Product Reviews

Wireless Microphones that Simply Work!

Is there anything worse than when your wireless microphone doesn’t work? I can’t think of a thing. Not one. Hopefully, you’ve never had to deal with an intermittent wireless microphone. The message that churches bring each week is too important to be left to chance. Unfortunately, with more wireless devices in use, successfully using wireless microphones and trying to diagnose problems can be very frustrating.

The other day, we received a call from a new client who wanted to try a particular wireless microphone that he had seen advertised. The unit of interest had lots of neat features, and appeared to be top drawer in terms of quality. I was familiar with the unit, and actually can sell it if I so choose. The church is here in Columbus, Ohio, so I arranged an on-site demonstration of the wireless system. Just for kicks, I also took along an Audio Technica 4000 Series handheld system.

Initially, the church was hesitant to try the 4000 Series because the other unit had lots of really cool extra features and looked great. After I arrived at the church, we set up the 4000 Series and I handed it to the sound technician. He put it through its paces and he liked it – he just smiled when he heard his voice. He’s a radio guy, so a big, warm sound is very important. Later in the evening, the church had a special guest coming in, so we set it aside. I offered to set up the unit that they wanted to hear, and the technician said that he’d do it later. I went home.

A few days later, I called to check in. He raved about the Audio Technica – its warmth, its clarity, its appearance, its dendability, and he went on. I asked about the other unit. He simply said, “No” which wasn’t the answer to my question. I pressed him a little and he started to explain, and then just said “No” again. He didn’t even want to talk about the other unit.

When you find something that works, you stick with it.

The Audio Technica 4000 Series has fabulous features (996 channels UHF, automatic frequency scanning, dual companding, well-constructed metal transmitters, and more) and extraordinary sound quality. The other unit looked like the best of the best, but only where it doesn’t count – on paper.

When it comes to choosing a wireless system, you want one that works dependably, one that’s easy to use, that will last and one that sounds great! The 4000 Series is all of that. It’s the wireless system that I use at my own church for my own pastor. Why?

It works extraordinarily well week in and week out.

Our systems have been in service for five years - never a dropout, never a broken part -- they just work.

And equipment that does its job costs less in the long-run than buying cheap stuff and hoping for the best. 

The 4000 Series has appeared on lots of concert tours, and is part of the sound system at churches all over the country. Take it from me. You won't be disappointed.

Audio-Technica 4000 Series Complete Systems from $849.95 – FREE Shipping on 4000 Series Systems! Click here to visit our online store!

Your wait might just have ended.

4000 Lumens, 2000:1 contrast ratio, 1080P performance.  I can hear you now.  "Sure I'd like to switch to HD projectors and it all sounds good, but how much is 'affordable?'"

The trend toward wide-format projection is taking off, and for good reason.  Most obvious is that song lyrics break over fewer lines for better readability on a wider display.  Secondly, virtually all film clips shot today are wide format and often High Definition.  We're used to seeing HD signals in our homes and on our computers; using wide-format and/or HD images in the worship setting just makes sense.

Just this month, Mitsubishi introduced the FD630U and it looks like a great go-to machine that's within reach of many churches. No one else has this feature/performance set at this price point.

The Mitsubishi FD630U in summary:

• 4000 Lumens
• DLP DDP 3021
• 2000:1 Contrast Ratio
• 1920 x1080 Full HD
• Up to 5000 hour lamp life
• 1.5X Zoom Diamond Series Lens
• 10W Speaker
• HDMI Input
• RJ45 and RS232 Monitor and Control
• 3 Year Express Replacement Warranty

We also have HD switchers and screens to make wide-format projection a reality for you.  Oh yes, the Mitsubishi FD630U is $3495. Just a couple years ago, you couldn't touch a 4000 lumen XGA projector for $3495 - and now you can get full 1080P HD with lights-on brightness.  Call for more information or order online today.

Heil Sound PR-35 Large Diaphragm Vocal Microphone

Made in the USA, the PR-35 (made with the same capsule as the PR-30 that we liked so well for choir, drum overheads, and guitar amplifier) was introduced to the world during the 2008 Super Bowl. Fox Sports received 5 of the first 6 available for use with the broadcasters. We received microphones #7-12. I know that the Super Bowl use by the TV announcers doesn’t sound super impressive if you’re a music guy, but let’s step back.

