Re: [Callers] wireless mics - headsets or handhelds?

[James Saxe]

I don't have particular recommendations for wireless mics, but I'll
offer a general subjective impression:  It seems to me that, on
average, I've noticed more problems with caller intelligibility
with wireless mics than with wired mics, and more with headset
wireless mics than with handheld ones.

I don't know just why this is.  It could have to do with reception
and interference.  It could have to do with purchasers scrimping
on quality.  In the case of headsets, it could have to do with
positioning of the pick-up (proximity effect, etc.).  It could be
selective/biased noticing on my part.  (E.g., if the caller's words
are hard to make out, I might have a tendency to blame the wireless
mic if one is in use, while with a wired mic, I might blame the
equalization or the caller's enunciation.)  One thing, I've
noticed for sure is that as the batteries in the transmitter run
low, many wireless mics will start sounding fuzzy well before they
completely stop working.

There certainly are good wireless mics around.

I didn't call at NEFFA this year and didn't notice what kind of
mics they were using, but I know that at least in some years
they've used handheld wireless callers' mics for the callers in
the large dance halls and gotten good results with many different
callers and teachers using the same mic over the course of the
weekend.

I know there are some list members who are involved with running
the NEFFA festival.  Do any of you know what kind of wireless mics
the sound contractors supply?

In this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vbMRVq6RXk

you can see and hear a rather inconspicuous headset mic that seems
to be giving excellent results.  I don't know what kind it is,
whether it's standard or custom, how much it costs (if it's even
generally available), or how much the quality of results depends
precise positioning of the mouthpiece or on racks of gear (with
skilled operators) at the receiver end.

--Jim

On May 23, 2012, at 10:01 AM, Emily Addison wrote:


Hi Folks!

I have a microphone question for this awesome community that I'm  
hoping you can help us out with. Our contra dance committee (Ottawa)  
would like to purchase a wireless mic to use for introductory  
lessons as well as family dances.  However, we don't have major  
sound expertise on our committee and were wondering a few things.


(1) do callers prefer a handheld or headset (thinking of family  
dances as part of this as we want to add 3-4 a year to our regular  
contra schedule)???

(2) suggestion for particular models of handhelds and headsets???

I know that microphones have been discussed previously on the list  
(I pulled some of the discussion from previous years and put it  
below).  However, more people may now have more experience, maybe  
there are more current models... ...


Will (L) - did you ever do your microphone survey that your  
mentioned back a few years ago?


For those who have headsets, why did you go that way and do you like  
your model?

For those who have handhels, similar questions! :)

Help would be most appreciated as we would like to invest in  
something that will be great for various callers to use.


Much thanks!
Emily from Ottawa
___

From holt.e at comcast.net  Tue Jul 31 16:27:23 2007

From: holt.e at comcast.net (Rickey)
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:27:23 -0400
Subject: [Callers] Opinions on Sound Equipment Needed
Message-ID: <01c7d3b1$3712a770$020fa8c0@maxx>

Hi All,

We are shopping for sound equipment.  We hold dances in a small  
extremely
live hall.  We get from 30 to 50 dancers.  We also do gigs in other  
halls

for up to 100. We are a community band: good musicians with, sometimes
several sit-ins (also good): We are 2 Fiddles, 1 recorder/clarinet/ 
saxophone
(i.e. one person, who switches between these instruments), 1 Silver  
flute, 1
Irish (wooden) flute, 1 guitar (with pick-up soon I hope), 1  
keyboard, 1

Bodhran, sometimes 1 added Bodhran, rarely another guitar, a stand up
Acoustic Bass, and an Acoustic Piano (in place of keyboards). With  
Caller at

most we need 12 inputs.  Below is a list of the equipment we are
considering.  We are relatively new to equipment of this caliber.   
Ease of

use is an issue. We are choosing from among the following. Do you have
experience with these? Do you have preferences?

