Choice of Mics [Archive] - Mobile Disco Directory Forum

JTRS

31-03-2009, 09:28 PM

Dynamic Entertainment

31-03-2009, 09:34 PM

I use both but prefer a radio mic for pub/club work as i bounce about alot. Mobile work it aint as important, but its always handy to be wireless, expecially when the client wants to say a few words. Usually my corded mic stayes in the bag as a back-up these days.

Jiggles

31-03-2009, 09:37 PM

Radio all the way. Less cables behind the deck!

JTRS

31-03-2009, 09:37 PM

expecially when the client wants to say a few words.

Hadn't thought of that.

Thanks

JTRS

Solitaire Events Ltd

31-03-2009, 09:40 PM

I can't stand leaded mics and have always used radio mics as I move about a lot and like to be in front or to the side when I introduce a B&G for example. All mics will feed back, regardless of whether they are leaded or radio, if you are too close to the HF on your speakers.

Twinspin

31-03-2009, 09:43 PM

I prefer a Radio Mic myself because its more flexible. The less wires the better. A Radio mic doesnt always create feedback.

A decent radio mic is good on the batteries. I use a Sennheiser radio mic battery life on is very good uses just 2x AA Batteries and they last a long time. very good sound quality as well. Shure radio mics also brill as well.

but it cost a fair bit.

depends on budget though If you have a low budget i would stick with a wired mic.

CRAZY K

31-03-2009, 09:43 PM

I was out looking at equipment today and when asking about Mics the sales guy tried to push me towards a radio Mic, when I was on stage I used to use one but sometimes they created feedback. And they need batteries and a power supply for the receiver.

MY initial thoughts are to go for a corded mic that just plugs into my mixer, but I'd be interested to hear what other DJ's prefer and why.

JTRS

Something is wrong if you get feedback.

With a decent PA system and a decent radio mike you should not get any feedback unless the volume is way too high.

I work every night IN FRONT of the speakers in my job and have no problems generally unless its a really bad hall for acoustics.

Many will say Shure --I use JTS which is slightly cheaper but I love the sound I get. Its not a cheap mike as such.

Also the on off switch on the Shure Radio Mike I used in the Summer was rubbish compared with my JTS. Really :Censored: annoying.

Batteries last for ages--some use rechargeable--I wouldnt bother--they cost peanuts.

Radio Mikes are just so user friendly---as long as you dont let the muppets get hold of them who want to sing--unless its karaoke of course!!!

Then you wouldnt use an expensive Radio Mike I guess for that.

CRAZY K

Solitaire Events Ltd

31-03-2009, 09:47 PM

(Crazy K doesn't actually need a mic at all)

:sofa::cowboy::D

JTRS

31-03-2009, 09:50 PM

Is Audio-Technica a reasonable make?

JTRS

Tom

31-03-2009, 09:52 PM

I use a Shure SM58 on a cable. Works well for me. :)

I will be looking at radio mics sometime soon. Just handy to have one really.

DeckstarDeluxe

31-03-2009, 09:56 PM

I use a Shure SM58 on a cable. Works well for me. :)

I will be looking at radio mics sometime soon. Just handy to have one really.

second that. In fact ive yet to move to radio mics because my cabled one does a great job!

CRAZY K

31-03-2009, 09:57 PM

(Crazy K doesn't actually need a mic at all)

:sofa::cowboy::D

Its true--I just use one which is switched off to look good

:Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh:

CRAZY K

Solitaire Events Ltd

31-03-2009, 10:01 PM

Its true--I just use one which is switched off to look good

:Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh:

CRAZY K

:lol: :beer1:

JTRS

31-03-2009, 10:04 PM

I use a Shure SM58 on a cable. Works well for me. :)

I will be looking at radio mics sometime soon. Just handy to have one really.

I was told the SM 58 was best suited as a vocal mic for singers, I'm guessing they are also suitable for speech then?

JTRS

Tom

31-03-2009, 10:07 PM

second that. In fact ive yet to move to radio mics because my cabled one does a great job!

Also less wires as there is only one compared to at least 2 from a radio mic. lol.

Tom

31-03-2009, 10:08 PM

I was told the SM 58 was best suited as a vocal mic for singers, I'm guessing they are also suitable for speech then?

JTRS

I would say SM58 and also the SM57, but the SM58 is very clear when talking through it. :)

Solitaire Events Ltd

31-03-2009, 10:11 PM

The PG58 is a cheap alternative and almost as good as an SM, but it is not as defined on the higher frequencies.

A1DL

31-03-2009, 10:28 PM

I was told the SM 58 was best suited as a vocal mic for singers, I'm guessing they are also suitable for speech then?

JTRS

Simon, the SM58 has for decades been an industry standard vocal/general purpose mic, rugged and reliable, can be thrown, dropped, abused, used as a hammer, etc. and will still work after all that. An SM58 is always a safe bet on vocal channels, not the best sounding mic in the world, but quite easy to get a reasonable sound from.

COOL HAND LUKE

31-03-2009, 10:36 PM

I use a fixed mic on a swan neck which leaves you with both hands free, but am also going to get a shure wireless as soon as I can afford it:)

DJ INDIE

31-03-2009, 10:40 PM

I use a samson Q7 - it came with all the wireless kit - but ive always used with a cable. less hassle to set up and it stops me getting paranoid about the batteries running out!

i use it on a short cable, to stop drunkerds running off with it when they want to make off the cuff announcements or sing along to the song (i just show them the cable cant reach them). I have a behringer hidden under the desk on a long cable for when people make (proper) speeches etc on a long cable.

That way i am always in control of the main mic should i need to say something at any time.

plus there wireless option is always there should i need it for speeches etc more than the cables reach away.

BeerFunk

31-03-2009, 10:42 PM

I have wired PG48s and SM58s, and can also say the quality is excellent. If they are suitable for singing, of course they are suitable for talking too!

I had wireless mics in the past, they are very handy for moving around the room, but a bit of a luxury for what I do.

ultrasound disco

31-03-2009, 10:56 PM

I have an SM 58 and I agree about its Quality but remember that not all mics sound the same on different mixers.:confused:
eg: On my DNX400 the sure mic is just perfect:D but on my DNX100 my old TOA mic that I have used for 20 years sounds alot better:p but at the same time feeds back too soon on the DNX400.
Borrow and try out different mics to find whats right for you and your system, you never know..maybe the cheapest will work out best.;)

Wireless is king at wedding receptions for sure, so for your favorite mic a plug-in transmitter might be the way to go.:beer1:

rob1963

31-03-2009, 10:58 PM

I use a Shure SM58 on a cable. Works well for me. :)

Same here. I've had mine for about 18 years now & wouldn't use anything else.

I will be looking at radio mics sometime soon. Just handy to have one really.

I've got away without one for all these years, so in the unlikely event that I DO need a radio mike for a gig in the next few years, I'll either borrow or hire one.

The thing that puts me off radio mikes is the fact that there's more to go wrong (dropouts, inteference, batteries going flat etc), as well as people borrowing it & then forgetting to hand it back to you.

DeckstarDeluxe

31-03-2009, 11:14 PM

you wouldnt remember that the guy giving the speech is holding an microphone to his mouth and thats why its coming out of the speakers? ;)

It does surprise you say that rob as i belive you do ALOT of weddings and i would of thought weddings would demand this more than any other event?

Mayhem 1

01-04-2009, 06:36 AM

I would say get the best mic you can afford mate.

With my type of show it is essential that I have freedom to move about so a radio mic is a must have for me.

As far as make, I would always recommend the Sennheiser range, yes they are dearer but by gosh what a mic!!!!

One thing I will say is don’t let anyone use your main mic!!! Especially for speeches because they all start hitting the mic head/blowing into it etc for this purpose I have a cheaper Sure mic for adult functions for speeches etc.

Ps: if you are thinking of a Senny read this:- http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=11931

rob1963

01-04-2009, 07:30 AM

It does surprise me you say that rob as i belive you do ALOT of weddings and i would of thought weddings would demand this more than any other event?

Yes deckstar, I do a lot of weddings (90% of all my work), but I've never needed a radio mic yet.

I often work in venues which have their own built-in sound systems incorporating radio mics and ceiling speakers.

In the places without sound systems, they just make their speeches without any sound equipment, and it doesn't seem to be too much of a problem, as people are quiet for this (apart from the odd screaming kid, of course!)

Shaun

01-04-2009, 08:34 AM

I prefer a radio mic, as it offers more flexibility.

Currently use an SM58 radio mic for main, and corded SM58 for backup.

ppentertainments

01-04-2009, 08:47 AM

I would say get the best mic you can afford mate.

I think that sums it up. The good thing about the shure mics is you can get replacement parts for them easily and they are very robust.

As far as wired v radio goes it depends on what sort of dj you are I think. I generaly use a wired mic for myself and have a wireless one wired in incase they want speeches etc in the middle of the floor. My wireless one is just a cheapy but does the job. A lot of DJ's like to walk about the room when making any introductions etc.

CRAZY K

01-04-2009, 08:49 AM

Simon, the SM58 has for decades been an industry standard vocal/general purpose mic, rugged and reliable, can be thrown, dropped, abused, used as a hammer, etc. and will still work after all that. An SM58 is always a safe bet on vocal channels, not the best sounding mic in the world, but quite easy to get a reasonable sound from.

I think Excalibur tells a different story Tony.

