If you've ever researched professional wireless microphones, you've probably come across the term "True Diversity."
But what does True Diversity actually mean?
Is it just a marketing term, or does it make a real difference to wireless microphone performance?
In this guide, we'll explain what True Diversity wireless technology is, how it works, why it helps reduce signal interruptions, and why it is an important feature to consider when choosing a professional wireless microphone system.
We'll also look at how True Diversity is used in the TRUEWAVE PRO AIR-B2 and AIR-B4 wireless microphone systems.
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 wireless signal through two separate reception paths.
The receiver can then select the stronger or cleaner signal path as conditions change.
In simple terms:
Two receiving paths = more opportunities to maintain a strong wireless connection.
This is particularly useful in environments where radio signals can be affected by movement, reflections, obstacles and interference.
Why Do Wireless Microphones Experience Dropouts?
Wireless microphones transmit audio through radio frequency (RF) signals.
Unlike a wired microphone, there isn't a physical cable connecting the microphone to the receiver.
As the microphone moves around a venue, the RF signal can be affected by several factors, including:
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Distance between the microphone and receiver
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Walls and physical obstructions
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People moving around the venue
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Reflections from walls, floors and other surfaces
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Other RF devices operating nearby
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Changes in the microphone's position and orientation
One of the challenges of wireless transmission is multipath interference.
What Is Multipath Interference?
Imagine a presenter standing on a stage.
The microphone's radio signal travels toward the receiver.
However, the signal doesn't necessarily take only one path.
It can travel directly toward the receiver while other portions of the signal bounce off walls, ceilings, floors or other surfaces before reaching the receiver.
These multiple versions of the same signal can arrive at slightly different times.
Depending on the environment and the microphone's position, this can cause the received RF signal to become weaker or less stable.
This phenomenon is commonly referred to as multipath interference.
And it's one of the reasons wireless microphone performance can change as someone moves around a venue.
How Does True Diversity Help?
This is where True Diversity becomes important.
A True Diversity receiver uses two independent RF reception paths, generally with two antennas and separate receiving circuitry.
The receiver continuously evaluates the two incoming signals and uses the stronger or more usable signal.
Think of it like this:
Standard single-path reception
Microphone
↓
One RF path
↓
Receiver
If that path experiences a significant signal problem, the wireless connection can be affected.
True Diversity reception
Microphone
↘
RF Path A → Receiver → Select stronger signal
↗
RF Path B
The receiver has two independent paths available to maintain reception.
This doesn't make a wireless system completely immune to interference or signal loss, but it can significantly improve reception stability compared with a single reception path.
Why Is True Diversity Important for Live Events?
Wireless microphones are often used in environments where people are constantly moving.
A presenter may walk across a stage.
A performer may move from one side of a room to another.
A speaker may turn, change position or move further away from the receiver.
In these situations, maintaining a reliable RF connection becomes especially important.
True Diversity technology is therefore particularly useful for applications such as:
🎤 Live Performances
Performers need freedom to move around the stage without being restricted by microphone cables.
⛪ Houses of Worship
Services may involve multiple speakers, performers and presenters moving around a stage or platform.
🎤 Conferences & Presentations
Presenters can move around while maintaining a wireless connection with the receiver.
🏫 Schools & Universities
Wireless microphones are useful for assemblies, presentations, performances and events.
🏢 Corporate Events
Presenters and panel members can share wireless microphones while moving around the room.
🎪 Events & Function Venues
Wireless systems provide greater flexibility for MCs, presenters and performers.
True Diversity Doesn't Mean "No Dropouts"
This is an important point.
True Diversity does not guarantee that a wireless microphone can never experience interference or signal loss.
Wireless performance depends on many factors, including:
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RF environment
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Distance
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Physical obstacles
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Antenna placement
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Frequency coordination
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Other wireless equipment
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Venue construction
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Operating conditions
True Diversity is one part of a properly designed wireless system.
Good antenna positioning, appropriate frequency selection and sensible system setup are also important.
TRUEWAVE PRO: True Diversity Wireless Microphones
At MSM AV, the TRUEWAVE PRO AIR-B2 and AIR-B4 wireless microphone systems use True Diversity UHF reception to provide a more robust wireless solution for professional applications.
Both systems provide up to 100 metres of line-of-sight operating range, along with rechargeable handheld microphones and selectable wireless channels.
TRUEWAVE PRO AIR-B2 — Dual Channel Wireless System
The AIR-B2 is designed for applications where you need two wireless microphones from a compact system.
