Posts Tagged ‘microphone mic system’
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
Reizen Speak N Hear Voice Amplification System $24.95
The Reizen Speak ‘N Hear Voice Amplification System is designed to elevate the vocal output of people with temporary or permanent voice impairments. It is also great for outdoor speaking, seminars and tour guiding activities. This lightweight, professional amplification product is the definition of portability and crystal clear performance. Can be worn as a fanny pack around waist, with a sturdy n…
Click here to learn more about Reizen Speak N Hear Voice Amplification System
Ansmann 9v 250 Mah Rechargeable Battery $10.25
Ansmann high capacity, high recycle 9V rechargeable battery. Excellent for high-drain devices like wireless mics, in-ear monitors, etc….
Click here to learn more about Ansmann 9v 250 Mah Rechargeable Battery
Motiva Personal FM 360 w/Mic System – FM 360 w/Mic & Charger $535.50
Motiva Personal FM 360 w/Mic System The Motiva Personal FM 360 w/Mic System is designed to mix and broadcast a speaker’s voice PLUS an audio program, simultaneously, in one room. This sleek, lightweight system provides hearing assistance when background noise or distance from the sound source makes listening difficult. Motiva is ideal for small groups, classrooms, employee training and consultatio…
Click here to learn more about Motiva Personal FM 360 w/Mic System – FM 360 w/Mic & Charger
Panasonic KX-TCA60 Hands-Free Headset with Comfort Fit Headband $14.95
Designed for use with any cordless phone possessing a standard 2.5 mm jack, Panasonic’s KX-TCA92 is an excellent way for you to talk hands-free while you work. Its boom-style microphone adjusts to an optimum level for your mouth and cancels solid-state background noise for cleaner transmissions. The KX-TCA92 is reversible-you may wear it on either ear-and it use…
Click here to learn more about Panasonic KX-TCA60 Hands-Free Headset with Comfort Fit Headband
IOGEAR USB 2.1 Bluetooth Micro Adapter (GBU421) $9.99
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Pyle PDWM5000 Wireless Microphone System $127.99
4 Mic VHF Wireless Microphone System
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PylePro Rack Mount 8 Channel Wireless Microphone System with Lavaliers/Headsets $269.99
The PDWM8900 is a wireless microphone system that supports up to eight channels, with 8 handheld mics included. This system is equipped with 1/4-inch individual and mixed line outputs, so you can simplify the mixing process, or use your own mixer.
Click here to learn more about PylePro Rack Mount 8 Channel Wireless Microphone System with Lavaliers/Headsets
Pyle Rack Mount 8 Channel Wireless Microphone System with 4 Lavalier/Headsets and 4 Handheld Mics $256.99
This wireless microphone system supports up to 8 channels, with 4 lavalier/headset mics and 4 handheld mics included. This system is equipped with individual and mixed line outputs, so you can simplify the mixing process, or use your own mixer.
Click here to learn more about Pyle Rack Mount 8 Channel Wireless Microphone System with 4 Lavalier/Headsets and 4 Handheld Mics
Naxa Dual Wireless Microphone System – NX984 $21.99
Naxa professional dual wireless microphone system DJ equipment features operating range of up to 60 feet from the consoleMic has VHF/FM 110-270mhz frequency range
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Professional Wireless Microphone $21.99
Connect this wireless microphone using any audio output for clear wireless audio. This microphone system is perfect for vocalists, speakers, comedians, or any other venues that can benefit the freedom of wireless.
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Audio-Technica PRO 88W-829 Wireless Microphone System $170.12
Audio-Technica PRO 88W-829 Wireless Microphone System
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Shure PGX Digital Lavalier Wireless Microphone System with WL85 Mic $499
The PGX Digital Lapel Wireless System from Shure adds the clarity of 24-bit digital audio to the legacy of trusted Shure microphone options for wireless performance. This system includes the WL85 cardioid condenser lavalier for general-purpose sound reinforcement applications requiring good rejection of ambient noise. Also includes tie clip and windscreen.
