Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two
I previously mentioned that I use an Audio Technica System 10, but in fact, WE use three system 10s. My wife Lynn and I, call duet singing calls with two handhelds, and I often use the headset at ONS parties. If one receiver, or mic,dies, I can change the pairing as needed. I can also use all three at once if needed. The system 10 automatically senses interference and changes channels/frequencies when needed. I was having problems with RF interference using my Carvin headset. I also have a Energizer rapid charger that allows me to charge batteries on the way, or at a gig, if needed. It is quit convenient. On Wed, Sep 7, 2016 at 11:13 AM, Sue C. Hulsether via Callers < callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > Kalia and others, > > I have been using an Audio-Technica wireless system for over 13 years. > And I am very pleased with its performance. > Whereas I don’t like a mic on my head, this works for me in gigs where I > need my hands. I have both a headset mic (with belt-pack) and a hand-held > cordless mic that operate with the same receiver. They just can’t be on at > the same time. I think the sound quality is better with the hand-held mic, > but they are both great, and I have *rarely* had feedback issues with > them. The hand-held mic is very unidirectional, so does not cause feedback > (unless I loan it to someone who holds it far from their mouth and steps > right in front of the speaker). > > The Audio-Technica system I have is: ATW 1451. A quick check on their > website makes it looks like this series is discontinued, but I’m guessing > the 2000 series is the current equivalent. http://www.audio-technica.com/ > cms/wls_systems/6bc6d93a774d761d/index.html > > Re beltpack: I have a comfy/loose belt that I wear around my waist so the > beltpack does not need to clip on my clothing. I keep the belt with the > mic and receiver. > > Re the sturdiness: I use this 6 hours a day, 10 + days per month. I have > replaced the mic/headset (but not the belt-pack) a few times in 13 years > since the wire is small (also not bulky on me!) and eventually gets shorts > in it. My “local” sound shop can sometimes clip the cord and re-wire, but > I find that I have to replace the headset (at $125) about every 18 months > or so. > I have never had to replace or fix the handheld unit, even after dropping > it on a wood floor. > > Re batteries: They both use AA batteries, and I have found some > high-quality rechargeable batteries that I love (Powerex batteries and > accompanying Maha/Powerex charger). > One pair of AA batteries will last me about 10 hours of usage. (My > original AT used 9 volt batteries and would need a new battery about every > 4 hours.) > > I also know others who have been happy with the SHURE wireless headset. > The sound guys I go to say that the A-T is slightly better quality. > > sue > > > > > *Sue Hulsether* > shulset...@mac.com > > www.suehulsether.com > 608-632-1267 Cell > 608-629-6250 Home > P.O. Box 363 > Viroqua, WI 54665 > > > > > > On Sep 5, 2016, at 10:12 PM, Kalia Kliban via Callers < > callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > > I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me the > message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly disappeared into > everyone's lint filter. I've read the previous threads on headsets going > back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics. JoLaine, if you're > reading this, I'd love to know what model you use. You mentioned that it > was a Shure and that you loved it. And Rich Sbardella mentioned last year > that his Shure had been giving him trouble. Rich, what model is yours, and > are you happy with your replacement? > > Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on > the same page with those who did: > > Hi all > > I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped > out. If the piano player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in > serious trouble. Time for a new and more reliable headset mic. I use my > hands a LOT when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an option > for me. > > I'd love recommendations from any of you about specific models to look > at. I'm planning to plow the funds from this wedding and some of my caller > piggy bank into a new mic, so I want something that's really good quality. > It doesn't have to be tiny and invisible, but it does need to be reliable > and sturdy. If it doesn't have a belt pack that's a plus, but it seems like > most of the good-quality headset mics have belt packs. I'll deal with it > if that's the best bet. So, recommendations? > > For reference, the one I was working with was a Samson Airline 77, often > referred to as the "aerobic instructor mic." It had the transmitter on the > headset, so there were no wires or belt pack, and it worked just fine for a > long time until suddenly it didn't. I would like to hear what folks are > using who rely on a headset mic for their calling
Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two
