Signal drop-out is enemy #1 of all wireless microphone users. Unless an uninterrupted signal can be guaranteed, users will always favor a wired microphone.

This is where diversity reception comes in to its own. Diversity reception is basically the use of two antennas, which simultaneously poll the incoming transmitter signal and combine to provide an uninterrupted signal to the receiver. The chances of experiencing signal drop-out are 5 times less using diversity reception than they are with single antenna systems. Further, by increasing the signal strength by 10dB, the improvement is a factor of 45 times. Therefore, with a diversity system, neither signal drop-out or noise will be problems over normal transmission distances. Based on this principle, a diversity system is a must for applications that require guaranteed professional audio performance.

Similarly, where longer distance transmission is required, diversity reception offers a much greater chance of the receiver providing a clean output. Wireless microphones are not two-way radios or walkie-talkies of course, but satisfactory long distance transmission can be achieved if diversity reception and the right antenna configuration are used.

Many users do not realize that single antenna systems can be subject to dead spots in their pick-up pattern. This is because the transmitter signal arriving at the receiver antenna is actually a combination of several signals, some direct (from the transmitter) and some reflected (off walls for example). If these signals arrive at the receiver antenna in an out-of-phase condition, then they can combine to cancel each other, causing a signal drop-out as a result. Of course, the closer the transmitter is to the receiver, the less frequent dead spots or dropouts will be.

Many manufacturers offer single antenna, non-diversity systems for entry level, non professional use – applications where transmission distances are short and some signal drop-out can be tolerated. The MIPRO ACT 3 Sereies is designed for the entry-level market where a diversity receiving mode is acceptable. Ideal for shorter-distance applications; however, NOT applications on the professional stages, difficult environments or for >100 meter distance transmissions.

Audio professionals should choose a receiver with "true diversity" receiving operation (e.g. MIPRO ACT 7 Series receivers) for best reception quality and professional stages.