I have been using this microphone for ages…and till today, it is still providing stellar sound. AKG…German technology at its best. I have compared this with the Shure SM58 and I still think that this microphone outperforms it. Sharp-eyed readers will see a switch below. That is not an ON/OFF switch though. It’s a B-M-Off switch. According to this website, the B–M–Off switch allows the performer to shape and control the warmth of the sound, reduce proximity effect when the microphone is close-talked, reduce feedback, or increase intelligibility in over-reverberant halls and auditoriums. Being a super-cardioid microphone, its rather sensitive. And another thing, this thing is nickle-coated which means the paint does not wear off. If you can get this, get it. Its superb!
So I finally ponied up and bought the AKG WMS 40 Mini wireless microphone system a few days back. Got it at a pretty good price and what can I say, the microphone sounds absolutely superb! The only issue was the connection behind it:
This thing uses a 1/4″ balanced connection, not an XLR. I suppose it is to keep the cost low. So it looked like I would have to make a cable, or at the very least buy one. What I needed was a 1/4″ TRS plug and that I did not have. I had to go to the local electronics shop to buy one. It was pretty inexpensive…only costing me less than $2 for it. I came back home, looked through my junk box for a three-core balanced audio cable and a male XLR connector. I managed to find what I needed. Firing up my soldering iron, I began to prepare for Operation DIY Balanced Microphone Cable
One hour later, I had the microphone cable ready and it looked like this:
The male XLR plug goes into my mixing board and the 1/4″ TRS jack goes into the new unit. For just an hour of my time and a plug that cost less than $2, I had a great sounding microphone system. Thanks AKG. You make great mics and this one is NO exception!
I have always liked Audio Technica, but not necessarily their microphones. I have used their turntable cartridges and styli, their headphones, their mixers but not their microphones. I was very pleasantly surprised to hear of this. This is a hybrid microphone…of sorts. Connection-wise, this microphone can accept either XLR or USB connections. USB connections seem to be pretty common nowadays. It can be useful even for hooking this up to your computer to record your vocals. This microphone was unveiled at NAMM. Specs are, according to Prosound:
Element: Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 50 to 15,000 Hz
Power Requirements: USB Power (5V DC)
Bit Depth: 16 bit
Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz/48 kHz
Controls: On/off switch; headphone volume control
Weight: 9.5 oz (268 g)
Dimensions: 7.20” (183.0 mm) long,2.01” (51.0 mm) maximum body diameter
Output Connector: USB-type and XLR-type
Headphone Output Power: 10 mW @ 16 ohms
Headphone Jack: 3.5 mm TRS (stereo)
It also has a durable metal construction (don’t you hate those flimsy-feeling plastic microphone cases? I know I do) and the price is pretty reasonable too. Worth checking out
This Line 6 XD-V30 was the wireless mic I used during my NYE gig. I must say, the receiver sported no aerials at all and the sound was crisp and clear, even when I was far away from the receiver. According to the Line 6 site:
- Frequency response: 10 Hz – 20 kHz (-2 dB)
- Dynamic range: >115 dB (A weighted)
- T.H.D.: <0.03%
- Digital conversion: 24 bit
I must say that I liked the performance. Yet another model to keep in mind about.
I was doing a show on Friday and this was the wireless microphone supplied to me by the sound guys. It was a JTS US-1000D. Now, I was a bit sceptical, to say the least, about the quality and the sound. But I must say, the sound was absolutely crisp and clear. No worries about this brand if you want to get it. Seems like I am learning new things every day about different equipment but that is one of life’s attributes.
One of the best microphones of the industry…the Shure SM58. I have been using one for over 20 years and the thing is still fine. Many musicians, emcees and DJs swear by this mike. Relatively inexpensive, it will last a long time, providing crisp vocals. It also can be used as an excellent instrument mike for miking guitars, although I believe the Shure SM57 would be much better. I might be getting another one soon. For about $145, it “shure” is worth it!
The hunt for a wireless microphone goes on. These past few days, I have been looking at offerings from Mipro, Shure, AKG, Line 6…you name it, I have looked at it. I have narrowed it down to this one…the AKG WMS-40. As the website says, the price for this baby cannot be beat. It is retailing somewhere above $200 here and it looks like excellent value for money. The only issue I can see is that it does not use a 3-pin XLR connector but uses a phone jack….a balanced TRS phone jack it is too. Another thing worth mentioning is that it is an analog wireless system. So in a sense, we do get what we pay for.
