Posts Tagged ‘hardware’
Microphone Mic System
March 5th, 2010if i get a microphone to amplify it i just need a PA system right?
Q: im think about buying a crappy mic from radio shack to mess around with, but to amplify i just need a PA system? correct?
oh and have you seen underoaths lead singer,Spencer Chamberlein, how does he get his mix like that. I want to do that so if i swing it around the cord doesnt come off.
A: First, I’d advise against getting a crappy mic from Radio Shack. Spend 40 or 50 bucks and get something half decent from a music store. Me, I bought a Shure SM58, brand new for 50 bucks when I was in highschool. It’s still the industry standard for handheld vocal mics, and I still use it. And I’ll be turning 40 this year.
But to answer your question in earnest, your main consideration if you just want to fool around is what kind of connector the mic you get has. If you get a crappy mic from Radio Shack, it will most likley have a 1/4″ phone plug, at the end of a cable hard-wired to the mic, which will plug into pretty much any amplifier. The downside of this setup is that it’s noisy. You’ll get lots of buzz from fluorescent lights coming through your amp. The cable of a cheap mic will act as an antenna, as well, picking up all manner of interference, since it will not be well shielded. This is another drawback to a cheap mic. You may even find the cable to be microphonic, itself — bounce the cable around on the floor and listen to the noise coming through the amp.
On the other hand, your mic might have an XLR connector. This is a round plug, about 3/4″ in diameter, with three pins inside it. The cable locks into the plug. You’ll find this connector on better quality mics. Not only is low-impedance cable (the type used with XLR plugs) better shielded and less microphonic, it is less prone to all sorts of interference than high-impedance cable (as is used with phone plugs). And besides, if the cable isn’t hard-wired to your mic, you’ll be able to decide what quality of cable you want to get. If you do get a mic with an XLR connector, though, you’ll have to get one of two things: an amp or PA with one or more XLR inputs, or a line transformer. A line transformer is a little adapter with a built-in transformer to convert low-impedance to high-impedance and vice-versa. It will have an XLR plug on one side and a 1/4″ plug on the other. You can’t just get an adapter, you have to have one of these transformers in order to plug a low-impedance mic into an amp with a 1/4″ jack.
You might even find, with a really crappy mic, that the connector is an 1/8″ phone plug. This would be intended for plugging into a computer’s sound card or some sort of small tape recorder. For this, before you can plug it into an amplifier with a 1/4″ input jack, you’ll need an adapter with a 1/8″ jack and a 1/4″ plug (Radio Shack is the place for these). But if you do get a decent PA with XLR input jacks, you’ll then need a line transformer after the 1/8″ to 1/4″ adapter.
Now, when you say “I just need a PA system,” there’s another consideration to take into account. That’s the consideration that it’s more cost effective to get good audio equipment than bad. You can get a cheap PA or amp, just in case you decide after messing around with the stuff that you’re not into it. But you won’t get any return on your investment when you try to resell it. But if you get a decent system or amp, and take care of it, you can get most of your money back when you sell it. And if the difference between the cost of the decent system and its resale value is less than the cost of a cheap system you can’t sell, then you win. And if you stick with it, you’ll have decent quality equipment that will last you a long time. And if you get a component PA setup (mixing board, power amp, speakers), you can expand your setup slowly, as cash becomes available, by replacing individual pieces.
But when you get your “just a PA system,” make sure not only that your input jacks match the connectors on your mic(s), but that your output impedance (usually 4 or 8 ohms, sometimes 2 or 16 ohms) matches that of the speakers you get. Plugging 4 ohm speakers into an amp designed to output to 8 ohm speakers will cause the amp to try to put out twice as much power, and you’ll blow things up. Exciting, but certainly not cost-effective.
I checked out some pics of Spencer Chamberlain, and it just looks like he wraps electrician’s tape or duct tape around the body of the mic, down past the cable connector. He probably destroyed a mic or two along the way by spinning them around. Since the mics he uses almost certainly have XLR connectors, what happens is that the connector clips into the mic, and the stress of swinging it around actually tears the guts out of the mic. The connector that is bolted into the mic, that the cable end plugs into, gets loose and comes out.
But look, if you’re a rock singer, the mic is the tool of your trade. Swinging it around may look cool, but it’s mistreatment of the equipment, and no matter how much duct tape you wrap around it, you’re eventually going to break it. So instead, learn a thing or two about mic technique so that instead of looking good, you actually sound good. I’m sure you can find something else to swing around.
-EdM.
How to Set Up PA Systems : Basic Microphone Placement for PA System Setup
Clothing Clip, Wire $12.00
Whether in the home, or in schools and universities, boardrooms, council chambers or places of worship, Audio-Technica products are providing superior performance and exceptional value worldwide….
