Wireless Mic for Pub Band

[mikeymoo]

Hi Guys,

I've just read the thread of "TriesHard" and the advice of wireless mic v wired I totally agree with, as the same applies to wireless networks and PC's that I know very well.

But I also happen to be the lead singer in a band, and I'm finding that when working the crowd my 15m of cable can become an issue. I was thinking of a wireless solution.

Now I may not use it all the time, so how would a system like the Samson Airline 77 plug-in work? I like the idea of being able to use my current mic (can't remember) with the plug-in module bit. BUT - is it any good? Does the end fall off? Does it really look ugly?

It's £200.00 ish so I'm not expecting greatness from it, but is it really just better to keep the money and spend it on a spare when needed.

Cheers,

Mike

[Dave Boulden]

It's exactly the same situation in our band... our vocalist has a rather "dynamic" presence on stage and a wireless mic is a must for us.

Although it seems like a cheap model, we've had some really good success with AKG systems... we currently have a couple of these AKG WMS 40 Pro Flexx Vocal Set HUK Wireless Microp at DV247.COM ... at least I'm pretty sure it's that particular model, it seems AKG aren't shy of releasing a confusing number of WMS40 based models right now!

We've never had a single problem with them in a huge variety of venues from pubs to clubs to marquees to football grounds to paddle steamers. Just be sure to get one that has at least a few switchable frequencies.

[mikeymoo]

Thanks Dave, It's good to hear. I've been looking at the Samson Airline 77 AX1 Channel 4 at DV247.COM Samson Airline 77 AX1 kit. Like the idea of the plug-in, would like to have a play with one before buying.

Not sure what it would feel like or if I would knock it getting it in and out of the clip.

[Stagesound]

Mike - bear in mind that the kit you are looking at includes a Samson Q7 mic. Now that's a cheap mic (DV247 - £30), but it means your radio system is still only costing around £135. At that price point, you can't expect great performance. It is also a fixed frequency system, so if you arrive at a gig, and the band in the pub next door are on the same frequency as you, both of you are in trouble!
I've never been keen on plug-in adapters - at least the Samson is not the ugliest - there are a few other contenders for that award. They all suffer the same problem - they stick out beyond the mic, so are the first thing to get a knock if your lead singers gets carried away. Since they are depending on the XLR to hold them in place, don't expect the life to be too long if it gets a few bashes. On the other hand, a "real" (for want of a better description!) radio mic has the electronics tucked safely away inside.

Personally if I were in your position, and really wanted to go the radio mic route, I'd hang on until I could at least afford something like this - AKG WMS 450 Pro Vocal Set C5 Wireless Microphone at DV247.COM or this - Sennheiser EW 145 G2 Wirelss Microphone System at DV247.COM (My personal preference is the Sennheiser, but everyone to their own )

If you really can't wait, go with Dave's advice on the AKG, because (a) it's switched frequency, (b) it's an all-in-one "real" mic, and (c) uses an AA battery rather than the AAA in the Samson. (I think their 14 hour usage figure is very optomistic!!)

I don't know what your PA setup is like, but if you've got a sound engineer and FOH desk at the end of a multi, don't be tempted to put the receiver at the sound desk - put it on-stage, preferably reasonably well lifted off floor level, and feed it's output down the multi along with everything else.

[mikeymoo]

Thanks Stagesound,

There was that nagging feeling about the Samson and damage. We currently use a couple of Sennheiser 845's and a Audio Technica ATM610 - so the Sennheiser system looks the most likely way to go.

It's a bit more than I was expecting to pay, but then I don't have to splash out on new guitars, amps or drums, so I should put a bit of effort in

Thanks again, to both of you. Very useful and exactly what I needed NOT to rush in.

Mike

[donotfearjazz]

Hi Mike,
I would agree with Stagesound - the Sennheiser G2 system is fantastic. You get a top quality mic with the radio built in and if you do ever encounter interference then you have hundreds of channels to choose from. The G2 radio system is just something you can rely on working every time.

[Stagesound]

Originally Posted by donotfearjazz

Hi Mike,
I would agree with Stagesound - the Sennheiser G2 system is fantastic. You get a top quality mic with the radio built in and if you do ever encounter interference then you have hundreds of channels to choose from. The G2 radio system is just something you can rely on working every time.

Not that anyone here would suggest you use unlicensed frequencies in the UK....