A DJ is only as good as their equipment. With this in mind, choosing great-quality microphones and other audio equipment is essential if you want clear, crisp sound. There is a wide range of various brands and models available on the market, and choosing the best DJ wireless microphones is no easy feat.
Microphones differ in range, output, and of course, price. Choosing the best microphone to suit your needs and budget is essential and can make a big difference in the sound you wish to create. We invite you to read these reviews of the top five performing microphone systems currently available on the market.
We have reviewed the top five microphone systems most commonly used by DJs. Each with a variety of output capabilities, functions, and range, these microphones are all top performers and guarantee great sound output for any indoor or outdoor event.
From Sennheiser to Shure, we have included bigger names in sound equipment as well as showcased a few smaller brands that have a wide variety of capabilities and sound options. It is worth choosing a microphone for its functions rather than the brand name, as even a relatively lesser-known brand has the ability to provide great sound.
Take note of the features and sound capabilities, and choose according to your sound needs as a DJ.
Comparison Chart
DJ Microphone Reviews
1. Shure BLX288 Wireless Microphone System
Shure is one of the leading microphone brands in the music industry. Used by vocalists the likes of Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, and even Elvis, Shure is a brand you can trust for reliable sound quality at any event. You won’t go wrong with a Shure microphone system for all your sound needs. Shure has a wide range of microphone systems available, but the BLX288/SM58 microphone system stands out from the rest in terms of value for money and sound capability.
Review
The Shure BLX288 wireless microphone system comes with two wireless microphones that are operated with two AA batteries each. Compatible with a radio, amplifier, karaoke system, and speakers, the microphones are both versatile and easy to use. Setup can be completed in minutes, and all instructions are included in a user manual.
Each microphone has a 300-foot range and can be used continuously for up to 14 hours. With a 24MHz tuning bandwidth, the microphones can be paired with 12 compatible systems, making it the ideal system for both indoor and outdoor use for your next event. Shure microphones can be paired with most brands of speakers; be sure to check out the specifications on the packaging.
While the battery life is reported to be up to 14 hours, this is only when the microphone unit is used with good-quality batteries. Spare batteries should always be available to ensure that there is no interruption in case the battery dies.
This Shure system weighs only 3 pounds, making it lightweight and easy to use on stage or within a venue. Adjustable gain control and a handy low battery indicator are just two of the many fantastic features that make this system a great option for DJs, MCs, and karaoke singers.
Shure’s range of microphone systems is well-priced and excellent for entry-level use. This system comes with two microphones, a transmitter, four AA batteries, and a user manual for easy setup. All Shure products have a two-year warranty.
Shure is a leader in sound equipment and is recommended for DJs that want quality sound output at their events. With a few options to choose from, the microphones are priced according to function and capability.
Pros
- The microphone systems are compact in size
- Easy to transport from one venue to another
- Each unit is battery-operated for on-the-go use at any venue
- They have good range of capabilities
- Compatible with most speaker and amplifying systems
Cons
- Batteries do not last as long as suggested
2. AKG Pro Audio Perception Wireless Microphone System
AKG is a trusted name in audio equipment for weddings, indoor and outdoor music festivals, DJs, and churches. With affordable prices and excellent-quality microphone systems, AKG is the perfect companion for your sound needs. The AKG microphone comes with an SR45 stationary receiver as well as a PT45 pocket receiver, making it dual-purpose and versatile.
Review
The AKG microphone system is compatible with any amplifier or speaker and has a bandwidth of 30MHz. With a choice of a universal power supply or just one AA battery, the microphone can be powered in two ways, making it versatile for indoor and outdoor use. Though there is slight feedback, proper tuning and setup can help reduce this problem.
Weighing only 2.2 pounds, the microphone unit is lightweight and has a noiseless on/off/mute switch system that will not interfere with your sound output in any way. AKG microphones can be used for up to 8 hours while on battery mode, and a handy low battery indicator will alert you when it is time to change your batteries.
AKG systems are sleek in design and available in black. All systems come with a user manual for easy setup and have a two-year warranty. One AA battery is included in the box.
Setup is relatively easy but needs to be done properly to ensure that the connections are intact and that there is no delay. Some users have reported that the connection time is slow, but reading the manual can help ensure that the unit is installed and set up correctly. Batteries, a manual, and a warranty are all included in the box.
Pros
- Reliable sound output
- Great for your mobile sound needs
- Lightweight for easy transport
- Strong antennas for a great range
- It can run on a battery or through a universal power supply
Cons
- Receiver has a small amount of feedback
- Connection between the unit and the receiver is slow
3. Sennheiser Pro Audio Vocal Wireless Microphone
You can’t make a better choice when you choose a Sennheiser microphone for your events, given their over 75 years in the sound business. The A-range of microphones has an integrated antenna that allows for diverse reception options. Sennheiser is a good quality microphone system with great sound output capabilities. The Sennheiser Pro Audio XSW 1-285-A series is a great choice for DJs of all skill levels.
