Wired Microphones

The DPA Microphones 4060 is a miniature sized condenser microphone for use in the recording studio. Perhaps you could use this to record a live show, but I don't have any experience in doing so. I believe that they sell the 4060 also as a stereo pair, which is the context that I've used it under. If they don't have a stereo pair to buy, I guess it was just two of them unmatched, but for some reason I think they were matched. The mic has a omnidirectional polar pick up pattern and picks up the full frequency spectrum of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The mic is extremely small, making them easy to place in tight places or on a person, although I haven't tried it for that type of use. OVERALL OPINION The only situation where I've used the DPA Microphones 4060s on is for recording acoustic piano in a professional recording studio. It is very easy to place these microphones inside the piano from the top, and doesn't require even opening the lid of a grand piano, which is great if you need to isolate the sound. In fact, you could just leave them in there, barley knowing that they're even in there! The sound of the 4060's are very clean sound and have a great attention to detail. The detail factor is really what makes them so great for recording acoustic piano and other acoustic instruments. I've yet to have the chance to use the 4060s for anything other than acoustic piano, so I can't comment on any other applications. You do need to be quite careful with these microphones, as they are so small that they can be easily broken without even knowing it. However, the good news is that they aren't nearly as expensive as you might think, and are actual quite affordable. I don't know how useful these would be in a home studio, as to me it seems like their main benefits would be most beneficial in a larger, professional environment. If you are looking for a great sounding microphone that has the stealth to slip into places other larger microphones cannot fit, the DPA Microphones 4060s would be one of my first recommendations.

These Samson SE50's are a solid choice for theatre groups! The earpiece design is a bit odd and a few people have complained about them being uncomfortable to me, but for the most part they seem to get the job done. The color is a big plus for stage use! For the price, these hold their own against headsets that cost 50-100$ more. Also, the included extra windscreens and multiple connections are quite handy. These mics will mate with very nearly any popular body-pack transmitter, just make sure that you tighten them down. They use an odd plug in then twist to tighten design that threw me off for a second. The sound quality is very good for a miniature condenser in this price range and they hold their own against some of my more expensive headset mics. As is par for the course with mics of this type, they can handle surprisingly high SPL's but if you scream into a mic 1 inch from your face you should expect distortion. I use these with a local theatre group and with some musicians and mic control and experience with this type of mic is definitely key to using these. Overall the SE50's are a relatively good choice for theatre or live music comparatively. I didn't choose these as my first choice but the company that I do work for decided that they would buy a few of these since they are a bit cheaper than what we had been using and I'm not dissastified with them. These are actually better than some other Samson wireless mics that I've used in the past. All in all, these SE50's are not a bad choice and you should be pleasantly surprised with them. One thing to keep in mind however is that you MUST clean these guys regularly. I suggest a diluted mix of rubbing alcohol. No one wants to slap on a headset mic with someone else's ear sweat stains on it! Especially if they are used for theatre productions, under those lights your performers will sweat and these guys can get icky!

I've been playing in "Tribute" bands for 10 years. Been all over the world playing music. Even played for Royalty. Drums & Percussion are my 1st love. But, I also play bass and Guitar. I taught drums lessons for 5-6 years at a local muusic store. I bought this Mic for $120.00 (including taxes) from Long & McQuade in Langley, BC Canada. It's lightweight, sounds pretty good, & adjustable. I really like the fact it comes with a belt clip 'cause the weight of a connected XLR plug could easily pull the headset off your head if you move too quickly. It won't sound like a Shure 58. It is great for back up vocals or talking engagements/gigs. But since the mic is small and just off to the side of your mouth it won't have full presence. People wearing glasses will have a problem wearing both at the same time. 'Since they occupy the same space around the ears. The metal head brace is black and is wrapped in a neoprene band, originally ment for glasses/sunglasses. It can fit comfortably, but you gotta to some adjusting I like it. It doesn't pick up heavey breathing, even through the mouth. And it sounds pretty good. It's an excellent mic for a drummer or anyone who needs their space infront of them. The price is not too bad either. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The Shure WBH53 is a headset condenser microphone. They are surprisingly very comfortable to wear for your special needs and performances or events. Most headset mics are really too comfortable and can irritate the talent (artist) so a lot of people tend to steer away from these. But Shure has always provided a quality product and these fit right in with Shure’s protocal. The shure WBH53 headset is fully adjustable allowing it to basically form to the way you want it to sit for you. It has a 20 Hz - 20khz frequency response and has a built on wind screen that’s made of foam. The windscreen tip will hold up too, wont get worn easily and start to wear off on you. Its made to last a while and it should be because this headset mic from Shure cost around 300 dollars here in the states and if you are looking to get a preamplifier for the WBH 53 it will cost around another 85 to 100 bucks. Overall, I think its worth it if you need a headset mic. This one will suit you well, there are a lot of other headset mics on the market but for the money and quality this might be your best option. I have used this before and have no complaints with it. I still know several people that use this a lot and I haven't heard a bad thing said about it yet. Invest in this mic and you will be very happy with the quality that it provides. After all if you don’t like it and you get it from musicians friend or other online dealers you can always return it. But that wont be a problem im sure you will love it, its just the price that sticks out like a sore thumb. Outside of that the Shure WBH 53 headset has NO issues..

