MusicRadar’s got your back
Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.
What is it?
The t.bone Free 300 HT 823 and PT 823 are two separate wireless audio packages from Thomann, designed to provide an affordable route into wireless performance. Although sold individually, we’ve chosen to review them together because their real appeal lies in the flexibility of combining the two systems.
At around £159 each for either package, the free 300 range builds on the foundations of the t.bone freeU HT 823 we reviewed previously, adding a few useful improvements without straying into expensive professional territory. Both systems operate within the 823-832MHz and 863-865MHz frequency bands, offering a practical solution for musicians, presenters and event organisers who want to lose the cables without spending a fortune.
The HT 823 package includes a handheld dynamic wireless microphone and a receiver, while the PT 823 provides a pocket transmitter, or bodypack, for connecting an instrument or a compatible lavalier microphone. The bodypack uses a 3-pin TQG connector, so you’ll need to purchase a suitable cable separately if you want to connect your instrument or microphone. These cables are available from Thomann, but they’re not included in the box.
Latest Videos FromMusicRadar
One of the biggest improvements over the freeU HT 823 is the receiver’s flexibility. The free 300 receiver can switch between handheld and pocket transmitter modes, allowing you to choose the setup that best suits your application. The two modes cannot be used simultaneously, but having both options available makes the system considerably more versatile than its predecessor.
The receiver itself feels solid and measures 210 x 45 x 193mm, weighing just under a kilogram. It features two BNC diversity antennas, balanced XLR and unbalanced 6.5mm jack outputs, and an adjustable gain range of 0-25dB. Power comes from a 12V 1A DC supply with a cable that measures around 115cm, which feels a little short if your equipment rack or power socket isn’t close by. On the plus side, a UK plug adaptor was included this time around.
The receiver’s LCD is another welcome improvement. It’s brighter, clearer and provides more useful information at a glance, including the selected frequency, battery status, audio-frequency and radio-frequency signal strength, and volume. Three pre-programmed frequency groups offer ten channels each, and the system supports up to six units operating in parallel. An infrared link transfers settings from the receiver to the transmitter, helping to keep setup simple, while a frequency-scanning function makes finding a suitable channel less of a chore.
The handheld microphone has also received some attention. The slimmer grille and improved feel give it a more refined appearance than the freeU version, while the cardioid dynamic capsule provides a slightly different pickup pattern from the older model’s supercardioid design. It operates on two AA batteries, with approximately eight hours of talk time and up to 12 hours on standby. The pocket transmitter offers similar battery life, a detachable antenna and an LCD showing the selected frequency and battery status.
Overall, this is a straightforward system with a few useful additions that make it more adaptable than the older freeU range. It’s not designed to compete directly with premium wireless systems, but the extra flexibility is a welcome bonus at this price.
Performance
For anyone familiar with the t.bone freeU HT 823, the free 300 will feel reassuringly familiar. The general approach remains the same – keep things simple, make setup accessible and provide enough functionality for everyday performance without introducing unnecessary complexity.
The receiver is easy to get to grips with, and the improved display makes a genuine difference. Being able to see the selected frequency, battery level and signal strength more clearly is useful when setting up in a hurry, particularly in a dimly lit venue. The infrared synchronisation also helps remove some of the guesswork from pairing the transmitter with the receiver.
The additional flexibility is arguably the free 300’s biggest selling point. With the receiver switchable between handheld and pocket transmitter modes, you aren’t restricted to a single type of performance. The handheld microphone is convenient for speeches, presentations and casual vocal performances such as Karaoke, while the bodypack opens the door to instrument or lavalier microphone applications. Just remember to budget for the appropriate TQG cable, as this isn’t supplied with the PT 823.
The stated line-of-sight operating range of up to 100 metres is another advantage over the freeU HT 823. That’s a useful amount of freedom for larger rooms, stages and event spaces, although actual performance will depend on the surroundings, obstacles and radio interference. The receiver’s diversity antenna arrangement and multiple frequency options also provide useful tools for maintaining a stable connection.
In terms of build quality, the handheld microphone is a noticeable improvement. The slimmer grille gives it a more conventional appearance, and the overall feel is more reassuring when picking it up. However, there’s a difference between a microphone feeling well made and being comfortable to use for an entire performance. Unfortunately, handling noise remains a weakness. Movement and contact with the microphone can introduce unwanted noise, so we’d be more inclined to use it on a microphone stand rather than holding it throughout a set.
