How Many Wireless Mics Does My Show Need?
Short answer: give one wireless channel to every performer who sings or speaks a solo line while someone else could also be talking. Most school musicals land between 12 and 20 channels. If you are unsure, round up: a spare channel on opening night costs far less than a principal without a mic.
Start with a mic plot
List every character with solo lines down the left side of a page, and every scene across the top. Mark who is on stage and speaking in each scene. The scene with the most simultaneous speakers is your minimum channel count. Add one or two spares for a pack that fails or an actor who gets sick.
Typical counts
8 to 12 channels: JR. and KIDS shows, small casts, plays with a few leads.
16 to 20 channels: most full-length high school musicals.
20 to 24 channels: shows with large principal casts or many featured singers, such as musicals with sister groups or girl groups.
Look up your title on our show pages for a role-by-role count.
Ways to use fewer channels
Doubling: one actor playing two small roles needs one pack.
Area and choir mics: cover the ensemble with a few mics rather than one pack per singer.
Mic swaps: passing a pack between actors works only with enough offstage time, a dedicated crew member, and fresh tape and cleaning between wearers. Avoid it in fast-moving shows.
Handhelds: narrators and hosts who stand still can use a handheld.
Match your count to a system
Standard systems come in 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 channels, from $895/week for 8 channels. The Economy system covers 8 channels for $695/week, and the Premium Lectrosonics system covers 16 channels for $4,995/week. Compare wireless systems →
Not sure? Send us your cast list and we’ll size it for you →