MIXERS:

1.  Allen & Heath PA20 - 16 mono inputs plus 2 stereo inputs, and a
built-in equalizer

OR

2.  Soundcraft MPM12/2 - 12 mono inputs plus 2 stereo inputs. Would
require an added  equalizer, possibly the dbx 231 31-Band Graphic  
Equalizer,

from Sweetwater

Speakers

We are thinking of using 10" powered speakers, 2 for the room, and 2  
for

monitors. The two we are choosing between are:

1.  Mackie SRM 350

OR

2.  RCF ART 310A

To this we would add a caller's monitor TC-Helicon VoiceSolo VSM-200

MICROPHONES

1.  Dynamic Vocal Mikes - Either  Shure SM 58, OR Shure Beta 58
2.   And for General 

Re: [Callers] wireless mics - headsets or handhelds?

[Michael Barraclough]

Or you can, as I do, have both handheld and a headset wireless
microphones.  They use the same receiver, operate on the same waveband
etc.  I call using the headset, but switch it off and the handheld on (1
click on each) just before the announcements.  The handheld also acts as
a backup for any issues with the headset (only one found so far is the
batteries failing).

Michael Barraclough
www.michaelbarraclough.com


On Wed, 2012-05-23 at 11:00 -0700, Greg McKenzie wrote:
> When considering the use of a head mike I suggest that your sound committee
> consider another factor that has not been discussed.  During our last two
> dances I have made announcements before the break without using a mike.  I
> did not want to use the caller's head mike because of both convenience and
> sanitary considerations, but the sound engineer had not set up a stand or a
> wired mike.
> 
> A hand-held wireless can be clipped to a stand for use by others making
> announcements or introductions.  A head-mike cannot be used easily by
> anyone except the wearer.
> 
> Announcements are an important function at dances that helps to distribute
> leadership in the dance community.  I think having a mike on a stand is
> very important--even if only used for announcements.  Consequently, if you
> purchase a head-mike you should consider having an auxiliary mike on a
> stand as a normal part of the sound setup.
> 
> Head-mikes are even more personal than a hand-held.  They also require the
> caller to learn the particulars of the mike including the positions of
> switches and the best position for the mouth boom. These are variables that
> each caller would have to adjust to for a head-mike provided by the
> series.  Perhaps we should consider head-mikes a caller's personal
> responsibility, if they require one.  That seems to be how most of those
> who use them view these systems.
> 
> These are some factors you might consider.
> 
> - Greg McKenzie
> 
> *
> 
> On Wed, May 23, 2012 at 10:01 AM, Emily Addison  wrote:
> 
> > Hi Folks!
> >
> > I have a microphone question for this awesome community that I'm hoping
> > you can help us out with. Our contra dance committee (Ottawa) would like to
> > purchase a wireless mic to use for introductory lessons as well as family
> > dances.  However, we don't have major sound expertise on our committee and
> > were wondering a few things.
> >
> > (1) do callers prefer a handheld or headset (thinking of family dances as
> > part of this as we want to add 3-4 a year to our regular contra schedule)???
> > (2) suggestion for particular models of handhelds and headsets???
> >
> > I know that microphones have been discussed previously on the list (I
> > pulled some of the discussion from previous years and put it below).
> >  However, more people may now have more experience, maybe there are more
> > current models... ...
> >
> > Will (L) - did you ever do your microphone survey that your mentioned back
> > a few years ago?
> >
> > For those who have headsets, why did you go that way and do you like your
> > model?
> > For those who have handhels, similar questions! :)
> >
> > Help would be most appreciated as we would like to invest in something
> > that will be great for various callers to use.
> >
> > Much thanks!
> > Emily from Ottawa
> >
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> call...@sharedweight.net
> http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers

Re: [Callers] wireless mics - headsets or handhelds?

[Greg McKenzie]

When considering the use of a head mike I suggest that your sound committee
consider another factor that has not been discussed.  During our last two
dances I have made announcements before the break without using a mike.  I
did not want to use the caller's head mike because of both convenience and
sanitary considerations, but the sound engineer had not set up a stand or a
wired mike.

A hand-held wireless can be clipped to a stand for use by others making
announcements or introductions.  A head-mike cannot be used easily by
anyone except the wearer.

Announcements are an important function at dances that helps to distribute
leadership in the dance community.  I think having a mike on a stand is
very important--even if only used for announcements.  Consequently, if you
purchase a head-mike you should consider having an auxiliary mike on a
stand as a normal part of the sound setup.

Head-mikes are even more personal than a hand-held.  They also require the
caller to learn the particulars of the mike including the positions of
switches and the best position for the mouth boom. These are variables that
each caller would have to adjust to for a head-mike provided by the
series.  Perhaps we should consider head-mikes a caller's personal
responsibility, if they require one.  That seems to be how most of those
who use them view these systems.

These are some factors you might consider.

- Greg McKenzie

*

On Wed, May 23, 2012 at 10:01 AM, Emily Addison  wrote:

> Hi Folks!
>
> I have a microphone question for this awesome community that I'm hoping
> you can help us out with. Our contra dance committee (Ottawa) would like to
> purchase a wireless mic to use for introductory lessons as well as family
> dances.  However, we don't have major sound expertise on our committee and
> were wondering a few things.
>
> (1) do callers prefer a handheld or headset (thinking of family dances as
> part of this as we want to add 3-4 a year to our regular contra schedule)???
> (2) suggestion for particular models of handhelds and headsets???
>
> I know that microphones have been discussed previously on the list (I
> pulled some of the discussion from previous years and put it below).
>  However, more people may now have more experience, maybe there are more
> current models... ...
>
> Will (L) - did you ever do your microphone survey that your mentioned back
> a few years ago?
>
> For those who have headsets, why did you go that way and do you like your
> model?
> For those who have handhels, similar questions! :)
>
> Help would be most appreciated as we would like to invest in something
> that will be great for various callers to use.
>
> Much thanks!
> Emily from Ottawa
>

Re: [Callers] wireless mics - headsets or handhelds?

[Laur]

Mac makes a very good point:

<< My opinion - if you just buy one wireless and expect all the callers to use 
it, it should be hand held >>



Laurie

Re: [Callers] wireless mics - headsets or handhelds?

[Richard Mckeever]

Let me add one more thing that may help.  Even though our local group has a 
headset available at every dance, I am the only caller who chooses to use it. 
All of the others (and we have a lot of them) prefer a wired hand held.

Mac




 From: Emily Addison 
To: call...@sharedweight.net 
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 12:01 PM
Subject: [Callers] wireless mics - headsets or handhelds?
 
Hi Folks!

I have a microphone question for this awesome community that I'm hoping you can 
help us out with. Our contra dance committee (Ottawa) would like to purchase a 
wireless mic to use for introductory lessons as well as family dances.  
However, we don't have major sound expertise on our committee and were 
wondering a few things.

(1) do callers prefer a handheld or headset (thinking of family dances as part 
of this as we want to add 3-4 a year to our regular contra schedule)???
(2) suggestion for particular models of handhelds and headsets???

I know that microphones have been discussed previously on the list (I pulled 
some of the discussion from previous years and put it below).  However, more 
people may now have more experience, maybe there are more current models... ...

Will (L) - did you ever do your microphone survey that your mentioned back a 
few years ago?

For those who have headsets, why did you go that way and do you like your model?
For those who have handhels, similar questions! :)

Help would be most appreciated as we would like to invest in something that 
will be great for various callers to use. 

Much thanks!
Emily from Ottawa
___
>From holt.e at comcast.net  Tue Jul 31 16:27:23 2007
From: holt.e at comcast.net (Rickey)
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:27:23 -0400
Subject: [Callers] Opinions on Sound Equipment Needed
Message-ID: <01c7d3b1$3712a770$020fa8c0@maxx>

Hi All,

We are shopping for sound equipment.  We hold dances in a small extremely
live hall.  We get from 30 to 50 dancers.  We also do gigs in other halls
for up to 100. We are a community band: good musicians with, sometimes
several sit-ins (also good): We are 2 Fiddles, 1 recorder/clarinet/saxophone
(i.e. one person, who switches between these instruments), 1 Silver flute, 1
Irish (wooden) flute, 1 guitar (with pick-up soon I hope), 1 keyboard, 1
Bodhran, sometimes 1 added Bodhran, rarely another guitar, a stand up
Acoustic Bass, and an Acoustic Piano (in place of keyboards). With Caller at
most we need 12 inputs.  Below is a list of the equipment we are
considering.  We are relatively new to equipment of this caliber.  Ease of
use is an issue. We are choosing from among the following. Do you have
experience with these? Do you have preferences?

MIXERS:

1.    Allen & Heath PA20 - 16 mono inputs plus 2 stereo inputs, and a
built-in equalizer 

OR

2.    Soundcraft MPM12/2 - 12 mono inputs plus 2 stereo inputs. Would
require an added  equalizer, possibly the dbx 231 31-Band Graphic Equalizer,
from Sweetwater

Speakers

We are thinking of using 10" powered speakers, 2 for the room, and 2 for
monitors. The two we are choosing between are:

1.    Mackie SRM 350

OR

2.    RCF ART 310A

To this we would add a caller's monitor TC-Helicon VoiceSolo VSM-200 

MICROPHONES

1.    Dynamic Vocal Mikes - Either  Shure SM 58, OR Shure Beta 58
2.     And for General Purpose Mikes: Shure SM 57

What has you experience with this equipment been.

Thanks for you help,

Rickey Holt.




>From peter at amidonmusic.com  Tue Jul 31 17:19:02 2007
From: peter at amidonmusic.com (Peter Amidon)
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:19:02 -0400
Subject: [Callers] Opinions on Sound Equipment Needed
In-Reply-To: <01c7d3b1$3712a770$020fa8c0@maxx>
References: <01c7d3b1$3712a770$020fa8c0@maxx>
Message-ID: 

Hi,

I am adding to the request.

I need advice on what self-powered speaker with
at least an XLR and a quarter inch input in the
back.  I would love a speaker big enough for
dancing with groups of children; right now I use
my amplifier with an EV X300 (I'm spoiled).

I would be using it with my wireless headset
system (the XLR connection) and my iPod
(I have an adaptor into a quarter inch input).

Of course I would love it if it were not too heavy.
It needs to be able to go on a stand.

Any suggestions?

Many thanks.

Peter Amidon
peter at amidonmusic.com
802-257-1006
cell 917-922-5462

>From richgoss at comcast.net  Tue Jul 31 17:31:49 2007
From: richgoss at comcast.net (richgoss at comcast.net)
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 21:31:49 +
Subject: [Callers] Opinions on Sound Equipment Needed
Message-ID: 
<073120072131.11306.46afaa45000c02232c2a22007601809c9c0109080c0...@comcast.net>

Hi,

I've been giving serious consideration to a Roland AC-90.  Peter, you described 
it exactly.  It's light weight, has both XLR and 1/4" input.  Also has Aux 
inputs in the back for an iPod (RCA and 1/4".  the cool thing about it is that 
it has a 

Re: [Callers] wireless mics - headsets or handhelds?

[Richard Mckeever]

Why are you considering a wireless mic?

If it is to get out and move around during a lesson - I prefer a headset 
because I participate in the lesson as a dancer so I need both hands free
If the instructor does not participate in the lesson a hand held might be 
better.

Many callers just do not like headsets - they take some getting used to.  
Everyone knows how to use a hand held.  If you just use it for the caller on 
stage there might not be much benefit in having a wireless mic - except when 
the caller goes on to the floor to demo something - and I like to have both 
hands free for that too.

I really enjoy having my hands free when calling - but I have my own headset 
that I am comfortable with.  Our group also owns a headset that I use at our 
local dances.  I also own a handheld but it is rarely used.


Comfort and fit are also issues for 'community' headsets What works for one 
caller might be awkward for another.

My opinion - if you just buy one wireless and expect all the callers to use it, 
it should be hand held

I haven't shopped for mics for quite a while - so I can't make any specific 
recommendations.

Mac McKeever




 From: Emily Addison 
To: call...@sharedweight.net 
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 12:01 PM
Subject: [Callers] wireless mics - headsets or handhelds?
 
Hi Folks!

I have a microphone question for this awesome community that I'm hoping you can 
help us out with. Our contra dance committee (Ottawa) would like to purchase a 
wireless mic to use for introductory lessons as well as family dances.  
However, we don't have major sound expertise on our committee and were 
wondering a few things.

(1) do callers prefer a handheld or headset (thinking of family dances as part 
of this as we want to add 3-4 a year to our regular contra schedule)???
(2) suggestion for particular models of handhelds and headsets???

I know that microphones have been discussed previously on the list (I pulled 
some of the discussion from previous years and put it below).  However, more 
people may now have more experience, maybe there are more current models... ...

Will (L) - did you ever do your microphone survey that your mentioned back a 
few years ago?

For those who have headsets, why did you go that way and do you like your model?
For those who have handhels, similar questions! :)

Help would be most appreciated as we would like to invest in something that 
will be great for various callers to use. 

Much thanks!
Emily from Ottawa
___
>From holt.e at comcast.net  Tue Jul 31 16:27:23 2007
From: holt.e at comcast.net (Rickey)
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:27:23 -0400
Subject: [Callers] Opinions on Sound Equipment Needed
Message-ID: <01c7d3b1$3712a770$020fa8c0@maxx>

Hi All,

We are shopping for sound equipment.  We hold dances in a small extremely
live hall.  We get from 30 to 50 dancers.  We also do gigs in other halls
for up to 100. We are a community band: good musicians with, sometimes
several sit-ins (also good): We are 2 Fiddles, 1 recorder/clarinet/saxophone
(i.e. one person, who switches between these instruments), 1 Silver flute, 1
Irish (wooden) flute, 1 guitar (with pick-up soon I hope), 1 keyboard, 1
Bodhran, sometimes 1 added Bodhran, rarely another guitar, a stand up
Acoustic Bass, and an Acoustic Piano (in place of keyboards). With Caller at
most we need 12 inputs.  Below is a list of the equipment we are
considering.  We are relatively new to equipment of this caliber.  Ease of
use is an issue. We are choosing from among the following. Do you have
experience with these? Do you have preferences?

MIXERS:

1.    Allen & Heath PA20 - 16 mono inputs plus 2 stereo inputs, and a
built-in equalizer 

OR

2.    Soundcraft MPM12/2 - 12 mono inputs plus 2 stereo inputs. Would
require an added  equalizer, possibly the dbx 231 31-Band Graphic Equalizer,
from Sweetwater

Speakers

We are thinking of using 10" powered speakers, 2 for the room, and 2 for
monitors. The two we are choosing between are:

1.    Mackie SRM 350

OR

2.    RCF ART 310A

To this we would add a caller's monitor TC-Helicon VoiceSolo VSM-200 

MICROPHONES

1.    Dynamic Vocal Mikes - Either  Shure SM 58, OR Shure Beta 58
2.     And for General Purpose Mikes: Shure SM 57

What has you experience with this equipment been.

Thanks for you help,

Rickey Holt.




>From peter at amidonmusic.com  Tue Jul 31 17:19:02 2007
From: peter at amidonmusic.com (Peter Amidon)
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:19:02 -0400
Subject: [Callers] Opinions on Sound Equipment Needed
In-Reply-To: <01c7d3b1$3712a770$020fa8c0@maxx>
References: <01c7d3b1$3712a770$020fa8c0@maxx>
Message-ID: 

Hi,

I am adding to the request.

I need advice on what self-powered speaker with
at least an XLR and a quarter inch input in the
back.  I would love a speaker big enough for
dancing with groups of children; right now I use
my amplifier 

Re: [Callers] wireless mics - headsets or handhelds?

[Laur]

Love to hear the updates as well.

Emily, as a caller I prefer the headset.  

I'd rather be handsfree.  It's cumbersome to hold the mic, and it's physically 
uncomfortable for me to hold it all evening.  The advantage of the hand held is 
the freedom to talk or cough or breath without putting it over the hall.  I 
typically move or cover the mic on the headset, or simply turn the mute on 
where there is a mute.  Someone with sound experience needs to talk about the 
differences in that aspect.

There's a good bit of difference in headset models in terms of comfort and fit 
and sound interference. Also consider a mute button and the cords and the 
transmitter you need to hook onto something.

I'm also in the market to purchase so I'm sending thanks in advance to current 
comments and to Will's survey.  The communities I call with have their own 
systems but I need to borrow a system for weddings and festivals, and not all 
communities have wireless mics.

Laurie
West MI


--- On Wed, 5/23/12, Emily Addison  wrote:

> From: Emily Addison 
> Subject: [Callers] wireless mics - headsets or handhelds?
> To: call...@sharedweight.net
> Date: Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 1:01 PM
> Hi Folks!
> 
> I have a microphone question for this awesome community that
> I'm hoping you can help us out with. Our contra dance
> committee (Ottawa) would like to purchase a wireless mic to
> use for introductory lessons as well as family dances. 
> However, we don't have major sound expertise on our
> committee and were wondering a few things.
> 
> (1) do callers prefer a handheld or headset (thinking of
> family dances as part of this as we want to add 3-4 a year
> to our regular contra schedule)???
> (2) suggestion for particular models of handhelds and
> headsets???
> 
> I know that microphones have been discussed previously on
> the list (I pulled some of the discussion from previous
> years and put it below).  However, more people may now
> have more experience, maybe there are more current models...
> ...
>  
> Will (L) - did you ever do your microphone survey that your
> mentioned back a few years ago?
> 
> For those who have headsets, why did you go that way and do
> you like your model?
> For those who have handhels, similar questions! :)
> 
> Help would be most appreciated as we would like to invest in
> something that will be great for various callers to use. 
> 
> Much thanks!
> Emily from Ottawa
> ___
> >From holt.e at comcast.net  Tue Jul 31 16:27:23
> 2007
> From: holt.e at comcast.net (Rickey)
> Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:27:23 -0400
> Subject: [Callers] Opinions on Sound Equipment Needed
> Message-ID: <01c7d3b1$3712a770$020fa8c0@maxx>
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> We are shopping for sound equipment.  We hold dances in
> a small extremely
> live hall.  We get from 30 to 50 dancers.  We also
> do gigs in other halls
> for up to 100. We are a community band: good musicians with,
> sometimes
> several sit-ins (also good): We are 2 Fiddles, 1
> recorder/clarinet/saxophone
> (i.e. one person, who switches between these instruments), 1
> Silver flute, 1
> Irish (wooden) flute, 1 guitar (with pick-up soon I hope), 1
> keyboard, 1
> Bodhran, sometimes 1 added Bodhran, rarely another guitar, a
> stand up
> Acoustic Bass, and an Acoustic Piano (in place of
> keyboards). With Caller at
> most we need 12 inputs.  Below is a list of the
> equipment we are
> considering.  We are relatively new to equipment of
> this caliber.  Ease of
> use is an issue. We are choosing from among the following.
> Do you have
> experience with these? Do you have preferences?
> 
> MIXERS:
> 
> 1.    Allen & Heath PA20 - 16 mono inputs
> plus 2 stereo inputs, and a
> built-in equalizer 
> 
> OR
> 
> 2.    Soundcraft MPM12/2 - 12 mono inputs
> plus 2 stereo inputs. Would
> require an added  equalizer, possibly the dbx 231
> 31-Band Graphic Equalizer,
> from Sweetwater
> 
> Speakers
> 
> We are thinking of using 10" powered speakers, 2 for the
> room, and 2 for
> monitors. The two we are choosing between are:
> 
> 1.    Mackie SRM 350
> 
> OR
> 
> 2.    RCF ART 310A
> 
> To this we would add a caller's monitor TC-Helicon VoiceSolo
> VSM-200 
> 
> MICROPHONES
> 
> 1.    Dynamic Vocal Mikes - Either 
> Shure SM 58, OR Shure Beta 58
> 2. And for General Purpose
> Mikes: Shure SM 57
> 
> What has you experience with this equipment been.
> 
> Thanks for you help,
> 
> Rickey Holt.
> 
>  
> 
> 
> >From peter at amidonmusic.com  Tue Jul 31 17:19:02
> 2007
> From: peter at amidonmusic.com (Peter Amidon)
> Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:19:02 -0400
> Subject: [Callers] Opinions on Sound Equipment Needed
> In-Reply-To: <01c7d3b1$3712a770$020fa8c0@maxx>
> References: <01c7d3b1$3712a770$020fa8c0@maxx>
> Message-ID: 
> 
> Hi,
> 
> I am adding to the request.
> 
> I need advice on what self-powered speaker with
> at least an XLR and a quarter inch input 

[Callers] wireless mics - headsets or handhelds?

[Emily Addison]

Hi Folks!

I have a microphone question for this awesome community that I'm hoping you can 
help us out with. Our contra dance committee (Ottawa) would like to purchase a 
wireless mic to use for introductory lessons as well as family dances.  
However, we don't have major sound expertise on our committee and were 
wondering a few things.

(1) do callers prefer a handheld or headset (thinking of family dances as part 
of this as we want to add 3-4 a year to our regular contra schedule)???
(2) suggestion for particular models of handhelds and headsets???

