Wireless Microphone Market Size, Share & Covid-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Handheld, Bodypack, and Tabletop), By Frequency band (Ultra High Frequency (UHF), Very High Frequency (VHF), 2.4 GHz, and Others), By End-user (Corporate, Retail, Transportation, Education, Healthcare, Sports and Entertainment, Others) and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

The global wireless microphone market size was USD 1.84 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 3.60 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period.

The transformation of theatres from the cabled microphone system to the wireless system is observed to be a continuous market trend across the world. In addition to this, the adoption of wireless system for the full coverage of live events is increasing the demand. The growing popularity of live events such as music concerts, political speeches, public speaking, and sports events is further expected to drive the market growth in the near future.

However, the global market is expected to exhibit steady growth during the period of 2020-2021 owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this current pandemic situation, companies are taking active initiatives to mitigate the risk of decline in business due to disturbed economic conditions. For instance, in April 2020 Shure, Inc. based in Niles, Illinois, United States extended its ‘Switch to Digital’ rebate program through July 2020 to support its customers and provide additional time to determine the digital wireless requirements of the customers. This promotion applies to Shure's ULX-D, QLX-D, and Axient digital wireless systems.

COVID -19 Impacts: Lack of Workforce & Disruption of Supply Chain

The global outspread of the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the manufacturing operations on a large scale. It has forced the manufacturers to rethink risk management, manufacturing operations, workforce safety protocols, and new working opportunities. Also, the pre-COVID-19 workforce may have migrated to their hometowns due to the loss of income and uncertainties. This illustrates that man-power is likely to be a constraint in the coming years.

The manufacturing industry in several economies such as the United States, India, and China has experienced a decline in business due to the stagnating economy and the disruption of the international supply chain. As a result, this global market is expected to experience steady growth during the period 2020-2021.

LATEST TRENDS

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Smaller Theatre Productions Migrating to Wireless Microphones from Cabled Microphones

Wireless technology has created new opportunities for theaters to transform the conventional theatrical experience. Theatre sound has experienced a transformation owing to the increasing affordability, reliability, and availability of these type of microphones. Before the advent of wireless mics, complex boom-mounted arrays or cabled microphones were required for sound reinforcement for on-stage performers, thereby limiting their freedom of movement. However, in the current scenario, audio professionals tend to use the bodypack microphones that are comfortable and easier to conceal. Advanced cordless microphone systems empower the directors, filmmakers, or content creators to deploy wireless systems to leverage superior sound quality. As a result, the transformation of theatre production from cabled microphones to wireless systems is expected to be one of the prominent wireless microphone market trends.

Growing Adoption of Wireless Microphones in Reality Television Programs is a Current Trend

TV news reporters need to be able to respond to the breaking news by going to the specific location any time to provide live reports back to their broadcasting studios. Wireless system provides a two-way wireless link referred to as talkback between the cameraman and the reporter. The use of wireless technology facilitates the gathering of live news and other television broadcasting activities. Radio microphones, wireless cameras, and talkback enable the reporter to report with flexibility from an appropriate location. Considering the flexible and portable usage of wireless or wired microphones, these systems are prominently used for productivity gains by the media and entertainment industry.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increase in Live Events to Drive the Demand for Wireless Microphone Systems

All forms of programme making and special events (PMSE) are used on a large scale in the sports industry and outside broadcasts. The efficiency and reliability of wireless systems have led to much enhanced audio quality in coverage of live events. Also, live music continues to be an essential part of the entertainment industry. Events such as Sunburn, Summerfest, and Rock in Rio are some of the largest music festivals witnessed by millions of fans. Such large live events drive the demand for seamless, enhanced, and efficient high-quality sound incorporated with freedom of movement. These factors are expected to augment the wireless microphone market growth in the coming years.

However, music concerts, worship houses, corporate offices, and sports events have been cancelled and closed down owing to the social distancing and mandatory laws imposed by the government such as Section 144 imposed by the government of India. These factors have restricted the sales of microphone systems. Post-COVID 19, the adoption of wireless systems is expected to gain traction.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Limited Spectrum Access to Restrict the Market Growth

Since 2012, followed by the shutdown of analog TV broadcasting, most of the governments across several regions have auctioned off the right to use large bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. These large parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are distributed among the mobile telecommunication operators for the use of mobile services and Wi-Fi services. This has restricted the access to interference-free frequencies for professional RF microphone. Hence, limited spectrum access is observed to be a significant market restraint in the next few years.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

Bodypack Segment to Exhibit Increasing Demand from End-users

Primarily, there are three types of cordless microphone including handheld, bodypack, and tabletop. These types are differentiated by the form factor of their microphone transmitters. In handheld systems, the transmitter is integrated as one of the parts of the microphone. Bodypack transmitters are primarily used with lavalier or head-worn microphones. Tabletop systems include a gooseneck or boundary microphones.

