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.
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 |
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 — a preacher with a Bible, a trainer, a presenter with a clicker. The bodypack pairs with both the AIR-B2 and AIR-B4.
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 — 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. Ready to buy? See how to buy TrueWave Pro or browse the TrueWave Pro range.