How to connect wireless microphone to computer?

How to connect wireless microphone to computer? Thanks to modern technology, pairing different devices with laptops, including wireless mics, is now simpler than ever.

Whether you’re recording a podcast, delivering a presentation, or working on another project, a wireless microphone can be very useful.

The connection process, however, may vary depending on your microphone type and laptop model. This article will walk you through the steps to connect a wireless mic to any computer, no matter the operating system.

How to connect a radio frequency wireless microphone to your computer?

In addition to the microphone itself, the system has two key parts: the transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter attaches to the microphone and converts the audio signal into a radio frequency (RF) signal, which is then sent wirelessly. The receiver picks up this RF signal and converts it back into an audio signal that can be fed into your computer for recording or streaming.

The connection process varies by the output ports on the receiver.

If your wireless mic comes with a USB receiver

To connect a wireless microphone to your PC, follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Power up your devices: Ensure both the microphone and receiver are fully charged or have fresh batteries to prevent signal issues.

Step 2. Connect the receiver: Plug the receiver into your PC’s USB port and secure it properly for a stable connection.

Step 3. Turn on the devices: Switch on both the microphone and receiver, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4. Adjust PC settings: Open your computer’s Control Panel, go to “Sound” or “Recording Devices,” and select the wireless microphone as the default recording device.

Step 5. Fine-tune audio: In the microphone’s “Properties,” adjust volume, quality, and effects as needed.

Step 6. Test the mic: Speak into the microphone and check the sound bar levels. If there’s no response, tweak sensitivity or recheck connections.

If you have a 3.5 mm wireless microphone to connect to the computer

You can connect it to your laptop or desktop computer in the following ways:

• Use a USB audio adapter / USB sound card (recommended, easiest).
• Use the laptop’s combo jack with a TRS→TRRS adapter (sometimes works, more fiddly).
• Use an audio interface if you already have one or want higher quality/control (Best quality).

Option A: Use a USB audio adapter, the easiest method to ensure plug-and-play recording

What you need: the wireless receiver with a 3.5 mm output, a 3.5 mm to USB adapter (often sold as “USB sound card” or “USB audio adapter”).

Steps:

1. Plug the receiver’s 3.5 mm output into the adapter’s mic/line input.
2. Plug the USB adapter into a free USB port on your computer.
3. Wait for automatic driver install (most are plug-and-play).
4. Open the OS sound settings and pick the USB audio device as the Input. (Windows: Settings → System → Sound → Input; macOS: System Settings → Sound → Input.)
5. Open your recording or call app and select the same device. Test and adjust input level/gain in OS or app.

Option B: Use a TRS to TRRS adapter and connect the wireless mic to the computer combo jack

📄Note: Many laptops use a combo jack that expects a TRRS wiring built for smartphones. A plain 3.5 mm TRS mic cable often won’t work.

What you need: a TRS to TRRS adapter

Steps:

1. Connect the microphone (TRS male) to the TRS female end of the adapter.
2. Plug the TRRS male connector of the adapter into your computer’s combo microphone/headphone port.
3. On your computer: Windows: Go to Settings → System → Sound, and under Input, select your external microphone; Mac: Open System Preferences → Sound → Input, and pick your external mic.
4. Test the microphone using any recording or calling app to ensure it's working.

Option C: Use an audio interface to connect wireless microphone to computer for the best audio quality

What you need: An audio interface with either a 3.5 mm or 1/4" line input, a 3.5 mm-to-1/4" adapter/cable (optional).

Steps:

1. Plug the wireless receiver’s 3.5 mm output into the interface’s input (use an adapter or cable if necessary).
2. Connect the audio interface to your computer via USB or Thunderbolt.
3. Set the interface as the input device in your operating system and any recording software.
   Adjust the interface’s gain so signal peaks sit around -6 dB to avoid distortion.

Want to eliminate the need for an adapter or interface to ensure a successful connection? The Moman C2 is a great option for computer recording. It offers both an analog 3.5 mm output and a digital USB‑C output. The included cables—TRS, TRRS, and USB‑C to USB—let you connect directly to your computer using any port, with no extra accessories required.

[For more guides on connecting other types of microphones to a computer, check the article How to connect a microphone to a computer: 3 common types explained]

How to connect a Bluetooth wireless microphone to a Windows or macOS computer?

A Bluetooth microphone transmits audio via Bluetooth, eliminating the need for cables. This makes it a convenient choice for podcasters, content creators, and professionals who need a portable and versatile mic. They are much simpler to pair with a computer. Here’s how to connect a Bluetooth mic to both Windows and Mac systems.

Connect a Bluetooth microphone to a Windows PC

Step 1. Open Settings: Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner, then select the gear-shaped Settings option.

Step 2. Access Bluetooth: Go to Devices, then click Add device or Add Bluetooth or other device.

Step 3. Pair your microphone: Find your Bluetooth mic in the list and select it. Follow the on-screen instructions. Some models may require entering a pairing code found in the manual.

Step 4. Set as default input:

• Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
• Select System, then Sound.
• Under Input, choose your Bluetooth microphone.

Step 5. Test and adjust:

• In the Sound settings, select your mic and click Start test. Speak, then click Stop recording and Play to listen.
• Adjust volume using the input slider if needed.

Connect a Bluetooth mic to a MacOS PC

Step 1. Open Bluetooth settings: Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Preferences (or System Settings on newer macOS versions).

Step 2. Pair your microphone: In the window that opens, choose Bluetooth, find your microphone in the device list, and click Connect.

Step 3. Set as input device:

• Click the Apple icon again and open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
• Go to Sound, then select the Input tab.
• Make sure your Bluetooth microphone is chosen as the input device.

Step 4. Test the microphone: Speak into the mic and watch the input level meter. If there’s no response, the pairing may not be set up correctly—try reconnecting.

Regardless of whether you’re on Windows or macOS, your microphone must be in pairing mode to connect. The steps can vary by device, so check the user manual or the manufacturer’s website for details. In most cases, you’ll need to press and hold a button—often the power button or a dedicated pairing button—to enable pairing.