Any audio guys out there? Wireless Microphone Recommendation?
 

Hey anyone, I figured maybe someone out there would have some input on this question.

I'm looking to replace my current wireless microphone system as something is wrong with the reception/transmission as I can only get about 20 feet of good reception until it starts to cut out. It even cuts out very close to the receiver. Its an older Shure UT4A/SM58 combo.

I'm looking at:

1) Shure PGX/SM58 - http://www.shure.com/americas/products/wireless-systems/pgx-systems/index.htm ($400)

2) Audio Technica - 700 series http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wls_systems/098132ab830855aa/index.html ($160)

3) Sennheiser FreePort - http://www.sennheiserusa.com/professional_wireless-microphone-systems_handheld-transmitter_freeport_502809 ($250)

I've always heard good things about the SM58 and I've read some and people seem to like the Sennheiser mics...

Does anyone have any feeling towards these three options?

I'd like to save money and retain the performance of the SM58...

Depends...
 

You should really look at your usable freq spectrum to see if there may be other users in the area.

I'd suggest the Shure SLX/SM58 system. You have a good choice of bands and 24 mhz of bandwidth within each. Good range and is the industry standard '58' mic capsule.

http://www.shure.com/idc/groups/public/documents/webcontent/us_pro_slxspecsheet.pdf

edit: Maybe out of your budget. PG series is a cheaper alternative. Either way, stick with the SM58.

Thanks for your recommendation. After doing some research and talking to some people. I ended up with an upper level Sennheiser.

Specifically the EW145-G3

http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/home_en.nsf/root/professional_evolution-wireless-g3_ew-100-g3_021106

http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/products.nsf/resources/C12573B10069CA4AC12574E1003612EF/$File/Series_100_VocalSet.pdf

I was able to get it new for $499 (originally around $650). It has a lot of similar features as the SLX series.

From what I've read the 845 capsule on the Sennheiser is supposed to be a bit beter than the SM58.

http://www.wilfridwong.com/2006/12/04/battle-of-sennheiser-e845-versus-shure-sm58/

Just one of a few threads I found comparing the SM58 and the 845.

Any thoughts on the Sennheiser?

*2 on what frequencies are being used. Any system will work, but if it's getting interference from some outside source than you will be in for a world of hurt.

I own a radio scanner for fun and man there is all sorts of radio frequencies spilling all over the place.

Understood on the radio interference. In the past I've never had a problem with my Shure Ut-4a system. I've never heard any crosstalk or anything like that. One of the benefits of the E100 series (as well as the SLX) is the bandwidth and non-fixed nature of the devices.

Fortunately for me, there really isn't much in this area, in terms of broadcasting. Theres three of four local TV stations operating in lower frequencies than the microphones.

Thanks for the replies.

I can only hope you bought something in the 500-600 mHz range... You are aware of the latest legislation regarding frequency allocation??

Sennheiser 845 isn't a bad mic, but it isn't a 58 either. The application completely determines the solution with any microphone, so better or worse is completely subjective. The 58 may not be the best sounding mic, but it's durability and flexibility are unparalleled. For live use, the 58, in the studio...whatever you like.

Personally, I use Shure UR2 with either a 58, 87, or KSM9 capsule depending on my application.

Yes I am aware of the new legislation. Actually my old UT4 was safe from the 700Mhz legislation. It ran at around 608 or so.

The new one runs RF frequency range: 516–558 MHz

Excellent!
I've seen some unscrupulous folks trying to dump old non-conforming gear on the web. (which can actually be a good purchase if you are buying a unit with a significant rebate-on-return policy)

Are you going to use the mic in a live environment?

Well in the past I used it in talent shows at school which varied from general announcing to vocalists.

Initially it will be used for weddings as I have a bunch coming up. I'm a mobile DJ but I have a pretty flexible and sizable system and can handle a lot of different types of applications.

Arrived today: beasty device. I enjoyed how the first pages in the manual were all in German.

http://imgur.com/JQGJjl.jpg
http://imgur.com/TEANkl.jpg
http://imgur.com/f8iq5l.jpg

Awesome device. Completely blows away my old Shure system (which was only $100 less)

Range is amazing. I have the receiver in my basement room and I was getting good signal out side on the far side of my yard. At least 150 feet and going through concrete and house. The Shure would barely make it 30 feet with clear line of sight.

JD:

The big thing to keep an eye on is the frequency range that system is operating in.

Since June 12th, anything operating in/above the 700MHz. range is illegal unless it's Public Safety and licensed. Nothing was "grandfathered" for further use. So check the frequency and get it licensed for yourself. You should be aware that NOW, any wireless device needs a license (unless it meets certain, stringent max. ERP limits) and if not licensed, it has to except interference from legit sources, such as TV/Radio facilities that already have the permits/licenses.