Some things on wireless headsets: There are complete kits. Brands I’ve used and liked: Shure Sennheiser Brands I’d avoid: Nady—really cheap, poor construction Samson—better than Nady If you do a search on these mics, most of what we see are the consumer, like Nady & Samson Price range: $50 to $150 “Prosumer,” like Shure, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, AKG, Line 6, and more Price range: $200 to $1000 True Pro: Shure, Sennheiser, com and other Price range: $1000 and up Some sound guys stock up on the budget gear. They work, they break, they can fix or repair them. I’ve used Shure, Sennheiser, and Line 6. I loved the Line 6 mic, but it had lots of problems with interference—it would cut in and out. Never had that problem with the Shures or the Sennheiser. Note that high quality mics like Countryman and DPA only make mics, you have to purchase a transmitter (body-pack), and receiver system. I haven’t used the Countryman much, though I have one. I have a clip-on DPA that I clip onto my fiddle and use with a Shure DLX body pack. It’s the best mic in my gear, and when I’m calling and fiddling I can work from the middle of the room, teach while playing. For calling I’m still a strong advocate of the handheld, and when doing fiddle while calling gigs, I have the DPA on the fiddle and a Shure with a Beta 87 head on it on a stand. DPA info: http://www.dpamicrophones.com/ ~erik hoffman Oakland, ca
Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two
On Wed, Sep 07, 2016, Sue C. Hulsether via Callers wrote: > > Re batteries: They both use AA batteries, and I have found some > high-quality rechargeable batteries that I love (Powerex batteries and > accompanying Maha/Powerex charger). Just wanted to highlight this bit. The Maha/Powerex batteries and charger are generally considered the highest-quality low-discharge NiMH batteries available. "Low-discharge" means that they hold their charge over a long period, typically they'll still have more than 75% after a year of sitting around. Eneloops are also considered pretty good, but the technology is mature enough that any "name-brand" battery should work well. -- Hugs and backrubs -- I break Rule 6http://rule6.info/ <*> <*> <*> Help a hearing-impaired person: http://rule6.info/hearing.html
Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two
Kalia and others, I have been using an Audio-Technica wireless system for over 13 years. And I am very pleased with its performance. Whereas I don’t like a mic on my head, this works for me in gigs where I need my hands. I have both a headset mic (with belt-pack) and a hand-held cordless mic that operate with the same receiver. They just can’t be on at the same time. I think the sound quality is better with the hand-held mic, but they are both great, and I have rarely had feedback issues with them. The hand-held mic is very unidirectional, so does not cause feedback (unless I loan it to someone who holds it far from their mouth and steps right in front of the speaker). The Audio-Technica system I have is: ATW 1451. A quick check on their website makes it looks like this series is discontinued, but I’m guessing the 2000 series is the current equivalent. http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wls_systems/6bc6d93a774d761d/index.html Re beltpack: I have a comfy/loose belt that I wear around my waist so the beltpack does not need to clip on my clothing. I keep the belt with the mic and receiver. Re the sturdiness: I use this 6 hours a day, 10 + days per month. I have replaced the mic/headset (but not the belt-pack) a few times in 13 years since the wire is small (also not bulky on me!) and eventually gets shorts in it. My “local” sound shop can sometimes clip the cord and re-wire, but I find that I have to replace the headset (at $125) about every 18 months or so. I have never had to replace or fix the handheld unit, even after dropping it on a wood floor. Re batteries: They both use AA batteries, and I have found some high-quality rechargeable batteries that I love (Powerex batteries and accompanying Maha/Powerex charger). One pair of AA batteries will last me about 10 hours of usage. (My original AT used 9 volt batteries and would need a new battery about every 4 hours.) I also know others who have been happy with the SHURE wireless headset. The sound guys I go to say that the A-T is slightly better quality. sue Sue Hulsether shulset...@mac.com www.suehulsether.com 608-632-1267 Cell 608-629-6250 Home P.O. Box 363 Viroqua, WI 54665 > On Sep 5, 2016, at 10:12 PM, Kalia Kliban via Callers > wrote: > > I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me the > message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly disappeared into > everyone's lint filter. I've read the previous threads on headsets going > back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics. JoLaine, if you're reading > this, I'd love to know what model you use. You mentioned that it was a Shure > and that you loved it. And Rich Sbardella mentioned last year that his Shure > had been giving him trouble. Rich, what model is yours, and are you happy > with your replacement? > > Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on the > same page with those who did: > > Hi all > > I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped out. > If the piano player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in serious > trouble. Time for a new and more reliable headset mic. I use my hands a LOT > when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an option for me. > > I'd love recommendations from any of you about specific models to look at. > I'm planning to plow the funds from this wedding and some of my caller piggy > bank into a new mic, so I want something that's really good quality. It > doesn't have to be tiny and invisible, but it does need to be reliable and > sturdy. If it doesn't have a belt pack that's a plus, but it seems like most > of the good-quality headset mics have belt packs. I'll deal with it if > that's the best bet. So, recommendations? > > For reference, the one I was working with was a Samson Airline 77, often > referred to as the "aerobic instructor mic." It had the transmitter on the > headset, so there were no wires or belt pack, and it worked just fine for a > long time until suddenly it didn't. I would like to hear what folks are > using who rely on a headset mic for their calling gigs. > > Kalia Kliban in Sebastopol, CA > ___ > Callers mailing list > Callers@lists.sharedweight.net > http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two
