I am looking for a good microphone holder for both cordless and wired microphones. Are there any good ones you guys have used and would like to recommend?

Thanks in advance!

I use a lapel mike or a headset mic system. It is less bulky and easier for me to move around stage with or my performance area and leaves my hands free. There is also less distraction. This is just my humble opinion, mind you.

Kyle

I use a two-mic system on stage. I use a wireless lapel mic for myself, and a wireless handheld mic for my volunteers.

The stand I use for this second mic is actually from Radio Shack. It has a good heavy base, adjustable height, and the holder is cone shapes to fit easily the shape of the microphone.

I personally hate mic holders. They look kind of stupid, and it destroys your "look" on stage. Buy a head set would be my only suggestion.

Best,

Luke

Headsets are absolutely great if you do not use volunteers, or if you do not have to rely on audience participation in any way during your show.

But let's say I need to ask a volunteer to come up and assist with an effect. I ask her her name and try to establish a quick rapport with her. Without a Mic, the audience cannot hear her answers.

If I only have a headset Mic, I either have to take it off and hold it out to her mouth, or I have to repeat her answers. The first option looks ridiculous, and the second option defeats the purpose of having asked the question in the first place.

By placing a cordless microphone next to the volunteer, these problems are overcome.

I use a combination of two Mics when I can. I use a Fender Passport 150 system that allows up to five channels that can be controlled individually of each other.

One channel gets my lapel or headset Mic for myself and the other gets hooked up to my good quality corded stand Mic. By using both of these, I have no problems with sound or volunteers, and I always have a back up should one cancel out due to some techical problem.

Make sure if you're doing a lot of bigger shows, that you do get and bring your own system, Mics and patch cords. You never know what you will run into, and half the time, your sound equipment is so much better quality then what they have set up. You also know your system, and so there is no time spent figuring out theres.

Bottom line is that if they cannot hear you clearly, then there is no point in performing at all.

Kyle

99% of the clubs, theaters, etc., all have the same size mikes (hard wired), and SHURE makes a pro holder, a chain around your neck, adjustable, with a tie-clasp to your shirt. All standard mikes fit in with ease and come out easily too.

I don't trust wireless.

Once you get used to a trailing cord, you won't even realize it is there.

I also have in my case a pro holder as Pete mentioned above. I have just come to realize---ALWAYS BE PREPARED. I never know what situations I may run into, so I always bring my own sound system and case and patch cords. I bring this even if I know they said they have a system I can use.

I have just run into problems where the client's idea of a sound system and my idea are totally different. This way I bring my own so that no matter what the situation is, I am ready and can have top-quality sound no matter what there gig or where I am performing.

Kyle

I use a Shure handheld wireless Mic, but I don't use a Mic stand. I use Doug Malloy's Mic holder as the Mic can be released and locked in instantly, which means I can talk to volunteers or move my hands freely.

An added benefit is that with this Mic, I can literally stand in front of the speakers with no feedback. With my lavelier Mic, I was fighting feedback constantly.

I don't use a headset, because I think it detracts from the act and makes it look like a Borg is performing.

Finally, I carry every adapter imaginable to connect the virtually any sound system I need to, if I'm not using my own.

As Kyle said, always be prepared.

When wireless and technology fail, you should know how to work in front (behind) a mic stand.

Agreed, you should learn and train yourself to be able to work comfortably no matter what situation you find yourself into.

However, I try to avoid problems like this by always bringing my own sound system, mics and patch cords to every performance I do. This certainly does not mean there will not be any problems, but it does help minimize them.

Kyle

Hi,

Shure wireless headset and a line mike.

Paula

I remember a major show I produced, and one of the act INSISTED on using his own wireless system. With little or no testing he literally DIED as his mike kept cutting out, and 70% of the time no one could hear what he was saying.

Well, that entertainer certainly did not spend or take the time not only to know his own equipment, but to check it monthly to be certain it is working the way it needs to work.

If the audience cannot hear you, you might as well not perform at all. I just like knowing my own system and being able to adapt to any situation I find myself in. When working the market I work, it becomes a necessity to be prepared. =)

Kyle

I use a Shure Presenter Lav mic. Also I have an SM 58 Shure. I use a Mic holder from Doug Malloy. I probably use that more than anything else. It's great!

I mean I'd rather do that than go put on my mic deal with sound check and everything. If it's a regular everyday show, I'll use whatever they have or I'll use my SM 58. For big shows where I get 15 minutes to sound check, I'll use the wireless.

I do commercials, films and trade shows. So, I'm lucky to have a sound man wire me up, check my batteries, supply the mics and set the frequencies. The delicate wire, connection post and the batteries are always an issue. Oh, yeah, remember to turn it off when using the lavatory.

As I do a bit of presenting and occasionally I get asked to do the raffle.

I just love it when a winner has just gone to the john.

Because I get their name, and that is where I go to get them to collect their prize.

Radio mike can be fun.

Paula

Do any of you use your own system and mics for your performances? If so, what do you use and how has this benefited you? Just think this might be helpful for the readers here.

Kyle

Yes,

I use my own systems for my shows. I have a small rig 250 watt and a large 1500 watt.

I use my own sound desk, a phonic 1705 for each rig.

The advantage is that I know my own equipment and can get the sound just right for eack venu.

I have worked with many acts that never EQ to the room and their sound is awful.

Once had a group with a 2 k rig and an idiot as a sound engineer. I set up my small rig 250 watt Bose drivers - EQed it and blew their system away.

Sound is not about volume, it is about quality.

Rough guide lines are:

One watt per person in a good clean room and three watts per person in a room with soft furnishings and curtains.

Fire it up. Straight line the EQ and then adjust it to the room. Fire up your radio mike and then go everywhere in the room/on stage that you could go to during your performance.

Feedback:

We all get it at times. If you get it listen to the pitch of it. If high then drop the high frequency EQ down; low then mid EQ and so on. Dropping the volune will not correct it. Set your kit up at home and get it to feedback and learn to listen.

Paula

Paula,

Great information and thanks for sharing it with us. I also carry my own system and I find by doing so, I save time. I know my equipment works ,and I can get the quality of sound I need at all events I perform at.

I use a Fender Passport 150 system now and it has served me well. I may move up to the 250 watt system eventually. It sets up quickly, the sound is good and I can break it down just as fast. It also does not take up so much room in my vehicle.

Kyle