Self contained mikes

[Zack!]

Hi Everyone.
1QAZ\
Thanks for all 1your help with the amp can. So I got the amp can, now I need a mike. According to the guy in the audio store, there is no such thing as a self contained battery operated wireless mike. (That iis battery powered on bother the trans. and the reciever.) Apparently they all require a power source for the reciever.I just can't believe that. I can't believe that I have to lug around a big battery after just buying such a gloriously small amp. What about camcorder mikes? Are they self contained?

[Rich Potter]

The guy in the music store was a moron.

Or at least, he didn't know specifically about this particular subject and spoke out of turn.

Try Azden microphones. I believe they are made for video work...the 9V battery powered receiver attaches to the camera; the 9V battery powered transmitter attaches to your belt, and the microphone snakes from the transmitter under your shirt, up to your lapel, your headset mic, your wraparound mic, or I think there's also a hand-held model.

There are others, I'm sure; Azden is the brand I have. They're pretty good. I highly recommend G&G Video in New Jersey. http://www.ggvideo.com. I dealt with Michael. Great service, great prices. I just got a new system from them.

If you have questions, it might be better to call them directly at 1-800-843-3691 or email at staff@ggvideo.com as their website last I checked was pretty clunky.

--Rich
(and no; I don't work for them; I was just very happy with the experience)

.


[This message has been edited by Rich Potter (edited 07-30-2001).]

[Jim]

If you're willing to pay for top quality, go to Lectrosonics:

http://www.lectrosonics.com/wireless/175/cr175.htm

This bad boy runs on a 9volt battery and is the size of a pack of cigarettes, the same size (OK about 3/4 of an inch longer) as the transmitter. It costs about $400.00. The thing is, you'll need to get the corresponding TRANSMITTER for the system to work. (Another $200-300) I owned this set for a few years before selling all my Lectro stuff earlier this year. It works great. And it should last forever.

I'm actually thinking of shelling out for the UHF version of this transmitter/receiver set-up for theaters. It is so small and durable... all aluminum case and totally burly, runs with a 9volt battery on both ends.. (But I think the set-up would cost in the $12-1500.00 range.) Someday.

If you ever get a close-up look at the PRO TV news cameramen, they all use the Lectrosonics UHF transmitters and receivers. They're top of the line. Check them all out here.

For starters, Zack, you want to go to a VIDEO store and ask a video guy about mics. All these receivers are designed to run on batteries and velcro onto a camcorder.

Jim

[This message has been edited by Jim (edited 07-30-2001).]

[Chance]

Zack, didn't you read my earlier letters? I specifically said to ask for camcorder mikes, as both the transmitter AND receiver modules are the size of a cigarette pack and usually run on a single 9volt, or sometimes two AA batteries (as in the case of my AKG system). I also recommended that you shop around for a Shure system, but there are many other good ones as well. Just don't get suckered into buying a Senheiser system.

[Mark Cairns]

Can anyone give me a steer on the pro's and con's of using a lapel mic vs a headset mic for street work. Is there a significant difference in sound quality between the two, all other things being equal? I'd assume that the trade-off would be that a lapel mic would be less intrusive, but would offer poorer quality, and might not deal well with some outdoor situations (e.g. wind, etc)

[Zack!]

Many thanks to all that offered advice.

After a long search this is what i ended up getting.

An audio techica pro 88 wireless system. The lav mike fed back, so I got the AT PRO 8HEX headset mike. Plus the amp can...a sound system that will fit into a gnat's valise.

--Zack

[Rich Potter]

I will once again give a plug for http://www.ggvideo.com

They have a large selection of sound systems (admittedly, their website needs some work) really cheap, and good service.

I got from them an anchor megavox, internal receiver (nice) and lapel mic for a bit over $600. the entire system weighs 14 lbs. and is battery op.

The difference I see between lapel and headset are headset is nicer (closer to your mouth) unless you do a lot of head work (headrolls and the like) and they are more expensive.
--Rich

[Rex Boyd]

You will always get a much clearer, louder sound out of a headset mike than you will from a lapel. A lapel mike is really most useful when you are on a procenium stage and know that you are ALWAYS behind the speakers ie no monitor on stage to hear yourself.

I think all things considered you are best off with a headset for street work. It used to be a few years ago that people might have thought you looked a little strange wearing it but nowadays they are becoming very common so I think the audience will just accept it for what it is but they will also greatly apprecieate being able to hear the performer without a lot a of yelling and shouting. The subtleties in your voice will greatly improve your performance.

If you can do your show with a handheld mike you will have even more power from your vocal range. (obviously this is difficult for jugglers but I have done juggling street shows with a mike stand on occasion and I have also seen Jeff Bradley do the same.)

Rex

[kram]

Does anyone else have any insight or experience with feedback and Lectrosonics equipment (paired with an Anchor Explorer PA)?

[ 07-10-2002: Message edited by: kram ]</p>