A wireless microphone receiver is used to control transmission power and/or channel configuration of wireless microphones which communicate audio data to the wireless microphone receiver. In some embodiments the wireless microphone receiver searches for available channels, e.g., on a periodic or other basis. Based on wireless microphone receiver loading and interference considerations, channel availability may be determined and channel assignments are made. In some embodiments channel assignments are made based on wireless microphone battery status. Channel assignments to wireless microphones are communicated via a control channel. In addition to channel assignments, wireless microphone transmitter power can be controlled by the wireless microphone receiver. Commands to increase or decrease transmission power may occur as channel conditions change and/or on a recurring periodic basis. The rate of power control transmission may be relatively infrequent, e.g., a second apart in some embodiments, given that wireless microphones tend to be relatively stationary during use.