|
|
rpierce Inner circle New Hampshire - USA 1220 Posts |
I am a Mentalist and I need my hands, lapel mics always vary the sound everytime you turn your head so I prefer a headset. I bought my own and I just plug it in to the sound system available, I always have issues. Terrible feedback and squealing noises, if the little antenna on my body pack touches my shirt you will hear it. I had to abandon it in the middle of my show last night and use a handheld, which was really awkward. I should point out that I bounce around the room during my show so I do have to go in front of the speakers.
So, my question is: Is this life with a headset or can I solve all these issues with a better quality? |
garydunn Veteran user Glasgow 303 Posts |
No, this is life with a 'cheap' headset. In the UK I use one of these http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_......dex.html
You can get them with different connectors, so you should be able to get one which will match your existing backpack. Audio Technica do their own backpack which is superb, I current own and use a Sennheiser pack. You also need a pretty decent mixer to use a headset or clip mic. Cheap mixers with just high and low frequency adjustment probably won't do the job and you will get feedback. For a guaranteed great sound, you're best taking your own system and not relying on other peoples kit. |
arthur stead Inner circle When I played soccer, I hit 1773 Posts |
I second Gary's suggestion to bring your own (good quality) system. In the long run, to avoid any potential sound problems, it's a very wise investment.
|
Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
I good wireless microphone system should solve some of the problems you describe. Having said that, you can never be sure of what you are going to run into when you are plugged into a PA system that is not your own, or not controlled by you. Most of the time you have to watch out for those speaker-front-areas no matter what type of mic you use!
Mister Mystery
|
Mystical Matthew Elite user 468 Posts |
I'm currently using Shure PGX wireless headset systems. They work great! I've put them through heck and back and they're still working. I've not had any of the issues you're describing.
You'll pay more for them, but I feel comfortable recommending them as a solid long term investment. - Matthew |
charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
If you perform a search of Dan McLean Jr, aka Magic Roadie in the F/X forum you will find valuable information that he shares that details the parameters to consider in selecting optimal equipment for sound.
|
g0thike Special user 722 Posts |
Actually the mic pickup pattern is also a consideration.
Directional vs omni. Google search it. I personally use directional because it feedbacks less. Picks up my voice, while omni picks up in all directions. G |
bstokes New user 47 Posts |
Once again I personally recommend the Samson Airline Micro Earset.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SWAM2SES-N1/ Wireless mics always give out where the cord enters the transmitter. For magicians, the cord is always in the way unless you route it under your shirt. Nine volt batteries are expensive. You have to fumble about on your back or waist to mute the mic or depend on someone in the booth muteing for you. This mic solves all of those problems and more. It's one piece so no wires to tangle, short out, or get in the way. Rechargeable lithium battery vis standard USB port on both the transmitter and the receiver. To mute is simply to raise your hand to your ear and press the one button. The mic without the windscreen is very small and nearly invisible from a short distance. I've been using mine ever since they came on the market and love it. |
TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
I don't see where it says if the microphone is omnidirectional or unidirectional?
If it's an omni mic, I'd be concerned about feedback in certain situations. Usually microphones that size are omnidirectional and have low gain-before-feedback. Any idea on that, bstokes?
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
Mystical Matthew Elite user 468 Posts |
A buddy of mine bought a Samson Airline Micro and it broke on him during a performance. I almost bought one right before his died.
Not saying everyone will have the same experience, but that's why I decided against buying. I put my equipment through hades and back because it gets used so hard... :-\ |
bstokes New user 47 Posts |
Frank: I don't know if it is unidirectional but there is a gain control. I have always been able to set the gain to a proper level without any feedback issues.
Matthew: I also have a friend who broke his (might be the same guy) but there are those who could "break an anvil" as we say in these parts. I am often shocked at how folks treat their high-end tech gear and then complain that it does'nt hold up. Anyway, mine has held up just fine and I use it weekley and sometimes for hours on end. I plan to buy a couple more for multi-mic situations as well as back-ups. It just makes sense to me that wireless should be in fact wireless. |
arthur stead Inner circle When I played soccer, I hit 1773 Posts |
I love my Countryman E6 mic. However, the first one I tried was omnidirectional, which did cause feedback problems. After discussing with the manufacturer, I traded it for a directional version, which solved all my problems. Incidentally, the directional mic had to be special ordered ... but cost the same.
|
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
I still use the old cord mic and it eliminates a lot of problems. I have used unidirectional mikes. It allows you better control for on stage cueing.
Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
Sam Pearce Veteran user Ontario, Canada 309 Posts |
I agree with Gary about the quality of Audio Technica equipment. For the past five years or so I have been using the AT892cW-TH MicroSet made by Audio Technica. It sounds great and is nearly invisible from five feet away. Absolutely no complaints, in fact, I wouldn't use anything but this microphone; I take it to every single gig. http://amzn.to/Hbadm6
As Gary said, you can buy it with just about any connector on the end. This makes it compatible with just about any good wireless system - e.g. Shure, Sennheiser, Audio Technica, etc. If you don't already have a quality wireless system, the ATW-3110 unit is fantastic. Again, I've used this system for years and I have no complaints. I don't recall it ever cutting out during a show. Plus, it uses two AA batteries that will last for several shows. http://amzn.to/H7ihRj Using a small screwdriver you can adjust the gain on the bodypack itself. If you do this properly you should never have any issues with feedback, even if you're using an omnidirectional mic. Remember, speaker placement is also very important when it comes to eliminating feedback; always make sure that you're behind the speakers when possible. Regardless of how good your wireless system may be, you should have a wired backup mic just in case. I always have a Shure SM58 wired microphone sitting on the side of the stage; I've never had to use it, but it's good to know it's there. Just my two cents, Sam |
TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
I use this:
Not cheap but it's awesome. Uses AA batteries. I don't use the lapel mic, I use a cheap hyper-cardiod (directional) headset from the same company. I've used it right in front of a huge, loud PA system with no feedback. I was shocked.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
Flip Disc New user 18 Posts |
When it comes to audio equipment yuou get what you pay for. I've been in the entertainment business for 34 years and have been using sure headset michrophones for the past 30 years. I work a lot with high powered audio systems and these michrophones give me quality sound and don't feed back even when I walk in front of concert stacks. You're gonna spend around $800. I'm using the Sure ULX at the present time. I recently bought a Nady wireless monotor system (the kind with the ear pieces)and having problems getting answers from them. Sure has always been great to deal with.
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » F/X » » PA System Reccomendations (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |