Wireless Microphones: Who Needs 'Em?

[abarnett]

Has anyone actually seen non-major bands use wireless mics?

Does anyone have that high up on their wish list?

I'm just curious about this because to me they seem absolutely unnecessary. I think of the mic cable as a tool to be mastered in the art of stage performance.

Two obvious examples that come to mind are:
-Robert Plant on Kashmir with "the Stretch"
-Roger Daltery on everything with "the twirl"

Is this something you guys see developing like the cell phone, so that vocalists can go over to the bar and get a round of drinks when necessary?

Am i just a luddite?

[SorenP]

I'm picturing a hip-hop show with 10 rappers on stage and they're all hard wired, and it's hilarious.
Yeah I'm with ya, besides rappers and dancing singers and cosmic bowling djs, there's not much need for em in music if ya ask me. The guy from Thursday does some pretty sick stuff with the mic cable too.. might as well have nun-chucks with mics in them. Public speaking, church usage, etc. there's more practical applications I suppose.

and if the vocalist is a real rock star... he'll have the drink brought to him.

[neal79]

They work out great for these wedding bands I work with. Typically its 4 singers and it varies from song to song how many of them are up there. We also keep one ready for use for toasts and things like that. We use all Shure ULX wireless so they work great. For your typical band playing in a bar they are kind of pointless. The thing about wireless is you can spend $800 and its ALMOST as good as a $20 cable.

[smopo24]

I guess the only reason is to look "more pro." Personally, I could care less if the band is using a wireless system, as long as what the band is doing sounds good. Seems like too much money, and too many potential headaches for a bit of convenience.

[neal79]

If you get good stuff you won't have any problems with wireless. You need to spend at least $400 or so per channel to get good stuff so its not cheap. If anyone here who knows me ever needs some wireless let me know, I can get a hooked up deal on some Shure PGX's for the night.

[maestro007]

I am the lead singer and guitarist in my band..i have to sing and play at the same time. i cannot move around at all because i have to to be in front of the mic..I was thinking of getting a wireless headset mic to have a little more freedom..DOn't you guys think this would help in my situation if i have a wireless headset mic?.I am also the only guitarist. What kind of show could we put on if i am stuck in one position the whole time..can't hold the mic now can i? any suggestions?
i mean yeah they look stupid but i think it would help and i'm looking for something that will still sound as good as my mic....THe band doesn't want another guitarist or a lead vicalist because i cover both soo...i dunno what else to do but get one of these things...I was thinking akg but have never tested any of them..i use a basic sm 58 on stage and it sounds great. worried i will lose my sound or have to sing differently..Any reccomendations or suggestions.

[maestro007]

Originally Posted by neal79

If you get good stuff you won't have any problems with wireless. You need to spend at least $400 or so per channel to get good stuff so its not cheap. If anyone here who knows me ever needs some wireless let me know, I can get a hooked up deal on some Shure PGX's for the night.

i'm thinking of getting one because i play lead and sing lead and i need mobility..it sucks for me because i can't move around at all. Can't hold the mic while i'm playing..can you reccomend something for playing live>?

[dagosto]

Originally Posted by maestro007

i'm thinking of getting one because i play lead and sing lead and i need mobility..it sucks for me because i can't move around at all. Can't hold the mic while i'm playing..can you reccomend something for playing live>?

A friend of mine mentioned the audio technica 3000 series to me just last night. I haven't checked it out but I'm pretty sure that's the one he mentioned that he uses for bass. Says he's never had a problem and he plays out at a lot of different clubs.

[samuraisoundman]

There is another reason somebody holding an electric instrument and/or mic might want to consider wireless : protection from getting the &%^&% shocked outta you in the "right" circumstance. With DI's being used more and more, and with AC service in a lot of venues being as bad as they can be, a wireless removes the copper between you and...possible death.
Also, most (if not all) wireless systems utilize some sort of dynamics processing at both ends ("companding") to improve the S/N ratio. The compression at the transmission side can add a certain "color" to the sound.
On cheapass systems, this can be bad. On REALLY good systems, this is not audible. BUT on the many "mid-priced" systems out there, it can be a real tool. I work with a CC performer, plays a Strat. He will ONLY use a Sennheiser
835mic/evolution wireless rig because its' compression scheme "fattens" and "rides" his voice a bit. I, personally , hate the mic, you have to really work it close. But it works on him. Go figure...

[JCI]

now, wireless in-ear monitors. those things are useful. as far as the wireless mic thing, just be neat with your cables & you'll save hundreds of dollars