I've seen several posts over the past few months that concern feedback issues when using a tiny headset, and I thought I might be able to help clarify things a bit.

When it comes to the four basic types of mics that magicians use (lav, earset/tiny headset, full-size headset, handheld), the worst for feedback is the lav. The second worst is the earset. As a matter of fact, the improvement from lav to earset is only marginal when compared to the improvement from earset to full-size headset.

When comparing an earset to a full-size headset, the ONLY advantage to the earset is size/visibility. The basic advantages to the full-size headset are "gain-before-feedback" (how loud it can go without feedback), and sound quality.

While many performers view low visibility as uncompromisingly paramount, the actualities and trade-off's need to be considered.

The vogue objection that many magicians have a full-size headset is that some audience members will be distracted by its visibility. Let's look at distraction from another angle. If there's ANY feedback, then EVERY audience member will be distracted. If ANY spoken part of your show is unheard by a portion of the audience, then that portion of the audience will be distracted.

For my money, I want to be sure that;
- EVERY word I speak is heard by the audience, all the way to the back of the room, and,
- there is NEVER feedback, even if the speakers are unfortunately placed, or if it's a LOOOOONG way to the back of the room.

A couple of very good, full-size (but not huge) headsets that have excellent gain-before-feedback, are;
- Shure Beta-54
- Countryman Isomax
Both of these are made by major manufacturers, with many years of proven quality & service.

Cheers from Toronto!

Thanks Dan. I agree with you 100%. I am a musician and I just can't compromise sound quality.

Regan

Good practical advice Dan.

I use a shure with a Countyman.....good stuff. B

Even if you cannot use or afford headsets, the chance of feedback is greatly reduced by using a microphone that has the proper pick up pattern/range for your needs. Most magicians should be using some time of cardioid pattern; it seems that many no name mics are omni-directional or hyper-cardioid to the point of almost being shotguns. You should be able to look up the characteristics of any mic you are considering on the Internet.

If you're using ANY lav mic, or ANY earset/tiny headset, of ANY pick-up pattern (omni or uni), and of ANY brand, the best way for you to get more volume without feedback is to change to a full-size headset. It doesn't matter what PA system your're using. The difference between a lav and a full-size headset, or between an earset/tiny headset and a full-size headset is MASSIVE, dwarfing any difference gained by changing from omni-to-uni or from uni-to omni.

Lately, the two biggest microphone problems I've been seeing at shows, and the two biggest problems that magicians have been emailing & PM'ing me about have been feedback, and overall loudness. The best solution to these problems is the roper use of a full-size headset. Every other solution - changing mic pick-up patterns, moving the speakers, EQ'ing, etc - are marginal by comparison.

I invested in a DPA 4066 on the recommendations of several on this forum. It was close to $700 - and worth every penny. It is the best microphone I have ever owned - and I've used several top name brands and models over the years.

Thanks for sharing Dan!

I've copied this into my database and labeled it as:

BEST SOUND ADVICE EVER!

I have finally settled on a lav mic. Although I have found the BEST configuration with my lav/pd250 setup there is still a bit of overtone. I have a countryman E6 but I have yet to use it since I can't get it to fit my ear correctly. I've tried all the configurations (except the one that works obviously!) to no avail. My next mic will be the full headset. Good advice.

Eventually we have to GIVE IN and trust the opinion of others.

Dan McLean Jr aka, Magic Roadie - YOU DA MAN!

Thanks

John

Between the two, which one is better? Will it work with a Shure Body pack with a Mini XLR connector?

Thanks

Wanlu

Honestly, they're both very good, and "better" is a matter of personal preference & context. Because you can easily adjust for your own head size, I prefer the Shure Beta-54. It is available with the correct connector for your Shure beltpack.

Thanks

BTW, I have a Shure MH30 condenser headworn mic...I like the sound quality a lot. Will the Beta -54 sound better than MH3O?

I don't know the Shure MH30. I don't think they've ever made one. Do you mean WH-30?

I use an Audio-Technica Micro headset (exactly like the Countryman E-6 as far as size and price, but more durable and goes under the ear instead of over). I paired this with a Sennheiser transmitter and reciever. A friend of mine is the front of house manager for La Reve at the Wynn in Vegas and he recomended this setup to me because it is what they use. It has worked very well for me and knock on wood, I have yet to have feedback issues.

Hi Dan,

Im sorry, I meant wh30

How is it compared to the Beta54

Thanks

The Beta-54 is a bit smaller, and most professional users would consider the Beta-54 to be "better". The WH30 is also a good mic, though, so unless you're having some problem(s) with it, there's no need to change.

Thanks

Oh by the way Dan...I have already posted this topic in our local forum in Manila.

Thanks for allowing me to do so.

Im sure a lot of our Magical friends here in Manila will find this topic interesting and very informative.

Thanks again,

Wanlu

Here's the link in case you want to visit

http://www.miumu.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php......ilippine