Optical Mic Switch

[Music Wolf]

I can report that the switch held up well under fire.

There were a couple of occasions where I was late getting into position on the mic and so cut off the first syllable of the line but I was ok for the latter part of the set. I don't think that I would use one on a lead vocalist's mic but fine for backing vocals.

[Wonks]

Seem’s like you need more rehearsal for getting back on-mic when needed.

If it were my band, I know I’d be annoyed if the backing singers weren’t coming in on time.

What’s the delay time like between getting back in front of the mic and the gate opening?

[Music Wolf]

What’s the delay time like between getting back in front of the mic and the gate opening?

It's pretty quick and probably I was the only person who noticed. Once I was aware of it I was fine and I don't expect that I'll have a problem on Saturday when we play again (from what I've seen of the venue this might be an acoustically more challenging space).

[Mike Stranks]

Good to hear that it's effective...

... but it's got me thinking...

One of the church instals I 'care-take' has some decent kit which, like many churches, is used in set-and-forget mode. A few problems with ringing ('almost-feedback') of late, due to the 'all mics always open' way these systems are configured.

It occurs to me that the mic that seems to trigger this is only used a couple of times in the service, and for the rest of the time could be muted. A single-channel gate - ideally working at mic-level - would be ideal...

... any suggestions? Ideally costing about £10!!

(Please don't suggest any manual switching devices... anything that requires manual intervention by this elderly congregation is a no-go.)

[Music Wolf]

Would a solution based around a pressure pad switch work?

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/door-sen ... lsrc=aw.ds

[Mike Stranks]

Good call!

I shall ponder...