This article outlines how wireless microphone systems ensure stable reception, beginning with the importance of frequency tuning. It describes the shift from crystal-controlled tuning to oscillators based on digitally generated frequencies, which are more resistant to temperature changes and physical impacts.
Reception principles have become more sophisticated to avoid signal dropouts caused by reflections. A basic setup includes an antenna and a single receiver. Some setups use two antennas connected via a passive combiner, which can introduce signal loss. Historically, three-antenna systems were also used.
True diversity systems use two antennas and two tuners, with a comparator that switches to the better-quality signal. This improves reception and reduces dropouts. Another method, Automatic Antenna Control (AAC), uses two antennas and one tuner, constantly comparing the antenna signals. While simpler, AAC does not match the audio quality of receiver diversity, and the switching can be audible in some conditions.
