Wireless Microphones - Who's Got What, and do you like it?

[JakeWilliams]

OK, I posted another article asking some questions about wireless microphones...

http://rockpage.net/phpbb2/viewtopic.ph ... t=wireless

...but still haven't figured out what to get. I'd like to stay in the < $500 price, but I want to know why I'm paying that much - and not just for a name brand or "overkill features" I don't need.

All I want is a wireless microphone system with GREAT sound quality, VERY LITTLE interference, rack mountable, and at least 5 channels to switch around in case I do run into interference at a show. And I've found several models that claim to provide this for way under $500, some around $250.

I've been looking at AKG, Shure, Audio Technica, Samson, and a few others...

So, - if you own/use a wireless system regularly - please give me some information:
1. What microphone do you use?
2. Do you like it? (sound quality, interference, etc)
3. Would you purchase it again?
4. If you don't mind, what did you pay? PM me if you like.

NOTE: I posted an ad in the wanted pages for a high quality wireless microphone and had absolutely ZERO offers for a used system. Does this mean that everyone who's purchased a wireless microphone is happy with what they bought? And if so, I'm thinking the $250 models will suit me fine as well...

Let me know.

[songsmith]

I don't know that I'd go as low as $250... maybe used, if it's a good'n. I've dealt with wireless mics since they became inexpensive enough for bar bands in the mid/late 80's, as a salesperson and end-user. I've used everything from the old Nady FM units to top-shelf Sennheisers, and my personal experience is that there's a lot of overkill available if you feel like paying too much for features you'll likely not use, but if you plan on touring, there's no such thing as overkill.
Basically, you're dealing with 3 basic variables: a microphone, an RF transmitter, and an RF receiver that turns th radio frequency signal into audio signal. The microphone part is fairly easy... most singers know what they want. I had a Samson system with an EV N/D757 head...it was nice, with good off-axis rejection (aka feedback resistance), but lacked the hi-midrange vocal presence peak I'd been used to... the next system had an SM-58 head, and that was just what the doctor ordered. There are lots of good mic heads now because technology's had 20 years since that time to catch up. Thanks to foreign manufacturing, there are lots of cheap alternatives for mics in general.
As for RF transmitters, you can go with UHF or VHF frequencies. There are people who would tell you there's a huge difference, in sound or range, and based on my experiences, I can't tell much of a difference at all. I've used a Telex VHF lav mic on a referee at a football game, and he never had a dropout in a football stadium. If you think you'll be playing venues larger than a football stadium, your mileage may vary, and I'm not knowledgeable enough to help. Both UHF and VHF are high enough in frequency to supply adequate detail to audio, though UHF systems are usually newer designs, and have updated audio features. In the Central PA area, I seldom run across interference issues, except by other mic systems in a small area (churches across the street from one another, etc.), and the occasional security system interference. If you are picking up AM radio, it's usually a shielding/cable problem, like in guitar amps.
As to receivers, definitely get a frequency-agile system, at least 10 frequencies, but a hundred frequencies is more like it. Interference is usually a b*tch to work around when it does happen, so the easiest thing to do is simply change a channel. I always tried to keep the receiver on the stage end of the PA snake, too... the closer to the transmitter, the better... 20 ft is way better than 100 ft, I think. Plus, if the receiver is close to sources of RF hash, like digital effects racks, it's going to pick it up eventually (for those who don't believe me,hook up your system to the mixer, put your receiver next to your rack, then turn off the mic transmitter...PSHHHHHHHHHHH!
As for endorsements on specific models of systems, that's kind of like asking who has the best wife. There are so many variables as to what you like/need, that what might be best for me wouldn't work out for you at all. People can attest to how a system works for them, pros vs. cons, but you have to take it with a grain of salt because there are so many variables. You gotta try them out yourself. Sorry I couldn't be more help.---->JMS

[JakeWilliams]

I don't know that I'd go as low as $250...

First of all, thanks for the wealth of information. I do appreciate it.

However, price is not the issue. But I want to make sure when I pay $400 for a system, that I'm not paying for a name brand when a very comparable device by XYZ manufacturer was 1/2 the price.

In any case, $400 is a very reasonable price for a solid wireless microphone, but I want the clarity of the vocals to be as least comparable to the wired Shure BETA 58 microphone I'm using now.

So, Here's my criteria:
1. Sound Quality that rivals the Shure BETA 58
2. Multi-Channels (several). I said 5 at first, but most manually switched multi-channel systems do have 8-10, and the automated have hundreds so either is OK with me.
3. Good reception at 100+ feet with very little interference (if any)
4. Perfect reception at 20 feet with no interference (it's OK if I have to change channels manually to achieve this)
5. Rack mountable (either included or capable)
6. Reasonably priced. I say <$400, but I'd pay more if it was "worth it" and someone could convince me it was better than the other models that offer similar packages.

And as an FYI, I can get the new Samson Airline Synth (True Diversity) wireless microphone handled system for approx $375.

http://www.samsontech.com/main/misc.cfm ... &brandID=1

And this model aparently has all of the above features covered. In fact, the receiver is an XLR plug-in, so I could even hook it right up to my BETA 58 if I want...

Any thoughts?

[XlifeNexus]

Get the Shure Beta 58 wireless, and you won't be disappointed, Jake!

[lonewolf]

I've had just about every brand and I like Shure best in a low cost hand-held. The PGX24 system should work fine (I have its predecessor with a countryman headset mic). Its got 90 frequencies and you can either get the rack mount kit or just get sticky-back velcro and mount them on top of a component in your rack.

I went to the other side of the bar, out the door and onto the highway without any dropouts. I was just trying to flag down some customers.

