Microphone system question

[the kid]

Because I hang out on PE and have built a couple of speakers, my church seems to think I know what I am doing and has looked to me as the 'sound guy' for the church. I really know extremely little when it comes to pro audio. But I have been elected...

What I am looking for is a decent multi-wireless mic system. 4 mics at least. Conveniently set up, the receiver would be about 75-80 ft line of sight. We generally have little groups of 2-6 singers. And then the spread out specials and plays.

What would you guys recommend? We have amps, mixers, cables... Budget would be conservative, but certainly not wanting a cheapie.

[drmcclainphd]

Re: Microphone system question

Because I hang out on PE and have built a couple of speakers, my church seems to think I know what I am doing and has looked to me as the 'sound guy' for the church. I really know extremely little when it comes to pro audio. But I have been elected...

What I am looking for is a decent multi-wireless mic system. 4 mics at least. Conveniently set up, the receiver would be about 75-80 ft line of sight. We generally have little groups of 2-6 singers. And then the spread out specials and plays.

What would you guys recommend? We have amps, mixers, cables... Budget would be conservative, but certainly not wanting a cheapie.

Sorry, no specific recommendations, but a couple things I've learned from being blessed (!?) with a similar job:

Get heavy duty mikes, very road worthy stuff. The church folks I worked for weren't very facile in handling mikes. Lots got dropped. And then there's kids performing.....

Also, spring clip mike holders if they're going to be taking them off the stand and holding them. They'll be a lot less likely to fall when being re-inserted into the holder.

The Pyle PDWM8400 8 Mic VHF Wireless Microphone System here looks like a good bet. 8 mikes gives you twice your "at least four" with some spares.

[the kid]

Re: Microphone system question

Thanks for the info. I'll check into the Pyle system.

[Mike C]

Re: Microphone system question

Don't cheap out on a wireless system. The multiple mic units like the Pyle are crap and you will be constantly chasing problems with them, both in RF reception and the physical durability. Save up till you can get at least something like the Audio Technica 2000 series wireless systems and you'll be much better off in the long run. Till then use hardwired mics.

[Cuppa Joe]

Re: Microphone system question

Don't cheap out on a wireless system. The multiple mic units like the Pyle are crap and you will be constantly chasing problems with them, both in RF reception and the physical durability. Save up till you can get at least something like the Audio Technica 2000 series wireless systems and you'll be much better off in the long run. Till then use hardwired mics.

I have to agree, you don't want the endless headache you'd get from a Pyle of Crap. If you already have decent microphones you like, you might look into the Azden 35XT plug-in unit which simply replaces your XLR cable.

[Mike C]

Re: Microphone system question

All of the wireless mic systems from the likes of Pyle, Nady, Gemini and like brands are crap.
You can get "real" multi mic wireless systems (multiple receivers in one common chassis) from Sennheiser, Lectrosonics, Sony, Shure, Audio Technica. Mi-Pro is a decent brand you don't really hear much about as compared to the others, they offer some multi receiver models as well.

Like I said use hardwired mics till you can afford a semi decent wireless system.

Mike C.

[Hackomatic]

Re: Microphone system question

All of the wireless mic systems from the likes of Pyle, Nady, Gemini and like brands are crap.
You can get "real" multi mic wireless systems (multiple receivers in one common chassis) from Sennheiser, Lectrosonics, Sony, Shure, Audio Technica. Mi-Pro is a decent brand you don't really hear much about as compared to the others, they offer some multi receiver models as well.

Like I said use hardwired mics till you can afford a semi decent wireless system.

Mike C.

What Mike said . . . and DO NOT get any VHF system! Only UHF . . . I speak from experience. ;)

[Mike C]

Re: Microphone system question

The good multi all in one multi receiver models will cost $$$$$$ as does any good wireless system. The multi units have the advantage of the built in antenna distribution. In your situation I would suggest phasing in decent wireless systems a couple at a time as the budget allows.
In some areas of the audio chain you can get by with a little compromise in the equipment, wireless mics is not one of them.

[Paul O]

Re: Microphone system question

The absolute cheapest wireless mic I would suggest is something like the AKG WMS40 dual handheld system that retailed for around $200, it's UHF diversity with decent range but the mics are all plastic so they won't take a lot of drop abuse.. not that I suggest that for any mic. Regardless what mic system/s you get make sure they use a legal frequency range, this has changed recently with governments allocating previous free airspace to broadcast networks so do your homework to make sure you don't end up with mics that suffer interference from nearby cell phone users, wifi networks, or TV stations.