Things to Consider When Choosing a Two-Way Radio Speaker Microphone

Selecting the right speaker microphone for a two-way radio is essential for reliable communication. Choosing the right speaker microphone that fits your specific industry and application can make a significant difference in user experience. 

Here are the main things users need to consider when choosing a speaker microphone for a two-way radio. 

1. Application

The type of speaker microphone required for a two-way radio will depend primarily on the industry and environment it will be used in. 

• Speaker microphone: These mics are the most commonly used audio accessories for portable two-way radios across most industries and applications. They tend to clip to the user’s chest or shoulder epaulette. 
• Wired earpiece: The microphone and PTT (push-to-talk) switch run down the user’s sleeve and are held in the palm. 2-wire earpieces are more covert and are commonly used by police, security, and personal protection applications. With a 1-wire listen only, there is no PTT, and the cable goes directly from the radio connector all the way up to the earpiece. 1-wire earpieces are commonly used by hotel and hospitality staff, in the school and educational environment, event staff, and commercial applications.
• Lapel microphone: Commonly referred to as an earpiece, usually a 1-wire earpiece with PTT and microphone that clips to one’s shirt collar, lapel, or chest pocket. 

2. IP Rating/Waterproof 

Two-way radio users working in outdoor and rugged conditions will require waterproof and dustproof speaker microphones with a high Ingress Protection (IP) Rating. The IP Code consists of the letters IP followed by two digits and an optional letter. As defined in international standard IEC 60529, it classifies the degrees of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects (including body parts like hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and water in electrical enclosures. The standard aims to provide users with more detailed information than vague marketing terms such as waterproof. You can learn more about what IP numbers really mean in our blog. 

Impact offers waterproof IP67-rated speaker microphones that are protected from total dust ingress and from immersion between 15 centimeters and 1 meter in depth. 

3. Noise-cancelling 

Noise-cancelling speaker microphones can make all the difference for users working in loud environments. Impact’s noise-cancelling series reduces most background noise, so a user’s voice is more clearly transmitted in high noise situations. These speaker microphones are ideal for large event security personnel and riot police use.

4. Budget

Depending on the application and industry, the budget will factor into purchasing a speaker microphone. Impact offers speaker microphones at various price points that help users meet their requirements and budget. 

Contact us today to learn more about Impact’s reliable and super-tough speaker microphones that meet or exceed OEM quality. 

Impact is your #1 source for two-way radio accessories. We are a world leader in designing and manufacturing communication products, including surveillance kits, speaker mics, radio battery chargers, headsets, and adapters. Impact’s accessories are trusted by demanding industries and applications such as public safety, security, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality, and beyond. OEM quality radio accessories at aftermarket prices.

Category: Speaker Mics

Tags: