We know what you want, you want to jump in the audience as you crowd surf through out the entire Festival as you sing in to your wireless mic. Or maybe, that has absolutely nothing to do with the reason you want a long range wireless microphone. For whichever reason that you do need one, we did the extensive research so that you don’t have to.

Although there is a large amount of wireless microphones that give you 300 feet of range, believe it or not, the extra 30 feet does make a big difference. Range is an import factor when trying to find a good wireless microphone to fit your needs, but there are multiple factors that make up a good system to keep in mind as we dive in to them later.

Here are the 5 longest range wireless microphone sets all tied at 330 ft 

Top 5 Longest Range Wireless Microphone Sets

Sennheiser EW 100 G4-835-S

The SKM 100 G4-S is a handheld wireless mic where the transmitter is built in to the microphone. Ran as an analog system, the microphone includes a simple mute switch so that no unwanted noise is picked up when not in use. The e835 capsule puts forward a smooth sound with built in feedback rejection.

View Sennheiser EW 100-835S 

• True Diversity (Best for signal reliability)
• Analog
• 12 compatible frequencies
• Range 330 Feet
• Auto frequency scan
• 2 AA batteries, 8 hours battery life, battery life shown on receiver
• Mic weight 1 lbs
• Made of rugged aluminium housing
• Condenser mic
• No issue with latency for all analog systems

Sennheiser EW 300 G4-865-S

Despite looking similar to the younger version EW 100, the Sennheiser EW 300 G4-865-S has more features and upgrades. This products mic is made of durable metal housing, able to withstand vigorous touring conditions.

Compatible with 32 frequencies rather than 12, the EW 300 has an e865 capsule for better vocal punch, extended dynamic response, and more of a pronounced presence. Used to be priced at $1,250 now running for $999.

View Sennheiser EW 300 G4-865-S

• Made out of Sturdy Metal Housing (durability)
• 32 compatible frequencies
• Analog
• e865 capsule exhibits extended dynamic response, pronounced presence, and vocal punch
• High Quality True Diversity (Best for signal reliability)
• 2 x AA, 1.5 V or BA 2015 accupack (8 Hour Life)
• Condenser Mic
• 330 feet range
• Mic weight 1 lbs
• Auto frequency scan
• Wireless synchronization of transmitter parameter from receiver
• No issue with latency for all analog systems

Sennheiser EW 500 G4-935

To be completely honest, its unclear to me that the latest version of the sennheiser EW series with even more features and upgrades is $100 cheaper than its earlier EW 300. The Sennheiser ew 500 comes with a dynamic mic rather than a condenser microphone. While having the highest of the 3 sennheiser’s, e935 capsule offers a smooth, natural sound with fast transient response. Along with that, the e935 capsule employs a tight supercardioid pickup pattern for superior feedback and off-axis rejection.

Its auto-frequency scan feature makes this system easy to use, for any changes on the rackmount, just press sync. The microphone weighs about 1/3 of its earlier versions, believe me, this makes a big difference on a 2 hour gig/speech.

View Sennheiser EW 500 G4-935

• Highest of the 3 sennheiser’s, e935 capsule offers a smooth, natural sound with fast transient response
• Up to 32 simultaneous channels
• High Quality True Diversity (Best for signal reliability)
• Auto frequency scan
• e935 capsule employs a tight supercardioid pickup pattern for superior feedback and off-axis rejection
• Built-in Equalizer and Soundcheck mode
• Sturdy metal housing (durability)
• Analog
• Increased protection against sweat, humidity, and water splashes
• Up to 88 MHz bandwidth with 3,520 selectable frequencies for interference-free reception
• 330 feet of range
• Dynamic mic
• 2 x AA, 1.5 V or BA 2015 accupack (8 Hour Life)
• Mic weight 0.35 lbs
• No issue with latency for all analog systems

Shure QLXD24/SM58

Shure QLXD24/SM58 Digital wireless mic will give you a uninterrupted clear signal for a worry free performance with its 24-bit digital audio and remarkably efficient RF spectrum. Very easy to use, with the push of a button the receiver finds open frequencies.