It provides:
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2 independent UHF channels
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True Diversity reception
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2 rechargeable handheld microphones
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2 × 100 selectable channels
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Up to 100 m line-of-sight range
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Balanced XLR outputs
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6.35 mm mixed output
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USB-C powered receiver
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IR synchronisation
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Approximately 10 hours microphone battery life
The removable 18650 rechargeable batteries help reduce the need for constantly replacing disposable batteries, while the magnetic charging cables make recharging convenient.
Who is the AIR-B2 for?
The AIR-B2 is a practical choice for:
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Presenters
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Houses of worship
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Classrooms
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Small-to-medium events
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Conferences
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Corporate presentations
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Community venues
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DJs and mobile entertainers
Two channels. Professional wireless flexibility.
TRUEWAVE PRO AIR-B4 — Quad Channel Wireless System
Need more microphones?
The AIR-B4 takes the same concept to four independent wireless channels.
It includes:
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4 independent UHF channels
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True Diversity reception
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4 rechargeable handheld microphones
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4 × 100 selectable channels
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Up to 100 m line-of-sight range
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4 × balanced XLR outputs
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6.35 mm mixed output
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Auto Scan frequency selection
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IR synchronisation
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1U rackmount receiver
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Approximately 10 hours microphone battery life
Each microphone can be connected independently to your mixer or sound system through the receiver's balanced XLR outputs, giving you greater control over individual microphone channels.
Who is the AIR-B4 for?
The AIR-B4 is particularly suited to applications where multiple microphones are required, including:
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Houses of worship
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Conferences
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Panel discussions
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Corporate events
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Schools and universities
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Live performances
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Community halls
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Wedding and function venues
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Professional AV installations
Four channels. One professional wireless system.
AIR-B2 vs AIR-B4: Which Configuration Do You Need?
The main difference is the number of simultaneous wireless microphones.
| Feature | TRUEWAVE PRO AIR-B2 | TRUEWAVE PRO AIR-B4 |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Channels | 2 | 4 |
| True Diversity | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rechargeable Microphones | 2 | 4 |
| Selectable Channels | 2 × 100 | 4 × 100 |
| Range | Up to 100 m* | Up to 100 m* |
| XLR Outputs | 2 | 4 |
| Mixed Output | 6.35 mm | 6.35 mm |
| Receiver Format | Compact | 1U Rackmount |
| Battery | Removable 18650 | Removable 18650 |
| Approx. Battery Life | 10 hours | 10 hours |
*Line-of-sight operating range under suitable conditions.
True Diversity + Rechargeable Microphones: A Practical Combination
True Diversity addresses an important part of wireless microphone performance: RF reception stability.
Rechargeable microphones address another practical issue: battery management.
Together, these features create a wireless system designed to be easier to use for regular events and installations.
Instead of constantly replacing disposable batteries, the TRUEWAVE PRO handheld microphones use removable rechargeable batteries with approximately 10 hours of operating time per charge.
For organisations that regularly use wireless microphones, this can make preparation and ongoing operation more convenient.
What Should You Look For When Buying a Wireless Microphone?
True Diversity is an important feature, but it shouldn't be the only thing you consider.
When selecting a wireless microphone system, also look at:
1. Number of Channels
How many microphones do you need to use simultaneously?
Two microphones may be sufficient for a small presentation, while larger events may require four or more channels.
2. Wireless Range
Consider the size of your venue and how far the microphones will need to move from the receiver.
3. Frequency Selection
Selectable frequencies provide greater flexibility when setting up multiple wireless systems or working in environments with other RF equipment.
4. Audio Connections
Balanced XLR outputs are particularly useful when connecting wireless receivers to professional mixers, digital consoles and installed sound systems.
5. Battery System
Rechargeable microphones can simplify battery management, particularly for venues that use wireless microphones regularly.
6. Receiver Design
For permanent installations or professional AV racks, a rackmount receiver can provide a cleaner and more organised setup.
Final Thoughts
Wireless microphone technology has come a long way, but reliable RF reception remains one of the most important considerations when choosing a wireless system.
True Diversity helps address one of the challenges of wireless transmission by providing two independent RF reception paths and allowing the receiver to select the stronger signal.
When combined with features such as selectable channels, rechargeable microphones, professional audio outputs and appropriate system setup, True Diversity can make a wireless microphone system a more dependable solution for professional applications.
Whether you need two microphones for a presentation or four microphones for a larger event, the TRUEWAVE PRO range provides flexible options for different applications.
Looking for a TRUE Diversity wireless microphone system?
Explore the TRUEWAVE PRO AIR-B2 for a dual-channel setup or step up to the TRUEWAVE PRO AIR-B4 when you need four independent wireless microphone channels.
Need help choosing the right system?
Contact MSM AV on 03 9436 9000 and our team can help you select a wireless microphone solution for your application.
MSM AV — Professional Audio & Video Solutions.
