Help Picking out multiple microphone unit

[Augmentum]

Hey guys, I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask.  I'm looking for any input for a multi channel headworn mic unit that we could use for a church setting.  We are small so no one really knows a lot about this type of stuff.  I only know a little bit myself.  Anyone know any good units out there for us to use?  I'm looking for at least 4 headworn mics in unit at a price at most sub 800 USD.  

 

Thank You!

[anothertom]

Hello,

 

So, you're looking for four (or more) headset style mics, rather than lapel mics? Do you know what mixer is being used in the system or do you need a mixer as well? as that will determine what connectors and how many you are able to use at one time.

 

Do you have XLR cables already or will you need any adaptors and cables included?

 

For $800 (total) you won't be looking at top of the line systems (shure/sennheiser), but you should be able to get solid quality and reliability and a recognisable brand.

[Augmentum]

6 minutes ago, anothertom said:

Hello,

 

So, you're looking for four (or more) headset style mics, rather than lapel mics? Do you know what mixer is being used in the system or do you need a mixer as well? as that will determine what connectors and how many you are able to use at one time.

 

Do you have XLR cables already or will you need any adaptors and cables included?

 

For $800 (total) you won't be looking at top of the line systems (shure/sennheiser), but you should be able to get solid quality and reliability and a recognisable brand.

Hi, we have the Behringer x18 (https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-XR18-Digital-Mixer/dp/B01JMYNDN0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1487018762&sr=8-3&keywords=x+air)  

We have a full setup but currently have hand held mics.  We're just looking for an upgrade. 

 

Thanks!

[anothertom]

1 minute ago, Augmentum said:

We have a full setup but currently have hand held mics.  We're just looking for an upgrade. 

Are they wired mics or wireless, if they're wireless then there might be a headset from the same series without the need for new receivers transmitters.

[Augmentum]

14 minutes ago, anothertom said:

Are they wired mics or wireless, if they're wireless then there might be a headset from the same series without the need for new receivers transmitters.

They are wired.

 

[anothertom]

Before buying anything, check what frequencies you are legally allowed to use in your area and make sure you buy something which complies with this. not sure about US, but in the UK serious fines can be handed out if you're caught using equipment in the wrong frequency bands.

 

A few headset options with the limit of $200 per microphone:

 

Samson concert 88 Headset (alternative), $179*, single headset mic, transmitter and receiver. Operates between 542 - 566 MHz, with built in channels for up to 16 units. There are variants for the different frequency bands which should be easy to find.

 

Samson Concert 288, $330*, dual headset system with separate transmitters into a single receiver. operates between 470 - 518 MHz.

 

Electro-Voice R300E, $200*, single headset mic, looks slightly more robust than the samson models, single headset mic, transmitter and receiver. 678-694 MHz, has variants for different frequency bands.

 

The Samson concert 88 system has a lavalier variant for the same price as the headset, this would be more discrete than a headset and should provide similar performance.

 

The performance of these mics won't be earth shattering, and naturally some EQ will want to be applied to whichever solution you end up with, but these are known brands and should satisfy.

 

I would be interested what @Ahoy Hoy has to say in regards to these recommendations.

 

* I live in the UK and have no idea about what taxes may or may not be applied to these on top of the listed price.

 

 

[Ahoy Hoy]

3 hours ago, Augmentum said:

Hey guys, I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask.  I'm looking for any input for a multi channel headworn mic unit that we could use for a church setting.  We are small so no one really knows a lot about this type of stuff.  I only know a little bit myself.  Anyone know any good units out there for us to use?  I'm looking for at least 4 headworn mics in unit at a price at most sub 800 USD.  

 

Thank You!

I dont recommend wired lappel/headset microphones its just hilariously stupid to see a massive cabled sticking out of someones back.
 If you go wireless it will be country dependent on what frequncy bands your allowed to use. UK, Europe, America are all different and using something which is fine in one country is illegal in the other.
I recommend Shure and Sennheiser wireless systems. 
You will struggle to get four for 800 dollars could get 2 for that.

