The critical communications industry is filled with emergency situations that require quick and clear responses. Having the right technology for the corresponding event can make all the difference. Radio microphones are a core part of the critical communication process; with the right microphone, there is a higher guarantee of having clear and quick communications (Admin).
Communications specific microphones hold special features that are used to create clear correspondence. For instance, microphones can have noise cancelling features; the microphone filters out background noises to ensure that the only communication sent over the radio is that spoken by the user.
Another great feature radio specific microphones have to ensure that communication is consistent is the durability. Microphones that are made for critical situations are created to endure humidity, low temperature storage and operation, rain, and more. Emergency situations do not stop or slow down when uncontrollable events like nature ensue.
Therefore, radio microphones are a necessary technology for those who work in critical communication situations like police officers, firefighters, manufacturers, and more.
Top 3 types of Radio Microphones:
There are a few different types of critical communications microphones. The three most prominent types that are used as two-way radio accessories include speaker, headset, and surveillance microphones. The differences between the three types are situational use and style.
Speaker microphones:
Speaker microphones are one of the stereotypical radio accessories. Often these are seen with police officers and firefighters. Speaker mics are outfitted on the user’s shoulder to have hands free communication. The best speaker microphones feature technology like omni-directional noise and an emergency button.
Omni-directional means that sound can be picked up equally from any direction. This feature is very useful for police officers and other radio users who work on a team. With omni-direction sound, a team member can also speak into the microphone without losing any communication.
The emergency button is highly useful for teams that experience dangerous situations. This button can be programmed to notify other team members of an emergency.
Headset microphones:
Headset microphones similarly offer hands free communication. In addition to great communication from top microphones, headsets also offer hearing protection and uninterrupted hearing. Headset microphones are optimal for construction crews, manufacturers, tarmac teams, and more.
Because these professionals are often around loud noises that can cause two issues: cause hearing damage and missed communications. With a headset microphone, the hearing will be protected from controlled noise. Moreover, missed communication will be minimized from environmental listening. This means that the headset will block out noises above certain decibel levels.
Two-Wire Surveillance Kits:
Surveillance kits are often best used for police, fire, military, and security law enforcement professionals. Another form of hands-free communication, surveillance kits are great for being discreet.
When purchasing a surveillance kit, somethings to pay close attention to are audio limiters and a sensitive microphone. Audio limiters ensure that the earpiece doesn’t allow noise over a certain decibel. A sensitive microphone ensures that even low voice communication can be clearly picked up and transmitted.
Top 3 Radio Microphones 2022
One of the first steps in choosing the best radio microphones is knowing you can trust the maker. When choosing the top 3 radio microphones, we also chose some of the top communications manufacturers. Waveband Communications, Harris Radio, and Ops Core are all both well respected and preferred in the communications industry.
To stick with the above categories, speaker microphones, headset microphones, and surveillance kits, below is a radio accessory for each category. The Harris 101 Heavy Duty Speaker Microphone, the Ops Core Tactical Communication Headset, and the Relm KNG-P150 Two-Wire Surveillance Kit by Waveband Communications, are each great two-way radio accessories.
- Relm KNG-P150 Two-Wire Surveillance Kit
- Harris 101 1617/383 REV F Jaguar 700P Heavy Duty Remote Speaker Microphone
- Ops Core AMP Tactical Communication Headset-Connectorized
Heavy Duty Speaker Mic:
The Harris 101 Heavy Duty Remote Speaker Microphone is an outstanding speaker mic. This speaker microphone comes with a variety of features. With ruggedized technology, this radio microphone is perfect for police officers, firefighters, and other first responders. It also features an emergency button which is great for emergency workers on a team.
Lastly, the Harris 101 has an earphone jack to make listening private. The speaker mic is compatible with the Harris Jaguar 700P, P5100 series, P5200 series, P7100 series, and P7200 series (Harris). The Harris 101 is a great speaker microphone made for emergency response teams. It offers quick hands-free communication that can be public or private, rugged technology, and an emergency button.
Ops Core Communications Headset:
The Ops Core AMP Tactical Communication Headset is a great option for hands-free communication. Not only does this Ops Core technology offer great communication from an outstanding microphone, but it also offers hearing protection and long-wearing comfort. The microphone is attached to the headset is noise canceling.
The Ops Core communications headset features NFMI earplug technology. NFMI stands for near field magnetic induction (Ops Core). This technology protects the user’s hearing from a 34dB rating. The tactical headset also features an ergonomic headband and ear seals and a quick-change rail kit. All these features combined makes this a great headset for a variety of professionals. Manufacturers and construction crews would benefit from this headset because it can be worn comfortably for long hours, protect hearing, and maintain clear communication.
Waveband Two-Wire Surveillance Kit:
Waveband Communication’s Relm KNG-P150 Two-Wire Surveillance kits are top of the line technology. With a Kevlar reinforced down cable, a Knowles microphone, audio limitations, and more, this surveillance kit features the best of the best (Relm KNG-P150). A Kevlar reinforced cable helps make the surveillance kit more durable and long lasting. Knowles microphones offer amazing features including noise-canceling and omni-directional and unidirectional performance (Subminiature Microphones).
In addition to these top performance features, the Relm two-wire also includes safety features. This kit includes an audio limiter which is unique for discreet communications equipment. The audio limiter is OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) compliant. The kit electronically limits audio to the user’s ear to a safe maximum of 90dB (Relm KNG-P150). OSHA requires employers to supply hearing to protection to employees who are exposed to 90dB over an eight-hour period (Occupational noise exposure). Overall, the Waveband Two-Wire Surveillance Kit is made for clear communication in both high-end technology and protection.
Communication that is consistent and clear is of utmost important during and in prevention of emergency situations. Critical communications microphones are a cornerstone to emergency response. These top-of-the-line headsets allow for hands-free and consistent communication plus hearing protection. Companies like Waveband Communications, Ops Core, and Harris understand the needs of the critical communications community. Therefore, their products are the ones to trust.
