Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two

[Rich Sbardella via Callers]

I previously mentioned that I use an Audio Technica System 10, but in fact,
WE use three system 10s.  My wife Lynn and I, call duet singing calls with
two handhelds, and I often use the headset at ONS parties.  If one
receiver, or mic,dies, I can change the pairing as needed.  I can also use
all three at once if needed.   The system 10 automatically senses
interference and changes channels/frequencies when needed. I was having
problems with RF interference using my Carvin headset.

I also have a Energizer rapid charger that allows me to charge batteries on
the way, or at a gig, if needed.  It is quit convenient.


On Wed, Sep 7, 2016 at 11:13 AM, Sue C. Hulsether via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Kalia and others,
>
> I have been using an Audio-Technica wireless system for over 13 years.
> And I am very pleased with its performance.
> Whereas I don’t like a mic on my head, this works for me in gigs where I
> need my hands.  I have both a headset mic (with belt-pack) and a hand-held
> cordless mic that operate with the same receiver.  They just can’t be on at
> the same time.  I think the sound quality is better with the hand-held mic,
> but they are both great, and I have *rarely* had feedback issues with
> them.  The hand-held mic is very unidirectional, so does not cause feedback
> (unless I loan it to someone who holds it far from their mouth and steps
> right in front of the speaker).
>
> The Audio-Technica system I have is:  ATW 1451.  A quick check on their
> website makes it looks like this series is discontinued, but I’m guessing
> the 2000 series is the current equivalent. http://www.audio-technica.com/
> cms/wls_systems/6bc6d93a774d761d/index.html
>
> Re beltpack:  I have a comfy/loose belt that I wear around my waist so the
> beltpack does not need to clip on my clothing.  I keep the belt with the
> mic and receiver.
>
> Re the sturdiness:  I use this 6 hours a day, 10 + days per month.  I have
> replaced the mic/headset (but not the belt-pack) a few times in 13 years
> since the wire is small (also not bulky on me!) and eventually gets shorts
> in it.  My “local” sound shop can sometimes clip the cord and re-wire, but
> I find that I have to replace the headset (at $125) about every 18 months
> or so.
> I have never had to replace or fix the handheld unit, even after dropping
> it on a wood floor.
>
> Re batteries:  They both use AA batteries, and I have found some
> high-quality rechargeable batteries that I love (Powerex batteries and
> accompanying Maha/Powerex charger).
> One pair of AA batteries will last me about 10 hours of usage.  (My
> original AT used 9 volt batteries and would need a new battery about every
> 4 hours.)
>
> I also know others who have been happy with the SHURE wireless headset.
> The sound guys I go to say that the A-T is slightly better quality.
>
> sue
>
>
>
>
> *Sue Hulsether*
> shulset...@mac.com
>
> www.suehulsether.com
> 608-632-1267  Cell
> 608-629-6250  Home
> P.O. Box 363
> Viroqua, WI 54665
>
>
>
>
>
> On Sep 5, 2016, at 10:12 PM, Kalia Kliban via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me the
> message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly disappeared into
> everyone's lint filter.  I've read the previous threads on headsets going
> back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics. JoLaine, if you're
> reading this, I'd love to know what model you use. You mentioned that it
> was a Shure and that you loved it.  And Rich Sbardella mentioned last year
> that his Shure had been giving him trouble.  Rich, what model is yours, and
> are you happy with your replacement?
>
> Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on
> the same page with those who did:
>
> Hi all
>
> I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped
> out.  If the piano player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in
> serious trouble.  Time for a new and more reliable headset mic.  I use my
> hands a LOT when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an option
> for me.
>
> I'd love recommendations from any of you about specific models to look
> at.  I'm planning to plow the funds from this wedding and some of my caller
> piggy bank into a new mic, so I want something that's really good quality.
> It doesn't have to be tiny and invisible, but it does need to be reliable
> and sturdy. If it doesn't have a belt pack that's a plus, but it seems like
> most of the good-quality headset mics have belt packs.  I'll deal with it
> if that's the best bet.  So, recommendations?
>
> For reference, the one I was working with was a Samson Airline 77, often
> referred to as the "aerobic instructor mic."  It had the transmitter on the
> headset, so there were no wires or belt pack, and it worked just fine for a
> long time until suddenly it didn't.  I would like to hear what folks are
> using who rely on a headset mic for their calling 

Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two

[Erik Hoffman via Callers]

Some things on wireless headsets:

There are complete kits. Brands I’ve used and liked:
   Shure
   Sennheiser

Brands I’d avoid:
  Nady—really cheap, poor construction
  Samson—better than Nady

If you do a search on these mics, most of what we see are the
   consumer, like Nady & Samson
   Price range: $50 to $150
  “Prosumer,” like Shure, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, AKG, Line 6, and more
   Price range: $200 to $1000
   True Pro: Shure, Sennheiser, com and other
   Price range: $1000 and up

Some sound guys stock up on the budget gear. They work, they break, they can 
fix or repair them.

I’ve used Shure, Sennheiser, and Line 6. I loved the Line 6 mic, but it had 
lots of problems with interference—it would cut in and out. Never had that 
problem with the Shures or the Sennheiser.

Note that high quality mics like Countryman and DPA only make mics, you have to 
purchase a transmitter (body-pack), and receiver system. I haven’t used the 
Countryman much, though I have one. I have a clip-on DPA that I clip onto my 
fiddle and use with a Shure DLX body pack. It’s the best mic in my gear, and 
when I’m calling and fiddling I can work from the middle of the room, teach 
while playing.

For calling I’m still a strong advocate of the handheld, and when doing fiddle 
while calling gigs, I have the DPA on the fiddle and a Shure with a Beta 87 
head on it on a stand.

DPA info: http://www.dpamicrophones.com/

~erik hoffman
Oakland, ca

Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two

[Aahz via Callers]

On Wed, Sep 07, 2016, Sue C. Hulsether via Callers wrote:
>
> Re batteries:  They both use AA batteries, and I have found some
> high-quality rechargeable batteries that I love (Powerex batteries and
> accompanying Maha/Powerex charger).

Just wanted to highlight this bit.  The Maha/Powerex batteries and
charger are generally considered the highest-quality low-discharge NiMH
batteries available.  "Low-discharge" means that they hold their charge
over a long period, typically they'll still have more than 75% after a
year of sitting around.  Eneloops are also considered pretty good, but
the technology is mature enough that any "name-brand" battery should work
well.
-- 
Hugs and backrubs -- I break Rule 6http://rule6.info/
  <*>   <*>   <*>
Help a hearing-impaired person: http://rule6.info/hearing.html

Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two

[Sue C. Hulsether via Callers]

Kalia and others,

I have been using an Audio-Technica wireless system for over 13 years.  And I 
am very pleased with its performance.
Whereas I don’t like a mic on my head, this works for me in gigs where I need 
my hands.  I have both a headset mic (with belt-pack) and a hand-held cordless 
mic that operate with the same receiver.  They just can’t be on at the same 
time.  I think the sound quality is better with the hand-held mic, but they are 
both great, and I have rarely had feedback issues with them.  The hand-held mic 
is very unidirectional, so does not cause feedback (unless I loan it to someone 
who holds it far from their mouth and steps right in front of the speaker).

The Audio-Technica system I have is:  ATW 1451.  A quick check on their website 
makes it looks like this series is discontinued, but I’m guessing the 2000 
series is the current equivalent. 
http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wls_systems/6bc6d93a774d761d/index.html 

Re beltpack:  I have a comfy/loose belt that I wear around my waist so the 
beltpack does not need to clip on my clothing.  I keep the belt with the mic 
and receiver.

Re the sturdiness:  I use this 6 hours a day, 10 + days per month.  I have 
replaced the mic/headset (but not the belt-pack) a few times in 13 years since 
the wire is small (also not bulky on me!) and eventually gets shorts in it.  My 
“local” sound shop can sometimes clip the cord and re-wire, but I find that I 
have to replace the headset (at $125) about every 18 months or so.
I have never had to replace or fix the handheld unit, even after dropping it on 
a wood floor.

Re batteries:  They both use AA batteries, and I have found some high-quality 
rechargeable batteries that I love (Powerex batteries and accompanying 
Maha/Powerex charger).  
One pair of AA batteries will last me about 10 hours of usage.  (My original AT 
used 9 volt batteries and would need a new battery about every 4 hours.)

