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#189 - 06/08/09 03:05 PM Wireless Microphones
jillian Offline
newbie

Registered: 05/14/09
Posts: 30
I am thinking about purchasing a wireless microphone to use when performing. I know a lot of artists use them making it easier to move around the stage. Have any of you had any experience using wireless? Any recommendations on a quality product.

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#191 - 06/08/09 03:46 PM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: jillian]
ShackMan Offline
enthusiast

Registered: 03/14/09
Posts: 335
Loc: Pittsburgh Area
AKG makes some quality wireless gear. I'd suggest just making sure the receiver is top quality. It gets rough on certain stages dealing with interference from various sources (this is a big reason why they always tell you to turn off your cell phones).

Are you still looking for a handheld mic or a headset? There are little things that can help whittle down exactly what you want.
_________________________
I love science, and it pains me to think that so many are terrified of the subject or feel that choosing it means you cannot also choose compassion, or the arts, or be awed by nature. Science is not meant to cure us of mystery, but to reinvent and reinvigorate it. -R. Sapolsky

Upton Bass Custom 3/4 Upright, BSX Custom Allegro EUB, '80s Peavey T-40, MIM Active Jazz Bass, Godin BG-5 (for sale!), Fender Bassman 100 , `68 Fender Bassman 50 head, SWR Goliath 4x10, Markbass 2x10 cab

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#370 - 07/08/09 12:07 AM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: ShackMan]
drumstick Offline
stranger

Registered: 07/06/09
Posts: 20
I like them too. I just hate the sight of so many wires following a person around on stage. Wireless microphones are the best!

What is your budget? A Samson Stage 5 Handheld System is the best you could get for somewhere around $200. If you are looking the top quality and not bothered much about the price, you could go in for an Audio-Technica Artist Elite Wireless 4240. This sleek little beauty would cost you somewhere close to a thousand bucks.

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#389 - 07/09/09 07:37 PM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: drumstick]
ShackMan Offline
enthusiast

Registered: 03/14/09
Posts: 335
Loc: Pittsburgh Area
Samson does make some good stuff, drumstick. AKG has some stuff in the middle of that price range that's pretty solid. Generally, you're paying for two things in a wireless system.

1) Quality of sound coming from the mic.
2) Quality of signal from wireless mic to wireless receiver (aka no RF interference, feedback, sibilance, etc.).

Those are the main two things you want to look for. Everything else is gravy.
_________________________
I love science, and it pains me to think that so many are terrified of the subject or feel that choosing it means you cannot also choose compassion, or the arts, or be awed by nature. Science is not meant to cure us of mystery, but to reinvent and reinvigorate it. -R. Sapolsky

Upton Bass Custom 3/4 Upright, BSX Custom Allegro EUB, '80s Peavey T-40, MIM Active Jazz Bass, Godin BG-5 (for sale!), Fender Bassman 100 , `68 Fender Bassman 50 head, SWR Goliath 4x10, Markbass 2x10 cab

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#406 - 07/13/09 04:34 PM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: ShackMan]
rio1969 Offline
stranger

Registered: 07/06/09
Posts: 12
I would love to be able to find a wireless microphone that isn't too expensive for my daughter. She loves to sing and I don't want her or myself for that matter tripping all over wires. Also my dog loves to chew things and that would be one more temptation. I really don't want to spend a couple hundred though, are there any that have good quality without having to pay a fortune?

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#414 - 07/15/09 12:48 AM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: rio1969]
ShackMan Offline
enthusiast

Registered: 03/14/09
Posts: 335
Loc: Pittsburgh Area
If you aren't planning on dropping at LEAST $150, you're better off just getting a wired microphone. A cheap wireless will just feedback and succumb to radio interference; generally, it'll probably just have a weak connection. In any case, they START at around $125 at the lowest prices. Decent ones start at around $200, thus the recommendations you've received. These things just aren't as inexpensive as many of us would like.

It may not be worth it for you to buy a microphone that cheap. You can always check out used ones, but be wary of bad receivers. They're an important part too, just as much as the microphone.

