When considering the use of a head mike I suggest that your sound committee
consider another factor that has not been discussed. During our last two
dances I have made announcements before the break without using a mike. I
did not want to use the caller's head mike because of both convenience and
sanitary considerations, but the sound engineer had not set up a stand or a
wired mike.
A hand-held wireless can be clipped to a stand for use by others making
announcements or introductions. A head-mike cannot be used easily by
anyone except the wearer.
Announcements are an important function at dances that helps to distribute
leadership in the dance community. I think having a mike on a stand is
very important--even if only used for announcements. Consequently, if you
purchase a head-mike you should consider having an auxiliary mike on a
stand as a normal part of the sound setup.
Head-mikes are even more personal than a hand-held. They also require the
caller to learn the particulars of the mike including the positions of
switches and the best position for the mouth boom. These are variables that
each caller would have to adjust to for a head-mike provided by the
series. Perhaps we should consider head-mikes a caller's personal
responsibility, if they require one. That seems to be how most of those
who use them view these systems.
These are some factors you might consider.
- Greg McKenzie
*********************
On Wed, May 23, 2012 at 10:01 AM, Emily Addison <eaddison(a)trentu.ca> wrote:
Hi Folks!
I have a microphone question for this awesome community that I'm hoping
you can help us out with. Our contra dance committee (Ottawa) would like to
purchase a wireless mic to use for introductory lessons as well as family
dances. However, we don't have major sound expertise on our committee and
were wondering a few things.
(1) do callers prefer a handheld or headset (thinking of family dances as
part of this as we want to add 3-4 a year to our regular contra schedule)???
(2) suggestion for particular models of handhelds and headsets???
I know that microphones have been discussed previously on the list (I
pulled some of the discussion from previous years and put it below).
However, more people may now have more experience, maybe there are more
current models... ...
Will (L) - did you ever do your microphone survey that your mentioned back
a few years ago?
For those who have headsets, why did you go that way and do you like your
model?
For those who have handhels, similar questions! :)
Help would be most appreciated as we would like to invest in something
that will be great for various callers to use.
Much thanks!
Emily from Ottawa