Microphones and Sound Equipment

[Devils'Advocate]

I am being asked to do more and more group presentations for a community group I belong to. Generally the audience is 200 people, but I've been asked to speak to a group of 800 in May.

My issue is that I really prefer to have my presentations be interactive. I generally have no problem projecting my voice, but I have had situations where *I* can't make out an audience member, much less the rest of the crowd being able to hear. So I'm looking to purchase a wireless microphone system. Most of the one I have seen are headset mics which obviously doesn't work since I will need to pass the mic around through the audience.

However, I know nothing.... or less than nothing... about sound equipment. I don't know even where to go looking for wireless microphones. There do appear to be one on Best Buy's site,
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/...3d6ea31560en02

But it is sold out and is of a brand I've never heard of. Anyone have any recommendations on what to look for? BTW - $300 would be the top end of what I'd be looking to pay; these presentations are on a volunteer basis so I'm not looking to break the bank.

[Traditional_Ale]

You will want a wireless lavalier mic for yourself (clips on to your shirt) and a wireless handheld for the audience. They will be around $200-$300 each for the entry-level stuff which for your application will be just fine.

Audio Technica ATW-1102 Handheld Dynamic Wireless System - $299.

It's baby-brother, the ATW-802 can be had for $109.

I'll get back to you with a price on the lavalier mic.

[Rathji]

Not to hijack this thread, but starting a new one about microphones seemed a little foolish. If MG objects, I can start a new thread.

Anyone know of a good mic to hook to an IP Camera like this which uses a 3.5mm mic in jack?

I want to hear audio as well, but the built in mic is extremely directional, so anyone that isn't facing directly at it can't be heard. Perhaps something that could go on a table in the middle of the room, or hang from the ceiling.

I don't mind paying for quality.

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by Rathji

Not to hijack this thread, but starting a new one about microphones seemed a little foolish. If MG objects, I can start a new thread.

Anyone know of a good mic to hook to an IP Camera like this which uses a 3.5mm mic in jack?

I want to hear audio as well, but the built in mic is extremely directional, so anyone that isn't facing directly at it can't be heard. Perhaps something that could go on a table in the middle of the room, or hang from the ceiling.

I don't mind paying for quality.

http://www.amazon.com/MXL-D-R-K-Desk.../dp/B000ASEHR4

It's a large diaphgram cardioid condenser microphone which runs on a 9V battery (for the phantom power) and comes with a cable that goes from XLR-F to 3.5mm. Should do the job nicely.

I have one for $150.

[Rathji]

Where are you located?

[Traditional_Ale]

PM'd.

[You Need a Thneed]

Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale

http://www.amazon.com/MXL-D-R-K-Desk.../dp/B000ASEHR4

It's a large diaphgram cardioid condenser microphone which runs on a 9V battery (for the phantom power) and comes with a cable that goes from XLR-F to 3.5mm. Should do the job nicely.

I have one for $150.

Cardioid isn't omnidirectional, though. If that mic is cardioid (I can't confirm), it won't be good to just sit in the middle of a table to pick up everyone sitting around the table.

[You Need a Thneed]

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

I am being asked to do more and more group presentations for a community group I belong to. Generally the audience is 200 people, but I've been asked to speak to a group of 800 in May.

My issue is that I really prefer to have my presentations be interactive. I generally have no problem projecting my voice, but I have had situations where *I* can't make out an audience member, much less the rest of the crowd being able to hear. So I'm looking to purchase a wireless microphone system. Most of the one I have seen are headset mics which obviously doesn't work since I will need to pass the mic around through the audience.

However, I know nothing.... or less than nothing... about sound equipment. I don't know even where to go looking for wireless microphones. There do appear to be one on Best Buy's site,
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/...3d6ea31560en02

But it is sold out and is of a brand I've never heard of. Anyone have any recommendations on what to look for? BTW - $300 would be the top end of what I'd be looking to pay; these presentations are on a volunteer basis so I'm not looking to break the bank.

I'd go to a sound equipment store and talk to them there. For sound equipment, and especailly wireless stuff, going too cheap likely means extreme frustration.

What other sound equipment do you have where you speak? Are you already speaking into a mic at a podium, or are you sound system free?

[You Need a Thneed]

Originally Posted by Rathji

Not to hijack this thread, but starting a new one about microphones seemed a little foolish. If MG objects, I can start a new thread.

Anyone know of a good mic to hook to an IP Camera like this which uses a 3.5mm mic in jack?

I want to hear audio as well, but the built in mic is extremely directional, so anyone that isn't facing directly at it can't be heard. Perhaps something that could go on a table in the middle of the room, or hang from the ceiling.

I don't mind paying for quality.

You can buy XLR- stereo mini adaptors for fairly cheap, that would allow you to use any mic you want. If I was going to invest a couple of hundred into a microphone, I'd probably want XLR out, that way I could use it in other applications in the future as needed. Getting one that only has a stereo mini out would limit it's usefulness for potential future uses.

[northcrunk]

I have a blue spark with a steingberg usb interface but that mic is a cartoid condensor so it's really only good for studio use. You can rent mic systems for fairly cheap if you don't want to invest right away. Try http://calgarysoundrentals.com/ , http://www.starliterentals.com/ or http://www.avwtelav.com/landing1/avr...FacWMgod3UQA3A you can at least try out a few different brands/systems and see what you like before you buy.

Check out axe music or long and mcquaid though when you buy, the stuff they sell at best buy and future shop is below entry level as far as microphones go.

