What Is True Diversity Wireless Microphone Technology?

If you've researched professional wireless microphones, you've seen the term True Diversity. Is it a marketing term, or does it make a real difference? This guide explains what True Diversity is, how it works, why it helps reduce signal interruptions, and how it is used in the TrueWave Pro AIR-B2 and AIR-B4.

Jump to: What is True Diversity  |  Why dropouts happen  |  How it helps  |  TrueWave Pro  |  What to look for

What is True Diversity?

A True Diversity wireless microphone receiver uses two independent RF receiving paths for each wireless channel. Instead of relying on a single antenna and receiver path, the system continuously monitors the incoming signal through two separate paths and selects the stronger or cleaner one as conditions change.

In simple terms: two receiving paths give more opportunities to maintain a strong wireless connection. This is particularly useful where signals are affected by movement, reflections, obstacles and interference.

Why do wireless microphones experience dropouts?

Wireless microphones transmit audio via radio frequency (RF) signals, with no physical cable to the receiver. As the microphone moves around a venue, the signal can be affected by:

• Distance between the microphone and receiver
• Walls and physical obstructions
• People moving around the venue
• Reflections from walls, floors and other surfaces
• Other RF devices operating nearby
• Changes in the microphone's position and orientation

What is multipath interference?

Picture a presenter on a stage. The microphone's radio signal travels toward the receiver, but not along only one path. It can travel directly while other portions bounce off walls, ceilings and floors before arriving. These copies of the same signal arrive at slightly different times and, depending on the environment and the microphone's position, can make the received signal weaker or less stable. This is called multipath interference, and it is one reason performance can change as someone moves around a venue.

How does True Diversity help?

A True Diversity receiver uses two independent reception paths, generally with two antennas and separate receiving circuitry. It continuously evaluates both incoming signals and uses the stronger or more usable one.

Single-path reception: Microphone → one RF path → receiver. If that path has a significant problem, the connection is affected.

True Diversity reception: Microphone → RF Path A and RF Path B → receiver → selects the stronger signal. The receiver has two independent paths available to maintain reception.

This doesn't make a wireless system immune to interference or signal loss, but it can significantly improve reception stability compared with a single reception path.

Where True Diversity matters most

Wireless microphones are often used where people are constantly moving. True Diversity is particularly useful for:

• Live performances where performers move around the stage without cables
• Houses of worship with multiple speakers and performers moving around a platform
• Conferences and presentations where presenters walk while staying connected
• Schools and universities for assemblies, presentations and performances
• Corporate events where presenters and panel members share microphones
• Events and function venues for MCs, presenters and performers

True Diversity doesn't mean "no dropouts"

True Diversity does not guarantee a wireless microphone can never experience interference or signal loss. Performance also depends on the RF environment, distance, physical obstacles, antenna placement, frequency coordination, other wireless equipment, venue construction and operating conditions. It is one part of a properly designed system. Good antenna positioning, sensible frequency selection and careful setup also matter.

TrueWave Pro: True Diversity wireless microphones

At MSM AV, the TrueWave Pro AIR-B2 and AIR-B4 use True Diversity UHF reception. Both provide up to 100 metres of line-of-sight operating range, rechargeable handheld microphones and selectable wireless channels.

TrueWave Pro AIR-B2: dual channel

Designed for two wireless microphones from a compact system.

• 2 independent UHF channels with True Diversity reception
• 2 rechargeable handheld microphones and 2 × 100 selectable channels
• Balanced XLR outputs and a 6.35 mm mixed output
• USB-C powered receiver and IR synchronisation
• Approximately 10 hours microphone battery life

The removable 18650 rechargeable batteries reduce the need to replace disposable batteries, and magnetic charging cables make recharging convenient. It suits presenters, houses of worship, classrooms, small-to-medium events, conferences, corporate presentations, community venues, and DJs and mobile entertainers.

TrueWave Pro AIR-B4: quad channel

Takes the same concept to four independent wireless channels.

• 4 independent UHF channels with True Diversity reception
• 4 rechargeable handheld microphones and 4 × 100 selectable channels
• 4 × balanced XLR outputs and a 6.35 mm mixed output
• Auto Scan frequency selection and IR synchronisation
• 1U rackmount receiver and approximately 10 hours microphone battery life

Each microphone can connect independently to your mixer through the balanced XLR outputs. It suits houses of worship, conferences, panel discussions, corporate events, schools and universities, live performances, community halls, wedding and function venues, and professional AV installations.

AIR-B2 vs AIR-B4

*Line-of-sight operating range under suitable conditions. For a fuller comparison see our AIR-B2 vs AIR-B4 buying guide.

True Diversity plus rechargeable microphones

True Diversity addresses RF reception stability. Rechargeable microphones address battery management. Instead of constantly replacing disposable batteries, the handheld microphones use removable rechargeable batteries with approximately 10 hours of operating time per charge, which makes preparation more convenient for organisations that use wireless microphones regularly. Compare the numbers in rechargeable vs AA battery wireless microphones.

What should you look for when buying a wireless microphone?

True Diversity is important, but not the only consideration.

1. Number of channels. Two may suffice for a small presentation; larger events may need four or more. See how many wireless microphones you need.
2. Wireless range. Consider your venue size and how far microphones will move from the receiver.
3. Frequency selection. Selectable frequencies help when running multiple systems or working near other RF equipment.
4. Audio connections. Balanced XLR outputs suit professional mixers, digital consoles and installed sound systems.
5. Battery system. Rechargeable microphones simplify battery management for regular use.
6. Receiver design. For permanent installs or AV racks, a rackmount receiver gives a cleaner setup.

Final thoughts

Reliable RF reception remains one of the most important considerations when choosing a wireless system. True Diversity addresses one of the challenges of wireless transmission by providing two independent reception paths and letting the receiver select the stronger signal. Combined with selectable channels, rechargeable microphones, professional audio outputs and appropriate setup, it makes a system more dependable for professional use.