As I was saying before, though, my recommendation at this point is for you to buy a wired microphone and just wrap the cord up and put it all away whenever you're done using it. It'll save you probably around $300 off what a wireless mic of the same quality would have cost you. A Shure or Sennheiser would do just fine, and you could easily get a near professional wired microphone for under $100. Probably even under $75. Plus the cost of the cable of course. By the way, you'll want a 20' XLR cable, at least, possibly more depending on where she's singing. But get enough so that you have slack to play with.

Why the difference in cost you ask? The receiver and the microphone antenna. You're essentially paying for a device not unlike a cellphone combined with a computer. It has to transmit the data wirelessly where it is then decoded into an analog signal. The more you pay, the better the signal you're paying for. That's why they cost so much more.
_________________________
I love science, and it pains me to think that so many are terrified of the subject or feel that choosing it means you cannot also choose compassion, or the arts, or be awed by nature. Science is not meant to cure us of mystery, but to reinvent and reinvigorate it. -R. Sapolsky

Upton Bass Custom 3/4 Upright, BSX Custom Allegro EUB, '80s Peavey T-40, MIM Active Jazz Bass, Godin BG-5 (for sale!), Fender Bassman 100 , `68 Fender Bassman 50 head, SWR Goliath 4x10, Markbass 2x10 cab

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#418 - 07/15/09 07:14 PM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: ShackMan]
rio1969 Offline
stranger

Registered: 07/06/09
Posts: 12
I didn't think of it that way, thanks! I am going to have to check out the wired ones then because she is too young for me to spend that kind of money unless she is serious about it.

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#421 - 07/16/09 03:40 AM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: rio1969]
ShackMan Offline
enthusiast

Registered: 03/14/09
Posts: 335
Loc: Pittsburgh Area
That's probably a good call, and by then she can know well enough what she wants in a wireless microphone if she decides to get one. Glad to be of help Rio.

By chance, what does she sing? I'm curious as to how young she is if she's getting gigs and needs a microphone. That's awesome. Do you have a PA system as well? If so, what kind?
_________________________
I love science, and it pains me to think that so many are terrified of the subject or feel that choosing it means you cannot also choose compassion, or the arts, or be awed by nature. Science is not meant to cure us of mystery, but to reinvent and reinvigorate it. -R. Sapolsky

Upton Bass Custom 3/4 Upright, BSX Custom Allegro EUB, '80s Peavey T-40, MIM Active Jazz Bass, Godin BG-5 (for sale!), Fender Bassman 100 , `68 Fender Bassman 50 head, SWR Goliath 4x10, Markbass 2x10 cab

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#427 - 07/17/09 05:29 PM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: ShackMan]
fgurl Offline
stranger

Registered: 07/06/09
Posts: 20
Loc: USA
Of all the reading up I have done for wireless things for computers and music, its just the same, sometimes brand name does better than the "good priced" ones. Depending on age and how well the child is into the music (and plans to continue) would be the easy way to weigh if the price is worth it or not at this time.

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#486 - 07/21/09 10:51 AM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: rio1969]
Rocker14 Offline
stranger

Registered: 07/06/09
Posts: 20
Wow, I'm with you. That is a lot of money for a microphone especially if she is just using it for fun. I would go with the wired microphone too.
Good luck finding something that works.

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#750 - 10/08/09 06:16 AM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: Rocker14]
takatenamano Offline
stranger

Registered: 10/04/09
Posts: 10
That may be, but it would still be cooler without a wire isn't it? But you know, you could have a bluetooth mic and you can make it yourself.

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#1697 - 03/03/10 11:44 PM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: Rocker14]
bassman Offline
stranger

Registered: 02/28/10
Posts: 12
Speaking of wireless, Shure makes what they call the PG14 Wireless Guitar System. A guy in town is selling his complete setup for $90 cash. Sounds like a pretty good deal. He says it all works great. But what should I look for when considering this purchase?
thanks.

