Wireless Microphone Frequencies: The Decisions That Matter
The radio frequencies wireless microphones use in the US, and the rules that govern them.
Tomas Lindqvist
The key figures
- 600 MHz transition
- the FCC prohibited wireless microphone operation in the repurposed 600 MHz band
- Part 15
- most wireless microphones operate unlicensed under FCC rules
- Part 74
- some professional users can be licensed
- Interference
- television and mobile signals share nearby spectrum
Why this is worth getting right
Spectrum has been reallocated, and using retired frequencies is both illegal and unreliable.
Do this, not that
Do
- Check equipment operates on legal frequencies
- Scan for interference at each venue
- Coordinate frequencies across multiple systems
- Keep firmware updated
- Have wired backups
Don’t
- Using retired 600 MHz equipment
- Unscanned venues
- Many systems on nearby channels
- No wired backup for critical events
When to bring in help
Our advice Bring in help when running multiple wireless systems at events.
Where this comes from
- Federal Communications Commission — Wireless microphones
- Audio Engineering Society — Educational resources
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
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Where to go next
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