The most common buying mistake we see isn't choosing the wrong brand, it's buying the wrong number of microphones. Too few and someone is always waiting for a mic to be passed along. Too many and you've paid for channels that sit in a drawer. Here's how to count properly.
Jump to: The rule | By venue | Handheld or hands-free | Two AIR-B2s or one AIR-B4 | FAQ
The rule: count people talking at the same time
You need one wireless channel for each person who needs a microphone at the same moment, not the total number of people who speak during the event. Ten speakers at a conference who take turns at a lectern can share one or two mics. A panel of four who talk over each other need four. Then add one spare for the person who always turns up unannounced.
Quick guide by venue
| Situation | Mics at once | Suggested TrueWave Pro setup |
|---|---|---|
| Small church (preacher + one leader) | 2 | AIR-B2 |
| Church with worship team | 3–4 | AIR-B4 (+ AIR-BX-B1 bodypack for the preacher) |
| School assembly | 2 | AIR-B2 |
| School presentation night / drama | 4+ | AIR-B4, or AIR-B4 + AIR-B2 |
| Wedding (celebrant, speeches) | 2 | AIR-B2 (+ bodypack for the celebrant) |
| Conference panel | 4 | AIR-B4 |
| Fitness class / trainer | 1–2 | AIR-B2 with AIR-BX-B1 headset |
| Karaoke / party / small band | 2–4 | AIR-B2 or AIR-B4 |
More detail: church kit lists, schools, weddings and mobile DJs, and fitness instructors.
Handheld or hands-free?
Each channel can run either a handheld or a bodypack. Swap a handheld for the AIR-BX-B1 bodypack (lapel + headset included) for anyone who needs their hands free, such as a preacher with a Bible, a trainer, or a presenter with a clicker. The bodypack pairs with both the AIR-B2 and AIR-B4. See handheld vs bodypack.
Two AIR-B2s or one AIR-B4?
| 2 × AIR-B2 | 1 × AIR-B4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Mics | 4 | 4 |
| Receivers | 2 compact, USB-C powered | 1 × 1U rack |
| Auto Scan | No | Yes |
| Flexibility | Can split across two rooms | One tidy install |
| Price* | $495.98 | $495.99 |
The prices are almost identical. Choose two AIR-B2s if you'll sometimes run two rooms at once. Choose the AIR-B4 for a permanent install, a rack, or when you want Auto Scan to find clear frequencies for you.
*AUD inc GST at the time of writing. See product pages for current pricing.
Planning for growth
If you might need four mics next year, it's usually cheaper to buy the AIR-B4 now than to buy an AIR-B2 and add another later. Spare AIR-BX-H1 handhelds replace a lost or damaged mic, but they don't add channels, because a channel is on the receiver.
FAQ
Can I use more than one system in the same room?
Yes, set each system to different frequencies. The AIR-B4's Auto Scan makes this easier.
Can one mic work on two receivers?
A mic transmits to one channel at a time. IR sync it to whichever receiver you're using that day.
Not sure? Tell us about your venue and we'll recommend a setup.
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