Wireless Antennas and Accessories Buying Guide

The antennas and accessories around a wireless microphone or monitoring system have a large effect on range and reliability. This guide explains how to choose from our range of wireless antennas and accessories, including antenna types, distribution, cables and mounting.

Why antennas matter

A receiver supplied with small antennas on the front of a rack may be fine for a small room. In larger venues, steel structures, audiences and distance weaken the signal. Moving the antennas away from the rack, closer to the performers and in clear line of sight is often the cheapest way to improve reliability.

Omnidirectional and directional antennas

Omnidirectional antennas such as dipoles pick up signals from all directions and suit small spaces. Directional antennas, such as paddle, log-periodic or helical designs, concentrate sensitivity in one direction and reject unwanted signals from others. They suit larger stages and noisy radio environments. Match the antenna's frequency range to your equipment.

Passive and active antennas

Passive antennas have no power and are simple and reliable. Active antennas contain an amplifier to compensate for cable loss on long runs, but they can also amplify interference, and they need power from the receiver or a power injector. Use active antennas only when the cable run justifies it, and check the gain.

Antenna distribution

An antenna distribution system lets several receivers share one pair of antennas, which keeps the rack tidy and avoids a forest of cables. Check the number of outputs, the frequency range, the gain or loss and whether DC power is passed to active antennas. Use correct, matched cable between the splitter and each receiver.

Cables and connectors

Antenna cables are 50 ohm coaxial cable terminated with BNC connectors, which is different from audio cable. Longer runs lose signal, and thinner cable loses more. Use low-loss cable for long distances and keep runs as short as practical. Avoid sharp bends and always use the correct impedance. Our cables and connectors range covers audio connections.

Mounts and placement

Front-mount kits bring antennas from the rear of a rack panel to the front. Microphone stand adaptors and wall brackets help place antennas high and central. As a practical guide, mount antennas on stands or walls, well above the audience, away from large metal objects and from each other according to the manufacturer's guidance, with line of sight to the performing area.

Filters and other accessories

Bandpass filters reduce strong outside signals, such as nearby broadcast transmitters, that could overload receivers. Other useful accessories are power injectors, attenuators, spare battery packs and chargers, and carry cases. Choose items suited to the brands and bands you use, whether for wireless microphones or in-ear monitoring systems.

Choosing for your application

Small rooms and meeting spaces

The antennas supplied with the receiver are often enough. Mounting them on the front of the rack, away from metal panels, may already improve range.

Theatres, halls and worship spaces

Use remote antennas on stands or walls, with a distribution system if several receivers are used. Directional antennas aimed at the stage help in venues with a lot of radio interference.

Touring and rental

Rugged, quick-fit mounts, spare cables and a travelling kit of adaptors save time. Label cables and carry a few spare lengths.

Setup tips

Run a site check before the event with the receivers on and note any dropouts while walking the whole stage area. Keep antenna cables clear of mains leads and loudspeaker cables, and tape them down where people walk. Use the same cable type and length for matching antennas and make sure every connector is tight, since a loose BNC is a common cause of intermittent faults.

Common mistakes to avoid

Most wireless problems start with setup rather than the equipment.

• Using audio XLR or instrument cable for antenna runs
• Mounting antennas at the back of a closed rack with metal doors
• Choosing an active antenna for a short run and adding noise
• Mixing different antenna impedances or non-matching connectors
• Placing receivers and antennas behind the performance area
• Ignoring frequency range, so the antenna is not suited to the system in use

Buying wireless antennas and accessories at Shivansh Electronics

Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India supplies genuine products only, exactly as the manufacturers build and specify them. Every product page has its specifications, so you can compare models side by side before you decide. Our team can help you shortlist options for your room, venue or project and advise on WhatsApp or by phone: call +91 89818 07755 or +91 91477 00677.