I also know others who have been happy with the SHURE wireless headset.  The 
sound guys I go to say that the A-T is slightly better quality.

sue




Sue Hulsether
shulset...@mac.com

www.suehulsether.com
608-632-1267  Cell
608-629-6250  Home
P.O. Box 363
Viroqua, WI 54665





> On Sep 5, 2016, at 10:12 PM, Kalia Kliban via Callers 
>  wrote:
> 
> I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me the 
> message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly disappeared into 
> everyone's lint filter.  I've read the previous threads on headsets going 
> back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics. JoLaine, if you're reading 
> this, I'd love to know what model you use. You mentioned that it was a Shure 
> and that you loved it.  And Rich Sbardella mentioned last year that his Shure 
> had been giving him trouble.  Rich, what model is yours, and are you happy 
> with your replacement?
> 
> Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on the 
> same page with those who did:
> 
> Hi all
> 
> I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped out.  
> If the piano player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in serious 
> trouble.  Time for a new and more reliable headset mic.  I use my hands a LOT 
> when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an option for me.
> 
> I'd love recommendations from any of you about specific models to look at.  
> I'm planning to plow the funds from this wedding and some of my caller piggy 
> bank into a new mic, so I want something that's really good quality.  It 
> doesn't have to be tiny and invisible, but it does need to be reliable and 
> sturdy. If it doesn't have a belt pack that's a plus, but it seems like most 
> of the good-quality headset mics have belt packs.  I'll deal with it if 
> that's the best bet.  So, recommendations?
> 
> For reference, the one I was working with was a Samson Airline 77, often 
> referred to as the "aerobic instructor mic."  It had the transmitter on the 
> headset, so there were no wires or belt pack, and it worked just fine for a 
> long time until suddenly it didn't.  I would like to hear what folks are 
> using who rely on a headset mic for their calling gigs.
> 
> Kalia Kliban in Sebastopol, CA
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net

Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two

[Patricia Campbell via Callers]

Hi Kalia,

I also use a Countryman wireless mic - have been using it for a few years
now, and it's terrific and easy. It's pricey, but it's been worth it. I
used to have the Samson Airline 77, which I loved (because it didn't need a
belt pack), but it drove my sound person crazy and it finally died and
couldn't be fixed because it was the wrong frequency.

Patricia Campbell
Newtown, CT



On Mon, Sep 5, 2016 at 11:12 PM, Kalia Kliban via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me the
> message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly disappeared into
> everyone's lint filter.  I've read the previous threads on headsets going
> back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics. JoLaine, if you're
> reading this, I'd love to know what model you use. You mentioned that it
> was a Shure and that you loved it.  And Rich Sbardella mentioned last year
> that his Shure had been giving him trouble.  Rich, what model is yours, and
> are you happy with your replacement?
>
> Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on
> the same page with those who did:
>
> Hi all
>
> I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped
> out.  If the piano player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in
> serious trouble.  Time for a new and more reliable headset mic.  I use my
> hands a LOT when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an option
> for me.
>
> I'd love recommendations from any of you about specific models to look
> at.  I'm planning to plow the funds from this wedding and some of my caller
> piggy bank into a new mic, so I want something that's really good quality.
> It doesn't have to be tiny and invisible, but it does need to be reliable
> and sturdy. If it doesn't have a belt pack that's a plus, but it seems like
> most of the good-quality headset mics have belt packs.  I'll deal with it
> if that's the best bet.  So, recommendations?
>
> For reference, the one I was working with was a Samson Airline 77, often
> referred to as the "aerobic instructor mic."  It had the transmitter on the
> headset, so there were no wires or belt pack, and it worked just fine for a
> long time until suddenly it didn't.  I would like to hear what folks are
> using who rely on a headset mic for their calling gigs.
>
> Kalia Kliban in Sebastopol, CA
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>

Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two

[Rich Sbardella via Callers]

I have been using an Audio Technica System 10 headset, and I am happy with
it.  It is a good mic for *singing* and speaking.  If I were not a singing
caller, I would probably use a different mic with the same System 10.
Rich Sbardella

On Tue, Sep 6, 2016 at 11:42 AM, via Callers  wrote:

> Hi Kalia,
>
> I use a Countryman Associates hands free headset.  Countryman is very high
> performance company that many professionals speakers and performers use.
> You can contact them directly to ask questions.  Their web site is
> http://www.countryman.com/
>
> I have been using their Isomax headset with my Shure PGX1 wireless
> transmitter for years now.
>
> Hope this was helpful.  Good luck.
>
> Joe De Paolo
>
> In a message dated 9/5/2016 11:12:17 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net writes:
>
> I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me
> the message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly
> disappeared into everyone's lint filter.  I've read the previous threads
> on headsets going back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics.
> JoLaine, if you're reading this, I'd love to know what model you use.
> You mentioned that it was a Shure and that you loved it.  And Rich
> Sbardella mentioned last year that his Shure had been giving him
> trouble.  Rich, what model is yours, and are you happy with your
> replacement?
>
> Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on
> the same page with those who did:
>
> Hi all
>
> I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped
> out.  If the piano player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in
> serious trouble.  Time for a new and more reliable headset mic.  I use
> my hands a LOT when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an
> option for me.
>
> I'd love recommendations from any of you about specific models to look
> at.  I'm planning to plow the funds from this wedding and some of my
> caller piggy bank into a new mic, so I want something that's really good
> quality.  It doesn't have to be tiny and invisible, but it does need to
> be reliable and sturdy. If it doesn't have a belt pack that's a plus,
> but it seems like most of the good-quality headset mics have belt packs.
>   I'll deal with it if that's the best bet.  So, recommendations?
>
> For reference, the one I was working with was a Samson Airline 77, often
> referred to as the "aerobic instructor mic."  It had the transmitter on
> the headset, so there were no wires or belt pack, and it worked just
> fine for a long time until suddenly it didn't.  I would like to hear
> what folks are using who rely on a headset mic for their calling gigs.
>
> Kalia Kliban in Sebastopol, CA
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>

Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two

[via Callers]

Hi Kalia,

I use a Countryman Associates hands free headset.  Countryman  is very high 
performance company that many professionals speakers and  performers use. 
You can contact them directly to ask questions.  Their web  site is 
http://www.countryman.com/  

I have been using their Isomax headset with my Shure PGX1 wireless  
transmitter for years now.  

Hope this was helpful.  Good luck.

Joe De Paolo


In a message dated 9/5/2016 11:12:17 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
callers@lists.sharedweight.net writes:

I sent  this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me 
the message  had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly 
disappeared into  everyone's lint filter.  I've read the previous threads 
on headsets  going back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics. 
JoLaine, if you're  reading this, I'd love to know what model you use. 
You mentioned that it  was a Shure and that you loved it.  And Rich 
Sbardella mentioned last  year that his Shure had been giving him 
trouble.  Rich, what model is  yours, and are you happy with your 
replacement?

Here's the mail  from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on 
the same page  with those who did:

Hi all

I was just working a wedding gig and  my old Samson headset mic crapped 
out.  If the piano player hadn't  had hers along, I would have been in 
serious trouble.  Time for a new  and more reliable headset mic.  I use 
my hands a LOT when I'm doing  ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an 
option for me.

I'd love  recommendations from any of you about specific models to look 
at.   I'm planning to plow the funds from this wedding and some of my 
caller  piggy bank into a new mic, so I want something that's really good  
quality.  It doesn't have to be tiny and invisible, but it does need  to 
be reliable and sturdy. If it doesn't have a belt pack that's a plus,  
but it seems like most of the good-quality headset mics have belt packs.  
I'll deal with it if that's the best bet.  So,  recommendations?

For reference, the one I was working with was a Samson  Airline 77, often 
referred to as the "aerobic instructor mic."  It  had the transmitter on 
the headset, so there were no wires or belt pack,  and it worked just 
fine for a long time until suddenly it didn't.  I  would like to hear 
what folks are using who rely on a headset mic for  their calling gigs.

Kalia Kliban in Sebastopol,  CA
___
Callers mailing  list
Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net

Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two

[Aahz via Callers]

On Mon, Sep 05, 2016, Kalia Kliban via Callers wrote:
>
> I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me the
> message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly disappeared into
> everyone's lint filter.  I've read the previous threads on headsets going
> back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics. JoLaine, if you're reading
> this, I'd love to know what model you use. You mentioned that it was a Shure
> and that you loved it.  And Rich Sbardella mentioned last year that his
> Shure had been giving him trouble.  Rich, what model is yours, and are you
> happy with your replacement?

Like J.D., I got your message but didn't have anything directly useful.
However, if you're otherwise happy with the mic that crapped out, why not
simply get two to replace it (and have a backup)?