Click here to learn more about Clothing Clip, Wire
Anchor Audio FL-6000 Lectern 18-In. Gooseneck Electric Mic Solid Oak Top Tilt-N-Roll Casters. Sound system sold seperately. $1,311.00
The Admiral lectern is an impressive housing for an Xtreme, Liberty, Explorer or Voyager sound system. Just plug in the electret microphone from the lectern, and you have turned a portable sound system into a formal, powered lectern. Sound system sold seperately….
Click here to learn more about Anchor Audio FL-6000 Lectern 18-In. Gooseneck Electric Mic Solid Oak Top Tilt-N-Roll Casters. Sound system sold seperately.
On Stage Rosewood Microphone Box $24.95
This hand-crafted condenser microphone box with rosewood finish makes
for a perfect showcase in your home, office or studio! Features a high-gloss
varnish coat over rosewood finish and brass plated hardware to compliment
the box color. The foam insert securely holds Shure, EV or more than 25
other condenser micophones (see below for a complete list)….
Click here to learn more about On Stage Rosewood Microphone Box
Shure SM57-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone $89.99
What gives the SM57 the reputation of a workhorse? Maybe the fact that the Shure SM57 is versatile in application, durable, and reliable. It has been used by the President of the United States for the past 30 years, and put to the test on stage and on tour by artists such as Stewart Copeland, AC/DC, and the Stone Temple Pilots, as well as famed producer Daniel Lanois, to name a few. It can be drop…
Click here to learn more about Shure SM57-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Genius MIC-01A (Black, desktop microphone) Allows for Internet conversation, voice presentation or recording anytime, anywhere. $2.34
MIC-01A allows for Internet conversation, voice presentation or recording anytime anywhere….
Click here to learn more about Genius MIC-01A (Black, desktop microphone) Allows for Internet conversation, voice presentation or recording anytime, anywhere.
Ultimate Support Systems MC-05 Microphone Stand $26.99
Ultimate Support Systems MC-05 Microphone Stand
Click here to learn more about Ultimate Support Systems MC-05 Microphone Stand
Star Wireless Microphone System $28.99
This wireless microphone system is perfect for karaoke funJust connect this mic receiver system into a jack for clear, wireless audioThis system is a great band performing accessory
Click here to learn more about Star Wireless Microphone System
American Audio WM-700LAV Wireless UHF Microphone $89.99
Enhance your many karaoke nights with an American Audio microphoneSingle wireless microphone system has 700 different selectable UHF frequenciesHand-held PLL synthesized mic has a range of up to 150 feet
Click here to learn more about American Audio WM-700LAV Wireless UHF Microphone
PylePro PWMA110 Rechargeable Portable PA System $112.49
This rechargeable and portable PA system comes with a wireless microphonePublic address system has built-in one channel VHF wireless receiver Wireless handheld mic included
Click here to learn more about PylePro PWMA110 Rechargeable Portable PA System
American Audio WM-64LAV Wireless UHF Microphone $65.99
Enhance your many karaoke nights with an American Audio microphoneSingle wireless microphone system has 64 different selectable UHF frequenciesHand-held PLL synthesized mic has a range of up to 150 feet
Click here to learn more about American Audio WM-64LAV Wireless UHF Microphone
Samson Stage 5H CH:08 Wireless Microphone System $56.49
This DJ microphone is perfect for hosting parties or karaoke. The mic comes with a half-rack VHF receiver design.
Click here to learn more about Samson Stage 5H CH:08 Wireless Microphone System
Samson Stage 5H CH:11 Wireless Microphone System $49.99
This DJ microphone is perfect for hosting parties or karaoke. This mic comes with a half-rack VHF receiver design.
Click here to learn more about Samson Stage 5H CH:11 Wireless Microphone System
Samson SW05SHCM07 Stage 5H CH:07 Wireless Microphone System $56.49
This wireless microphone is perfect for parties or karaoke. This mic comes with a half-rack VHF receiver to mix with the rest of your equipment.
Click here to learn more about Samson SW05SHCM07 Stage 5H CH:07 Wireless Microphone System
Yamaha MC-7 Instrument Microphone $69.99
The Yamaha MC-7 Instrument Microphone is a condenser mic for the Yamaha Silent Brass system.