Click here to learn more about Shure PGX Digital Lavalier Wireless Microphone System with WL85 Mic
Lr Baggs Anthem Tru-Mic Acoustic Microphone/Piezo Pickup System $299
After 30 years of effort, LR Baggs has created the Anthem Tru-Mic acoustic guitar microphone which does what every amplified acoustic guitarist has dreamed about and no other pickup manufacturer has been able to create yetunlocked the potential of a microphone to capture the very essence of your guitar with high-feedback resistance for demanding stages. Not obvious, but equally important, is that the natural ease and dynamics of the Anthem Tru-Mic guitar microphone liberates you to play freely without having to compensate for the pickup system. Now you’re free to play the way you like, plugged in or not. For the Anthem acoustic guitar mic, LR Baggs used no modeling or illusions. It’s not “like” a mic. It’s not “like” your guitar. This is a mic, and what you will experience is your guitarloud and with the fidelity and dynamics that come from a real microphone. Tru-Mic Technology At the heart of the LR Baggs Anthem guitar mic is a revolutionary type of microphone. Using a proprietary noise-canceling mic, the Anthem Tru-Mic eliminates any annoying honky or boxy qualities that have been previously associated with internal miking, leaving the pure and natural sound of your guitar the way only a real mic is capable of doing. Because this LR Baggs acoustic mic is positioned within a few millimeters of the guitar top, it has very high gain before feedback. The mic housing mounts easily to the bridge plate and the mic capsule hovers just 3mm above its surface to take advantage of the PZM or boundary effect. This Tru-Mic technology picks up the sound of the vibrations of the entire soundboard and makes the LR Baggs guitar mic unusually free from placement issues. Mic and Piezo Pickup: A Radical Technology The sound quality and feedback resistance of the Anthem Tru-Mic acoustic microphone now allows the mic to be the primary sound source in a mic/pickup system. This is unlike previous systems where only a small amount of the mic could be used to add some air to the dominant pickup signal. This is a radical new relationship between a mic and a pickup, as all of the detail, warmth, and personality of your guitar is captured by the Tru-mic. The mic is augmented, for only the very lowest frequencies, capturing the punch and authority of your playing, by the LR Baggs Element under saddle pickup. Controls The featherweight control unit controls all of the essentials, volume, mix, and phase. It nestles securely just inside of the soundhole for easy fingertip access. The mix control allows a full-blend between the augmented mic and full-range pickup. A multi-segment battery check allows you to maximize battery life and peace of mind. Under the hood is an all-discrete preamp/mixer with the pure, clean LR Baggs signature sound that is trusted by top artists around the world. Thanks to it’s intelligent engineering, you can just plug in and enjoy the real sound of your acoustic guitar and the way you play, night after night.Designed to work with standard acoustic
Click here to learn more about Lr Baggs Anthem Tru-Mic Acoustic Microphone/Piezo Pickup System
LP Cajon Microphone Mount For Shure Mic $15.6
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 LP Cajon Microphone Mount For Shure Mic
Nady Sp-9 Mic 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 Mic Package #1
Yamaha Mc-7 Instrument Microphone $74.99
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
Lp Cajon Microphone Mount For Shure Mic $15.6
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. Fits a Shure Beta 91 Designed by Hector Torres Used by Kevin Ricard on American Idol Sculpted hardwood microphone 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 the player position the unit in different locations to enhance the desired effect Compact and flexible design eliminates the need for permanently mounted internal mics, or for external mics whose stands can often get in the player’s way
Click here to learn more about Lp Cajon Microphone Mount For Shure Mic
Galaxy Audio ECDRHH38 Dual Handheld UHF Wireless Microphone System $199.99
The Galaxy Audio ECDR/HH38L is a dual channel , hand held vocal mic wireless system , with 16 switchable UHF channels available for each mic. This allows the user to select an interference free UHF channel for performance.
Click here to learn more about Galaxy Audio ECDRHH38 Dual Handheld UHF Wireless Microphone System
Vocopro Uhf-3205 Dual Rechargeable Wireless Mic System $279
The UHF-3205 wireless microphone system 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. Included in this package are two wireless rechargeable microphones with upgraded, durable metal bodies. Enjoy wireless freedom at home or in the club with the VocoPro UHF-3205.2 wireless rechargeable handheld mics includedIncluded microphone charger charges both microphones at the same time2 unbalanced mic outputs (1/4″) and 1 mixed output (1/4″)UHF Band 629.40MHz – 694.11MHzRugged mic grilles protect the microphone cartridge and prevent the mic from rollingIndividual volume controls for precise vocal balancingLow charge indicator (LED) on micsDual antennas provide clear signal receptionRugged 1 RU metal receiver chassis
Click here to learn more about Vocopro Uhf-3205 Dual Rechargeable Wireless Mic System
VocoPro UHF-5800 4-Channel Handheld Wireless Microphone System $389
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 UHF-5800 4-Channel Handheld Wireless Microphone System
