6 Sep
2016
6 Sep
'16
3:12 a.m.
I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me
the message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly
disappeared into everyone's lint filter. I've read the previous threads
on headsets going back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics.
JoLaine, if you're reading this, I'd love to know what model you use.
You mentioned that it was a Shure and that you loved it. And Rich
Sbardella mentioned last year that his Shure had been giving him
trouble. Rich, what model is yours, and are you happy with your
replacement?
Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on
the same page with those who did:
Hi all
I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped
out. If the piano player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in
serious trouble. Time for a new and more reliable headset mic. I use
my hands a LOT when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an
option for me.
I'd love recommendations from any of you about specific models to look
at. I'm planning to plow the funds from this wedding and some of my
caller piggy bank into a new mic, so I want something that's really good
quality. It doesn't have to be tiny and invisible, but it does need to
be reliable and sturdy. If it doesn't have a belt pack that's a plus,
but it seems like most of the good-quality headset mics have belt packs.
I'll deal with it if that's the best bet. So, recommendations?
For reference, the one I was working with was a Samson Airline 77, often
referred to as the "aerobic instructor mic." It had the transmitter on
the headset, so there were no wires or belt pack, and it worked just
fine for a long time until suddenly it didn't. I would like to hear
what folks are using who rely on a headset mic for their calling gigs.
Kalia Kliban in Sebastopol, CA
6 Sep
6 Sep
6:36 a.m.
New subject: [Callers] Headset mics, take two ("they're small")
On 2016-09-05 2012, Kalia Kliban via Callers wrote:
I sent this last week but got a message from Dave
Casserly telling me
the message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly
disappeared into everyone's lint filter. I've read the previous threads
on headsets going back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics.
JoLaine, if you're reading this, I'd love to know what model you use.
You mentioned that it was a Shure and that you loved it. And Rich
Sbardella mentioned last year that his Shure had been giving him
trouble. Rich, what model is yours, and are you happy with your
replacement?
Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on
the same page with those who did:
Hi all
I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped
out. If the piano player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in
serious trouble. Time for a new and more reliable headset mic. I use
my hands a LOT when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an
option for me.
snip
Hullo Kalia,
The message came through fine for me. I didn't have anything to offer at
that time, other than to suggest joining/asking on the CSF - Contra
Sound Forum, where a number of callers hang out with the sound
engineers, sometimes to ask about this kind of thing. Usually to ask
this. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/contrasf/
A band and I just worked a wedding Saturday past (two days back) and a
band member rented a wireless mic for me . It ended up being a
lightweight headset & bodypack style that appears to be one of the "Line
6" products, either a XD55HS or XDV75HS.
local examples:
https://www.long-mcquade.com/17648/Pro_Audio_Recording/Wireless/Line_6/XD55…
https://www.long-mcquade.com/17680/Pro_Audio_Recording/Wireless/Line_6/XDV7…
The mic headset configuration didn't seem quite like these. I like what
these look like and will check it out in the store. Without much
familiarisation time, or a manual, I was just happy to get it going. I
worked out a number of things pretty quickly which speaks to a
straightforward enough User Interface (for my mind type/processing style.)
The digital audio sounded fine/like me. I worked out the mute button
quickly and found I only needed to guard it when retaking the stage from
having been on the floor. I had next to no feedback problems while out
front of the speakers.
Unfortunately the batteries provided had some use and crapped out during
the gig, just before the break, so we went to a corded mic for that
dance and the next set, with me stuck on stage. It was a Scottish
ceilidh gig so I just berated folks some and it all worked out
exceedingly well. (For the North Americans - joke! Mostly. <g>)
I'd have liked to have tried the headset as shown in the photos at the
links. That'd probably feel more secure to me. The mic end of the boom I
had was much thinner, and took a bit of bending to get close enough for
my satisfaction with the sound. I'd probably prefer a slightly bulkier,
silkier and shorter cable for strength and for it to "behave" rather
than what seemed somewhat thin and mildly misbehaving to me.
All in all the important bit, that it sounded good/was highly
intelligible, was met.
I'm not sure I like that it's in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. It's true it 1.
requires no license, and 2. is coordinated world wide, however there are
more sources of potential interference than the listed "TV broadcast,
white space devices and cell phone towers". This has shown up in some
reviews that popped up while looking for more info.
I'll likely be looking at a purchase of a wireless mic system in this
next year. This experience was good as it was more hands-free time to
throw into the comparison as I crawl toward a decision on type. I'll be
reading all the responses/contributions.