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#1703 - 03/04/10 01:14 PM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: bassman]
Laklander Offline
enthusiast

Registered: 11/25/09
Posts: 354
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
Reviews I see online are positive. The system sells for $299 new, so the price is right. Some systems may have areas where the signal doesn't carry well, especially on a big stage, and it may pick up things like radio stations or even cellphones. The church I play in uses a very expensive wireless microphone system and cellphones drive it crazy -- even if they're turned off, they disrupt the signal. You might ask the woner baout that. Overall, Shure has a good rep for systems of all kinds.
_________________________
"Bass is the foundation of the band." -- William Murderface, Dethklok bassist
-----------------------
Lakland 55-94; Lakland Skyline Joe Osborn 5; Hofner Icon; OLP Tony Levin Signature 5 String; Stagg EUB; Genz-Genz Shuttle 6.0; Line 6 Lowdown Studio 110; Radial Bassbone

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#1710 - 03/04/10 03:33 PM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: Laklander]
ShackMan Offline
enthusiast

Registered: 03/14/09
Posts: 335
Loc: Pittsburgh Area
I'd say one of the first things you should do is just test it out. Make sure it works. Walk outside and see if you can still hear it from the amplifier (as long as he is okay with this). Try to get feedback from it. See what disrupts the signal (e.g. cellphones, wireless internet, etc.). Even something like a microwave in a coffee shop can mess with it. If it's easily frazzled, you might not want it, but realize that it's impossible to find a perfect wireless system.

That said, Shure does have a good reputation. Laklander is right. I'd give it a look either way, just because it's so cheap and a good model.
_________________________
I love science, and it pains me to think that so many are terrified of the subject or feel that choosing it means you cannot also choose compassion, or the arts, or be awed by nature. Science is not meant to cure us of mystery, but to reinvent and reinvigorate it. -R. Sapolsky

Upton Bass Custom 3/4 Upright, BSX Custom Allegro EUB, '80s Peavey T-40, MIM Active Jazz Bass, Godin BG-5 (for sale!), Fender Bassman 100 , `68 Fender Bassman 50 head, SWR Goliath 4x10, Markbass 2x10 cab

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#1717 - 03/05/10 07:30 AM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: ShackMan]
bassman Offline
stranger

Registered: 02/28/10
Posts: 12
Awesome guys! I also have visions of the receiver sitting on the floor as I have a BOSS GT6B as part of the rig. Would the receiver then be plugged into the effects pedal as opposed to being plugged into the amp itself?

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#1721 - 03/05/10 11:13 AM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: bassman]
Laklander Offline
enthusiast

Registered: 11/25/09
Posts: 354
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
I'd plug the bass into the receiver first so it gets the purest signal. Then run out of the receiver to the GT6B. Effected signals may cause funny things to happen.
_________________________
"Bass is the foundation of the band." -- William Murderface, Dethklok bassist
-----------------------
Lakland 55-94; Lakland Skyline Joe Osborn 5; Hofner Icon; OLP Tony Levin Signature 5 String; Stagg EUB; Genz-Genz Shuttle 6.0; Line 6 Lowdown Studio 110; Radial Bassbone

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#1736 - 03/07/10 11:31 PM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: Laklander]
bassman Offline
stranger

Registered: 02/28/10
Posts: 12
Huh? I see two receivers but no transmitter ! I'm confused ! LOL

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#1737 - 03/08/10 10:26 AM Re: Wireless Microphones [Re: bassman]
Laklander Offline
enthusiast

Registered: 11/25/09
Posts: 354
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
Sorry ... I mean plug the transmitter into the bass first, then put the receiver before the effects. Again, the best way to get the effects signal to the amp may be to used the effects send & return on the Behringer. One more cord, but it will go into the amp with the least amount of disruption.
_________________________
"Bass is the foundation of the band." -- William Murderface, Dethklok bassist
-----------------------
Lakland 55-94; Lakland Skyline Joe Osborn 5; Hofner Icon; OLP Tony Levin Signature 5 String; Stagg EUB; Genz-Genz Shuttle 6.0; Line 6 Lowdown Studio 110; Radial Bassbone

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