Looking for how to make your PA speaker system wireless? Bluetooth technology has a convenient and cost-effective way to add wireless audio streaming to any system. We've rounded up some of the best Bluetooth transmitters and Bluetooth audio receivers to review from a few of our brands. You’ll also learn more about how a Bluetooth connection works and what a wireless Bluetooth transmitter and receiver are.
Not that long ago, Bluetooth was something mainly used in cars and was somewhat of a novelty. Now it's becoming a key method to stream wireless audio to your professional or commercial sound system. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of high-quality commercial and professional audio products that don’t yet include Bluetooth connectivity. You may also already have a sound system in place or own a speaker you love and would just like the added benefit of Bluetooth wireless audio streaming. Wireless Bluetooth transmitters and receivers bridge the gap between wired and wireless audio.
How to use a Bluetooth transmitter/receiver?
Bluetooth audio receivers and transmitters (also referred to as Bluetooth adapters or Bluetooth dongles) wirelessly connect to either transmit audio to a device or receive audio from an audio source (like your phone, tablet, TV, laptop, etc.) so that the audio signal can be played through the sound system.
What is the difference between a Bluetooth transmitter and a receiver?
What does a Bluetooth transmitter do?
A Bluetooth audio transmitter is used to connect a non-Bluetooth device with a Bluetooth-enabled device. For example, you can connect a transmitter to send the audio signal from a record player and transmit it over to a Bluetooth enable mixer.
How does a Bluetooth receiver work?
A Bluetooth audio receiver is used to do the opposite, connect a Bluetooth-enabled device to a non-Bluetooth device. For example, you can plug a receiver into your mixer or commercial amplifier, and then Bluetooth from your device (phone, tablet, laptop, etc.) to the mixer/amplifier and stream music into your sound system.
Some devices on the market have a dual operation, which means they have both a transmitter and receiver mode.
Do you need a Bluetooth receiver or transmitter?
If you want to add Bluetooth to your audio equipment, then a wireless Bluetooth receiver or transmitter is a great solution. As to whether a transmitter or receiver is best for your application, that will depend on which way you need the signal to send. Luckily, some devices allow you to do both.
We’ve gathered the top Bluetooth audio receivers and Bluetooth transmitters to review with you.
Best Bluetooth Audio Receiver/Transmitter Combo: The Hosa IBT-402
The Hosa IBT-402 drive Bluetooth audio interface is designed to add wireless capabilities to devices not equipped with Bluetooth technology. It has an option to be a transmitter or receiver to fit your needs. With the TX mode or RX mode on the back, you can easily switch between transmitting and receiving. The IBT-402 is battery operated and includes a USB charging cable, an audio interconnect cable (3.5 mm TRS to same), and a stereo breakout cable (3.5 mm TRS to 2 x RCA). It can transmit audio using the internal battery for up to eight hours in TX mode and receive for up to six hours in RX mode. Featuring low-latency technology, it’s an ideal solution for real-time voice transmission.
- Transmitter or receiver to fit your needs
- Quick pairing for easy set-up of devices
- Bluetooth version 4.2
- Transmission range of 32 ft in open spaces
- Rechargeable battery with a charging time of about 2 hours
- Play your music for up to 8 hours in TX mode, up to 6 hours in RX
Our favorite thing about the Hosa IBT-40: You can use the Hosa IBT-402 to send or receive Bluetooth as needed. A lot of Bluetooth receivers can only receive audio from your device - here, you can send and receive to connect your devices in a variety of ways.
Best Mono OR Stereo: The Galaxy Audio JIB/BT4R & JIB/BT4RS
The Galaxy Audio JIB/BT4R is a lightweight, compact, and portable XLR mono Bluetooth receiver that plugs right into the XLR input of your audio mixer, mixing console, powered speaker, or commercial mixer-amplifier. There is also a JIB/BT4RS version that comes with two receivers to create a stereo link. One of the coolest things about it is that it has a built-in PAD switch that allows you to knock it down -10dB if you need to. It is battery-powered and has a long run time with 10 hours of battery life. This XLR Bluetooth receiver offers a practical, straightforward solution and quick wireless setup that allows you to transmit high-quality audio wirelessly from a Bluetooth-enabled device to your sound system.
- Single/dual receivers for mono or stereo playback
- Built-in PAD Switch for -10dB adjustment
- Bluetooth version 4.0
- Transmission range of 32.8 ft under typical conditions
- Micro USB Rechargeable 3.7V Lithium battery
- Lasts up to about 10 hours
Our favorite thing about the Galaxy Audio JIB/BT4R: You can use the Galaxy receiver for mono or stereo which comes in handy when connecting to powered pro audio speakers where you may need signal mono-fied to address audiences. It also has a built-in PAD switch.
Best Transmission Range: The Denon Professional DN-200BR
The Denon DN-200BR, which is a stereo Bluetooth audio receiver, has a balanced XLR or 1/4” outputs for integration with mixers and amplification systems. It comes with an external antenna that has a magnet on it and its Bluetooth Pairing mode ensures a secure connection. You can get up to 82 feet (approximately 25 meters) of range with this device. This is the longest range of any of these four devices. We use this more often in a house of worship, gymnasium, or other commercial application where you need that long-range. With countless Bluetooth-enabled audio sources available, the DN-200BR interfaces them all with a professional audio system.
- Discreet, robust build quality that can mount nearly anywhere
- Bluetooth version 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)
- Transmission range of up to 82ft
Our favorite thing about the Denon Professional DN-200BR: The Denon DN-200BR has a very impressive transmission range - the longest here with up to 82 feet in ideal situations.
Best Dual Pairable Stereo: The On-Stage Stands BC2000
The On-Stage BC2000 includes 2 wireless stereo Bluetooth receivers and USB charging cables providing the convenience of traditional converters with true stereo fidelity. You can have one receiver plugged into a powered speaker, the other into another speaker and have a stereo pair or, if you wanted, do dual mono and pair to both receivers. They also have a built-in PAD switch like the Galaxy. The BC2000 has a rechargeable battery with a long battery life allowing you to free up channels and deliver reliable Bluetooth for up to 10 hours.
- Ultra-reliable Bluetooth audio with true stereo fidelity
- Built-in PAD Switch for -10dB adjustment
- Bluetooth version 4.0
- Transmission range of 30ft
- USB rechargeable 3.7V lithium battery
- Lasts up to 10 hours of continuous use on a single charge
Our favorite thing about the On-Stage Stands BC2000: The BC2000 has a good battery life and comes standard in a stereo kit so that you can pair to two devices right out of the box. It also has that built-in PAD switch.
What to look for to buy the best Bluetooth audio transmitter and receiver?
- The first thing to pay attention to is the price, but also keep in mind that you want to get a high-quality professional audio-grade device. The market has a lot to offer so you’re bound to find something that fits your budget.
- You then need to think about whether you need transmitting or receiving and the available audio connections (inputs) on your equipment. Look for a Bluetooth device with the corresponding outputs.
- Next consider the Bluetooth connection: transmission range, Bluetooth version, etc. Traditionally, the later the Bluetooth version, the better sound quality and longer range you’ll have.
Bluetooth receivers and transmitters are the perfect way to make a wireless Bluetooth audio sound system. There are options for any kind of Bluetooth application from dance studios and aerobics classes to schools, gymnasiums, and houses of worship or karaoke and weddings. If you’re looking for where you can buy a Bluetooth transmitter or receiver, give us a call at (888)-256-4112, or email us at [email protected].