It wouldn't hurt to also locate a local SBE Frequency Coordinator in your particular area and coordinate your system with his/her database. PM me for details if you need 'em.

:thumbsup:

Frequency was one of the first things I checked. I remember when checking my Shure when I first heard about that 700Mhz deal. It operates at 608Mhz. The Sennheiser runs between 516Mhz and 558 Mhz.

I did see this on Sennheiser's website:

So with that being said, Do I still need a license?

They also have this nifty Find Frequency tool on their website:
http://www.sennheiserusa.com/FindFrequency/

There really not too much that operate in the 518-558 in my area:
http://i.imgur.com/przpp.png

Something is wrong with the shure wireless, 30 feet is not right.

Most definitely. I took it apart but didn't see anything out of the ordinary wrong. No burnt or broken looking pieces.

Maybe not...but, WITH a license, you're the incumbent on those frequencies...as long as you have the priority to use them in that particular band.

Example: If in your circumstance, you're considered a "Priority" user and are licensed, if an itinerant comes into your area, regardless the situation (unless life/death are involved), the "newcomer" has to find a different set of frequencies to operate on...you have precidence. AND the license.

NOW, if he had the license and you didn't, guess who has to move or shut down? You do, because you're considered the itinerant and unless you can cooperate, you end up having to move.

Now, if you were a "Secondary" user and you operated "barefooted," "Priority Licensed"/"Priority Unlicensed" and then "Secondary Licensed" would have dibs over just "Secondary Unlicensed."

By having the license, you win in each "Class" over the "Unlicensed." It just makes sense to protect your investment/business with any/all tools available.

Also, but not in all cases, having the license shows that you're a responsible operator of your system and you're taking the time (and you've invested the money) to be sure you're delivering a good, sound (pun intended) product for your customer.

If you have access to an accurate frequency counter, hold the mic close to the I/P of the counter (or connect the appropriate antenna) and see if you're even on channel. If the mic is on, then the possibility of the "error" might be in the receiver itself. Usually, the Local Oscillator section of either unit might have drifted off and the internal AGC/PLL circuits can't pull it back on channel anymore. And unless you have the know-how to tweak these boxes, it's just better to have the factory smack 'em around to be sure everything is on channel and within bandwidth.

I'll have to look into that. Sounds interesting.

I am actually at a wedding now with the new Sennheiser. Weirdest thing happened. I started it up, ran the frequency scan, synced up the units, and all was well. We started testing it around the room, excellent reception.

Now the weird: I had the RX mute on and the microphone was just sitting on the table here and all of a sudden the AF meter peaks likes someones yelling into it...I'd have thought wit the RX mute on it wouldn't be listening and wouldn't have that problem.

I rescanned the frequencies and changed mine to slightly higher, seems ok so far.

A thought: If the AGC/PLL's can't get the unit back on channel wouldn't it not work period? At any range?

..more thinking....

Or is it the case that the signal is so strong (at close range) that it saturates nearby frequencies to the point where its within the range of the ACG/PLL's ability?

Congratulations. You just got stepped on. Someone else is on the same frequency. The receiver is always on, turning off the mic does not stop it from looking. That is why you always try and set up your wireless units where you can see them, and look at them fairly often.

Without getting into a ton of details, I've seen satellite dish LNBs float in and out of PLL. Their AGC circuitry would heat up/cool down and the LO would just follow along. Locked, unlocked, somewhat locked, REALLY UNLOCKED, etc., etc., etc... This occured on high-end LNBs too...the $2K and more style. Sucked when it happened. So, imagine a less expensive piece of gear having a "flakey" or marginally designed AGC/PLL. Now, paddle THAT boat out into the middle of the lake! :eek: ;)


Actually, the "front end" can get so saturated that the LO in the Rcv'r can start generating harmonics and then...you're screwed. That's why good gear is so damn expensive...the manufacturer has TESTED for that very situation and they've probably designed/re-designed their gear to eliminate such problems. But others, not so. So in this case, youse gets whats youse pays for.

And lately, I've seen two situations where the PLL has been so badly screwed up, you have to shut the system down, re-boot and TRY NOT to duplicate the situation again that caused the lockup.

It really comes down to cheap vs. well-designed (meaning...more expensive).

AND ONE OTHER, FINAL THOUGHT/EXPERIENCE...

A lot of times, you can turn on the gear and the transmitter and receiver will "play nice" with one another. But, due to age, all it takes is one or both items to finally get "up to temperature" and then, all bets are off. The transmitter will "float" high and the receiver will float "low" or vise-a-versa. Or, one shuts down and the others wanders all over the place...

Proper/regular maintenance is the only sure way to be sure you have a chance that everything will work nicely.

Remember: For each piece of gear in the chain, your chances for failure increase an additional 50% for each and every item.

It's amazing to think about it...our cars start practically every time we turn the key. :thumbsup: