Hall Audio Sound System

[Scorpio]

Hi All

 

We have a job requesting a new hall sound system or parts thereof, they have speakers already which run from a zone mixer amp, this needs replacing, the speakers are ok, and they want 4 wireless rechargeable mics. Is there anything you guys can recommend or advise what you use to point us in the right direction.

 

Many Thanks

 

S

[dhicks]

We have a job requesting a new hall sound system or parts thereof, they have speakers already which run from a zone mixer amp, this needs replacing, the speakers are ok, and they want 4 wireless rechargeable mics.

 

If it's any help, there's this thread from 9 (!) years ago:

 

http://www.edugeek.net/forums/av-multimedia-related/113765-rackmount-wireless-microphone-set.html

 

The £250 set of 4 Chord microphones I bought back then is still working just fine - none of the original links in that thread still work, but a quick search on Amazon for "4 channel microphone" turns up some very similar-looking 1U rackmount sets for around £200 or less. We wound up buying two sets - one with handheld mics, one with headset mics, the one receiver works with either type, so you can have a total of 4 mics, a mix of handheld or headset, in use at one time. We've found using standard AA batteries to be less trouble than trying to use rechaergables.

 

I don't know enough about amplifiers to be able to recommend anything, we wound up using VeryPC to recommend and sell us new speakers for our hall - their audio / visual department knows their stuff, we wound up buying stage curtains from them as well.

 

For the "mixer" part of things, I rather liked the look of the HH Electronics Tensor-Go:

 

https://www.studiospares.com/live-and-pa/pa-systems/column-pa/hh-electronics-tensor-go-252610.htm

 

An all-in-one portable system, but with suitible audio out connections so you could use it in your hall or as a portable solution.

[slugshead]

I've had really good results with AKG wireless mics, good quality both in build and sound

 

Pair 4 mics up to this and you should be good to go

 

https://www.kennysmusic.co.uk/akg-dsr-tetrad-digital-wireless-multichannel-receiver-p3203

 

Or get this kit twice

 

https://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/AKG-WMS40-Mini-Dual-Wireless-Vocal-Microphone-System/ (they have edu discount available too)

 

For the zone mixer, how many speakers do you have? Passive/active - It's a real rabbit hole! How big is your budget for this part of the mini-project

[jahbulon]

I would say go with Shure microphones.

 

If they want wireless hand mics, check out the GLX-D range.

 

For handless, it would be the BLX Presenter range.

 

IMO no point going cheap with microphones. The above aren't the most expensive, it gets much worse than these lol

 

We have these, and the quality is great.

 

Advisable to stay with known brands with audio gear, there are lots of quality out there. Less to worry about with mixers.

 

With audio production you'll only be as good as the weakest link e.g. you can have great gear but if you buy low quality leads - it will sound like shit.

 

Cheers.

[Scorpio]

Thanks for the input guys, I will take a look. Anyone else please let me know what you use / recommend.

@slugshead There is 6 speakers, not self powered. Not sure on the budget they just asked for options and to price. So 2 or 3 options would be good, want it to be simple to use, and connect and control the 4 mics and other inputs such as laptop etc.

 

Any pointers would be great, as I can see some mixers, no amps, or some without enough aux / channels, would really would like to consolidate everything with least amount of kit.

 

Thanks.

 

S

[hallb15]

I've had good advice from https://www.astounded.com/

We've bought most of our Hall AV stuff from them.

Powered PA speakers, cables, mics, stands, stage lighting, pretty much everything apart from the projector.

 

Ross @VeryPC also knows his AV stuff.

[Andrew_C]

To be aware of - License Free analogue radio mic channels are limited. Four will be OK if you go for UHF, but the cheaper VHF may present problems. Digital systems have different problems. See LINK.

[SamanthaD]

Some food for thought.

 

Is the system going to be run by an engineer / desk op (managed) or left alone for people to use as they please (unmanaged)?

 

If it's managed then just a desk, mics, amps and probably a speaker management system. If you have 6 speakers in the space then these should be driven by individual amps so they can be delayed appropriately.

If it's unmanaged then just mics and a decent DSP and amps will do.

 

We have both systems in use here. Managed systems are run by a technician who handle the care of the equipment, so more delicate, higher end kit can be used. More mics can be allowed in use at any one time as it's mixed. Any issues can be resolved. Unmanaged systems are a bit more of a challenge - people help themselves to the mics and expect them to work. Number of potential available mics is reduced and potential for abuse (or the friendly teacher who has a fancy Hi-Fi at home therefore knows what they're doing) is increased.

 

Across the board we use Sennheiser UHF systems, with charging cradles and rechargeable batteries. A bit more expensive to start with, but means no-one messing around changing batteries as they can stay in the mics while charging, gives them somewhere to live and means the mics are always ready for use. Something like this -

 

 

A DSP is going to be your best friend here too. If you can get one that has no front panel controls to be played with so much the better! Typically these have functions such as automatic gain control, automixing and decent EQ so that you can tailor the sound, unplug your laptop and no-one can fiddle. Decent sized ones will also have enough outputs for all your speakers to be individually delayed (12 in, 8 out is typical). You can also get volume controls so that basic levels can be controlled easily by users if you wish.

 

Final thing - for four mics consider aerial distribution, and external antenna. Not saying you'll ever have any issues, but when you do you'll regret not having it in place!

[Andrew_C]

If you have 6 speakers in the space then these should be driven by individual amps so they can be delayed appropriately.

I don't think there can be many school halls where adding delays won't reduce ineligibility. Stick with a pair at the stage for reinforcement. Possibly use others for effects, or if the hall is used in different configurations.

[Scorpio]

Thanks Guys,

 

Its unmanaged and the speakers have been in for some years without issue, just need an idea or pointers of what equipment may be required. Don't think there is a massive amount of money available but if anyone had models for anything that they use or would be worth looking into for the amp/mixer/EQ etc that's is simple to use that would be amazing as a starting point.

 

I read about the licenses so will take heed there where nessacery.

 

Thanks

 

S

[slugshead]

Rack mount mixer, 12 channel

 

https://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Behringer-Eurorack-RX1202FX-V2-Pro-Mixer/3LXS

 

Since the speakers are passives, could use something like this to feed the mixer into a power the speakers, it's an 8 channel amp but you got 6 speakers so should be alright

 

https://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Monacor-STA-850D-400W-Power-Amplifier/25Y5

[SamanthaD]

Rack mount mixer, 12 channel

 

https://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Behringer-Eurorack-RX1202FX-V2-Pro-Mixer/3LXS

 

Since the speakers are passives, could use something like this to feed the mixer into a power the speakers, it's an 8 channel amp but you got 6 speakers so should be alright

 

https://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Monacor-STA-850D-400W-Power-Amplifier/25Y5

 

Those Behringers are renowned for the power capacitors blowing on them....

[slugshead]

Those Behringers are renowned for the power capacitors blowing on them....

 

Have you tried them? I've got 3 in meeting rooms coupled to beyerdynamic mics in the ceilings above the tables. Been in 2 years and no issues at all other than people unplugging the connection to the PC. Great for the price point tbh.

[paulellam]

Thanks for the input guys, I will take a look. Anyone else please let me know what you use / recommend.

@slugshead There is 6 speakers, not self powered. Not sure on the budget they just asked for options and to price. So 2 or 3 options would be good, want it to be simple to use, and connect and control the 4 mics and other inputs such as laptop etc.

 

Any pointers would be great, as I can see some mixers, no amps, or some without enough aux / channels, would really would like to consolidate everything with least amount of kit.

 

Thanks.

 

S

 

I installed our hall system and was designed for all members of staff to be able to use it with ease, but also future proofed for expansion, my model was non complicated kit that was easy to navigate and without too many 'buttons and dials' that could be meddled with etc.

 

When I,m back in on Monday I,ll email the pdfs for the kit over, the project was successful and I do not get many user errors lol and also did not cost the earth.

[smithson83]

@paulellam if possible, I'd be interested in your setup too. I'm currently looking at our sports hall AV setup, and would love another view on setup.

[SamanthaD]

Have you tried them? I've got 3 in meeting rooms coupled to beyerdynamic mics in the ceilings above the tables. Been in 2 years and no issues at all other than people unplugging the connection to the PC. Great for the price point tbh.

We installed over 100 of them as part of a lecture capture programme, as we needed a cheap rackmount mixer with an aux output. Over the years at least 50% of them have blown their capacitors, they do last around 4/5 years before the issues show up though.

[Scorpio]

I installed our hall system and was designed for all members of staff to be able to use it with ease, but also future proofed for expansion, my model was non complicated kit that was easy to navigate and without too many 'buttons and dials' that could be meddled with etc.

 

When I,m back in on Monday I,ll email the pdfs for the kit over, the project was successful and I do not get many user errors lol and also did not cost the earth.

 

Please message me the details please. Much appreciated.

 

Sorry been on leave, thanks for all input, happy to consider anyone's recommendations, it has to be very simply and least amount of kit, is there anything that is an amp and mixer in one ?

 

So really just need the 4 mics connecting in. For 4 mics will I need the licenses then? What is the best wireless topology for the mics, UHF ?

 

Thanks

 

S

[Alawil]

I don’t recall which model we went with but worth looking at something like. https://polar.uk.com/australian-monitor-hs250-mixer-amplifier-hs250?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1v6M2uig9wIVi-vtCh0pCgSwEAQYBiABEgKhc_D_BwE

 

These are very simple units, we are a small primary and it’s been brilliant when compared to the previous very complex mixer desk.