Wireless mic headset - recommendations?

[BJG145]

A friend is taking up the noble art of ceilidh calling...wandering around large halls (or possibly a field) at weddings and suchlike, telling people how to strip the willow.

They'd like a wireless mic headset (no headphones) for this, and I'd like to choose a nice one for them. It's not something I know anything about, so before I start browsing, I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction with some suitable models or recommendations...?

These events can get quite noisy with a live band, so I guess the key factors are:

- Generous distance range
- Different (legal!) frequencies...?
- Clear female vocal voiceover delivery
- Feedback resistant

[Bob Bickerton]

Definitely recommend the AKG C520 for that application: https://www.akg.com/microphones/headset ... /C520.html

We used one for years for calling. In fact I did extensive tests of several different models, admittedly several years ago, and the C520 was head and shoulders above the rest, both in terms of feedback resistance and sonically. In fact not unlike a stage dynamic vocal mic sound.

It's cardioid pattern was great at avoiding feedback, but do get it close to the corner of the caller's mouth.

Forget omni mics. I have a top of the line DPA, wonderful microphone, but use it for calling and you're in feedback hell.

And you can match the C520 with any radio system you like. I personally prefer the Sennheiser G series.

Bob

[AlecSp]

Definitely recommend the AKG C520 for that application: https://www.akg.com/microphones/headset ... /C520.html

A perfectly respectable suggestion.

And you can match the C520 with any radio system you like. I personally prefer the Sennheiser G series.

These days, it would be hard not to recommend Sennheiser EW-D (or higher) digital kit - way better than the old G series, yet similar pricing.

[BJG145]

OK, thanks...so I should be looking for a separate mic and wireless kit rather than a package...?

AKG C520 - £200
Sennheiser EW-D - £440

Wow. That's quite expensive. But...OK!

A lower budget option would also be handy. TBH that's about double what I was expecting.

[DGL.]

Also look at the better JTS and MiPro systems as they are supposedly pretty good. I believe Thomann have rebadged some of their systems, there's also the better Audio Technica systems as well.

Frequency wise you are looking at the small bit of Channel 70 (863-965 MHz), 2.4GHz (not recommended) and 5GHz if you don't want to pay for a license, otherwise with a shared licence you get Channel 38 and a bit somewhere else (can't remember the frequencies).

Asking over on the prosoundweb forum might be a better option as they are more geared to live sound stuff.

[Drew Stephenson]

Something like this: https://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Li ... -Band/1SW4 maybe?

[BJG145]

...that's more like it. I'll research. Thanks all.

*edit*

If no-one objects, I'm very likely to order that...!

(They can always upgrade to the C520 if they have a talent for it. )

[pax-eterna]

And the Shure BLX4 R - very well priced and for the $'s does a good job!

[Hugh Robjohns]

You didn't give a budget so I'd have recommended the 520 and EW-D gear too. Solid, reliable, professional kit...

However, if you're on a budget the G4M stuff looks reasonable. I'd strongly recommend staying away from the WiFi band stuff from a reliability point if view. UHF is a much better option.

NOTE For that G4M kit, the GB frequency option model operates in the licensed band (Channel 38 606.500–613.500 MHz). To use that (PMSE Shared Spectrum) you'll need an annual licence from OFCOM which costs £75 (or £135 for two years) if you buy online.

If you want licence-exempt (ie. Free) you need the E version of that transmitter (Channel 70 863.100–864.900 MHz).

Channel 70 is a free-for-all spectrum that can be used anywhere in the UK. Anyone can use it so it can get crowded in busy areas, and the users tend to be amateurs who might be less knowledgeable about avoiding interference with other users in the band.

Channel 38 is the PMSE (programme making and special events) spectrum used mostly by professionals in TV, some live sound and professional functions. It's usable anywhere across the UK and only gets crowded in busy news events in my experience.

There's also the option of exclusive licenced channels outside the ch38/70 spectrum, and these are allocated for specific geographical areas between specific dates, to guarantee availability and exclusivity. They are generally used by static theatres, live sound gigs etc. They can be as cost-effective as the pmse option (depending on number of channels and duration) with the benefit of exclusivity and thus reliability.

[BJG145]

Thanks Hugh; that's really valuable.

It's their birthday on Wednesday so I was hoping to get it for then. They have a try-out with a local ceilidh band, and I'm sure they'll take to it, but it'll be best to start with an affordable system, and the E version of the one that Drew linked sounds decent for a first go.

Done.

[Bob Bickerton]

Apologies, I’m a little out of touch with current radio systems (and UK conformity) but the C520 is a keeper, so a system where you can upgrade to it, or other options, is advisable.

Bob

[BJG145]

OK! if she wants to upgrade, she can flog the G4M one and buy it from her takings. My work is done.