What I like most about these headset mics is the overall quality and their pick-up pattern. I've used these with a singer / flute player and both picked up fairly evenly and with a well balanced sound. What I dislike is that the windscreen "fuzzies", as I like to call them, fall off easily and are annoyingly easy to lose. Also, they are on the expensive side when you have to replace them. I use these with a local theatre group as well as with live musicians and they perform well with both. However, a big drawback is this; because they are ultimately so close to the mouth when someone screams or yells they will distort. They have a fairly high SPL rating for such a tiny little condenser but if you have people lacking in mic control or who are unused to this kind of mic expect to have issues. The advantages with these are quite good however! Obviously mobility should be taken into account but these mics have a very well balanced frequency response and end up sounding alot warmer and richer than the old lavalier mics. Also the choice of color is a huge factor for theatre groups. You can get these in a creame color that blends very well on stage. These may look as though they are easily damaged but they are actually much more sturdy than they seem. The stem can be repositioned and bent alot more than you might assume before you really mess them up. Also the earpiece is adjustable as well which is good for little kids or those with funny ears! Of course, I'm not tempting you to try to tweak them until you break one, I'm just letting you know that you can feel relatively confident with their lifespan even if you are dealing with a group of untrained high school kids wearing your 200-250$ mics! Just keep an eye on those windscreens! Another downside is that you simply must keep these clean! In any performance under stage lighting people will sweat and around the ears these things will get icky! Just keep some diluted rubbing alcohol around and wipe them down good after each use. No one wants to have someone else's ear sweat attached to their face! Price wise I'd say that these are right in the reasonable range comparatively. I'd say that these stand up fairly well with most other wireless headset mics that I've used that are within this price range, so I'd feel OK suggesting these to a friend.

The shure mx 418 is a gooseneck mic that is 18 inches long and it is perfect for like a church or speech podium. I have seen this mic used in so many different set ups and places. It works very good, and one of the best thing about it is that the external and sourounding noise will have no effects and wont be heard. Its range of picking up sound is fairly close that is why it is a speech mic. This mic is used for a stationary subject when speaking, if your speaker wants to start moving around you will need to purchase a wireless mic to accommodate his movements. You cannot use this mic for walking around and talking , it is only stationary. But with its long neck and ability to bend and mold and transform it can fit anyone’s height range and vocal tone. Your speaker will be so surprised on how clear is voice will sound coming out of the MC 418. Especially if he is used to speaking into cheaper mics that just arent that good, once you get your hands on this mic you will no longer want to use any other mic every again. Also, this mic is pretty cheap and affordable and will last you a long time. Overall it’s a great mic for a speech session or a church preacher who stands at a podium during his sermon. Its very easy to set up and start using with a shock mount for flat surface mounting that can all be adjusted with a standard too allen wrench. The frequency response is 50hz- 17khz. Great mic for speakers, a must have and will sound great on a stage in a auditorium a theater , church, or even like a school cafeteria just giving a speech to the kids or parents. It works great in any situation.

This mic is a large diaphragm capsules mic. The AKG 420b is more of a newer style then what it use to be in with the previous models. Some of the features of it are, a switch able bass filter that can cut and minimize noise. The mic itself is pretty rugged and can take being dropped or dinged up a few times and still keep working fine. I have had one of the AKG 200 versions mics and dropped it before (years ago) and it stopped working almost instantly. Something must have just got messed up on the inside of it and I didn’t even bother getting it fix just gave it to someone else. But with the 420b by AKG seems to have put a lot more time into it making sure that it is a lot tougher and can take more. OVERALL OPINION The AKG 420 is pretty flexible and it will give you pro studio quality right in the privacy of your own home. It takes a 3 pin XLR cable or output which is standard and most all interfaces have those connections. You will appreciate the sound you will get with the 420. Overall, there are a lot of mics on the market that are affordable. Some cost more than others, but once you find one that will work for you , you will stick with that brand and particular mic. The AKG 420b is one of those type of mics that once you try it you will be hooked. The mic will cost less than 300 dollars now new, and is still being sold at all major stores. AKG has a few more mics that are worth the money too but they are a little more expensive. If you want to go with AKG this could be the best most affordable mic that they offer as far as around the head mobile mics go.