I wish Heil made a headset/wireless system. Ooh, it appears they make
microphone capsules (RC22 and RC35 at least) that fit other mfc.
_handheld_ microphone grip/transmitters. Hmm.
Cheers, John
PS before sending this off I had a look for more info beyond my own
market about Line 6 and found manuals and of course their site.
http://line6.com/support/manuals/
http://line6.com/wireless-microphone-system/
Wish I'd had the manual before the gig! It turns out there is a monitor
for state of the battery in the transmitter, on the _receiver_ front
panel. Wow.
--
J.D. Erskine
Victoria, BC
Island Dance - Folk & Country
dance info - site & mail list
Vancouver Island & BC islands
http://members.shaw.ca/island.dance/
2:25 p.m.
On Mon, Sep 05, 2016, Kalia Kliban via Callers wrote:
I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me the
message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly disappeared into
everyone's lint filter. I've read the previous threads on headsets going
back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics. JoLaine, if you're reading
this, I'd love to know what model you use. You mentioned that it was a Shure
and that you loved it. And Rich Sbardella mentioned last year that his
Shure had been giving him trouble. Rich, what model is yours, and are you
happy with your replacement?
Like J.D., I got your message but didn't have anything directly useful.
However, if you're otherwise happy with the mic that crapped out, why not
simply get two to replace it (and have a backup)?
I'm not doing anywhere near as much work as you are, but I'm still
working toward bringing backups of all critical equipment with me.
--
Hugs and backrubs -- I break Rule 6 http://rule6.info/
<*> <*> <*>
Help a hearing-impaired person: http://rule6.info/hearing.html
7 Sep
7 Sep
1:50 a.m.
Hi Kalia,
I also use a Countryman wireless mic - have been using it for a few years
now, and it's terrific and easy. It's pricey, but it's been worth it. I
used to have the Samson Airline 77, which I loved (because it didn't need a
belt pack), but it drove my sound person crazy and it finally died and
couldn't be fixed because it was the wrong frequency.
Patricia Campbell
Newtown, CT
On Mon, Sep 5, 2016 at 11:12 PM, Kalia Kliban via Callers <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
I sent this last week but got a message from Dave
Casserly telling me the
message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly disappeared into
everyone's lint filter. I've read the previous threads on headsets going
back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics. JoLaine, if you're
reading this, I'd love to know what model you use. You mentioned that it
was a Shure and that you loved it. And Rich Sbardella mentioned last year
that his Shure had been giving him trouble. Rich, what model is yours, and
are you happy with your replacement?
Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on
the same page with those who did:
Hi all
I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped
out. If the piano player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in
serious trouble. Time for a new and more reliable headset mic. I use my
hands a LOT when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an option
for me.
I'd love recommendations from any of you about specific models to look
at. I'm planning to plow the funds from this wedding and some of my caller
piggy bank into a new mic, so I want something that's really good quality.
It doesn't have to be tiny and invisible, but it does need to be reliable
and sturdy. If it doesn't have a belt pack that's a plus, but it seems like
most of the good-quality headset mics have belt packs. I'll deal with it
if that's the best bet. So, recommendations?
For reference, the one I was working with was a Samson Airline 77, often
referred to as the "aerobic instructor mic." It had the transmitter on the
headset, so there were no wires or belt pack, and it worked just fine for a
long time until suddenly it didn't. I would like to hear what folks are
using who rely on a headset mic for their calling gigs.
Kalia Kliban in Sebastopol, CA
_______________________________________________
Callers mailing list
Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
3:13 p.m.
Kalia and others,
I have been using an Audio-Technica wireless system for over 13 years. And I am very
pleased with its performance.
Whereas I don’t like a mic on my head, this works for me in gigs where I need my hands. I
have both a headset mic (with belt-pack) and a hand-held cordless mic that operate with
the same receiver. They just can’t be on at the same time. I think the sound quality is
better with the hand-held mic, but they are both great, and I have rarely had feedback
issues with them. The hand-held mic is very unidirectional, so does not cause feedback
(unless I loan it to someone who holds it far from their mouth and steps right in front of
the speaker).
The Audio-Technica system I have is: ATW 1451. A quick check on their website makes it
looks like this series is discontinued, but I’m guessing the 2000 series is the current
equivalent. http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wls_systems/6bc6d93a774d761d/index.html
Re beltpack: I have a comfy/loose belt that I wear around my waist so the beltpack does
not need to clip on my clothing. I keep the belt with the mic and receiver.