I'm not doing anywhere near as much work as you are, but I'm still
working toward bringing backups of all critical equipment with me.
-- 
Hugs and backrubs -- I break Rule 6http://rule6.info/
  <*>   <*>   <*>
Help a hearing-impaired person: http://rule6.info/hearing.html

Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two ("they're small")

[JD Erskine via Callers]

On 2016-09-05 2012, Kalia Kliban via Callers wrote:

I sent this last week but got a message from Dave Casserly telling me
the message had been marked as spam, so I'm guessing it mostly
disappeared into everyone's lint filter.  I've read the previous threads
on headsets going back to 2014 and there aren't a lot of specifics.
JoLaine, if you're reading this, I'd love to know what model you use.
You mentioned that it was a Shure and that you loved it.  And Rich
Sbardella mentioned last year that his Shure had been giving him
trouble.  Rich, what model is yours, and are you happy with your
replacement?

Here's the mail from last week, to get those of you who didn't see it on
the same page with those who did:



Hi all

I was just working a wedding gig and my old Samson headset mic crapped
out.  If the piano player hadn't had hers along, I would have been in
serious trouble.  Time for a new and more reliable headset mic.  I use
my hands a LOT when I'm doing ONS gigs, so a handheld cordless isn't an
option for me.


snip

Hullo Kalia,

The message came through fine for me. I didn't have anything to offer at 
that time, other than to suggest joining/asking on the CSF - Contra 
Sound Forum, where a number of callers hang out with the sound 
engineers, sometimes to ask about this kind of thing. Usually to ask 
this. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/contrasf/


A band and I just worked a wedding Saturday past (two days back) and a 
band member rented a wireless mic for me . It ended up being a 
lightweight headset & bodypack style that appears to be one of the "Line 
6" products, either a XD55HS or XDV75HS.


local examples:
https://www.long-mcquade.com/17648/Pro_Audio_Recording/Wireless/Line_6/XD55HS_Digital_Wireless_Headset_Mic_System.htm

https://www.long-mcquade.com/17680/Pro_Audio_Recording/Wireless/Line_6/XDV75HS_Digital_Wireless_Headset_Mic_System_-_Tan.htm

The mic headset configuration didn't seem quite like these. I like what 
these look like and will check it out in the store. Without much 
familiarisation time, or a manual, I was just happy to get it going. I 
worked out a number of things pretty quickly which speaks to a 
straightforward enough User Interface (for my mind type/processing style.)


The digital audio sounded fine/like me. I worked out the mute button 
quickly and found I only needed to guard it when retaking the stage from 
having been on the floor. I had next to no feedback problems while out 
front of the speakers.


Unfortunately the batteries provided had some use and crapped out during 
the gig, just before the break, so we went to a corded mic for that 
dance and the next set, with me stuck on stage. It was a Scottish 
ceilidh gig so I just berated folks some and it all worked out 
exceedingly well. (For the North Americans - joke! Mostly. )


I'd have liked to have tried the headset as shown in the photos at the 
links. That'd probably feel more secure to me. The mic end of the boom I 
had was much thinner, and took a bit of bending to get close enough for 
my satisfaction with the sound. I'd probably prefer a slightly bulkier, 
silkier and shorter cable for strength and for it to "behave" rather 
than what seemed somewhat thin and mildly misbehaving to me.


All in all the important bit, that it sounded good/was highly 
intelligible, was met.


I'm not sure I like that it's in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. It's true it 1. 
requires no license, and 2. is coordinated world wide, however there are 
more sources of potential interference than the listed "TV broadcast, 
white space devices and cell phone towers". This has shown up in some 
reviews that popped up while looking for more info.


I'll likely be looking at a purchase of a wireless mic system in this 
next year. This experience was good as it was more hands-free time to 
throw into the comparison as I crawl toward a decision on type. I'll be 
reading all the responses/contributions.


I wish Heil made a headset/wireless system. Ooh, it appears they make 
microphone capsules (RC22 and RC35 at least) that fit other mfc. 
_handheld_ microphone grip/transmitters. Hmm.


Cheers, John

PS before sending this off I had a look for more info beyond my own 
market about Line 6 and found manuals and of course their site.


http://line6.com/support/manuals/
http://line6.com/wireless-microphone-system/

Wish I'd had the manual before the gig! It turns out there is a monitor 
for state of the battery in the transmitter, on the _receiver_ front 
panel. Wow.

--
J.D. Erskine
Victoria, BC

Island Dance - Folk & Country
dance info - site & mail list
Vancouver Island & BC islands

http://members.shaw.ca/island.dance/