Sound quality is perfectly acceptable for the intended audience, but it’s important to keep expectations realistic. The microphone produces usable vocals for general announcements, presentations and entry-level musical performances, but it doesn’t have the same refinement, clarity or consistency as a more established microphone such as the Shure SM58. That isn’t entirely surprising given the price, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re planning to use it as your main vocal microphone in a professional band.
For public speaking, weddings, community events and smaller venues, the free 300 should be more than capable of doing the job. In these situations, convenience and dependable wireless operation can matter more than squeezing every last detail out of a vocal performance. For musicians who regularly perform live and place a high priority on vocal sound, however, we’d recommend investing in a more capable microphone and wireless system. For our ears, the vocal signal is a tad too bass-heavy, so we were inclined to roll off a little of the lower frequencies at the desk. The performance for instruments using the bodypack also seemed to colour the sound with slightly exaggerated bass levels, so this is something worth accommodating when dialling in your preferred tone.
Battery flexibility is another practical advantage. Both transmitters run on two AA batteries, including rechargeable AA options, so you’re not tied to a proprietary battery pack. The quoted eight hours of talk time should be sufficient for many performances and events, while the additional standby time offers some reassurance when the system is switched on but not in constant use.
There are a couple of smaller frustrations. The power supply cable feels unnecessarily short, and the need to buy a separate cable for the bodypack adds a little extra expense and preparation. Neither issue is a deal breaker, but both are worth considering before purchasing.
Ultimately, the free 300 doesn’t reinvent the budget wireless microphone, but it improves on the freeU formula in several practical ways. The receiver is easier to read, the handheld microphone feels better designed, and the option to switch between transmitter types makes it a more flexible choice for users whose requirements might change over time.
Verdict
The t.bone free 300 HT 823 and PT 823 make a compelling case for anyone looking for an affordable, uncomplicated wireless audio setup. For around £159, you get a useful combination of handheld and bodypack options, a more informative receiver display, a line-of-sight range of up to 100 metres and support for multiple systems operating in parallel.
The improved microphone design is welcome, although handling noise remains an issue, and the sound quality doesn’t quite reach the standard we’d expect for regular professional band work. The short power cable and separately purchased bodypack cable are also worth factoring into the overall cost.
That said, this isn’t a system pretending to be something it isn’t. It’s aimed at people who need practical, accessible wireless audio without a hefty price tag, and in that respect, it does an excellent job. We’d happily recommend it for beginner musicians, public speakers, wedding speeches, and smaller events where convenience and value are the priorities.
If you’re already familiar with the freeU HT 823, the free 300 is a sensible step up, particularly if you need the added flexibility of a bodypack transmitter. Just don’t expect it to replace a professional wireless rig or a quality wired vocal microphone. At this price, the t.bone free 300 HT 823 and PT 823 offer a well-judged balance of features, usability and affordability.
Hands-on demos
the t.bone
Alternatives
Specifications
|
Price |
£159 each |
|
Receiver key features |
Frequency band: 823–832 / 863–865 MHz 3 pre-programmed frequency groups, each with 10 channels 6 systems can be operated in parallel LCD display: frequency band selection, battery indicator, AF/RF signal strength, selected frequency and volume Switchable between handheld transmitter and pocket transmitter (the two channels cannot be used simultaneously) Infrared transmission of the setting from the receiver to the transmitter Adjustable gain: 0-25 dB Range: 100 m (line-of-sight) Connections: XLR (balanced), 6.5 mm jack (unbalanced) 2 BNC antennas for Diversity Operates with a 12 V 1 A DC power supply Dimensions: (W x H x D) 210 x 45 x 193 mm Weight: 0.95 kg Includes rack mount |
|
Microphone key features |
Polar pattern: Cardioid Integrated antenna Battery life: Approx. eight hours of talk time, approx. 12 hours on standby LCD display: Selected frequency, battery indicator Frequency scanner on the receiver Operates on 2 x 1.5 V AA batteries or rechargeable batteries (not included) Dimensions (L x D): 271 x 53 mm |
|
Bodypack key features |
3-pin TQG connector Frequency band: 821–832 / 863–865 MHz Battery life: approx. 8 hours (talk time), approx. 12 hours (standby) LCD display: Selected frequency, battery indicator Option to scan the receiver frequency Detachable antenna Operates on 2 x 1.5 V AA batteries or rechargeable batteries (not included) Dimensions (W x D x H): 94 x 64 x 34 mm |
|
Contact |