Re the sturdiness: I use this 6 hours a day, 10 + days per month. I have replaced the
mic/headset (but not the belt-pack) a few times in 13 years since the wire is small (also
not bulky on me!) and eventually gets shorts in it. My “local” sound shop can sometimes
clip the cord and re-wire, but I find that I have to replace the headset (at $125) about
every 18 months or so.
I have never had to replace or fix the handheld unit, even after dropping it on a wood
floor.
Re batteries: They both use AA batteries, and I have found some high-quality rechargeable
batteries that I love (Powerex batteries and accompanying Maha/Powerex charger).
One pair of AA batteries will last me about 10 hours of usage. (My original AT used 9
volt batteries and would need a new battery about every 4 hours.)
I also know others who have been happy with the SHURE wireless headset. The sound guys I
go to say that the A-T is slightly better quality.
sue
Sue Hulsether
shulsether(a)mac.com
www.suehulsether.com
608-632-1267 Cell
608-629-6250 Home
P.O. Box 363
Viroqua, WI 54665
On Sep 5, 2016, at 10:12 PM, Kalia Kliban via Callers
<callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me the message had
been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly disappeared into everyone's lint
filter. I've read the previous threads on headsets going back to 2014 and there
aren't a lot of specifics. JoLaine, if you're reading this, I'd love to know
what model you use. You mentioned that it was a Shure and that you loved it. And Rich
Sbardella mentioned last year that his Shure had been giving him trouble. Rich, what
model is yours, and are you happy with your replacement?
Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on the same
page with those who did:
Hi all
I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped out. If the piano
player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in serious trouble. Time for a new
and more reliable headset mic. I use my hands a LOT when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a
handheld cordless isn't an option for me.
I'd love recommendations from any of you about specific models to look at. I'm
planning to plow the funds from this wedding and some of my caller piggy bank into a new
mic, so I want something that's really good quality. It doesn't have to be tiny
and invisible, but it does need to be reliable and sturdy. If it doesn't have a belt
pack that's a plus, but it seems like most of the good-quality headset mics have belt
packs. I'll deal with it if that's the best bet. So, recommendations?
For reference, the one I was working with was a Samson Airline 77, often referred to as
the "aerobic instructor mic." It had the transmitter on the headset, so there
were no wires or belt pack, and it worked just fine for a long time until suddenly it
didn't. I would like to hear what folks are using who rely on a headset mic for their
calling gigs.
Kalia Kliban in Sebastopol, CA
_______________________________________________
Callers mailing list
Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
3:39 p.m.
On Wed, Sep 07, 2016, Sue C. Hulsether via Callers wrote:
Re batteries: They both use AA batteries, and I have found some
high-quality rechargeable batteries that I love (Powerex batteries and
accompanying Maha/Powerex charger).
Just wanted to highlight this bit. The Maha/Powerex batteries and
charger are generally considered the highest-quality low-discharge NiMH
batteries available. "Low-discharge" means that they hold their charge
over a long period, typically they'll still have more than 75% after a
year of sitting around. Eneloops are also considered pretty good, but
the technology is mature enough that any "name-brand" battery should work
well.
--
Hugs and backrubs -- I break Rule 6 http://rule6.info/
<*> <*> <*>
Help a hearing-impaired person: http://rule6.info/hearing.html
4:56 p.m.
Some things on wireless headsets:
There are complete kits. Brands I’ve used and liked:
Shure
Sennheiser
Brands I’d avoid:
Nady—really cheap, poor construction
Samson—better than Nady
If you do a search on these mics, most of what we see are the
consumer, like Nady & Samson
Price range: $50 to $150
“Prosumer,” like Shure, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, AKG, Line 6, and more
Price range: $200 to $1000
True Pro: Shure, Sennheiser, com and other
Price range: $1000 and up
Some sound guys stock up on the budget gear. They work, they break, they can fix or repair
them.
I’ve used Shure, Sennheiser, and Line 6. I loved the Line 6 mic, but it had lots of
problems with interference—it would cut in and out. Never had that problem with the Shures
or the Sennheiser.
Note that high quality mics like Countryman and DPA only make mics, you have to purchase a
transmitter (body-pack), and receiver system. I haven’t used the Countryman much, though I
have one. I have a clip-on DPA that I clip onto my fiddle and use with a Shure DLX body
pack. It’s the best mic in my gear, and when I’m calling and fiddling I can work from the
middle of the room, teach while playing.
For calling I’m still a strong advocate of the handheld, and when doing fiddle while
calling gigs, I have the DPA on the fiddle and a Shure with a Beta 87 head on it on a
stand.
DPA info: http://www.dpamicrophones.com/
~erik hoffman
Oakland, ca
7:28 p.m.
I previously mentioned that I use an Audio Technica System 10, but in fact,
WE use three system 10s. My wife Lynn and I, call duet singing calls with
two handhelds, and I often use the headset at ONS parties. If one
receiver, or mic,dies, I can change the pairing as needed. I can also use
all three at once if needed. The system 10 automatically senses
interference and changes channels/frequencies when needed. I was having
problems with RF interference using my Carvin headset.
I also have a Energizer rapid charger that allows me to charge batteries on
the way, or at a gig, if needed. It is quit convenient.
On Wed, Sep 7, 2016 at 11:13 AM, Sue C. Hulsether via Callers <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Kalia and others,
I have been using an Audio-Technica wireless system for over 13 years.
And I am very pleased with its performance.
Whereas I don’t like a mic on my head, this works for me in gigs where I
need my hands. I have both a headset mic (with belt-pack) and a hand-held
cordless mic that operate with the same receiver. They just can’t be on at
the same time. I think the sound quality is better with the hand-held mic,
but they are both great, and I have *rarely* had feedback issues with
them. The hand-held mic is very unidirectional, so does not cause feedback
(unless I loan it to someone who holds it far from their mouth and steps
right in front of the speaker).
The Audio-Technica system I have is: ATW 1451. A quick check on their
website makes it looks like this series is discontinued, but I’m guessing
the 2000 series is the current equivalent. http://www.audio-technica.com/
cms/wls_systems/6bc6d93a774d761d/index.html
Re beltpack: I have a comfy/loose belt that I wear around my waist so the
beltpack does not need to clip on my clothing. I keep the belt with the
mic and receiver.
Re the sturdiness: I use this 6 hours a day, 10 + days per month. I have
replaced the mic/headset (but not the belt-pack) a few times in 13 years
since the wire is small (also not bulky on me!) and eventually gets shorts
in it. My “local” sound shop can sometimes clip the cord and re-wire, but
I find that I have to replace the headset (at $125) about every 18 months
or so.
I have never had to replace or fix the handheld unit, even after dropping
it on a wood floor.
Re batteries: They both use AA batteries, and I have found some
high-quality rechargeable batteries that I love (Powerex batteries and
accompanying Maha/Powerex charger).
One pair of AA batteries will last me about 10 hours of usage. (My
original AT used 9 volt batteries and would need a new battery about every
4 hours.)
I also know others who have been happy with the SHURE wireless headset.
The sound guys I go to say that the A-T is slightly better quality.
sue
*Sue Hulsether*
shulsether(a)mac.com
www.suehulsether.com
608-632-1267 Cell
608-629-6250 Home
P.O. Box 363
Viroqua, WI 54665
On Sep 5, 2016, at 10:12 PM, Kalia Kliban via Callers <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me the
message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly disappeared into
everyone's lint filter. I've read the previous threads on headsets going
back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics. JoLaine, if you're
reading this, I'd love to know what model you use. You mentioned that it
was a Shure and that you loved it. And Rich Sbardella mentioned last year
that his Shure had been giving him trouble. Rich, what model is yours, and
are you happy with your replacement?
Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on
the same page with those who did:
Hi all
I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped
out. If the piano player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in
serious trouble. Time for a new and more reliable headset mic. I use my
hands a LOT when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an option
for me.
I'd love recommendations from any of you about specific models to look
at. I'm planning to plow the funds from this wedding and some of my caller
piggy bank into a new mic, so I want something that's really good quality.
It doesn't have to be tiny and invisible, but it does need to be reliable
and sturdy. If it doesn't have a belt pack that's a plus, but it seems like
most of the good-quality headset mics have belt packs. I'll deal with it
if that's the best bet. So, recommendations?
For reference, the one I was working with was a Samson Airline 77, often
referred to as the "aerobic instructor mic." It had the transmitter on the
headset, so there were no wires or belt pack, and it worked just fine for a
long time until suddenly it didn't. I would like to hear what folks are
using who rely on a headset mic for their calling gigs.
Kalia Kliban in Sebastopol, CA
_______________________________________________
Callers mailing list
Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
_______________________________________________
Callers mailing list
Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
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7 comments
7 participants
participants (7)
-
Aahz via Callers -
Erik Hoffman via Callers
-
JD Erskine via Callers
-
Kalia Kliban via Callers
-
Patricia Campbell via Callers
-
Rich Sbardella via Callers
-
Sue C. Hulsether via Callers