The SM58 being the most popular mic in the world, its tailored vocal response for sound is a world standard for singing or speech.  This system offers over 120dB dynamic range, secure transmission with AES 256-bit encryption, solid RF connection with
digital predictive switching diversity, along with the QLXD4 receiver. Abnormally low latency for a digital system at 2.9 ms.

View Shure QLXD24/SM58

• Digital
• The Shure QLXD2 offers the choice of interchangeable Shure SM86, Beta58A, Beta87A, and SM58 capsules, which provides you with amazing flexibility
• 120dB Dynamic Range
• Range 330 feet
• Up to 60 Simultaneous channels per band
• Frequency Range 470-534 MHz
• Dynamic Mic, pattern Cardioid
• 256-bit encryption for secure transmission
• Undetectable low latency at 2.9 ms

Rode RodeLink Performer Kit

A great bang for your buck, the RODELink Performer Kit is an easy setup by pressing the red button on the receiver, choose channel on receiver, than press and hold red button on transmitter.

The microphone comes with a lithium ion rechargeable battery located in transmitter, plug USB into transmitter for charge. Rechargeable batteries eliminates consistent battery purchases for higher year end profit/convenience. Power button located at bottom of mic, this reduces accidental shutoffs while performing. A low latency for digital, max latency at 4 ms.

View Rode RodeLink Performer Kit

• Digital
• 8 Simultaneous channels
• Condenser mic, Supercardioid mic pattern (for feedback rejection)
• Dynamic range 118dB
• LB-1 Rechargeable battery (included), 2 x AA batteries (optional) 10 hour battery life
• Auto selects the strongest signal, ensuring solid connection
• 2.4GHz signal on two simultaneous channels (world wide licence free)
• Range 330 Feet
• Gives you 40dB, 5-step level adjustment (-20, -10, 0 10, 30dB)
• Desktop (small) receiver
• does not pick up sound from side rears of mic
• 128-bit encrypted signal for clarity
• Receiver is compatible with all Rodelink transmitters
• Mute switch located on mic
• Low latency, 4 ms max

Digital vs Analog Wireless Microphone Systems

“Analogue systems sound great in good RF conditions, but they’re inherently noisy, and the audio suffers when things get tough. Properly engineered digital systems offer clear and crisp audio even under difficult circumstances”

Shure UK Area Sales Manager, Dave Phillips 

Digital Wireless Mic Benefits

• Batteries last 30-40% longer
• Digital systems can give a flat frequency across the entire audio range so that the sound of the capsule will not be affected where analog has a higher chance that it would be.
• Has less of a chance the radio link or Rf noise will affect the signal.
• Depending on the manufacturer and model, digital systems can often deliver nearly twice the channels in the same slice of spectrum as their analogue counterparts
• Digital systems have the ability to produce roughly twice the channels in the same spectrum. This is not the case for all systems, it depends the manufacturer make and model. Unfortunately to get the clear and crisp audio of a digital wireless in difficult circumstances, the wireless systems are typically on the more expensive side. If your willing to save up the money for one of the most reliable and clear wireless microphones in the market, the Shure ULXD24/B58 H50 is the option for you with its unique feature “High Density mode”.
• Signal encryption which is perfect for information-sensitive events

Analog Wireless Mic Benefits

• Analog wireless mics typically have a lower latency
• Some of the more high end analog systems are comparable to digital systems in terms of the audio section
• Tend to do better with holding on to range with the (with albeit noisier operation). At the end of the range for digital systems they usually just dropout.

Other Wireless Microphone Sets To Consider

Bottom Line

Range is an important factor when determining a wireless microphone, but it is no more important than signal reliability, durability,  vocal tonality, latency, and dynamic range. If your planning on purchasing a quality mic that will last, its best to wait until you have the money to spend rather than buying a mic in a hurry just to be unsatisfied in the long run. Do your research, check the reviews, and may your crowd surfing journey begin!