monitor delay.

IT Department Wrath

2.4 GHz is the same band that most WiFi devices use. You can’t always expect to waltz into a facility – especially a secure one – and power up a 2.4 GHz device without someone from the IT department hunting you down and telling you to put it away. WiFi in corporate and stadium settings is carefully calibrated and, usually, completely full. IT professionals have tools that let them know if something is interfering with their network.

Bottom Line

2.4 GHz microphones are a great choice for those who only need a few channels and want hassle free setup. For those who need lots of channels and ultra-low latency, top-tier UHF mics are still the best choice.

2.4 GHz audio fidelity from reputable manufacturers should be more than acceptable for most applications.

While they may provide additional long-term security over 600 MHz microphones – which will soon be illegal – they do not guarantee complete immunity from interference. A vast sea of other devices uses the 2.4 GHz band, and their numbers will only increase as the Internet of Things explodes.

Need a High Performance 2.4 GHz Antenna?

Inspired by the popular UHF CP Beam antenna, this lightweight, miniaturised helical antenna is built for maximum gain in the 2.4 GHz band. Painstakingly designed and tested in the RF Venue laboratory, it provides significant performance improvements over other non-audio 2.4 GHz directional antennas that are intended for networking devices.