I know that microphones have been discussed previously on the list (I pulled 
some of the discussion from previous years and put it below).  However, more 
people may now have more experience, maybe there are more current models... ...
 
Will (L) - did you ever do your microphone survey that your mentioned back a 
few years ago?

For those who have headsets, why did you go that way and do you like your model?
For those who have handhels, similar questions! :)

Help would be most appreciated as we would like to invest in something that 
will be great for various callers to use. 

Much thanks!
Emily from Ottawa
___
>From holt.e at comcast.net  Tue Jul 31 16:27:23 2007
From: holt.e at comcast.net (Rickey)
List-Post: callers@lists.sharedweight.net
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:27:23 -0400
Subject: [Callers] Opinions on Sound Equipment Needed
Message-ID: <01c7d3b1$3712a770$020fa8c0@maxx>

Hi All,

We are shopping for sound equipment.  We hold dances in a small extremely
live hall.  We get from 30 to 50 dancers.  We also do gigs in other halls
for up to 100. We are a community band: good musicians with, sometimes
several sit-ins (also good): We are 2 Fiddles, 1 recorder/clarinet/saxophone
(i.e. one person, who switches between these instruments), 1 Silver flute, 1
Irish (wooden) flute, 1 guitar (with pick-up soon I hope), 1 keyboard, 1
Bodhran, sometimes 1 added Bodhran, rarely another guitar, a stand up
Acoustic Bass, and an Acoustic Piano (in place of keyboards). With Caller at
most we need 12 inputs.  Below is a list of the equipment we are
considering.  We are relatively new to equipment of this caliber.  Ease of
use is an issue. We are choosing from among the following. Do you have
experience with these? Do you have preferences?

MIXERS:

1.  Allen & Heath PA20 - 16 mono inputs plus 2 stereo inputs, and a
built-in equalizer 

OR

2.  Soundcraft MPM12/2 - 12 mono inputs plus 2 stereo inputs. Would
require an added  equalizer, possibly the dbx 231 31-Band Graphic Equalizer,
from Sweetwater

Speakers

We are thinking of using 10" powered speakers, 2 for the room, and 2 for
monitors. The two we are choosing between are:

1.  Mackie SRM 350

OR

2.  RCF ART 310A

To this we would add a caller's monitor TC-Helicon VoiceSolo VSM-200 

MICROPHONES

1.  Dynamic Vocal Mikes - Either  Shure SM 58, OR Shure Beta 58
2.   And for General Purpose Mikes: Shure SM 57

What has you experience with this equipment been.

Thanks for you help,

Rickey Holt.

 


>From peter at amidonmusic.com  Tue Jul 31 17:19:02 2007
From: peter at amidonmusic.com (Peter Amidon)
List-Post: callers@lists.sharedweight.net
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:19:02 -0400
Subject: [Callers] Opinions on Sound Equipment Needed
In-Reply-To: <01c7d3b1$3712a770$020fa8c0@maxx>
References: <01c7d3b1$3712a770$020fa8c0@maxx>
Message-ID: 

Hi,

I am adding to the request.

I need advice on what self-powered speaker with
at least an XLR and a quarter inch input in the
back.  I would love a speaker big enough for
dancing with groups of children; right now I use
my amplifier with an EV X300 (I'm spoiled).

I would be using it with my wireless headset
system (the XLR connection) and my iPod
(I have an adaptor into a quarter inch input).

Of course I would love it if it were not too heavy.
It needs to be able to go on a stand.

Any suggestions?

Many thanks.

Peter Amidon
peter at amidonmusic.com
802-257-1006
cell 917-922-5462

>From richgoss at comcast.net  Tue Jul 31 17:31:49 2007
From: richgoss at comcast.net (richgoss at comcast.net)
List-Post: callers@lists.sharedweight.net
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 21:31:49 +
Subject: [Callers] Opinions on Sound Equipment Needed
Message-ID: 
<073120072131.11306.46afaa45000c02232c2a22007601809c9c0109080c0...@comcast.net>

Hi,

I've been giving serious consideration to a Roland AC-90.  Peter, you described 
it exactly.  It's light weight, has both XLR and 1/4" input.  Also has Aux 
inputs in the back for an iPod (RCA and 1/4".  the cool thing about it is that 
it has a recepticle to mount it on a speaker stand built in.  Here is a link: 
http://www.roland.com/products/en/AC-90/index.html   Download the owner's 
manual for a complete description.

