Wireless Microphones

[Charles Warwick]

Hey guys,

I've finally decided it's time for a wireless microphone but have no experience with them. I don't need much range, but it's easier to give a mic to the head table at a wedding than to ask people to come up to the DJ booth. Any suggestions on what to look for or what to avoid? I'd like to find something for<$200, or even 100 if that's even possible. Most important part would be a hand-held mic but it'd be nice if I could also add/swap a lavalier mic as well. Would primarily be used for weddings and small events not live sound.

Thanks!

[BrentEvans]

Anything you buy in that price range are little better than toys. The least expensive products that are reliable and of reasonable quality are (in order of preference) sennheiser xs, audio technica 2000 series, and Shure blx.

The only cheap system I've had any luck with is the GTD 722 system, but they're not very sturdy.

Unfortunately wireless mics fall under the category of buy once cry once.

BTW, eBay can be your friend. Used sennheiser gear is there regularly at decent prices, but be aware that only the evolution g3 units are still serviced by Sennheiser.

[Charles Warwick]

So is each microphone paired with it's reciever alone? So if in the future I wanted to add a lavalier/lapel mic to the setup would I have to buy another set of the reciever and transmitter/mic, or could I just buy the lavalier mic/transmitter of the same brand/series and pair it with the existing reciever? Sorry if these are obvious questions, I really have no idea.

What is typical for people who need one or two microhones occasionally?

[wilkins1kc]

Each mic needs it's own receiver on a different and compatible frequency....unless you don't plan to use them both at the same time !

[BrentEvans]

There are sets you can buy where you get two receivers in a 1RU box and two transmitters. The GTD unit is one, there are others from various manufacturers (including Shure BLX IIRC).

Unless there is a huge cost advantage to doing so (which there usually isn't) I think it's better to buy them individually so you can use what you need where and when you need it.