Koz,

Who makes wireless mics with battery powered receivers? How much are they in comparison to the AC powered variety?

Edd

There are lots of manufactuers, search the net.

Koz, did you get an amp? What kind did you get? How do you think a Fender Amp Can compares to a Crate Taxi?

Thanks.
Jim

Re: http://www.hisonic.net/SH120B.htm
>>> I don't know what to think?

Ted, I have one of these. For the $$$ it's not bad (drawbacks = no plug in for extra audio/music and no storage space for the attached/recharger cord).

I've been using it off and on—more "off" lately; the security at Dutch Alley told me "no amplification." Jury is still out for me, though, I'm leaning toward the "no amp" approach but it sure is handy when you're feeling drained (or when it's motorcycle week!).

Anyhay, when ya come to town, you can give it a look over.

Conn

Doug,

Is 15 watts enough power to be heard clearly? Does it distort your voice at higher volumes? I thought most of the amps were 30 or 50 amps. Thanks.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Crate Taxi and the Fender Amp Can?

Thanks.

Jim

Hi Jim,

I have a Fender Amp Can and it is great for what it is. Small, portable, self-contained, battery-powered, and fairly clean sounding.

The Crate is the better of the two from what I hear (from folks who know better than I) but I have no personal experience.

Best,
Dan-

Danny's alive!!!

Good to hear form you dude!

koz

Hey Danny, good to see ya back!

Hey Danny! I thought you had been kidnapped and held for ransom! I’ve missed your wisdom! Good to see you back.

Oh and to the topic…when I use a sound system it is an Anchor Audio Minivox PA with wireless mike set-up. It is rugged and inexpensive, can have a Walkman hooked up for music, and your voice can be set to voice over the music. It is clear (without distortion) enough and has enough projection for about 150-ish people outside. Do a bit better inside. Down side is that it is about six more pounds of weight for you to lug about!

Thanks, Dan and Harry. Do you guys have an opinion/preference between VHF and UHF wireless mikes? I got my eye on a cheap VHF lapel mike.

I shared a pitch over the weekend and my partner had a big sound system and it helped us stop people.

Thanks.

Jim

I have been using sound systems for outdoor shows for 20 years. I have owned over a dozen wireless mike outfits. I still own about eight of them that I use for various purposes.

I also have three different PA units.

Here are a few things I have learned:

• When purchasing a wireless mike, don't just go for the cheapest thing you can find. Get a UHF unit. Make sure it is a "true diversity" unit. You will have fewer dropouts with that.
  
  
• Find someone who knows about microphones and let him or her help you select a good one. If you buy a unit from some place like Radio Shack, chances are there will be several more around you on the same frequency. Most of my units have adjustable frequencies, so I don't get caught in a bind with someone else on the same frequency I am on.
  
  
• If you buy cheap, you will almost always have a bad sounding, unreliable microphone. Have a spare. Carry extra batteries.
  
  
• Don't try to use the tone controls of the amplifier to overcome your vocal deficiencies. That is, if you have a squeaky voice, don't try to compensate by adding lots of bass. All you will do is muddy your sound up.
  
  
• Put your speaker where it won't feed into your microphone. If you don't, you will almost always have feedback. Feedback will run a crowd off almost as fast as loud noise will attract one.
  
  
• A microphone is like a musical instrument. Don't assume that just because you have one, you know how to use it. It takes practice and hard work to learn what makes a microphone tick.
  
  
• Don't use amplification unless you absolutely must. A few months of vocal lessons will help you learn to project. It isn't that difficult. It's not the same as shouting.

I'm no expert in voice projection, but I know I've ruined my voice from doing shows without amplification. As I mentioned before, I've used a yellow taxi crate amp here on the streets and I've found it very good, powerful and enough for a big crowd. It's a bit heavy though, but I am not mobile at my pitch, so moving around is no problem for me.

I plug a CD player and my wireless mic receiver into it. I have access to an electrical outlet for both lights and the PA system. My busking happens in the evenings.

JoJo

In a situation like JoJo's, where amplification IS a must, I would probably use my Fender Portasound 150. It plugs into the mains, has plenty of inputs for mics and CD players, and has a pair of external speakers that can be put up on stands. This gives excellent coverage, and keeps the speakers out of your way.

I have purchased both the $35 model from ebay and the Minivox system. Spend the money folks!!! While I did not need the system, my hat doubled by having one. People that could not see everything still stay just to hear the jokes. And more noise = bigger crowd = more money.

While I don't remember off the top of my head where I got it from, I was able to get the full Minivox (wireless + rechargeable + headset + shipping) for $500.

How about an inexpensive Pignose?

Jim

Probably would work for small crowds. Being that it is small you might want to put it on some sort of stand unless you want the sound hitting everyone's knee caps.
JoJo

You might be able to put the Pignose on a Eureka base or similar music-type stand. It has the strap knobs so a chunk of thick leather might work to hold it down without drilling into it.

Is the Pignose sound reasonably clear? Or does it have an ugly sound to it? The Pignose is so cheap, it may be a good "first amp" for me, and give me a bigger sound without breaking the bank till I can upgrade.

Jim

Consider what the Pignose is intended for. The Pignose was designed about 30 years ago as an indoor practice amp for bass players. It was never intended to be used as a PA amplifier. Some people use them as indoor amps for trade show booths. Once you get about 10 feet from them, they are basically useless.

Thanks, Bill, won't go that way. I might be able to get a new Mipro with battery, recharger, and wireless lapel mike for $300. Does that sound like a good deal? I don't know how much they usually go for.

Jim