Wireless Mics Where do I begin WEDDINGS ETC NO SWALLOW! $1000 Budget

[wapples]

Ok,

So i have explored this in another thread with some basic responses. Looking for a wireless Mic setup. It does not need to be the best or cost the most but something that WORKS? I say that because I have some wirelless and wired mics on small units where you really do need to speak LOUD and clear DIRECTLY into the MIC. you cant just stand in front Short/small and expect it will pick something up. Its either straight in front and it works or NOTHING. No matter how high the gain is. In otherwords you dont need to basically swallow the mic to get the sound out.

So sicne most of our wired stuff is Shure I thought that would be a good benchmark>? My main audio supplier tells me that the Audio Technica ATW2000HH Apprently its just that bit better than the the shure Shure ULXP24/SM86 and of course cheaper. Opinions on this? Someone mentioned Line 6 and Senhisser certainly have a reputation but I just need something that is good for the guests when making their speeches. I did also want to have a secondary one for either the DJ or ust for an event where it would require X2 mics. If so hows the best way to do do this. I have seen some Rackmount X4 way systems on ebay for about $500 that have two mics and two clip on dealees but you are all out there using them more than I have so far so inrespect to no nonsense relaible mic sound solution where wont I go wrong for BANG FOR BUCKS. LETS Say max budget was $1000 But would be $2000 if I needed too buy two kits but under $1000 would be great.

Thanks again for all your assistance and advice!

[windspeed36]

Shure UC or ULX-D - get them out of the US on Ebay if you can - I know Harman and Jands don't let you buy new products direct from the US as to not undercut Jands Australia. you would just need to buy the power supplies here in Australia. You can pickup a pair of ULX-D's with Beta58's for $1800 US including shipping.

[JamminDownJD]

You have to look at the head. The mic head, that is. The pickup pattern is key in determining how much sound you want to amplify. The SM86 is a popular head, but its cardioid pickup pattern requires that your mouth is pointed right at the mic. You could look for an omnidirectional head which will pick up sound from any point around the entire microphone, BUT you greatly increase the likelihood of feedback.

Nothing beats using correct mic technique. Pre-planning helps tremendously in this regard. Find out who will be speaking well in advance. When you line them up before introductions, take those speechmakers aside and teach them how to "eat the mic." Tell them that they need to keep an eye on you for any signals. If you see that their microphone is dropping down by their chest, give them a visual cue to raise it closer to their mouths. I always wave at them and raise a dummy mic to my face to remind them.

[windspeed36]

Nothing beats using correct mic technique. Pre-planning helps tremendously in this regard. Find out who will be speaking well in advance. When you line them up before introductions, take those speechmakers aside and teach them how to "eat the mic." Tell them that they need to keep an eye on you for any signals. If you see that their microphone is dropping down by their chest, give them a visual cue to raise it closer to their mouths. I always wave at them and raise a dummy mic to my face to remind them.

Raises a very valid point; question is does the op know the correct way to use a wireless?

[wapples]

Ahhh there we go. Setting it up and using it. Apart from watching every youtube video etc regarding elimiating feedback and re-reading through the Sound Reinforcement handbook on this subject a few times things are not always as they seem. OK so a wedding the DJ and sound is typically set to one side or corner. The Mic is often on the opposite end of the room or to the side and no matter how much you explain to the customer correct ways of using it the world is never perfect. Iam just trying to elimiate as many variables as I can with a good setup. I agree there is no subsitiute for "the real thing" someone who speaks loud and clear is a real bonus and easy to just dial off the volume through the gear but hard to pickup when they are mumbling. Like photography never touch the Zoom unless you physically can not get physically get closer to the subject you are shooting. BEFORE I GET PLASTERED by the PHOTOGS Iam not saying for everything but most of the time you will fill the frame up with more of what you want to see no wasted pixels or pixelisation from "digital zoom" trying to compensate in the editing process.

We were at a bridal expo earlier in the year and the sound crew operating the audio for the fashion parades etc was constantly coming over and chatting to me since we really do have an awesome range of stuff Lights etc but also was wanting to have a play on the new Denon SC-3900's we had spinning since i imagine we wont be seeing them in Australia for still sometime. ANYWHO i was sussing out his mic setup (NON BRANDNAME). A rack mount X4 way receiver that had lots of cool features including being able to tell him when one of the wireless mics being used to go around the exhibitors was getting low on battery. Handy feature but not necessary. HOWEVER what was intresting is in the period of 4-6 hours the battery was changed TWICE. That can not be normal. or was he just being a "POSER" trying to me MR technical "hey look at me look at MOIEEE" LOL Kath n Kym "Aussies know what Iam yabbering about"

TRANSGRESSING HERE

So anyway getting anything from overseas EG US/CANADA NO PROBLEMOS we run pure sine wave voltage converters for some of our gear so never an issue if we need to buy from overseas. ALSO no worries if suppliers are reluctant to send to Australia as we have US representations that act as the gopher,

[windspeed36]

The Shure mica themselves are pretty much the same in terms of pickup and overall sound because they use the same capsules. The ULX-D is my personal favorite at the moment because of the digital bonus; you don't get that occasional coss mesh when using two similar analog wireless systems. What I'm talking bout is most notable when you have two performers walking toward one another and the signals are intertwined. It's rare but if you're having a duet performing on a stage show and you have that happen it can wreck the entire song.

[BillESC]

OP... Where are you from? Earth doesn't really help.

[Dj Pudgey]

I have been mixing audio for a long time and have never used an SM86. As for wireless units, the ULX-D is an amazing mic that is encrypted. If you do not need the encrypting of you microphone, then I would go with the ULX-P set up. I know a few people that are using the Line 6 mics on tour, the only issue is that they run on the same wireless band as WiFi, and you could get interference when using them. If cost is the deciding factor, I would recommend the Shure SLX combo's. Best bang for the buck.

[jayhwk]

I'd go with either Shure ULX-D or Shure UHF-R.

If you have feedback issues, then don't go for the KSM-9 head. It's the best out there but is prone to feedback. If you do have feedback problems, Rat Sound makes an adapter so you can use Audix capsules on Shure wireless. That'd be the way to go.

[Incognito]

Persoanlly I say "No Swallow? No Marry.."" umm oh wait, that's another topic........