🎤 How to Set Up a Wireless Microphone System
Wireless microphones are a popular choice for conferences, presentations, theatre, and live music — offering great sound quality and freedom of movement. This step-by-step guide walks you through setting up a wireless microphone system using the Sennheiser ew500 G3 series, which we supply in our radio mic hire kits.
✅ What’s typically in the Box
Each wireless mic kit typically includes:
- 1 x Wireless Handheld Mic or Lavalier Mic + Bodypack
- 1 x Sennheiser ew500 G3 Receiver
- 1 x Aerials (2x)
- 1 x Power Supply
- 1 x XLR Output Cable (or Jack)
- 1 x Mic Clip or Lavalier Clip
🔧 Step-by-Step Setup
1. Connect the Receiver
- Plug the power adapter into the receiver and a mains socket.
- Attach the two aerials to the rear of the receiver and angle them outward (like a “V”).
2. Connect to Your Sound System
- Use an XLR cable to connect the receiver’s AF OUT to your mixer or active speaker.
- If using multiple mics, connect each to a separate channel on your mixer.
3. Turn Everything On
- Power on the receiver first.
- Turn on the microphone or bodypack transmitter.
- Handheld: Hold down the power button.
- Bodypack: Slide the power switch on the top or side.
4. Check Frequencies
- On the receiver display, ensure a frequency (in MHz) is shown.
- The transmitter (mic or bodypack) should show the same frequency or channel.
⚠️ If they’re not matching, use the SYNC function:
- Hold the transmitter close to the receiver.
- Press the SYNC button on the receiver — it will update the mic wirelessly.
5. Test and Adjust Audio
- Speak into the mic and watch the AF (audio) and RF (radio signal) meters on the receiver.
- Adjust input gain on the bodypack or mic if levels are too low or too high.
- On your mixer or speaker, raise volume gradually to the desired level.
📶 Tips for Best Wireless Performance
- Place the receiver in line of sight of the microphone — avoid obstacles.
- Keep at least 1 metre away from Wi-Fi routers or other transmitters.
- Avoid using more than one wireless mic on the same frequency.
- If there’s interference, use the Easy Setup > Scan New List option on the receiver to find a clean channel.
🎚️ Understanding dB Volume Settings on Wireless Mics (Sennheiser ew500 G3)
When using the Sennheiser ew500 G3 wireless mic system, getting your volume levels (gain) right is key to clear, clean sound without distortion or feedback.
There are two main areas where volume is adjusted:
- Mic Input Sensitivity (on the transmitter – bodypack or handheld)
- Output Level (on the receiver)
1️⃣ Mic Input Sensitivity (Transmitter)
This setting controls how much signal the mic sends into the wireless system — it’s measured in dB attenuation (e.g. –30 dB, –12 dB, 0 dB, etc.).
You can find this under:
Menu > Sensitivity on the transmitter (mic or bodypack)
🔧 Recommended Settings by Use Case
| Use Case | Recommended Setting | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Speech / Presentations | –12 dB to –18 dB | Works well for most speaking voices, avoids distortion |
| Panel Discussions | –18 dB to –24 dB | Lower gain helps when mic is closer to mouth |
| Live Vocals / Singing | –6 dB to –12 dB | Needs more level to capture performance dynamics |
| Lavalier Mic | –18 dB to –30 dB | Lavalier mics sit further from the mouth, so reduce gain to avoid hiss or feedback |
| Headset Mic | –6 dB to –15 dB | Close to the mouth – set lower to avoid clipping |
🎤 Tip: Speak or sing into the mic and watch the AF Peak LED on the receiver.
If it lights up red, the signal is too hot — reduce sensitivity on the transmitter.
2️⃣ AF Output Level (Receiver)
This setting controls how much level the receiver sends to your mixer, PA system, or speaker.
You can find this under:
Menu > Audio > AF Out
🔧 Suggested Output Levels
| Connected To | Output Level |
|---|---|
| Mixer (XLR input) | 0 dB or –6 dB |
| Active Speaker (line input) | –6 dB to –12 dB |
| Audio Interface | –12 dB or lower |
⚠️ Start at –12 dB, then raise if needed. It’s easier to boost clean signal at the mixer than to fix distortion caused by high output from the receiver.
✅ Final Checks
Before the event:
- Do a soundcheck with each speaker or performer.
- Monitor the receiver’s RF and AF meters — aim for strong RF signal and AF that stays just below peaking.
- Adjust sensitivity on the transmitter, not volume on the mixer, if the mic is too loud or distorting.
🛠️ Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| No sound | Check power, cable connection, and matching frequencies |
| Interference or dropouts | Re-sync or change channel via Easy Setup |
| Distorted sound | Reduce mic gain or mixer input level |
| Mic not turning on | Check if batteries are inserted correctly and charged |
🔗 Related Equipment Hire
Planning an event or performance? You can hire full wireless mic kits from our Radio Mic Hire Edinburgh page, including lavaliers, handhelds, headsets, and multi-receiver rack setups.