>From richard.a.green at hotmail.com  Tue Jul 31 21:14:48 2007
From: richard.a.green at hotmail.com (Richard Green)
List-Post: 

Re: [Callers] Caller Leadership, (Was: Duties of the Caller Role)

[Lewis Land]

Greg's response to this query makes several very interesting points, but 
ultimately it comes down to the fact that the caller has a leadership 
position in the dance and has to be willing to accept responsibility for 
what goes on. The musicians are essential, but they're not in a position 
to address most of the problems that might arise. Experienced dancers 
can certainly make a dance go more smoothly by making it a point to 
dance with newcomers, but as Greg points out, it's the caller that owns 
the PA system, and is in a position to see everything going on on the 
dance floor, and can thus identify problems before they cause a line to 
fall apart.


Whenever I'm asked to do the newcomers instruction (and regardless of 
the opinions of others, that 20 - 30 minutes of instruction really is 
essential in venues where contra dancing is as alien to some as 
untethered spacewalking) I will usually observe that with couples 
dancing, if anything goes wrong it's always the man's fault. Even if it 
isn't his fault, it's still "always the guy's fault". Since contra is a 
community dance, when something goes wrong, it's always the caller's 
fault... even when it's not my fault, it's "still my fault". I always 
share this information with the dancers in a lighthearted manner, and it 
always gets me a laugh, but I make it clear that I'm serious.


I don't want to sound too paternalistic about my role as a caller, but 
in many respects calling a contra dance is very much like parenting. 
Anyone who's had to escort a group of children, or even more 
challenging, a group of teenagers, to some public event knows that you 
always have to be prepared to respond quickly to any crisis that might 
arise. You can't expect someone else to step in and solve your problem 
if, for example, one of the kids in your group has decided to climb over 
the wall of the polar bear enclosure. Shit happens. Ultimately it's the 
caller who has to be in charge.


Lewis Land




I don’t recall the original source, and I don’t want to encourage the 
authoritarian leanings of this list so I won’t try to find it. For me 
the principle stands on its own merits. I do recall that many callers 
stated this principle as: “It’s always the caller’s fault.” This was to 
emphasize that the caller should assume that any misunderstanding is an 
error on the caller’s part…not the dancers. It can lower the confidence 
of many first-timers if they believe that *they* are the reason 
something went wrong, and that anxiety will make it difficult for those 
newcomers to follow subsequent instructions. By taking responsibility 
for any “mistakes” the caller defuses this anxiety reaction somewhat. I 
think most callers, however, assumed that this principle was an 
exaggeration intended as a form of humor. This is unfortunate because it 
is the most useful framing I know of to cultivate leadership in the 
dance community. Note that this maxim also applies to many other roles 
where the speaker uses a PA system. Any Master of Ceremonies with 
experience will also take full responsibility for what happens in the 
hall. In the case of a dance caller, this individual has the added 
authority vested in them by the tradition they follow to instruct those 
in the room regarding their precise physical movements. This is an 
awesome power which can only be wielded effectively when the speaker 
also takes responsibility for the hall. Notice that the dance caller: - 
is at the front of the room, usually on an elevated platform, where they 
can be seen by anyone in the room. - is able to see anyone in the room 
from that position. - is using a PA system that effectively makes them 
the only one in the room who can project their voice clearly to every 
person in the room. - is the only individual in the room who knows the 
requirements of the dance, the capabilities of the band, and who also 
has a pretty good idea of the capabilities of the dancers. (The caller 
knows all of this simultaneously.) The ideal situation is, of course, 
when everyone in the hall takes full responsibility for what happens in 
the hall. In fact, this is the way collective community dance works! But 
the person at the mike is in a unique position. Given the advantaged 
position described above it might be well to ask: If the caller is not 
willing to take responsibility, then why should anyone else? Karen D. 
quoted, from the list archive, the following comments on what the caller 
is probably NOT responsible for. Yet these are excellent examples of 
challenges a caller can address by personally owning the problem. Here 
are some of my thoughts just off the top of my head. (And these 
responses must come off the top of your head when any emergency presents 
itself.) The “wonderful dance community” frame is your best resource in 
an emergency: I can stop and re-start the band several times, but it's 
not my "full