Without antennas, RF isn’t possible. Without knowing how to place an antenna / antennas, RF success is not possible. Without understanding how RF antennas work, I’m skeptical as to anyone’s chances of RF success on a long term basis. The best thing we can do is make well educated decisions about which antennas to use, where to put them, where to aim them and how to manage them when something goes wrong.

Along those lines there are a number of different types of antennas used in the wireless audio market. Some are omni directional, some are direction, some are a mixture of both. Without knowing what type of antennas you have and how they work, you will likely suffer the wrath of the RF gods.

Let’s start with the basics.

A whip antenna or more is what is typically provided with a simple wireless rig.

More advanced systems use paddle type antennas that typically mount raised up on mic stands or permanently mounted to part of the venue’s structure (beware!).

Professional Wireless Services:
professionalwireless.com – LPDA antenna
professionalwireless.com – Helical antenna
professionalwireless.com – Domed Helical antenna

RF Venue
rfvenue.com – Diversity Fin antenna

rfvenue.com – CP Beam antenna

rfvenue.com – RF Spotlight antenna

Lectrosonics
lectrosonics.com – SNA 600a antenna
lectrosonics.com – ALP650 wind resistant antenna

Shure
shure.com – PA805 LPDA antenna

Sennheiser
sennheiser.com -A 1031 U omni paddle antenna
sennheiser.com -A 2003-UHF LPDA antenna