Click here to learn more about Yamaha MC-7 Instrument Microphone
Latin Percussion Cajon Microphone Mount For Shure Mic $16.99
The LP Cajon Microphone Mount is designed to fit a Shure Beta 91 mic.Accurately capturing the extensive sonic range of a cajon with a single microphone is a daunting task. But thanks to an imaginative new mounting system created by acoustic designer Hector Torres, that task has been accomplished. Accomplished so well, in fact, that LP artist Kevin Ricard is now using it on American Idol.The heart of the patent-pending system is a sculpted hardwood microphone holder. This holder allows the mic it contains to be placed anywhere on the rear surface of a cajon in order to achieve the optimum sound. Hook-and-loop fastener strips let you position the unit in different locations to enhance a desired effect. The microphone itself is held 3 mm above the surface of the cajon in order to pick up the punch of the bass tones along with all of the more subtle sounds.The compact and flexible design of the LP Cajon Mic system eliminates the need for permanently mounted internal mics, or for external mics whose stands can often get in the player's way. The greatest cajon playing in the world is wasted if the intended audience can't hear it. Make sure your great playing reaches your audience with the help of the LP Cajon Mic Mount.
Click here to learn more about Latin Percussion Cajon Microphone Mount For Shure Mic
VocoPro UHF5800 4-Channel Handheld Wireless Microphone System $369.95
Experience ultimate freedom with the UHF-5800, VocoPro’s first 4-channel UHF wireless mic system. With 4 handheld mics, each on their own independent UHF channel, the UHF-5800 gives you maximized vocal options without the fear of frequency interference.
Click here to learn more about VocoPro UHF5800 4-Channel Handheld Wireless Microphone System
Applied Microphone Technology AMT LSW Clip-On Mic for Shure Systems $394
The AMT LSW Clip On Condenser Microphone is the ultimate in a woodwind or brass microphone and designed for direct connection to Shure or Sabine belt pack wireless systems. The mic system is meant to clip onto a flanged bell instrument. (Saxophones and Brass). The AMT LSW — Shure Microphone System is meant to be used by the player that requires a multi-channel professional level wireless system. (AMT Recommends the Shure ULXS14 and the ULXP14 wireless units). The AMT LSW allows the player to easily convert their direct connecting wireless microphone to any AMT preamp version. With a change in a cable, you can convert your LS from a "W"ireless setup, to a "Belt pack", or the AMT "Studio" series. The microphone is suspended in a 4 point isolation ring reducing key and handling noise. It is powered via the wireless beltpack. This LSW system comes with microphone, universal clamp, case, and AMT disconnecting cable technology to allow the microphone to be used as "W"ireless or "BP" models if needed. (Additional cables for a variety of setups sold separately. The AMT Interface is also sold separately to allow connections for many wireless mic systems). Requires phantom power.
Click here to learn more about Applied Microphone Technology AMT LSW Clip-On Mic for Shure Systems
Applied Microphone Technology AMT VSW Clip On Condenser Mic for Shure Systems $391
The AMT VSW – Shure Clip-On Condenser Microphone System was designed to operate with Shure wireless systems. The VS is an ultra miniature, feather-weight, low-profile condenser microphone specially designed for the violin, viola, and mandolin. The AMT mic attaches firmly to instrument with a clamp designed to not harm it or dampen its natural sound or vibrations. The clip on microphone provides pure tonal reproduction without being obtrusive. With the included AMT Interface, the microphone can plug directly into the interface which then plugs directly into Shure wireless transmitter. Requires phantom power.
Click here to learn more about Applied Microphone Technology AMT VSW Clip On Condenser Mic for Shure Systems
Radial Hot Shot DM1 Microphone Switcher Pedal $79.95
The HotShot DM-1 is an innovative combination microphone signal splitter and mute switch that allows the user to depress a foot switch to mute his mic and redirect the signal to the monitoring system or intercom for on-stage communication with band-mates and technicians.
Click here to learn more about Radial Hot Shot DM1 Microphone Switcher Pedal
Audix SCX25A Studio Condenser Microphone $599
The SCX25A is a professional studio condenser microphone with an elegant design and a patented capsule suspension system. Uniquely shockmounted within an intricate machined brass ring, the SCX25A capsule is completely isolated from the mic body and electronics. By successfully minimizing acoustic reflections and diffractions, the SCX25A delivers a pure, open-air sound with exceptional detail and realism.