Review
The Sennheiser A-series vocal wireless microphone has a 10-hour operating time and is powered by two AA batteries that are included in the box. With selectable UHF frequencies and up to 10 simultaneous channels to connect to, this product is one of the most diverse microphones on the market.
Available as a single unit, the microphone system has a range of 548 to 572 MHz and has a sound output of up to 52 decibels. The cardioid capsule creates a clear, crackle-free sound that is great for live shows and singing.
While there is no information available on the exact range of the Sennheiser A-series, it is one of the top microphones for musicians, DJs, and MCs of events. The unit weighs 1.56 pounds and can be used with a mic clip or diversity receiver, making it the ideal microphone to move around with.
Some users have reported poor frequency pickup with the Sennheiser microphone system, but proper tuning and setup can help minimize this problem. The unit must be switched off on the receiver as there is no on/off button on the microphone itself.
Pros
- Microphone has great audio quality
- Easy to set up and use
- Good quality unit and receiver
- Long battery life
Cons
- Poor frequency pickup so the receiver picks up static
- No on/off switch, and stays on even when not in use
4. Audio-Technica System Wireless Handheld Microphone System
Audio-Technica is a relatively new name in sound equipment but is guaranteed to provide quality sound output with its ATW-1102 microphone system. Weighing only 1 pound, this unit is the lightest of all the microphones we have reviewed, making it perfect for DJs and MCs who need to move around while talking. This is a single-unit microphone system.
Review
The Audio-Technica microphone system is one of the newer brands on the market. With a 2.4GHZ range selection that is free from TV interference, users can enjoy crisp, clear, uninterrupted sound. With no feedback or static, there is no outside interference that will cause distortion or a change in the quality of the sound.
It boasts instantaneous channel selection from an ATW-R110 receiver and ATW-T1002 transmitter with up to eight channels. Choose between a corded electric power supply or two AA batteries to power your microphone, and enjoy up to five hours of battery life. This is less than the other microphones we have reviewed, but battery life can be increased with a good-quality set of batteries. Remember to keep spares available.
Audio-Technica microphone systems have a standup clamp, making storing or displaying the microphones a breeze. The system also has a sound output of 109dB, making it the ideal microphone system for noisy clubs and outdoor events.
Pros
- 24-bit/48Khz receiver provides good reception
- Lightweight at only 1 pound
- Great outdoor range
- Easy to setup and use
- Standup clamp allows for easy storage
Cons
- Battery life is only between four and five hours
5. VeGue Wireless Microphone System
The VeGue metal professional UHF dual channel handheld microphone is one of the sleekest microphones in both design and operation. Great for home, weddings, meetings, and church use, the VeGue is a popular choice for DJs and MCs alike. This is one of the most highly-rated microphone systems and has a wide range of features and capabilities.
Review
The VeGue wireless system has a range of around 200 feet, making it the ideal system for large venues. Priced at just under $100, it is also the best value and includes two microphones with a transmitter and receiver. Two microphones are always better than one and allow more than one DJ, MC, or singer to use the microphones at a time. Alternatively, one can be kept as a spare while the other is in use.
Weighing in at 3.52 pounds, it is a heavier microphone but is still lightweight enough to use while walking or moving around. The cardioid capsules ensure clear, quality sound, and users can choose from 15 frequencies. This can, however, cause sensitivity issues, and the use of a rubber sleeve to cover the battery compartment might be helpful to prevent feedback and a loud sound when you put the unit down.
This microphone has an LCD screen display on the receiver and each microphone, allowing users to see their channel information, battery life, and range. VeGue microphones are powered by two AA batteries which need to be purchased separately.
The sleek, metal design of the microphones makes them resistant to impact and corrosion and is great for use on stage or in a larger venue. The VeGue system uses XLR connectors and has a ¼-inch output jack, both of which guarantee excellent sound output when connected to any brand of speaker or amplifier.
Pros
- Connects to most speakers and amplifiers
- Easy 10-minute setup time
- Great value for money
- Loud output
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Microphone is sensitive and must be handled with care
Summary
Our reviews have covered the basics that should be considered when choosing a microphone system for DJing and for all events. Based on price and function, we would highly recommend the VeGue wireless microphone system. It comes with a two-year warranty and is great value for money. It can be set up in less than 10 minutes and has loud output. The choice, however, should be made according to your microphone needs and budget.
For smaller indoor events, the Shure is a winner and comes with two microphones and a transmitter unit. Although the batteries don’t last very long, this can be remedied by purchasing separate, high-quality, long-lasting batteries. The microphones have good range capabilities and they are compatible with most speakers and amplifiers. Plus, they are compact in size, making storage and transport a breeze.
Use our reviews as a guide to choosing a microphone system that will meet all your sound needs without compromising on your budget or sound quality.