Why did Fox Sports pick the PR-35? First, let me tell you that the PR-35 has an extra dimension of depth not found in other microphones. I’m not talking about bass. I’m talking about that “something special” that’s hard to describe. It’s what makes a voice jump out of the mix without tearing your head off. It’s what makes you smile when you hear it. The PR-35’s huge diaphragm adds both warmth and punch, along with spectacular presence.

I think that as much as great sound, Fox likes the fact that the PR-35 has the top-notch rear rejection. What does that mean? It means that the PR-35 is able to keep ambient noise out, isolating only the voice of the user.

Many cardioid microphones claim rear isolation, but in reality don’t perform well. Imagine the Super Bowl – the roar of the crowd, the noise of the PA announcer, the action everywhere. Imagine trying to hear Terry Bradshaw’s voice clearly without all of the background din. In a music setting, imagine not picking up the monitors or the reflection from the front of the balcony or the guitar amplifier.

With the PR-35, there’s virtually no feedback, even in high volume, high energy settings. The PR-35 has a three-position bass roll-off switch, and I recommend that you start with the middle setting. The PR-35 is a little boomy for most people’s taste when flat. So, you’ll have to experiment with what you think is best for you.

If you have a special vocalist (maybe your worship leader or a soloist) or a whole group of special vocalists, try it. My recommendation is to get one.  Use it next to what you’re using now. You’ll be hard-pressed to go back.

One of my clients and I have compared the PR-35 to lots of other microphones over the past couple weeks, and the results have been not unexpected, but very pleasing. We’ve compared the PR-35 to microphones of others at the price points of $99.95, $119.95, $159.95, and others up to $699. We found that the PR-35 was generally preferred to even the $699 microphone and that it blew the other brands away. There is truly a difference.

The Heil PR-35 is $249.95, so it’s not cheap. When you feel it, look at it, and hear it, you’ll know that you have a well-built tool in your hand. I’m confident in the PR-35 – so confident in fact, that if you don’t like it, I’ll take it back.

How will you know whether the PR-35 is for you? Ask yourself, “Does it sound like a great product?” What I’d like you to do is to read our descriptions (which you’ve already done). That’s step #1. Step #2 is to consider your budget. Ask yourself, “Is this a product that I can afford based on my needs (if it does what it’s supposed to do)?” Step #3 is to order it.

When you get it, use it. If you don’t agree with our assessment, you can return it. It’s fairly simple.

The Heil Sound PR-35 Large Diaphragm Vocal Microphone. $249.95

In stock for immediate shipment. Try it.  You won’t want to send it back.

Countryman E6 Flex – the Best of Both Worlds

Our best-selling professional microphone – now improved!  Countryman listened and improved the E6 by introducing the new E6 Flex Earset microphone.  The E6 Flex combines the popular slim earpad from the original E6 with the flexible boom from the E6i.

Earset performance doesn’t get much better.

For the past several years, Countryman has surged into prominence by producing a miniature earset microphone that many companies copied.   The original E6 sounded great, was very durable, and provided a level of performance never before available.

Now, it’s even better!

With the E6 Flex, Countryman has made a couple improvements while not sacrificing sound quality.  The thin earpad on the E6 Flex doesn’t interfere with hairstyles, eyeglasses, wardrobe, headphones, or in-ear monitors. The front boom of the E6 Flex is slightly firmer than the E6i, so it’s easily shaped right on the wearer’s face and smoothes out for a professional look.

Great sound, less feedback.

Frequency response is better than 20 Hz to 20 kHz ± 3 dB (the range of human hearing). Easy adjustment keeps the mic in the perfect position for maximum isolation.

Countryman earsets reduce feedback an average of 12 dB compared to a lavalier or lapel microphone.

Still Rugged and Reliable

Made of durable stainless steel, the E6 Flex stands up to daily handling, makeup, and sweat. The microphone element is virtually waterproof when used with the supplied protective caps.

If you have questions about how the new E6 will work for you, please call 800-747-7301.  E6 Flex Omnidirectional models start at $369.95 and are available for immediate shipment for virtually all wireless microphone transmitters.  E6 Flex Directional models start at $429.95.  Use the E6 Directional for applications with high-volume stage monitor speakers.