Changing microphone for PA system with more sensitive/Omni

[Tricky]

Hi all,

 

We have a portable PA system with active speakers we use in our Sports Hall and sometime outside. For the most part it's fine for it's purpose, but we've been asked to replace the Mic to make it more omni directional and not require being so close to it.

 

So currently we're using a Shure SM58 microphone, it's fine if you are directly infront of it and within a few inches. That's not unreasonable but the concern being brought to me is when you have several people behind a lectern it's not loud enough. We obviously position the mic stand so it's close but still get complaints.

 

So my question is, is just a replacement mic the answer? if so any suggestions for specific models? Also will a more sensitive mic give us feedback problems? Typically the speakers are 3-4 metres either side (in-line) with the mic stand).

 

 

Thanks

[Andrew_C]

The 58 is a cardioid, and will be helping to avoid feedback. That said, it may be a omni would work, if the levels are low(ish) and the sound isn't reflected straight back to the stage.

 

If you've got a PA seller locally, ask them to lend you a few to try. Then buy from them, rather than risk getting the wrong thing, or a knock-off on eBay. Please note, most of the 58s on eBay are fakes.

[dhicks]

So my question is, is just a replacement mic the answer?

 

I don't know enough about sound egineering to definatly recommend something, but I've noticed with our microphones that having them connected up to a different mixer / amplifier seems to make a difference. Would maybe adding a microphone pre-amp of some kind help? @Andrew_C might be able to give better advice than me, but just adding a small 4-channel mic mixer (£20 from Amazon, see http://www.amazon.co.uk/G105AA-Soundlab-Channel-Microphone-Mixer/dp/B0048FD0DW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1437661999&sr=8-3&keywords=mic+amp) seemed to make our microphone more able to pick up sound.