Hand-held microphone is more expensive than bodypack or clipped microphones. However, some manufacturers provide a completely wireless system including bodypack and handheld transmitters. These handheld systems are ubiquitous and are found in meeting spaces and music concerts. Hand-held microphones segment is estimated to generate the maximum revenue in the market during the forecast period.

Bodypack microphones or clip-on microphones segment is projected to show a remarkable growth rate. One of the significant advantages of these microphones is the ability to maintain a consistent distance between the speaker and the microphone. For example, Shure, Inc. offers a premier bodypack transmitter. With the transmitter’s enhanced RF performance, high-density mode, wide-tuning, and encryption, the micro body-pack enables professional-quality wireless digital audio.

The tabletop wireless system incorporates advanced features such as frequency co-ordination, network access, automatic mixing, and advanced rechargeable batteries. These systems including gooseneck or boundary microphone transmitters are expected to become a preferred solution in multi-purpose meeting areas in the coming years.

By Frequency Analysis

2.4 GHz Wireless Range Segment to Gain Traction in the Wireless Systems

Based on frequency, the market is segmented into ultrahigh frequency (UHF), very high frequency (VHF), and 2.4 GHz frequency.

Each wireless system operates in a specific frequency range. The frequency range varies with the model, manufacturer, location, and application. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) restricts the wireless systems to operate within specific frequency ranges. According to FCC, the cordless microphone operates in a very high frequency (VHF) 174-216 MHz, ultra-high frequency (UHF) 470-698 MHz, 1.9 GHz (1920-1930 MHz), and 2.4 GHz (2400 – 2500 MHz) depending upon the application.

Very-high frequency microphone systems are cost-effective and user-friendly.

• For instance, Audio Technica, Inc. offers a wireless microphone system named ‘System 9’ that operates in very-high frequency channels (169.505, 170.245, 171.045, and 171.905 MHz), and is priced between USD 174.95 to 224.95.

However, the limited availability of frequencies and longer wavelengths make the signal more susceptible to electrical noise from devices. This is the main drawback of the VHF wireless system which restricts its adoption.

The ultra-high frequency (UHF) is the most popular legal operating range of wireless microphones. The ultra-high frequency wireless systems segment is expected to hold a notable market share owing to its wide frequency spectrum.

• For example, Harman International Industries, Inc. launched its WMS420 wireless professional microphone system that operates in ultra-high frequency (UHF).

These systems are primarily used in live sound, lecture halls, and conference rooms. Many UHF wireless systems providers offer dual-channel systems for usage with cameras. These factors are expected to drive the adoption of UHF wireless systems.

2.4 GHz frequency provides a higher quality audio signal than the VHF and UHF. The main advantage of 2.4 GHz for the wireless systems is that it is license-free worldwide and can be used in multiple countries and regions. These are some of the factors that would drive the adoption of 2.4 GHz wireless frequency systems.

• For instance, Sennheiser offers XSW-D wireless audio system with a 2.4 GHz frequency spectrum and allows up to 75 meters of range. This wireless link can be used worldwide without a license.

By End-user Analysis

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Sports and Entertainment Industry to Account for the Maximum Share

By end-user, the market is classified into corporate, retail, transportation, education, healthcare, sports and entertainment, and others (government, house of worship).

In the corporate industry, venues can often be sub-divided into huddle rooms or conference rooms, creating a need for flexible audio-video solutions. Tabletop and bodypack microphones are the most adopted type of microphones in the corporate sector.

• For instance, Sennheiser electronic GmbH offers tablestand wireless product, namely, SL TS 153 GN-L Set DW that includes MEG 14-40-L-II B gooseneck wireless microphone, specifically designed for presentations, meeting & conference, and assistive listening.

The rising adoption of cordless microphones in the educational sector is likely to create lucrative market opportunities for wireless system manufacturers. Further, in the sports and entertainment industry, the increasing usage of these microphones in broadcasting events, music concerts & sports events, as well as political are expected to fuel the growth of this segment. Other industries such as transportation, retail, government, and the house of worships are expected to be significant buyers of the cordless microphone system to leverage high-quality audio benefits.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Asia Pacific to Exhibit a Remarkable Growth Rate During the Forecast Period

The global market has been analyzed across five major regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. These regions are further categorized into countries.

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North America is expected to hold major revenue. The market growth in the region can be attributed to the presence of key players such as Shure, Inc., Harman International Industries, Inc., Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., and others. Also, the high popularity of music concerts, sports tournaments, and broadcasting studios are fueling the market growth in the region.

Asia Pacific is forecasted to exhibit a significant growth rate in the coming years. The proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT), connected devices, and the advent of 5G technology have created unprecedented market opportunities for wireless technology providers across the region. Also, spawned initiatives by the government across the region would drive the market growth in this region.

Europe is projected to show moderate market growth. The demand for wireless services is soaring in the region. The European Commission’s radio spectrum policy supports the development of wireless technology in Europe. In December 2018, the European parliament and council adopted EU Electronic Communications Code. This code includes updated rules for radio spectrum management and better coordination of spectrum. These factors are set to support the market growth in the region.

The Middle East and Africa is expected to exhibit steady market growth. The spread of novel coronavirus has hindered the spending of the businesses across the region. However, due to less market share of the players, the region would exhibit lucrative growth opportunities in the near future. Whereas, this market in Latin America is expected to be at a nascent stage and would exhibit steady growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Shure, Inc. to Focus on Collaborations & Partnerships to Strengthen Market Position

The company’s Microflex Wireless MXW8 and MXW6 microphone transmitters integrated with ULX- D Digital wireless ULX6 and ULXD8 variants provide a completely wireless audio solution. Wireless solutions in Shure’s product portfolio include the ADX series including ADX1 and ADX2 handheld and bodypack transmitters and Axient digital wireless systems.

• May 2020 – Shure, Inc. and Quantum5X Systems, Inc. headquartered in Canada collaborated to chain their capabilities to provide enhanced sound quality and security. Through this collaboration, the companies have developed Axient Digital Q5X Wireless Transmitters that facilitate wireless digital technology.


• February 2020 – Shure, Inc. joined Logitech collaboration program. Through this collaboration, both the companies intend to deliver enhanced user experience through complementary and integrated products that are easy to use and install. For instance, through the collaboration, customers who buy Shure's tabletop microphone, IntelliMix P300 Audio Conferencing Processor, and Microflex wireless microphone products would receive a solution specifically for groups to collaborate anytime at any place while leveraging Logitech Room solutions.

Market Players Are Focusing on Expanding their Product Offerings

The expansion of the product portfolio is a significant growth strategy adopted by key market players. Product expansion may include new versions or upgrades of the existing product or completely new product. Product line expansion empowers the market players to address the opportunities in different market sectors.

• For instance, in October 2018, Sennheiser and Georg Neumann GmbH headquartered in Berlin, Germany launched the EW 500 G4 cordless microphone system. This microphone is a combination of Sennheiser wireless 500 4G microphone system and Neumann KK 205 true condenser capsule.


• In August 2018, Rode Microphones headquartered in Sydney, Australia announced that the TX-M2 handheld microphone under its RodeLink performer kit is now sold as a standalone product in the market. The TX-M2 pairs simply with the Filmmakers wireless kit offered by the company for effective on-camera presentations. The TX-M2 wireless handheld microphone is compatible with all the wireless systems offered by the company. The filmmakers, reporters, and content creators can buy the handheld microphone separately instead of an entire system.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED: 

• Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.


• Harman International Industries, Incorporated


• Lewitt Gmbh


• Logitech, Inc. (Blue)


• Rode Microphones


• Samson Technologies Corp.


• Saramonic


• Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG


• Shure Incorporated


• Sony Corporation


• Yamaha Corporation

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• April 2019 - Sony Electronics announced updates of UWP- D series wireless microphone system. The enhanced version of its UWP- D series supports the company’s Digital Audio Interface and multi-interface shoe (MI shoe).


• May 2019 –. Yamaha Corporation released a new wireless extension microphone. This microphone is specifically designed with Yamaha CS-700 Video Sound Collaboration System incorporated in Huddle Rooms.

REPORT COVERAGE

This global market research report highlights leading regions across the world to offer a better understanding of the user. Furthermore, the report provides insights into the latest industry trends, market segmentation, and analyzes technologies that are being deployed at a rapid pace at the global level. The report examines various paradigm shifts associated with the transformation of hardware and software, while including some insights on the competitive landscape. It further highlights some of the growth-stimulating factors and restraints, helping the reader to gain in-depth knowledge about the market.

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