Wireless Microphones - You get what you pay for.
Wireless microphones are often a major source of
problems in church sound systems. Too often we find
churches that have decided to take Uncle Scrooge's
method when it comes to purchasing wireless
microphones. They will often rationalize that the
$300 - $500 wireless microphone that they bought at
the music store is as good as the $1000 one
that the sound contractor is trying to convince them
to buy. "After all, we only use it for about 1 hour each week".
In the case of wireless microphones
especially, you really do "Get What You Pay For".
These types of lower end systems often experience
poor sound, drop outs, interference and simply don't
last as long. Within a few weeks, the churches that
bought them will abandon them and purchase a
higher priced system. They end up spending more money in the long run.
Because of the complex technology involved, the
quality of the system determines whether it works or
not. Generally speaking, anything under $650 won't
work in a church environment. Sometimes churches
think they can't afford to buy a good wireless
microphone when in fact, they can't afford not to.
Alectro Systems sells some great wireless microphone systems for Churches.
A good wireless microphone system provides excellent sound and reliability. They are available in hand held, lapel and head microphone, and instrument versions.
Learn more about Wireless Microphones ...
Microphone Selection - Use the right tool for the job.
Many times people will neglect the importance of using the right type of microphone for the right application.
Quite often the sound tech will grab any microphone out of the cupboard and use it to mic a
group of children or an ensemble, not realizing that
the design and purpose of the microphone is for close
up vocal use. It's like using a paintbrush to sweep
the kitchen floor, it's not very practical and just
doesn't get the job done. The result, very little
pick up and a lot of disgruntled looks from the
congregation because of the loud squeal coming
through the main speakers.
The success of your sound has a
lot to do with your selection of the right microphone
for the right application. It's important to know your
microphones and what type of applications they are
suitable for. To brush up on your microphone
knowledge visit our article on Microphone Selection.
Head Microphones are Great - Far better than lapel microphones
Although a lapel microphone gives great freedom, its
sound tends to be more "muddy" and prone to
feedback. This may not be the fault of the
microphone, but simply the fact that it is located on
your chest.
A head microphone completely
eliminates these problems, but until recently, they have
been avoided by clergy due to the appearance.
There are now several different head microphones available. Most are very tiny, flesh coloured and sound great. Due to their tiny
size and light weight, you hardly know they are
there. They provide perfectly natural sound
with no feedback problems. Because they are always
close to your mouth, and never change their position
regardless of where you turn, the sound is
consistent.
Compare some of our most popular Head Microphones ...
Fix Pulpit and Lectern Pops - Install a "popless" gooseneck microphone.
Do you have problems with "Popping" sounds from your gooseneck microphones? This is caused by the speaker's breath hitting the diaphragm of the microphone. Because gooseneck microphones have a relatively small diaphragm, they are especially prone to this problem.
If this is a problem for you, the first thing to try, Assuming you have a windscreen on the microphone, is to reduce the low frequency control on that channel of your mixer. If you still have trouble, there is a definite solution.
We carry a number of "popless" gooseneck microphones. They are designed in a way that your breath cannot hit the diaphragm. The best choice is the AKG CK47 with a GN-E series gooseneck. Not only does it eliminate pops, but it provides the greatest pick-up range and sounds the best.
Learn about Microphone Selection ...