Click here to learn more about Audix SCX25A Studio Condenser Microphone
Nady SP-9 Microphone Package #1 $149.99
Complete Nady SP-9 Microphone system includes: 6-space mic gig bag 6 Nady SP-9 mics 6 – 20' mic cables
Click here to learn more about Nady SP-9 Microphone Package #1
Applied Microphone Technology S25B-TP Tailpiece Acoustic Bass Mic $676
The AMT S25B-TP is an electret-condenser microphone system that has been designed for acoustic bass. The system has exactly the same sound characteristics and functions as the famed S25B, however the "TP "(tail piece) systems includes the ability to mount the mic on the tailpiece of an acoustic bass.All of the parameters that are problematic for the double bass have been addressed. The S25B- TP bass microphone will acquire the most gain before feedback by using a very tight pattern to give a high rejection to surrounding noise. At the same time, the system reproduces with great definition capturing all of the subtleties of the bass.As placement is especially important with an instrument that has a fine finish and varying dimensions, this microphone's attachment mechanism is designed to attach to the tailpiece of the acoustic bass guitar. This allows the instrument and the microphone to be placed back into a carrying case without having to remove the microphone from the body of the instrument. All of the bass microphones now also include D.C.T. (Disconnect Cable Technology). D.C.T. allows you to remove the cable from the microphone.Made from aluminum to keep the mass low yet extremely strong, the AMT bass mic will remain durable through many years of use. The flex arm is easy to position yet retains it's placement throughout the most active of performances. The preamp for the microphone is rugged anodized aviation aluminum, which houses the electronics that can be placed on the floor. This preamp uses a circuit that can change EQ, curve, and gain by exchanging EPROM-like chip. The preamp runs off of battery or phantom power. The output is terminated with a male XLR type connector for balanced use. The AMT bass mic is connected to the preamp by a 4-pin locking connector. The system includes 1 microphone, cable that disconnects from the microphone, the AP40 preamp, and a hardshell case.
Click here to learn more about Applied Microphone Technology S25B-TP Tailpiece Acoustic Bass Mic
VocoPro UHF3200 Dual Handheld Wireless Microphone System $209.95
The UHF3200 operates on the less-crowded UHF frequency band giving you a clearer, interference-free sound. Each mic channel has its own volume control and you can either output both channels independently or together using the “mixed output” channel. Enjoy wireless freedom at home or in the club with the UHF3200.
Click here to learn more about VocoPro UHF3200 Dual Handheld Wireless Microphone System
Applied Microphone Technology SP25B-TP Tailpiece Acoustic Bass Mic $972
The AMT SP25B-TP is an electret-condenser microphone system that has been designed for acoustic bass. The mic system has exactly the same sound characteristic and functions as the famed SP25B, however the "TP" (tail piece) systems includes the ability to mount to the tail piece of an acoustic bass. The system also comes with the Super Preamp. All of the parameters that are problematic for the double bass have been addressed. The AMT SP25B-TP will acquire the most gain before feedback by using a very tight pattern to give a high rejection to surrounding noise. At the same time, the system reproduces with great definition capturing all of the subtleties of the bass. As placement is especially important with an instrument that has a fine finish and varying dimensions, this microphone's attachment mechanism is designed to attach to the tailpiece of the instrument. This allows the instrument and the microphone to be placed back into a carrying case without having to remove the microphone from the body of the instrument. This AMT microphone also features D.C.T. (Disconnect Cable Technology). D.C.T. allows you to remove and replace the cable from the microphone. Made from aluminum to keep the mass low yet extremely strong, the SP25B mic will remain durable through many years of use. The flex arm is easy to position yet retains it's placement throughout the most active of performances. Made from aluminum to keep the mass low yet extremely strong, this microphone will remain durable through many years of use. The Super preamp for this system is rugged and made of anodized aviation aluminum, which houses the electronics. The preamp can be placed on the floor and out of the way. This preamp uses a complex circuit that is tailored to the needs of an acoustic bass guitar player. The preamp runs off of 9-volt battery or phantom power. There are three outputs on a super preamp. One is terminated with a male XLR type connector for balanced use. The second output on a Super Preamp is a 1/4" "line driver" with a separate volume control for connecting to bass amps. Keep in mind that this system is a condenser microphone and intended to be used with equipment designed for microphones and not pickups. Depending on how your amp is manufactured you could have different results with a Super Preamp. Certain amps will work better than others with this system. All PA systems will work well. The third output is a ground lifted isolation split. The AMT mic is connected to the preamp by a four pin locking connector. The system comes with "SP" (Super Preamp) with 2 XLR Outputs, 1 1/4" inch line driver output, and a hardshell case.
Click here to learn more about Applied Microphone Technology SP25B-TP Tailpiece Acoustic Bass Mic
Star Wireless Microphone System $29.9
*This wireless microphone system is perfect for karaoke fun *Just connect this mic receiver system into a jack for clear, wireless audio *This system is a great band performing accessory *Dynamic range: 80dB *Frequency response: 100Hz-10000Hz *Service area: 10 Meter under ideal condition *Microphone battery: 9V *Includes two wireless microphones, two 9V batteries and the receiver *Black and silver in color *8 inches deep x 2 inches high x 15 inches wide
Click here to learn more about Star Wireless Microphone System
Posted in Microphones & Stands | 
Tags: audio, hardware, mic, microphone, microphone mic system, wireless | 
No Comments »