This is a reasonably new product from Shure. Its a lapel microphone version because the lapel mics are drastically cheaper and you could afford 4 instead of headset ones. Basically its a microphone which you clip to your shirt around the collar area. 
Thers a double and a single unit. So for around 1000 dollars you could get 4 wireless lappel mics.
http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-SHU-BLX188CVL-LIST
http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-SHU-BLX14CVL-LIST

They use batteries to power a box which you wear on your belt under shirt or on your back. Then you run the wire up through your shirt and clip it near the collar area. Very commonly used on TV. If its just for talk this will be fine.
So you know the headset version is $500 each. But if you buy these you can switch out the microphones there just screw in jacks. So you can buy headsets for them later if you want them. You can also swap to wireless hand held microphones and use the same recivers.
Whats the purpose for this is it for singers who run around dancing, actors or maybe a church who wants it on a preacher when talking?t

[Augmentum]

On 2/13/2017 at 6:46 PM, Ahoy Hoy said:

I dont recommend wired lappel/headset microphones its just hilariously stupid to see a massive cabled sticking out of someones back.
 If you go wireless it will be country dependent on what frequncy bands your allowed to use. UK, Europe, America are all different and using something which is fine in one country is illegal in the other.
I recommend Shure and Sennheiser wireless systems. 
You will struggle to get four for 800 dollars could get 2 for that.

This is a reasonably new product from Shure. Its a lapel microphone version because the lapel mics are drastically cheaper and you could afford 4 instead of headset ones. Basically its a microphone which you clip to your shirt around the collar area. 
Thers a double and a single unit. So for around 1000 dollars you could get 4 wireless lappel mics.
http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-SHU-BLX188CVL-LIST
http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-SHU-BLX14CVL-LIST

They use batteries to power a box which you wear on your belt under shirt or on your back. Then you run the wire up through your shirt and clip it near the collar area. Very commonly used on TV. If its just for talk this will be fine.
So you know the headset version is $500 each. But if you buy these you can switch out the microphones there just screw in jacks. So you can buy headsets for them later if you want them. You can also swap to wireless hand held microphones and use the same recivers.
Whats the purpose for this is it for singers who run around dancing, actors or maybe a church who wants it on a preacher when talking?t

Hello! 

Thank you for giving me your input with this.  I will be sure to bring these up to the council to decide whether they want to get them or not. 

 

Just out of curiosity, how much more would it add to the price if headworn mics were used instead? We're looking for 3 mics for singing and 1 for speaking.

 

Thank you!

[anothertom]

50 minutes ago, Augmentum said:

Hello! 

Thank you for giving me your input with this.  I will be sure to bring these up to the council to decide whether they want to get them or not. 

 

Just out of curiosity, how much more would it add to the price if headworn mics were used instead? We're looking for 3 mics for singing and 1 for speaking.

 

Thank you!c

There isn't  a pre-configured bundle with two headset mics, but there is one with a hand held and a headset for a similar price as the double lapel mic version, which is a good indication it would be around the same cost.

 

If you get in touch with Shure directly (http://www.shure.com/americas/about-shure/contact-us) i'm sure they would be accommodating to your needs, they may even have a local rep who could give a demo of these options in house. Don't be afraid to ask them for suggestions and info, especially about what frequency ranges you can use, they don't bite

[Ahoy Hoy]

9 hours ago, Augmentum said:

Hello! 

Thank you for giving me your input with this.  I will be sure to bring these up to the council to decide whether they want to get them or not. 

 

Just out of curiosity, how much more would it add to the price if headworn mics were used instead? We're looking for 3 mics for singing and 1 for speaking.

 

Thank you!

That website didnt sell any of the nice headset mics but you can get them for around 100. worth contacting shure like tom said they have very helpful customer service.

[Augmentum]

10 hours ago, Ahoy Hoy said:

That website didnt sell any of the nice headset mics but you can get them for around 100. worth contacting shure like tom said they have very helpful customer service.

 

19 hours ago, anothertom said:

There isn't  a pre-configured bundle with two headset mics, but there is one with a hand held and a headset for a similar price as the double lapel mic version, which is a good indication it would be around the same cost.

 

If you get in touch with Shure directly (http://www.shure.com/americas/about-shure/contact-us) i'm sure they would be accommodating to your needs, they may even have a local rep who could give a demo of these options in house. Don't be afraid to ask them for suggestions and info, especially about what frequency ranges you can use, they don't bite

 

 

Okay! Thank you guys for all of your help!  I appreciate all of  your inputs  I'll give them a call and see what they have to offer