Gear / money-saving tip on a ~$130 cordless mic - Contra Callers

Joe Harrington

31 Oct 31 Oct

10:48 p.m.

I'm using a nice little wireless thing I bought for like $50. Sound quality is great...except when it isn't. After working fine for a while, the sound gets dirty and then has dropouts until you power-cycle the headset. It has USB-charged batteries. Does your unit have any trouble like that? How far can you really get from it? I see two XLRs on the back. There's another output, which is an even mix of the two. What kind of plug is that? Is it a regular 1/4" or 1/8"? Is it stereo, or just a mono mix? Shoppingly yours, --jh-- On Tue, Oct 31, 2023 at 2:12 PM Robert Matson via Contra Callers < contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

...

Hi All, I hope this helps someone in our community save money on a cordless microphone. Just now, a caller friend asked me about the ~$130 Monoprice-brand cordless mic system that we use for calling and teaching. We've used this inexpensive but perfectly adequate cordless mic system for over a year and 16 dances. https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=600060 2x mics, 2x headpieces, 2x transmitters, 1x 2-channel receiver. Outputs: 2x XLR for ea. channel or 1x 1/4" combined. ~$130 We've noticed no downsides in spite of the low price, except that Ellen finds the headpiece slips. I understand the issue as being that long thick straight hair prevents the head piece from clamping snugly. She solved it once by wearing a baseball cap. I've worn the mic about six times for calling single dances and to help teach walk-throughs and -- short hair no baseball cap and wearing reading glasses -- had a seamless experience. Another semi-local caller, who calls a monthly dance and to whom I recommended the same set, hasn't mentioned to me any downsides or frustrations. I have no relationship with the manufacturer or dealer. I've bought other things from Monoprice. The one time I had an issue, they quickly resolved it. Hope this helps someone. Rob - - - - - - - - - - - - Robert Matson Cell: (917) 626-2675 _______________________________________________ Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net

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Joseph Erhard-Hudson

2 Nov 2 Nov

2:54 a.m.

Without your review I would have dismissed the price as too good to be true. Thanks for sharing. On Tue, Oct 31, 2023 at 10:27 PM Robert Matson via Contra Callers < contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

...

We haven't had the trouble that you describe, Joe, or really any annoyance other than the one I described with the headset slipping. Batteries are standard AA. We use rechargeable batteries but one-use, e.g. Duracell are fine, of course. When the batteries run down, it simply stops transmitting without any noise as it winds down. I recharge the batteries before each dance. No-brand AAs lasted about 30 hours. Range is about 80 meters, according to the manual. I've used it out to 75' with no drop in signal. Each (balanced) XLR output carries a channel. So, if you want stereo output use these. Yes, there is a _quarter inch TRS _unbalanced_ output that combines the two channels into one mono signal. I plug-in a 1/4" TS unbalanced (mono) cable and it carries both channels. Manual w/ specs https://downloads.monoprice.com/files/manuals/600059_Manual_220523.pdf Set up is just plug in and go with no technical skill required to operate the essential functions. Were rather pleased with it. Rob - - - - - - - - - - - - Robert Matson On Tue, Oct 31, 2023 at 5:48 PM Joe Harrington <contradancerjoe(a)gmail.com> wrote:

I'm using a nice little wireless thing I bought for like $50. Sound quality is great...except when it isn't. After working fine for a while, the sound gets dirty and then has dropouts until you power-cycle the headset. It has USB-charged batteries. Does your unit have any trouble like that? How far can you really get from it? I see two XLRs on the back. There's another output, which is an even mix of the two. What kind of plug is that? Is it a regular 1/4" or 1/8"? Is it stereo, or just a mono mix? Shoppingly yours, --jh-- On Tue, Oct 31, 2023 at 2:12 PM Robert Matson via Contra Callers < contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

Hi All, I hope this helps someone in our community save money on a cordless microphone. Just now, a caller friend asked me about the ~$130 Monoprice-brand cordless mic system that we use for calling and teaching. We've used this inexpensive but perfectly adequate cordless mic system for over a year and 16 dances. https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=600060 2x mics, 2x headpieces, 2x transmitters, 1x 2-channel receiver. Outputs: 2x XLR for ea. channel or 1x 1/4" combined. ~$130 We've noticed no downsides in spite of the low price, except that Ellen finds the headpiece slips. I understand the issue as being that long thick straight hair prevents the head piece from clamping snugly. She solved it once by wearing a baseball cap. I've worn the mic about six times for calling single dances and to help teach walk-throughs and -- short hair no baseball cap and wearing reading glasses -- had a seamless experience. Another semi-local caller, who calls a monthly dance and to whom I recommended the same set, hasn't mentioned to me any downsides or frustrations. I have no relationship with the manufacturer or dealer. I've bought other things from Monoprice. The one time I had an issue, they quickly resolved it. Hope this helps someone. Rob - - - - - - - - - - - - Robert Matson Cell: (917) 626-2675 _______________________________________________ Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net

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Robert Matson

8:11 a.m.