Used Lr Baggs Anthem Tru-Mic Acoustic Microphone/Piezo Pickup System $260.13
After 30 years of effort, LR Baggs has created the Anthem Tru-Mic acoustic guitar microphone which does what every amplified acoustic guitarist has dreamed about and no other pickup manufacturer has been able to create yetunlocked the potential of a microphone to capture the very essence of your guitar with high-feedback resistance for demanding stages. Not obvious, but equally important, is that the natural ease and dynamics of the Anthem Tru-Mic guitar microphone liberates you to play freely without having to compensate for the pickup system. Now you’re free to play the way you like, plugged in or not. For the Anthem acoustic guitar mic, LR Baggs used no modeling or illusions. It’s not “like” a mic. It’s not “like” your guitar. This is a mic, and what you will experience is your guitarloud and with the fidelity and dynamics that come from a real microphone. Tru-Mic Technology At the heart of the LR Baggs Anthem guitar mic is a revolutionary type of microphone. Using a proprietary noise-canceling mic, the Anthem Tru-Mic eliminates any annoying honky or boxy qualities that have been previously associated with internal miking, leaving the pure and natural sound of your guitar the way only a real mic is capable of doing. Because this LR Baggs acoustic mic is positioned within a few millimeters of the guitar top, it has very high gain before feedback. The mic housing mounts easily to the bridge plate and the mic capsule hovers just 3mm above its surface to take advantage of the PZM or boundary effect. This Tru-Mic technology picks up the sound of the vibrations of the entire soundboard and makes the LR Baggs guitar mic unusually free from placement issues. Mic and Piezo Pickup: A Radical Technology The sound quality and feedback resistance of the Anthem Tru-Mic acoustic microphone now allows the mic to be the primary sound source in a mic/pickup system. This is unlike previous systems where only a small amount of the mic could be used to add some air to the dominant pickup signal. This is a radical new relationship between a mic and a pickup, as all of the detail, warmth, and personality of your guitar is captured by the Tru-mic. The mic is augmented, for only the very lowest frequencies, capturing the punch and authority of your playing, by the LR Baggs Element under saddle pickup. Controls The featherweight control unit controls all of the essentials, volume, mix, and phase. It nestles securely just inside of the soundhole for easy fingertip access. The mix control allows a full-blend between the augmented mic and full-range pickup. A multi-segment battery check allows you to maximize battery life and peace of mind. Under the hood is an all-discrete preamp/mixer with the pure, clean LR Baggs signature sound that is trusted by top artists around the world. Thanks to it’s intelligent engineering, you can just plug in and enjoy the real sound of your acoustic guitar and the way you play, night after night.Designed to work with standard acoustic
Click here to learn more about Used Lr Baggs Anthem Tru-Mic Acoustic Microphone/Piezo Pickup System
Used Yamaha Mc-7 Instrument Microphone $70.49
The Yamaha MC-7 Instrument Microphone is a condenser mic for the Yamaha Silent Brass system.
Click here to learn more about Used Yamaha Mc-7 Instrument Microphone
Nady SP-9 Mic 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 Mic Package #1
Wi Digital JMWASEL2 AudioStream EL2 Headset/Lavalier Wireless Microphone System $299
The Wi Digital JMWASEL2 AudioStream EL2 Pocket Portable Digital Wireless Stereo/Dual Input Microphone, Lavalier & Audio Monitoring System is the first stereo digital wireless system ever to combine all the features required for mini MIC/Lavalier miking, in-ear monitoring, video camera miking, instruments miking and audio line level applications with full MAC, PC, Tablet PC, iPad, iPod and iPhone compatibility in a small, rugged, lightweight design.
Click here to learn more about Wi Digital JMWASEL2 AudioStream EL2 Headset/Lavalier Wireless Microphone System
Rolls MP13 Mini-Mic Microphone Preamplifier $64.95
The Rolls MP13 Mini-Mic microphone preamplifier is a small, simple, and inexpensive microphone pre amplifier for a variety of applications. The unit has XLR and 1/4 inch Outputs, XLR and 1/8 inch Inputs, and a single Gain control with a Clip indicator. Switchable Phantom Power is included for use with a condenser microphone. The unit comes complete with a power adapter.
Click here to learn more about Rolls MP13 Mini-Mic Microphone Preamplifier
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.Clip-On Condenser Microphone for a woodwind or brass instrument”Off the bell” clamping systemConverts from an LS “W”ireless setup , to a “Belt pack” model, or the AMT Studio setupIncludes soft case and cables
Click here to learn more about Applied Microphone Technology Amt Lsw Clip-On Mic For Shure Systems
VocoPro UHF-3200 Dual Handheld Wireless Microphone System $229
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 UHF-3200 Dual Handheld Wireless Microphone System
IK Multimedia iRig Mic Microphone for iPhone and iPad $59.95
IK Multimedia iRig Mic is the first handheld, quality condenser microphone for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad designed for all of your mobile sound needs. Now you can make professional audio and vocal recordings anywhere on your iOS device.
Click here to learn more about IK Multimedia iRig Mic Microphone for iPhone and iPad
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