[HANASHIR:11875] Re:Cordless Microphones

[Adrian Durlester <adrian...>]

With all due respect to John Nady--who was indeed the pioneer in the
wireless microphone business--relying on my 25+ years as theatrical
production manager, designer and audio engineer:
 
Nady makes a fairly wide range of *low-end* wireless microphone systems.
Their low-end VHF systems (like the DKW and Encore I series) are not
particularly well-suited for serious accurate reproduction of the human
singing voice, but probably work quite nicely for an aerobics class or
business presentation in a small to medium room.  Their Encore II line
is a diversity system, which provides improved reception and fewer
dropouts. (In a diversity system, in layperson's terms, the signal
strength at each receiving antenna is monitored and the stronger signal
is always used.) The Nady Encore line approaches a price/performance
ratio that is attractive to those wishing to own wireless equipment
without spending serious $$$.
 
Nady makes some decent UHF systems, which have more available
frequencies with less chance of interference, and a longer range (about
200-250 feet, more with good line of sight.)
 
One drawback to the Nady systems is that Nady uses their own microphones
and microphone elements in them. Given the choice, I would rather use
lapel and headworn microphones from Countryman, Sony or Sennheiser on
body-pack transmitters, and microphone elements from Shure, EV, Beyer or
Sennheiser for hand-held units. I imagine Nady customizes for their high
end artists upon request.
 
In my years of buying wireless microphone systems, the Nady systems
rarely won out against the competition (mostly Samson, Sony, Sennheiser,
Shure, Vega, Telex) based on the criteria I used to judge such systems
for purchase and use in large theatre venues, and there was a time when
I found the workmanship of not particularly high caliber, however, there
are a number of name artists that use Nady wireless systems. I have not
examined a Nady built wireless system in about 4 or 5 years so I cannot
comment on their current manufacturing quality.
 
Bear in mind that of all the "pro" wireless microphone systems out
there, the Nady's are generally the least expensive available (often
retailing in the under $200 range) whereas most of the other brands
start at $400-600 and go up from there. So caveat emptor, as you
sometimes get what you pay for. A basic single channel diversity
wireless mic system (bodypack or handheld transmitter and mic, receiver)
that sells for less than $450 is not likely to be used in a professional
situation where reliability and durability matter (I often used wireless
systems in the $1800-$2500 range, so you can see the relative spread
between price ranges, and the relative quality levels pertaining
thereto.)
 
I suspect you could do well by taking up this offer, if you are looking
for an inexpensive low-end wireless microphone system at an even more
inexpensive price. Just know you're not going to get the performance you
might get from mid-range system around $400-600, or a high-end system at
$1000-1800.
 
FYI, I've seen the Nady Encore I units selling at $99.99, the Encore II
Units at $140, and the UHF-10 units at $190.00.
 
Also, it is VERY important that if you buy a VHF system, you know the
VHF frequencies in use in your area (TV and certain business band and
emergency systems) and buy a system that uses a frequency that isn't in
use in your area. Mid-to high end systems are often tunable to several
frequencies, making it easier to avoid interference.
 
Nady's web site is www.nady.com
 
To comparison shop and get more info on wireless microphone systems,
visit:
 
http://www.fullcompass.com
 
or
 
http://www.sweetwater.com
 
Adrian
 
Adrian A. Durlester, MTS
E-mail: adrian (at) durlester(dot)com  URL:www.durlester.com
Director of Education, Beth El Hebrew Congregation, Alexandria, VA
Chair, CAJE 27, August 4-8, 2002, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX
List Owner, hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org; Jewish Songleaders/Performers List
Co-Owner, l-torah (at) shamash(dot)org; Liberal Torah Discussion List


 
 
 
 
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
shamash(dot)org] On
Behalf Of SusanRMT (at) aol(dot)com
Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2002 1:29 PM
To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
Subject: [HANASHIR:11864] Re:Cordless Microphones


Hi all! 
    I have a student whose father invented the cordless microphone. His
wife Toby says that they would be willing to sell directly to you all
and give you a good price if you personally need one or need one at your
synagogue. (This is the Nady microphone system). If you are interested
you can call her directly. 
    Toby Nady 
    510- 652-2411 ext. 270 
We are in Pacific time. 
    Hope this will work out for you. 
Susan Rancer 
Music Specialist at Beth Israel Judea in San Francisco and Registered
Music Therapist