The unit has a display which shows the frequencies being used by the microphones. The display shows that our mics are using: 517.600 Mhz 561.350 MHz Those are outside the frequency you describe, Don, and outside the frequency the manual says the unit operates in. Right? I can change the frequencies. However, when I tried to set it to a higher frequency, I was not able to do so. The manufacturer's corporate offices are in Brea, CA, USA, and Berlin, Germany. In the manual, they say the unit complies with FCC rules. Perhaps the units were modified by the manufacturer to comply with FCC rules, but the table of specs in the manual was not updated. Robert - - - - - - - - - - - - Robert Matson Cell: (917) 626-2675 On Wed, Nov 1, 2023 at 10:55 PM Don Veino <sharedweight_net(a)veino.com> wrote:

...

It does appear to be a compelling value but a note of caution: this unit appears to include prohibited frequencies within its operation range. There were changes in the FCC's allowed frequency range for this product type in the U.S. 10+ years back. Quoting the FCC: "What frequency is banned by the FCC for wireless microphones? "Certain wireless microphones can create interference over spectrum bands used for critical public safety communications and wireless broadband services. To preserve the integrity of those communications, the FCC prohibits the use of wireless microphones and similar devices that operate between 698 and 806 MHz (known as the “700 MHz Band”). Similar devices, such as wireless intercoms, in-ear monitors, audio instrument links and cueing equipment, are also prohibited. Wireless device operators -- including theaters, churches, schools, conference centers, and theme parks -- were required to retune or replace their equipment no later than June 12, 2010. Wireless microphone operations outside of the 700 MHz Band were not affected by this prohibition." The unit's specs say it operates over 590-890 MHz (pg 17 of the pdf at https://downloads.monoprice.com/files/manuals/600060_Manual_220523.pdf). I'm no expert here - just aware of the frequency issue from looking at used gear before buying my own Shure PGX-D system. One might consider setting the unit frequency to outside the prohibited range, but the FCC specifically states units that *can* operate in a prohibited frequency are illegal - even if they aren't set to one of those. It could be that this system omits the 700 MHz band from within the total spec'd range, but you may want to check on that before commiting and risking a potential fine. -Don On Wed, Nov 1, 2023 at 10:54 PM Joseph Erhard-Hudson via Contra Callers < contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

Without your review I would have dismissed the price as too good to be true. Thanks for sharing. On Tue, Oct 31, 2023 at 10:27 PM Robert Matson via Contra Callers < contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

We haven't had the trouble that you describe, Joe, or really any annoyance other than the one I described with the headset slipping. Batteries are standard AA. We use rechargeable batteries but one-use, e.g. Duracell are fine, of course. When the batteries run down, it simply stops transmitting without any noise as it winds down. I recharge the batteries before each dance. No-brand AAs lasted about 30 hours. Range is about 80 meters, according to the manual. I've used it out to 75' with no drop in signal. Each (balanced) XLR output carries a channel. So, if you want stereo output use these. Yes, there is a _quarter inch TRS _unbalanced_ output that combines the two channels into one mono signal. I plug-in a 1/4" TS unbalanced (mono) cable and it carries both channels. Manual w/ specs https://downloads.monoprice.com/files/manuals/600059_Manual_220523.pdf Set up is just plug in and go with no technical skill required to operate the essential functions. Were rather pleased with it. Rob - - - - - - - - - - - - Robert Matson On Tue, Oct 31, 2023 at 5:48 PM Joe Harrington < contradancerjoe(a)gmail.com> wrote:

