Dumb microphone question
Discussion
Not sure where to post this really dumb question, so I will just slip it in here. I know some on PH work in the media industry.
Why do some performers choose wireless microphones and others not, is it just personal preference? Or is dictated by the equipment at the equipment the venue?
Why do some performers choose wireless microphones and others not, is it just personal preference? Or is dictated by the equipment at the equipment the venue?
Not sure where to post this really dumb question, so I will just slip it in here. I know some on PH work in the media industry.
Why do some performers choose wireless microphones and others not, is it just personal preference? Or is dictated by the equipment at the venue?
Sorry, a bit phissed, when I posted the first time!
Why do some performers choose wireless microphones and others not, is it just personal preference? Or is dictated by the equipment at the venue?
Sorry, a bit phissed, when I posted the first time!
'Performers' is a pretty broad brush. Some 'pop and rock' singers like to use a cabled mic, they use them as a prop, same with mic stands of differing styles.
Vast majority prefer wireless for the freedom. You rarely see cabled mics these days. Even instruments like guitars have wireless belt pack transmitters.
Vast majority prefer wireless for the freedom. You rarely see cabled mics these days. Even instruments like guitars have wireless belt pack transmitters.
It can depend on a lot of things:
How active is the artist - running all over the stage or stuck playing keyboards
Is the artist playing an instument - no point in a radio mic if they are holding a guitar
How many frequency channels available at the venue
How worried are they about batteries failing/ taxis breaking through
They may have a favorite mic they know to use properly (eg backing off when singing loud) or like the sound of
Wired mics are much easier to rig & more reliable.
How active is the artist - running all over the stage or stuck playing keyboards
Is the artist playing an instument - no point in a radio mic if they are holding a guitar
How many frequency channels available at the venue
How worried are they about batteries failing/ taxis breaking through
They may have a favorite mic they know to use properly (eg backing off when singing loud) or like the sound of
Wired mics are much easier to rig & more reliable.
It's worth saying, the question isn't just about microphones but also monitoring. In order to do any live performance you need to be able to hear yourself along with anything you're singing along to.
So if you want to freely roam around the stage, you probably need wireless in ear monitoring systems, and also you need to have practiced working that way.
So if you want to freely roam around the stage, you probably need wireless in ear monitoring systems, and also you need to have practiced working that way.
The question was prompted by watching standup comedians (the last word is debatable). I understand some of the smaller venues may not have network security.
Some of what I watched was from very large US venues, and it struke me as odd, trailing around a load of cable, when there is a much more usable alternative.
Thank you for the replies puts some of it in perspective.
Some of what I watched was from very large US venues, and it struke me as odd, trailing around a load of cable, when there is a much more usable alternative.
Thank you for the replies puts some of it in perspective.
Sometimes it's easier just to have a cabled mic on stand that everyone uses, especially in a comedy venue where there are lots of change overs. Saves batteries going flat, saves someone dropping your expensive radio mic. Also stops them walking off with it back to the dressing room or bog, I've had to play 'hunt-the-mic' many times when I was running shows.
Network security is not really an issue as most wireless systems are analogue, running on UHF. Interference is the main issue as many use non-licensed frequencies which are free to use and have limited frequency channels. In the UK they sit right in the middle of the ever everdecreasing TV/4g/5g spectrum, channel 70 is the most common, and channel 38. Sometimes getting a free channel in a busy area is near impossible.
Many large venues or operators licence channels. There has been a real issue in the live event market for some years as the available spectrum was decreased, some systems became obsolete. It has put pressure on the huge live events that require hundreds of channels from dozens of broadcasters.
Digital systems are around and getting more popular, they can use Wifi channels and others in the Ghz range. The main reason they took some time to get established is latency, there was a small delay which was not good for live events. Modern systems have more or less fixed that.
Network security is not really an issue as most wireless systems are analogue, running on UHF. Interference is the main issue as many use non-licensed frequencies which are free to use and have limited frequency channels. In the UK they sit right in the middle of the ever everdecreasing TV/4g/5g spectrum, channel 70 is the most common, and channel 38. Sometimes getting a free channel in a busy area is near impossible.
Many large venues or operators licence channels. There has been a real issue in the live event market for some years as the available spectrum was decreased, some systems became obsolete. It has put pressure on the huge live events that require hundreds of channels from dozens of broadcasters.
Digital systems are around and getting more popular, they can use Wifi channels and others in the Ghz range. The main reason they took some time to get established is latency, there was a small delay which was not good for live events. Modern systems have more or less fixed that.
Edited by megaphone on Thursday 22 December 13:31
GranpaB said:
Must admit i have noticed some 'on location' news reporters are using the headset type nowadays rather than the ones that are pinned to their chests.
It can depend on the level of background noise - a studio will be very quiet so lapel clip mics are fine but is a sports stadium the ear loop type gets the mic capsule much closer to the mouth & cuts down crowd noise pickup. Of course if they aren't in shot a Coles lip mic is still the way to go.Gassing Station | TV, Film, Streaming & Radio | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff