Microphones (Lanyard and Headset)

[Gongalong]

Hi folks,

 

We’ve had a request to replace our current mix of wireless handheld and lapel mics with two or four wireless lanyard mics.

 

I’ve come across systems by Revolabs and Crestron, but just checking on the off chance that anyone can recommend (or not) a system?

 

On a similar topic, we are also going to buy at least twelve headset microphones for school plays/musicals.

 

Again, can anyone recommend (or not) a system? We’ve already had a quote for a Trantec system.

 

TIA

[antlear]

Hi you say 'wireless lanyard mics' can i ask what is wrong with handheld/lapel mics. Also what are they being used for?

aslo what do you mean by lanyard mics?

[Andrew_C]

Without wishing to teach you to suck eggs, did you know that if you want 12 wireless channels*, you will need to licence them? And you need someone competent to mix them, they are not a "set and forget" tool.

 

Sennheiser and Sure systems would be worth adding to the possibles list.

 

 

*Unless you go digital, something like Line6. But that will stamp all over your school's WiFi if you use it!

Edited October 6, 2014 by Andrew_C

[antlear]

I missed the part about the headset mics.

you can use 12 sennheisers on 38, and a license will cost you about £120

[Gongalong]

antlear: There was an incident where the lapel mics were used incorrectly. We do have handheld mics, but people prefer not to use them because they get in the way of presenting. Blame and lack of training aside though, we've been told lanyard mics have to be bought, so that's where we are.

 

By lanyard mic I mean a microphone that's attached to a lanyard around the neck, and it would need to be an integral unit i.e. not a lapel mic attached to a lanyard with a separate pack.

 

Andrew_C: I hadn't been aware of the licensing requirement, but someone mentioned it the other day. We've had a quote for a Trantec system, and that included the mixer etc. so we're aware that this is not a trivial purchase.

[antlear]

First thing when You say lanyard mics i think of is Feedback. Unless the mic/receiver unit is near the person this will have a high gain which will easily cause feedback.

Have you tried headsets mics instead?

 

 

 

In regards to the 12 headset radio mics, what mixer have you been offered? I have seen installs where they give a mixer than is useless as it has no eq just gain and master volume controls.

[Gongalong]

The mic would be no further away than a lapel mic (which we're using now). Unfortunately the request is specifically for lanyard mics, so I'm guessing the presenter in question has used them successfully elsewhere.

 

Along with the Trantec headset mics we've been quoted a Yamaha 20 channel mixer (£550), mixer case etc.

[Andrew_C]

Licences aren't expensive. £135 for two years.

 

https://www.pmse.co.uk/fees.aspx Be aware that Ch70 (free) can carry 4 channels. After that, you need to licence your kit. You get allocated a channel(s) to use dependant on your location.

[plexer]

What about one of these systems?

 

Revolabs - Wireless Microphone Systems - Video Conferencing | Revolabs

 

No idea of cost though.

 

Ben

[Gongalong]

Thanks. Revolabs were mentioned in the OP. They seem to be one of very few that produce them.

[dhicks]

I’ve come across systems by Revolabs and Crestron, but just checking on the off chance that anyone can recommend (or not) a system?

 

I had a demo of Lightspeed's microphone system at the last BETT show (completly different company to the filtering / firewall people):

 

https://www.lightspeed-tek.com/

 

Their equipment is built for the classroom. They do mics that hang round your neck, which seems to be the kind of thing you're aiming for.

 

If you just want a cheap 4-channel handheld / headset system, we have one of these:

 

Chord QU4 Quad UHF Wireless Handheld Mic Microphone: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

 

At £230 for the set (rack-mount 4-channel all-in-one receiver / mixer and mics) they are about as cheap as you can get a decent, reliable, compact set of wireless mics for. Not expandable beyond 4 mics (although you can swap around headsets and handhelds between systems), but might be handy as a backup for where people just want a couple of wireless mics set up quickly.

 

--

David Hicks