I'm using a nice little wireless thing I bought for like $50. Sound quality is great...except when it isn't. After working fine for a while, the sound gets dirty and then has dropouts until you power-cycle the headset. It has USB-charged batteries. Does your unit have any trouble like that? How far can you really get from it? I see two XLRs on the back. There's another output, which is an even mix of the two. What kind of plug is that? Is it a regular 1/4" or 1/8"? Is it stereo, or just a mono mix? Shoppingly yours, --jh-- On Tue, Oct 31, 2023 at 2:12 PM Robert Matson via Contra Callers < contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > Hi All, > > I hope this helps someone in our community save money on a cordless > microphone. > > Just now, a caller friend asked me about the ~$130 Monoprice-brand > cordless mic system that we use for calling and teaching. We've used this > inexpensive but perfectly adequate cordless mic system for over a year and > 16 dances. > > https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=600060 > 2x mics, 2x headpieces, 2x transmitters, 1x 2-channel receiver. > Outputs: 2x XLR for ea. channel or 1x 1/4" combined. > ~$130 > > We've noticed no downsides in spite of the low price, except that > Ellen finds the headpiece slips. I understand the issue as being that long > thick straight hair prevents the head piece from clamping snugly. She > solved it once by wearing a baseball cap. I've worn the mic about six > times for calling single dances and to help teach walk-throughs and -- > short hair no baseball cap and wearing reading glasses -- had a seamless > experience. Another semi-local caller, who calls a monthly dance and to > whom I recommended the same set, hasn't mentioned to me any downsides or > frustrations. > > I have no relationship with the manufacturer or dealer. I've bought > other things from Monoprice. The one time I had an issue, they quickly > resolved it. > > Hope this helps someone. > > Rob > > - - - - - - - - - - - - > > Robert Matson > Cell: (917) 626-2675 > > _______________________________________________ > Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > To unsubscribe send an email to > contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net > _______________________________________________

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Robert Matson

2:04 p.m.

Hey, In short, I don't know the range I can access. I am prompted to select a 2-digit channel. That's all I can choose. I don't know how that corresponds to Mhz but, after I choose a channel, then a MHz reads out on the display. Each time I did this, it ended up assigning a frequency lower 561.350 MHz. Robert - - - - - - - - - - - - Robert Matson Cell: (917) 626-2675 On Thu, Nov 2, 2023 at 6:47 AM Joe Harrington <contradancerjoe(a)gmail.com> wrote:

...

What’s the range you can access manually? —jh— On Thu, Nov 2, 2023 at 4:12 AM Robert Matson via Contra Callers < contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

The unit has a display which shows the frequencies being used by the microphones. The display shows that our mics are using: 517.600 Mhz 561.350 MHz Those are outside the frequency you describe, Don, and outside the frequency the manual says the unit operates in. Right? I can change the frequencies. However, when I tried to set it to a higher frequency, I was not able to do so. The manufacturer's corporate offices are in Brea, CA, USA, and Berlin, Germany. In the manual, they say the unit complies with FCC rules. Perhaps the units were modified by the manufacturer to comply with FCC rules, but the table of specs in the manual was not updated. Robert - - - - - - - - - - - - Robert Matson Cell: (917) 626-2675 On Wed, Nov 1, 2023 at 10:55 PM Don Veino <sharedweight_net(a)veino.com> wrote:

It does appear to be a compelling value but a note of caution: this unit appears to include prohibited frequencies within its operation range. There were changes in the FCC's allowed frequency range for this product type in the U.S. 10+ years back. Quoting the FCC: "What frequency is banned by the FCC for wireless microphones? "Certain wireless microphones can create interference over spectrum bands used for critical public safety communications and wireless broadband services. To preserve the integrity of those communications, the FCC prohibits the use of wireless microphones and similar devices that operate between 698 and 806 MHz (known as the “700 MHz Band”). Similar devices, such as wireless intercoms, in-ear monitors, audio instrument links and cueing equipment, are also prohibited. Wireless device operators -- including theaters, churches, schools, conference centers, and theme parks -- were required to retune or replace their equipment no later than June 12, 2010. Wireless microphone operations outside of the 700 MHz Band were not affected by this prohibition." The unit's specs say it operates over 590-890 MHz (pg 17 of the pdf at https://downloads.monoprice.com/files/manuals/600060_Manual_220523.pdf). I'm no expert here - just aware of the frequency issue from looking at used gear before buying my own Shure PGX-D system. One might consider setting the unit frequency to outside the prohibited range, but the FCC specifically states units that *can* operate in a prohibited frequency are illegal - even if they aren't set to one of those. It could be that this system omits the 700 MHz band from within the total spec'd range, but you may want to check on that before commiting and risking a potential fine. -Don On Wed, Nov 1, 2023 at 10:54 PM Joseph Erhard-Hudson via Contra Callers < contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

Without your review I would have dismissed the price as too good to be true. Thanks for sharing. On Tue, Oct 31, 2023 at 10:27 PM Robert Matson via Contra Callers < contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > We haven't had the trouble that you describe, Joe, or really any > annoyance other than the one I described with the headset slipping. > > Batteries are standard AA. We use rechargeable batteries but one-use, > e.g. Duracell are fine, of course. When the batteries run down, it simply > stops transmitting without any noise as it winds down. I recharge the > batteries before each dance. No-brand AAs lasted about 30 hours. > > Range is about 80 meters, according to the manual. I've used it out > to 75' with no drop in signal. > > Each (balanced) XLR output carries a channel. So, if you want stereo > output use these. > Yes, there is a _quarter inch TRS _unbalanced_ output that combines > the two channels into one mono signal. I plug-in a 1/4" TS unbalanced > (mono) cable and it carries both channels. > > Manual w/ specs > https://downloads.monoprice.com/files/manuals/600059_Manual_220523.pdf > > Set up is just plug in and go with no technical skill required to > operate the essential functions. > > Were rather pleased with it. > > Rob > - - - - - - - - - - - - > > Robert Matson > > > > On Tue, Oct 31, 2023 at 5:48 PM Joe Harrington < > contradancerjoe(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> I'm using a nice little wireless thing I bought for like $50. Sound >> quality is great...except when it isn't. After working fine for a while, >> the sound gets dirty and then has dropouts until you power-cycle the >> headset. It has USB-charged batteries. >> >> Does your unit have any trouble like that? How far can you really >> get from it? I see two XLRs on the back. There's another output, which is >> an even mix of the two. What kind of plug is that? Is it a regular 1/4" >> or 1/8"? Is it stereo, or just a mono mix? >> >> Shoppingly yours, >> >> --jh-- >> >> >> On Tue, Oct 31, 2023 at 2:12 PM Robert Matson via Contra Callers < >> contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: >> >>> Hi All, >>> >>> I hope this helps someone in our community save money on a cordless >>> microphone. >>> >>> Just now, a caller friend asked me about the ~$130 Monoprice-brand >>> cordless mic system that we use for calling and teaching. We've used this >>> inexpensive but perfectly adequate cordless mic system for over a year and >>> 16 dances. >>> >>> https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=600060 >>> 2x mics, 2x headpieces, 2x transmitters, 1x 2-channel receiver. >>> Outputs: 2x XLR for ea. channel or 1x 1/4" combined. >>> ~$130 >>> >>> We've noticed no downsides in spite of the low price, except that >>> Ellen finds the headpiece slips. I understand the issue as being that long >>> thick straight hair prevents the head piece from clamping snugly. She >>> solved it once by wearing a baseball cap. I've worn the mic about six >>> times for calling single dances and to help teach walk-throughs and -- >>> short hair no baseball cap and wearing reading glasses -- had a seamless >>> experience. Another semi-local caller, who calls a monthly dance and to >>> whom I recommended the same set, hasn't mentioned to me any downsides or >>> frustrations. >>> >>> I have no relationship with the manufacturer or dealer. I've bought >>> other things from Monoprice. The one time I had an issue, they quickly >>> resolved it. >>> >>> Hope this helps someone. >>> >>> Rob >>> >>> - - - - - - - - - - - - >>> >>> Robert Matson >>> Cell: (917) 626-2675 >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net >>> To unsubscribe send an email to >>> contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net >>> >> _______________________________________________ > Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > To unsubscribe send an email to > contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net > _______________________________________________ Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net

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Colin Hume

8:46 p.m.

New subject: ISO closing circle mixer for Holiday Ball

The Ely Waltz: https://colinhume.com/instc.htm#Ely Colin Hume

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John Sweeney

5 Nov 5 Nov

11:22 a.m.

New subject: ISO closing circle mixer for Holiday Ball

Hi Dorcas, Here are a few of mine: http://contrafusion.co.uk/Dances/Calliope.html http://contrafusion.co.uk/Dances/TheWinsomeWaltz.html http://contrafusion.co.uk/Dances/RollingWaves.html Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802 940 574 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent From: Dorcas Hand via Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> Sent: 04 November 2023 20:34 To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net> Subject: [Callers] ISO closing circle mixer for Holiday Ball We have the idea to close our Holiday event in Houston with a dance welcoming both contra and ECD dancers to enjoy a dance together at the end of our evening – I’m certain this community has some great suggestions! Thanks in Advance Dorcas Hand

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