Hi Kalia, I also use a Countryman wireless mic - have been using it for a few years now, and it's terrific and easy. It's pricey, but it's been worth it. I used to have the Samson Airline 77, which I loved (because it didn't need a belt pack), but it drove my sound person crazy and it finally died and couldn't be fixed because it was the wrong frequency. Patricia Campbell Newtown, CT On Mon, Sep 5, 2016 at 11:12 PM, Kalia Kliban via Callers < callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me the > message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly disappeared into > everyone's lint filter. I've read the previous threads on headsets going > back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics. JoLaine, if you're > reading this, I'd love to know what model you use. You mentioned that it > was a Shure and that you loved it. And Rich Sbardella mentioned last year > that his Shure had been giving him trouble. Rich, what model is yours, and > are you happy with your replacement? > > Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on > the same page with those who did: > > Hi all > > I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped > out. If the piano player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in > serious trouble. Time for a new and more reliable headset mic. I use my > hands a LOT when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an option > for me. > > I'd love recommendations from any of you about specific models to look > at. I'm planning to plow the funds from this wedding and some of my caller > piggy bank into a new mic, so I want something that's really good quality. > It doesn't have to be tiny and invisible, but it does need to be reliable > and sturdy. If it doesn't have a belt pack that's a plus, but it seems like > most of the good-quality headset mics have belt packs. I'll deal with it > if that's the best bet. So, recommendations? > > For reference, the one I was working with was a Samson Airline 77, often > referred to as the "aerobic instructor mic." It had the transmitter on the > headset, so there were no wires or belt pack, and it worked just fine for a > long time until suddenly it didn't. I would like to hear what folks are > using who rely on a headset mic for their calling gigs. > > Kalia Kliban in Sebastopol, CA > ___ > Callers mailing list > Callers@lists.sharedweight.net > http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net >
Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two
I have been using an Audio Technica System 10 headset, and I am happy with it. It is a good mic for *singing* and speaking. If I were not a singing caller, I would probably use a different mic with the same System 10. Rich Sbardella On Tue, Sep 6, 2016 at 11:42 AM, via Callers wrote: > Hi Kalia, > > I use a Countryman Associates hands free headset. Countryman is very high > performance company that many professionals speakers and performers use. > You can contact them directly to ask questions. Their web site is > http://www.countryman.com/ > > I have been using their Isomax headset with my Shure PGX1 wireless > transmitter for years now. > > Hope this was helpful. Good luck. > > Joe De Paolo > > In a message dated 9/5/2016 11:12:17 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, > callers@lists.sharedweight.net writes: > > I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me > the message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly > disappeared into everyone's lint filter. I've read the previous threads > on headsets going back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics. > JoLaine, if you're reading this, I'd love to know what model you use. > You mentioned that it was a Shure and that you loved it. And Rich > Sbardella mentioned last year that his Shure had been giving him > trouble. Rich, what model is yours, and are you happy with your > replacement? > > Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on > the same page with those who did: > > Hi all > > I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped > out. If the piano player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in > serious trouble. Time for a new and more reliable headset mic. I use > my hands a LOT when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an > option for me. > > I'd love recommendations from any of you about specific models to look > at. I'm planning to plow the funds from this wedding and some of my > caller piggy bank into a new mic, so I want something that's really good > quality. It doesn't have to be tiny and invisible, but it does need to > be reliable and sturdy. If it doesn't have a belt pack that's a plus, > but it seems like most of the good-quality headset mics have belt packs. > I'll deal with it if that's the best bet. So, recommendations? > > For reference, the one I was working with was a Samson Airline 77, often > referred to as the "aerobic instructor mic." It had the transmitter on > the headset, so there were no wires or belt pack, and it worked just > fine for a long time until suddenly it didn't. I would like to hear > what folks are using who rely on a headset mic for their calling gigs. > > Kalia Kliban in Sebastopol, CA > ___ > Callers mailing list > Callers@lists.sharedweight.net > http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net > > > ___ > Callers mailing list > Callers@lists.sharedweight.net > http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net > >
Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two
Hi Kalia, I use a Countryman Associates hands free headset. Countryman is very high performance company that many professionals speakers and performers use. You can contact them directly to ask questions. Their web site is http://www.countryman.com/ I have been using their Isomax headset with my Shure PGX1 wireless transmitter for years now. Hope this was helpful. Good luck. Joe De Paolo In a message dated 9/5/2016 11:12:17 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, callers@lists.sharedweight.net writes: I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me the message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly disappeared into everyone's lint filter. I've read the previous threads on headsets going back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics. JoLaine, if you're reading this, I'd love to know what model you use. You mentioned that it was a Shure and that you loved it. And Rich Sbardella mentioned last year that his Shure had been giving him trouble. Rich, what model is yours, and are you happy with your replacement? Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on the same page with those who did: Hi all I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped out. If the piano player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in serious trouble. Time for a new and more reliable headset mic. I use my hands a LOT when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an option for me. I'd love recommendations from any of you about specific models to look at. I'm planning to plow the funds from this wedding and some of my caller piggy bank into a new mic, so I want something that's really good quality. It doesn't have to be tiny and invisible, but it does need to be reliable and sturdy. If it doesn't have a belt pack that's a plus, but it seems like most of the good-quality headset mics have belt packs. I'll deal with it if that's the best bet. So, recommendations? For reference, the one I was working with was a Samson Airline 77, often referred to as the "aerobic instructor mic." It had the transmitter on the headset, so there were no wires or belt pack, and it worked just fine for a long time until suddenly it didn't. I would like to hear what folks are using who rely on a headset mic for their calling gigs. Kalia Kliban in Sebastopol, CA ___ Callers mailing list Callers@lists.sharedweight.net http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two
On Mon, Sep 05, 2016, Kalia Kliban via Callers wrote: > > I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me the > message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly disappeared into > everyone's lint filter. I've read the previous threads on headsets going > back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics. JoLaine, if you're reading > this, I'd love to know what model you use. You mentioned that it was a Shure > and that you loved it. And Rich Sbardella mentioned last year that his > Shure had been giving him trouble. Rich, what model is yours, and are you > happy with your replacement? Like J.D., I got your message but didn't have anything directly useful. However, if you're otherwise happy with the mic that crapped out, why not simply get two to replace it (and have a backup)? I'm not doing anywhere near as much work as you are, but I'm still working toward bringing backups of all critical equipment with me. -- Hugs and backrubs -- I break Rule 6http://rule6.info/ <*> <*> <*> Help a hearing-impaired person: http://rule6.info/hearing.html
Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two ("they're small")
On 2016-09-05 2012, Kalia Kliban via Callers wrote: I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me the message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly disappeared into everyone's lint filter. I've read the previous threads on headsets going back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics. JoLaine, if you're reading this, I'd love to know what model you use. You mentioned that it was a Shure and that you loved it. And Rich Sbardella mentioned last year that his Shure had been giving him trouble. Rich, what model is yours, and are you happy with your replacement? Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on the same page with those who did: Hi all I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped out. If the piano player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in serious trouble. Time for a new and more reliable headset mic. I use my hands a LOT when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an option for me. snip Hullo Kalia, The message came through fine for me. I didn't have anything to offer at that time, other than to suggest joining/asking on the CSF - Contra Sound Forum, where a number of callers hang out with the sound engineers, sometimes to ask about this kind of thing. Usually to ask this. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/contrasf/ A band and I just worked a wedding Saturday past (two days back) and a band member rented a wireless mic for me . It ended up being a lightweight headset & bodypack style that appears to be one of the "Line 6" products, either a XD55HS or XDV75HS. local examples: https://www.long-mcquade.com/17648/Pro_Audio_Recording/Wireless/Line_6/XD55HS_Digital_Wireless_Headset_Mic_System.htm https://www.long-mcquade.com/17680/Pro_Audio_Recording/Wireless/Line_6/XDV75HS_Digital_Wireless_Headset_Mic_System_-_Tan.htm The mic headset configuration didn't seem quite like these. I like what these look like and will check it out in the store. Without much familiarisation time, or a manual, I was just happy to get it going. I worked out a number of things pretty quickly which speaks to a straightforward enough User Interface (for my mind type/processing style.) The digital audio sounded fine/like me. I worked out the mute button quickly and found I only needed to guard it when retaking the stage from having been on the floor. I had next to no feedback problems while out front of the speakers. Unfortunately the batteries provided had some use and crapped out during the gig, just before the break, so we went to a corded mic for that dance and the next set, with me stuck on stage. It was a Scottish ceilidh gig so I just berated folks some and it all worked out exceedingly well. (For the North Americans - joke! Mostly. ) I'd have liked to have tried the headset as shown in the photos at the links. That'd probably feel more secure to me. The mic end of the boom I had was much thinner, and took a bit of bending to get close enough for my satisfaction with the sound. I'd probably prefer a slightly bulkier, silkier and shorter cable for strength and for it to "behave" rather than what seemed somewhat thin and mildly misbehaving to me. All in all the important bit, that it sounded good/was highly intelligible, was met. I'm not sure I like that it's in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. It's true it 1. requires no license, and 2. is coordinated world wide, however there are more sources of potential interference than the listed "TV broadcast, white space devices and cell phone towers". This has shown up in some reviews that popped up while looking for more info. I'll likely be looking at a purchase of a wireless mic system in this next year. This experience was good as it was more hands-free time to throw into the comparison as I crawl toward a decision on type. I'll be reading all the responses/contributions. I wish Heil made a headset/wireless system. Ooh, it appears they make microphone capsules (RC22 and RC35 at least) that fit other mfc. _handheld_ microphone grip/transmitters. Hmm. Cheers, John PS before sending this off I had a look for more info beyond my own market about Line 6 and found manuals and of course their site. http://line6.com/support/manuals/ http://line6.com/wireless-microphone-system/ Wish I'd had the manual before the gig! It turns out there is a monitor for state of the battery in the transmitter, on the _receiver_ front panel. Wow. -- J.D. Erskine Victoria, BC Island Dance - Folk & Country dance info - site & mail list Vancouver Island & BC islands http://members.shaw.ca/island.dance/
[Callers] Headset mics, take two
I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me the message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly disappeared into everyone's lint filter. I've read the previous threads on headsets going back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics. JoLaine, if you're reading this, I'd love to know what model you use. You mentioned that it was a Shure and that you loved it. And Rich Sbardella mentioned last year that his Shure had been giving him trouble. Rich, what model is yours, and are you happy with your replacement? Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on the same page with those who did: Hi all I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped out. If the piano player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in serious trouble. Time for a new and more reliable headset mic. I use my hands a LOT when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an option for me. I'd love recommendations from any of you about specific models to look at. I'm planning to plow the funds from this wedding and some of my caller piggy bank into a new mic, so I want something that's really good quality. It doesn't have to be tiny and invisible, but it does need to be reliable and sturdy. If it doesn't have a belt pack that's a plus, but it seems like most of the good-quality headset mics have belt packs. I'll deal with it if that's the best bet. So, recommendations? For reference, the one I was working with was a Samson Airline 77, often referred to as the "aerobic instructor mic." It had the transmitter on the headset, so there were no wires or belt pack, and it worked just fine for a long time until suddenly it didn't. I would like to hear what folks are using who rely on a headset mic for their calling gigs. Kalia Kliban in Sebastopol, CA