[HANASHIR:14573] RE: clip on microphone

[Steve Meltzer <steve...>]

As Adrian mentioned, the headset mics are best for vocal reproduction of music. 
 I
use it most of the time when I lead music at services or direct my kids choir, 
and
on a rare occasion, I do get a crack about the "Garth Brooks look".  Most
congregants, however, are amazed how good it sounds with the temple sound 
system.
The problem that I have found with lavaliere mics is that when used solo and if
you are playing guitar, some of the guitar sounds can interfere with the vocals,
and overall tonal quality suffers.  Even without an additional instrument the
sound quality of a lavaliere mic can be adversely affected by mic quality and
placement, which are crucial.

Not only will the use of a wireless microphone (headset or lavaliere) help save 
on
vocal usage, but there is an additional dynamic that can change as well.  If it 
is
your personality/style and it is accepted by your congregation, the wireless
allows you to move into the congregation and around the synagogue.  This can be
helpful during a teaching mode in a large room (sanctuary, social hall . . . 
even
outdoors), and works great for leading a Torah procession.

Along with my headset mic, I use a wireless guitar system.  This help alleviate
the problem that I mentioned before.  I use the Samson Airline System
(http://www.samsontech.com/products/brandpage.cfm?brandID=1) for both guitar 
(AG1)
and vocals (AH1--Qv).  It is small and compact (the receiver for each is the 
size
of a electric effects pedal/stomp box), very lightweight, use a clearer UHF 
signal
(vs. VHF), and best of all -- there is no battery pack to clip on!  What would
have been the battery pack is built into your microphone or 1/4" input 'bug', so
you don't get tangled with 'wires' running from the unit, and you don't have to
worry about where to clip anything.  I have been able to use this system in
numerous synagogues with very good results.  And I don't trip over a 18" foot
guitar cord either!

Although I don't know the brand he uses, Rick Recht often uses a "headset" mic,
which appears to go over one ear (like an earpiece), and have a extremely thin
flesh-colored mic.  This set-up is so unobtrusive you couldn't tell that he is
wearing a wireless headset mic unless you are within 6-10 feet of him.  The 
vocals
sound very clean and crisp, and the sound quality is amazing

One thing I will say is that if you use two such systems (I believe AKG makes 
such
systems as well), make sure that they are different frequencies.  For example, 
the
Samson Airline units are available from channels 1-6; if your instrument pickup 
is
channel 1, then your vocal mic cannot be channel 1.  If the two units have the
same channel, there will be significant signal interference, and either (or 
both)
units will not work properly.


B'shalom,

Steve Meltzer
508-366-9457  (home)
508-579-8433  (cell)
AIM Screen Name:  meltz15
steve (at) meltzerworld(dot)net
www.meltzerworld.net

*********************************

"Who is wise?  One who learns from everybody."  --  Pirkei Avot 4:1


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
shamash(dot)org]On Behalf Of
ehavanashira.org
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 1:41 PM
To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
Subject: [HANASHIR:14569] RE: clip on microphone


A headworn microphone will produce much better results, if you don't mind the
look. And you can save serious money by buying a wired microphone as opposed to
wireless, if you don't really need the freedom of a wireless.

Countryman Isomax is my microphone of choice for both headworn, lapel, and in 
the
hair (the technique most often used on Bway) use.

In less expensive units, Audio-Technica excels at making good quality 
microphones
for less. Units by Shure, Sony, Beyer, Electro-Voice or AKG will also do well. 
I'd
avoid the low end units from companies like Azden and Peavey..

Adrian
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
shamash(dot)org] On Behalf Of
Blank, Emily Celia
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 11:48 AM
To: 'hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org'
Subject: [HANASHIR:14567] clip on microphone




My doctor suggested I get a microphone to save vocal strain.   Any advice about
how and where to best get a clip on mike? I apologize for opening the subject
again, but I am hopeless at retrieving digests.

Thanks,
Emily Blank


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