Xlife is right...if you want to avoid feedback problems, spend the extra $50 and get the Beta 58. The SM87 and Beta 87 are even better, but I don't think those mics are available with that system.

The AKG diversity systems are excellent as far as wireless goes, but the lower end mics don't match up with Shure's. I like (and use) AKG diversity for guitar because they don't suck out the tone nearly as much as Shure.

[JakeWilliams]

I've had just about every brand and I like Shure best in a low cost hand-held. The PGX24 system should work fine (I have its predecessor with a countryman headset mic). Its got 90 frequencies and you can either get the rack mount kit or just get sticky-back velcro and mount them on top of a component in your rack.

Xlife is right...if you want to avoid feedback problems, spend the extra $50 and get the Beta 58. The SM87 and Beta 87 are even better, but I don't think those mics are available with that system.

The AKG diversity systems are excellent as far as wireless goes, but the lower end mics don't match up with Shure's. I like AKG better for guitar because they don't suck out the tone nearly as much as Shure.

The Shure systems with a BETA 58 are actually going for around $450 new. The systems with the BETA 87 are a little higher than I want to spend.

The AKG400 looks pretty solid too, at only $400, and it's got good reviews - and BadDazeRob uses and recommends it, so that's good.

The main reason I like the Samson is that it comes with a plug and I can put whatever Microphone I want in it ( like a BETA 58 ) and it's wireless. Plus, I'm getting it for $375 at a local merchant - meaning the 2 year warranty is through a local dealer. I kinda like that.

Even though I like the plug-in from Samson, I am leaning towards the Shure PGX24 w/BETA 58, which I see on e-bay from several dealears for between $400 & $450.

However, I would like to hear some feedback on the Samson - because I like the Plug-In transmitter with this system. Anyone have any recommendations for or against samson in general? I've heard they "used" to be great in wireless, but then offshored a bunch of their factories and quality slipped... This new model (Airline Synth True Diversity) is supposed to be a top notch model though.

Any thoughts out there on the Samson Airline Synth specifically?

Are there any other "plug-in" options out there for wireless microphones at this level of quality?

[lonewolf]

One big thing. Avoid any system that has a transmitter with less than 10mW (milliwatts) RF output power. Even 10mW is pretty low, but its adequate. Values above 10mW are much better. Download the manual or specs from the manufacturers website to get this spec. This actually varies a lot between different products by the same manufacturer.

2nd big thing-make sure the system is diversity, not just for diversity's sake (essentially, its a 2nd receiver & antenna which improves reception), but the non-diversity systems are generally junk.

[lonewolf]

The AKG400 looks pretty solid too, at only $400, and it's got good reviews - and BadDazeRob uses and recommends it, so that's good.

Yep, that's not one of their low-end systems like I mentioned. That's a mid-level model and is only around $400 right now because they are discontinued and blowing them out cheap. A good choice of system.

You might want to keep an eye on them--the price might drop even lower.

[songsmith]

2nd big thing-make sure the system is diversity, not just for diversity's sake (essentially, its a 2nd receiver & antenna which improves reception), but the non-diversity systems are generally junk.

Oops, yeah, I should have mentioned that... but the non-diversity systems are getting harder to find, because of the whole sucking thing.
Also, I've heard that some of the add-your-own-mic systems get loose xlr connectors, so you may have to take it easy on the Roger Daltry mic maneuvers.---->JMS

[JakeWilliams]

OK, I just saw Sunset Strip last night. I don't know if any of you know Scott, or his stage presense - but if so, you know how he likes to walk all over the place and put on a great show. And Scott used a Samson Stage 55, and did just that. His mic didn't drop out or lose quality no matter where he went, and he went behind the bar, back in the pool table room (which had two walls separating him from his receiver), etc.

And because the Stage 55 is actually one of the older VHF models Samson offers (you can get for $150 new), I'm thinking that the Samson brand should not be disounted just yet.

After witnessing (first hand) one of their VHF models perform so well, I'm again leaning towards purchasing the mid level UHF system they offer, the Samson Airline Synth - True Diversity...

http://www.samsontech.com/main/misc.cfm ... &brandID=1

Too bad I can't get it in the US until later this year...

[floodcitybrass]

I too recommend Shure ULXS with Beta58 heads.

Our plan is to eventually go with 8 of these.
We have a Wireless Beta 58 that is aweome.
My horn mic is a ULXS with a Beta 98 mic.
They have solid RF. I'm not a fan of SM58s because of the feedback problems they have with that lobe pattern they have behind the mic.

[lonewolf]

After witnessing (first hand) one of their VHF models perform so well, I'm again leaning towards purchasing the mid level UHF system they offer, the Samson Airline Synth - True Diversity...

http://www.samsontech.com/main/misc.cfm ... &brandID=1

Too bad I can't get it in the US until later this year...

There is no difference in sound quality between VHF and UHF. The only difference between them is that VHF has a longer wave (lower frequency) than UHF and that means longer antennae. Telex and Lectrosonics still make VHF systems that completely blow away other people's UHF systems, of course you rarely see them under a grand. Here is one of them:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lectrosonic-Wireles ... 0267788686

[JakeWilliams]

Anyone have a Electro-Voice RE2-N7? These seem pretty nice as well...

[lonewolf]

Anyone have a Electro-Voice RE2-N7? These seem pretty nice as well...

I didn't realize EV had entered the low-price wireless market. I never used that particular system, but I had an older VHF headset system and it was top shelf. They get their wireless circuits from their sister company, Telex (a communications equipment company, see other post). When people ask me what to buy in a regular dynamic vocal mic, I recommend the EV ND767. Combine those and this sounds like it should be a killer system.