EDIT: Shure does make good mics so that one you posted in the OP isn't too bad.

[You Need a Thneed]

Originally Posted by northcrunk

EDIT: Shure does make good mics so that one you posted in the OP isn't too bad.

The Shure in the OP is available at Long & McQuade too, for the same price as Best Buy.

For the same price, I'd definitely be heading to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about.

[flamestalker]

I went to EK Sound to get advice on microphones and sound equipment, they are pretty helpful.

[stang]

I use many Line 6 wireless products and absolutely love them.

They are digital (2.4ghz) and sound phenomenal. Long and Mcquade carries Line 6

What do you have for speakers?

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by You Need a Thneed

You can buy XLR- stereo mini adaptors for fairly cheap, that would allow you to use any mic you want. If I was going to invest a couple of hundred into a microphone, I'd probably want XLR out, that way I could use it in other applications in the future as needed. Getting one that only has a stereo mini out would limit it's usefulness for potential future uses.

I am a professional sound engineer.

Your post reeks of stupid.

The mic I suggested IS IN FACT XLR out. It comes with an adaptor like you mentioned. And simply having an adaptor DOES NOT mean he can use "any mic you want." This one needs phantom power, as supplied with the internal 9V battery (instead of a mixing console or outboard pre-amp). Hell, even a dynamic mic is too much mic for a generic computer jack to power.

Yes it is cardioid, but it is a very sensitive mic with a LARGE diaphragm, meaning a large pick-up area. Why would he want to record the back of the room?

[Rathji]

Thanks for all the input.

We ended up going with a H2Next, since it can also function as a recorder independent of the camera, a feature we occasionally would like to have. Plus it sounded way better than any other mic we had tried in that space.

Now the big problem is to find a long 3.5mm cord that doesn't suck.

[You Need a Thneed]

Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale

I am a professional sound engineer.

Your post reeks of stupid.

The mic I suggested IS IN FACT XLR out. It comes with an adaptor like you mentioned. And simply having an adaptor DOES NOT mean he can use "any mic you want." This one needs phantom power, as supplied with the internal 9V battery.

Yes it is cardioid, but it is a very sensitive mic with a LARGE diaphragm, meaning a large pick-up area. Why would he want to record the back of the room?

I can't remember if I specifically looked at the mic you suggested (maybe briefly). However, I was just warning against a microphone that just has a USB connection or a stereo mini.

My point about using any mic you wanted was merely stating that you wouldn't be limited yourself in the future by going with an XLR connector. Many mics that need phantom power have the option of self supplying it, yes. Also there are other ways to supply phantom power if needed.

He was asking about a mic he could put in the centre of a table, which is what you would want a onmidirectional mic for. A cardioid mic like you show would certainly pick up everyone in the room, though putting it in the centre of the table would result in some people being picked up much louder than others. Of course you could mostly equalize this by placing the mic close to one end of the table. Still, the best pattern to use for what the OP asked is a omnidirectional mic - and there are mics designed specifically for placing in the middle of a table.

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by You Need a Thneed

I can't remember if I specifically looked at the mic you suggested (maybe briefly). However, I was just warning against a microphone that just has a USB connection or a stereo mini.

My point about using any mic you wanted was merely stating that you wouldn't be limited yourself in the future by going with an XLR connector. Many mics that need phantom power have the option of self supplying it, yes. Also there are other ways to supply phantom power if needed.

Thank you for stating exactly what I just posted.

He was asking about a mic he could put in the centre of a table, which is what you would want a onmidirectional mic for. A cardioid mic like you show would certainly pick up everyone in the room, though putting it in the centre of the table would result in some people being picked up much louder than others. Of course you could mostly equalize this by placing the mic close to one end of the table. Still, the best pattern to use for what the OP asked is a omnidirectional mic - and there are mics designed specifically for placing in the middle of a table.

No, you want a large diaphragm cardioid, or possibly BI-directional (figure-8). Omnidirectional (figure-O) would pick up the computer, the back of the room, the air/heating vents, and cause all kinds of feedback issues if live-conferencing without headphones.

[You Need a Thneed]

Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale

Thank you for stating exactly what I just posted.

Yup, I was agreeing with you. I was just clarifying that what I originally posted was intended to agree with what you said.

Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale

No, you want a large diaphragm cardioid, or possibly BI-directional (figure-8). Omnidirectional (figure-O) would pick up the computer, the back of the room, the air/heating vents, and cause all kinds of feedback issues if live-conferencing without headphones.

Mostly semantic, yes. Just stating that there are mics specifically designed for placing in the middle of a table, and those mics aren't cardioid patterns. A cardioid mic can be used quite well for the same purpose by someone who knows what they are doing by orienting it correctly and placing it near one end of the table. A large diaphragm means that the mic is more sensitve, which is a good thing when people are further away from the mic.

Of course, you know all of this, and you very likely know a whole lot more than me. I say this all for others who might read this thread.

[TorqueDog]

Back from the dead!

After humming and hawing over buying a microphone (most YouTubers tend to recommend the Blue Snowball), I was at Future Shop the other day and noticed that they were now carrying Blue Microphones. It reignited my curiosity and last night, I found a Blue Yeti (here) for a song of a deal on the Bay.

Traditional_Ale, you're the pro, what do you think of these units?

[stang]

What ya using it for?

That ones pretty cool because it has a switch where you can change the pattern from cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional & stereo. This is better than having a fixed pattern like most podcast mics. You can experiment with the settings tracking and it may help to give your mixes some three dimensionality.