UHF vs VHF Wireless Microphones Which Is Better for Your

Today, wireless microphones are not only widely used in performance venues, events, meetings, and KTV nightclubs, but also increasingly popular for home karaoke use. Singing karaoke at home has gradually become a common form of entertainment. However, whether in public or private settings, many users have reported that wireless microphones are prone to signal interference and lack stability, leading to a poor user experience.

In fact, this phenomenon may be due to a lack of understanding about which type of wireless microphone is better, which is understandable. Most people are not “microphone manufacturers,” and it is also possible that they have purchased subpar products due to seeking bargains—the main issue being the frequency band. So, when choosing a wireless microphone, should you opt for a UHF wireless microphone or a VHF wireless microphone? As a professional manufacturer specializing in the research, development, and production of microphones, based on years of experience in R&D and manufacturing, we will now explain the differences between UHF and VHF wireless microphones: which wireless frequency is more suitable for you?

Generally, VHF wireless microphones are suitable for hotels, convention centers, and educational systems; while UHF microphones are suitable for broadcasting, television, and theater performances. Systems requiring multiple channels to operate simultaneously typically use true diversity reception. However, experienced design solutions often test both systems before a performance to verify that the on-site electromagnetic environment is suitable for the wireless microphones.

The fundamental differences between VHF wireless microphones and UHF wireless microphones

The fundamental differences between U-band wireless microphones and V-band wireless microphones are primarily manifested in the following four aspects:

1. Transmitter signal transmission

The transmitter section of VHF wireless microphones primarily uses several stages of frequency multiplication circuits to generate high-frequency signals, and the carrier frequency of the transmitter signal is fixed.

(U-band) UHF wireless microphone transmitters predominantly use phase-locked loop (PLL) technology to generate high-frequency signals, and the transmitter's operating frequency is predominantly adjustable.

2. Receiver signal transmission

VHF wireless microphone receivers are also designed with a fixed operating frequency.

UHF wireless microphone receivers are predominantly designed with adjustable receiving frequencies.

3. Interference resistance

Therefore, when interference signals are present, VHF wireless microphones are difficult to avoid interference, while UHF wireless microphones can relatively easily avoid various interferences by adjusting the operating frequencies of the transmitter and receiver. UHF wireless microphones suitable for professional performances are typically designed with true diversity, meaning that a single microphone uses two antennas for reception. The likelihood of signal dropouts occurring during the use of UHF wireless microphones is extremely low. (UHF true diversity wireless microphones with excellent design).

4. Signal Transmission Path

VHF radio frequency signals have minimal reflection from small metal objects and can diffract around them; they can penetrate non-metallic objects such as the human body; the feedline has low loss, and the antenna can be appropriately extended; battery life is longer; however, they are highly susceptible to interference from VHF television channels, pagers, letter machines, and industrial pollution such as welding and motors; the usable frequency range is 61 MHz, with a narrow expandable range, leading to frequency congestion when multiple microphones are used and limited compatible frequencies; the signal dynamic range is small.

UHF radio frequency signals reflect more off smaller metallic objects, and multipath propagation can cause interference; significant attenuation occurs when obstructed by non-metallic objects such as the human body; high feedline loss requires the receiver to be placed as close as possible to the microphone; requires higher transmission power, resulting in shorter battery life; less high-frequency interference; usable frequency range of 270 MHz, with a wider expandable range, supporting multiple microphones and larger systems; wide signal dynamic range.

V-band wireless microphones and UHF wireless microphones frequency ranges

VHF frequency range:

Abbreviated as V-band, VHF-band wireless microphones primarily utilize the 170–270 MHz frequency range.

This is the most widely used frequency band, with both entry-level and semi-professional wireless microphones commonly employing this range. Its drawbacks include a high density of spatial radio waves, susceptibility to external interference, and difficulty in matching the transmitter antenna.

UHF frequency range:

Abbreviated as U-band, UHF-band wireless microphones primarily utilize the frequency range between 400 and 900 MHz. Due to the wide range of the UHF band, there is a significant difference in frequency even within the same UHF band.