Unfair as that remark is--it got " dropped" apparently on a concrete floor :eek:

I havent tried dropping the JTS on concrete---yet---just give me time and Ill confirm what happens:D :D :D

CRAZY K

JTRS

01-04-2009, 06:13 PM

OK thanks for all your advice, comments and suggestions.

Today I bought the following mics, 1 x Shure C606 (for anyone to use), 1 x SM58s (for me to use), both of these are corded, and I also purchased an Audio-Technica ATW-T702 radio mic.

After reading everyone's comments I decided that there really isn't an answer about which is best because both have advantages at different times, so I figured the best solution was to have both radio and corded mics.

JTRS

Dynamic Entertainment

01-04-2009, 06:20 PM

Excalibur

01-04-2009, 07:20 PM

Apologies for not replying sooner, but I appear to have missed this.

606 is perfect for punters, as it's firmly budget. SM58 as everyone has said is industryt standard. Please tell me the AT Radio mic you've got is not a VHF model, also known as a Liberator. I have that, and while it's been very reliable, it's not a top notch one.

The AT 2120 I replaced it with is very good. Crazy is correct iN his praise for JTS, I tried one, but went for the AT by a whisker. However, the best one I have is the secondhand SM58 Radio mic I bought from Twinspin. Suits me down to the ground. Crazy, I think you'll find it's the corded SM58 which doubles up as a hammer and persdonal protection device, as Steve and others have found. The Radio version is noticeably less robust. :( :(

Edit: I see the 700 is a model or two above Liberator, but suspect it's quite a few models below 2120. ;)
In the £250 price band, I'd say these are all safe.
http://www.electromusic.co.uk/product.php?productid=1886&cat=109&page=1

http://www.electromusic.co.uk/product.php?productid=2204&cat=745&page=1

http://www.electromusic.co.uk/product.php?productid=1265&cat=111&page=1

http://www.ukdj.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=19263

Hope this helps.

A1DL

01-04-2009, 07:42 PM

Crazy, I think you'll find it's the corded SM58 which doubles up as a hammer

correct, Peter :)

Food for thought for a new thread perhaps, alternative uses for pieces of kit :cool:

e.g.

HO7RN-F 5G6 - tow rope (although not to ever be used for power again)

Twin 2x18" stacks - podium (not recommended - obvious H&S issues!)

Peavey amplifier - door stop

etc... I'm sure there's loads more.:)

Jiggles

01-04-2009, 07:44 PM

Peavey amplifier - door stop

Though that would be Soundlab :sofa:
Or its it the back leg for the sofa :D

Excalibur

01-04-2009, 08:14 PM

Though that would be Soundlab :sofa:
Or its it the back leg for the sofa :D

Prosound, more likely. :D

DeckstarDeluxe

01-04-2009, 08:33 PM

nowt wrong with peavey amps that ive used!

I find class d speakers are good for.........erh....

Nothing :D

Dj Ramon

01-04-2009, 09:23 PM

Bought my leaded mic back in 1981, can't remember the make, something japanese, have never needed to change it, still lives in it's original case between gigs!

Kev.

CRAZY K

01-04-2009, 09:25 PM

nowt wrong with peavey amps that ive used!

I find class d speakers are good for.........erh....

Nothing :D

Its alright--Tony doesnt like Peavey.

:D :D :D

CRAZY K

Twinspin

01-04-2009, 11:26 PM

If budget is enough. I cannot recommend the Sennhseiser Evolution radio mics enough. The microphone is built very well. Just like their corded evolution mic. Very solid mics and worth every penny.

Corabar Steve

02-04-2009, 08:05 AM

I think you'll find it's the corded SM58 which doubles up as a hammer and persdonal protection device
or even personal protection device :sj:

JAMdisco

07-04-2009, 03:16 PM

I prefer a radio mic, as it offers more flexibility.

Currently use an SM58 radio mic for main, and corded SM58 for backup.

Same here, although my radio mic is an old VHF one, it's been dropped several times (doing my Robbie Williams mic spin when i was in a band lol) it's still in very good running order. I've replaced the grill head once in about 12 years. That's what I call good value for money.

That's the main reason I have a corded SM58 as back up, if my battery runs flat or I get interference, I can just switch it.

Excalibur

07-04-2009, 04:10 PM

Same here, although my radio mic is an old VHF one, it's been dropped several times (doing my Robbie Williams mic spin when i was in a band lol) it's still in very good running order. I've replaced the grill head once in about 12 years. That's what I call good value for money.

That's the main reason I have a corded SM58 as back up, if my battery runs flat or I get interference, I can just switch it.

As soon as you've ferreted round the back of your mixer, which you've custom fitted into the furniture, unplugged the existing one, and inserted the new one. :eek: Has anyone ever sugested you need a new mixer? ;)