Among these, professional-grade stage wireless microphones primarily utilize the frequency range between 700 and 830 MHz. The advantages of using the UHF high-frequency band include: first, the spatial signals in this band are relatively sparse, making it less susceptible to external signal interference;

Second, it can be better matched with smaller antennas, improving transmission efficiency.

Which is better: V-band wireless microphones or U-band wireless microphones?

U-band wireless microphones and V-band wireless microphones each have their own advantages.

These two frequency bands used for wireless microphones each have their own advantages and disadvantages. This is determined by the users of the frequency band, the physical characteristics of the frequency band, and the regulatory limits of the frequency band.

UHF radio frequency signals reflect more off smaller metal objects, and multipath propagation can cause interference. They experience significant attenuation when obstructed by non-metal objects like the human body, have high feedline loss, require the receiver to be placed close to the microphone, demand higher transmission power, have shorter battery life, suffer less high-frequency interference, offer greater expandability, support multiple microphones, can form larger systems, and have a wider dynamic range.

VHF radio frequency signal transmission has minimal reflection from smaller metal objects and can diffract. It can penetrate non-metallic objects such as the human body, has low feeder loss, the antenna can be appropriately extended, and the battery life is longer. However, VHF RF signals are subject to significant interference from VHF TV channels, pagers, letter machines, and industrial pollution such as welding and motors. The expandable range is too narrow, and VHF microphones experience frequency congestion and have limited compatible frequencies, resulting in a smaller dynamic range. This is one of the key reasons why V-band audio quality is subpar.

Why do most people say that U-band wireless microphones are better than V-band wireless microphones?

As is well known, the amount of information is determined by the frequency of electromagnetic waves. The lower the frequency, the longer the transmission distance and the smaller the data load. The higher the frequency, the shorter the transmission distance and the larger the data load. V-band and U-band are two different directions, which is why V-band is more suitable for radios, walkie-talkies, and space communication, while U-band is more suitable for televisions.

The V-band has a narrow low-frequency range (180 MHz–280 MHz), so interference occurs when there are six or more channels. The U-band has a wider range (500 MHz–900 MHz), so interference only occurs when there are over 60 channels. In addition to carrying less data, this is also one of the main reasons why the V-band has poorer sound quality.

With the advancement of technology, sound processing has become increasingly specialized. For long-distance applications, the V-band is preferred, while the U-band is chosen for applications requiring high audio quality. Both frequency bands used for wireless microphones have their own advantages and disadvantages. This is determined by the users of the frequency bands, their physical characteristics, and their regulatory limits.

Since the U band operates at high frequencies, it has higher requirements for electronic components and involves significantly higher technical complexity. In terms of application, the U band operates on a different frequency band than most everyday signals, significantly reducing the likelihood of interference. The U band has a wider frequency range, allowing for more frequency points to be allocated, enabling multiple frequency points to be used simultaneously in the same environment without interference.

Whether using VHF wireless microphones or UHF wireless microphones, the following precautions must be observed:

1. Do not hold the microphone by the grille.

All microphones have a certain degree of directionality. Holding the grille with your hand will alter the microphone's directionality and Frequency Response. Due to the palm's focusing effect, this can cause feedback, squealing, and other issues.

2. Do not hold the microphone's antenna transmission section with your hand.

In most handheld microphones, the transmission circuit and antenna are located at the bottom of the microphone (away from the microphone head). When your hand comes into contact with the antenna section, most of the RF energy is lost because it cannot enter the air, reducing the wireless system's range and affecting reception quality.

3. Maintain an appropriate distance between the microphone and your mouth.

When using a handheld wireless microphone, the distance between the microphone and the mouth should generally be maintained at 5–10 cm. If too close, it will cause proximity effect; if too far, the sound will be too soft, both of which will degrade audio quality. When using a lavalier microphone, avoid placing the microphone too far from the mouth and keep it as close as possible. When using a headset microphone, avoid positioning the mouth directly in front of the microphone head to prevent airflow impact; instead, move it slightly to the side.

4. Avoid pointing the microphone directly at the speaker

If the microphone is pointed directly at the speaker, the system forms a closed loop, causing positive feedback (feedback), which must be avoided.