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That's another thing I want to avoid... A Wireless system that will either get signal break downs or interference.

What make and models are you using?

One thing I did with mine that I'd recommend if you go that route, buy the rackmount shelf from Shure. I've got mine mounted in a 4 space rack along with 2 SLX wireless units (My announce mic and an instrument pack that I use for band gigs). Just be sure to get the one from Shure, it's worth the extra money because it comes with the proper screws for the PG288 receivers and has the holes pre-drilled in the proper place. Makes for an awesome install and a very clean look.

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DJ Tony
Let It Rip Karaoke

The U4D-UB that I currently have is rack-mounted into my SGB Case. The receiver fit perfectly into my case without me having to get a shelf insert or anything. And I was able to align the slots so that I was able to screw it into the case with no problems. So, I have my JVC 3-tray player and my Receiver for the wireless mics in that one SGB Case.

I use the Shure PGX24/SM58 and AKG WMS40, as well as the Sennheiser Freeport (which is a rebadged Trantec). My Freeport is 672MHz.

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Lucky you my freeport is 742.5-744.5 MHZ.

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The Line Array Experiment is over. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Looking at the SHURE PG288/PG58 dual set, there are 1 or 2 things that have me thinking twice about purchasing this set...

First off, I have only found 2 ONLINE reviews of the mics.... 1 positive, 1 negative....
http://www.zzounds.com/productreview--SHUPG288PG58

Now, one of my concerns is the lack of a volume control on the receiver. The other is less of an issue, and more of a preference... the use of 9 Volt batteries instead of AA batteries (which I use in my current mics... I usually get 2 or 3 full shows of usage out of the AA batteries (which I prefer)).

Now as for major preferences that I would want to look for, I definitely want a wireless system that is on a UHF frequency. My general observances of that is there is less chance of interference or signal breakup as one moves around the bar/room (as compared to a wireless system that transmits on an FM or VHF frequency).

My other major preference is to have a good set of mics (regarding the clarity and quality of sound generated from the mic). I DO NOT want some "just passable" set of mics to use because I am afraid some drunk person will mishandle them. And believe me, people DO NOTICE the difference in how they sound regardless of whether they are professional or just out having fun. Also, I don't want one of those mics that is sensitive to every touch/movement of your hand as you move about (you know... you keep hearing a clicking sound or popping sound every time you move).

Well, I feel lucky in this area, because I only own 2 wireless mics, one of which I NEVER use, and the other one is a VHF Shure SM 58 which I don't have to worry about. Good luck to all of you who have to make these "expensive" transitions, I really hope for the best of luck for you all.

Volume control on the receiver? There is a gain setting on the rear of the receiver, just as there is with all Shure mics, but you really shouldn't need to touch that. This is what you have a mixer for. Your input attenuation (trim) and your fader/mix knob are how you control that. I'm not sure why you'd be looking for a volume control on the receiver itself.

The 9V situation is definitely a legitimate concern. And I have to admit is definitely the biggest drawback of that particular kit. I had bought some rechargeable 9V batteries with the mics, they worked well for a while but soon started to lose their capacity and now a few can't even get me through a four hour show. So I'm back to using alkaline. That said, with Alkaline batteries I usually get more than the advertise 8 hours per battery.

If you have the money to do it and want to stick with Shure, moving up to the PGX series will get you into a mic that uses cheaper AA batteries. The cost is over double for the mic kit itself (since there is no dual PGX out there) but you do also have the ability to get an SM58 or Beta58A cartridges with the PGX series.

As far as reviews, there are a lot of user reviews, but very few published professional reviews out there. I don't think the Performance Gear series is looked at very often by industry rags.

**EDIT** OK Upon further review I guess there isn't a level adjustment on the rear of those receivers as I thought. But that right there should show you how necessary it is. There is a gain switch under the head of each mic that allows you to add a -10db pad if needed. Personally, I've never had to touch it.

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DJ Tony
Let It Rip Karaoke

Just a thought

If the mics you can't use anymore are adjustable to 220 - 240 volts, which I think they are - you could look at selling in Australia via ebay or something.

You would need to work out what it costs to send them down, but I am certain you will have more than enough buyers since electronics are so darn expensive here. Again I do not know how much you are expecting for your microphones, but this might be something to consider.

For perspective, I bought a sony mp3 player in the US for US$50 which sells here for AU$200

A basic martin acoustic guitar US$700 and in Australia AU$1999

The exchange rate doesn't account for the difference. I think it has something to do with the taxes when you're buying new over here, but I can't be sure.

Cheers

Vic in Sydney

Yes, this can be an issue, especially when regarding use of rechargeables. NiMH AA batteries will be superior to Alkalines in regards capacity (eg 2400mAh versus 700mAh). However, 9V NiMH rechargeables are generally around 150 - 250mAh as opposed to 9V Alkalines at 550mAh.

I use 9V Lithium rechargeables from iPowerUS, which have a 500mAh capacity and find these give very similar performance to Alkalines.





You may wish to look for a Diversity receiver. These will have two antennae, as opposed to a single one, which means less chance of a drop-out in signal. Diversity receivers are also less susceptible to signal loss due to transmitter orientation. Also, a frequency agile system is a good idea as it means you can move to another frequency if experiencing interference.




I don't know about the PG58 wireless handset, but I have a wired PG58 and handling noise is a real concern to me with that. With my wireless Beta87C handset, I do not notice any handling noise. In that respect, letirip's recommendations re the PGX are very sound. (npi)

Same could go for New Zealand... wireless frequency = 646 - 806 MHz so if you have a system in that range, it may be worthwhile trying to sell on eBay or TradeMe.

As an example of prices of new equipment in NZ,

a PG system with two PG58 is NZD $1,649.00 = USD $1,154.30

a PGX system with SM58 is NZD $999.00 = USD $699.30

current exchange rate NZD $1 = USD $0.70


PGX with SM58 new is USD$400.00 from Sweetwater

One would have to bear in mind that anyone in NZ buying from overseas will be paying the shipping cost as well as having to pay 6% duty on the price of purchase as well as 12.5% GST on the total of price of the item + shipping cost.

You'd have to check to be sure, but most electronic devices sold in the US with an external transformer ("wall wort") automatically convert to either 110/120 or 220/240 VAC input. All you should need is the appropriate adapter to plug it into the wall socket.

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DJ Tony
Let It Rip Karaoke

Here's a few links that give a little information on mic choice and system comparisons:

http://shure.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/shure ... BfcGFnZT0x



http://shure.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/shure ... BfcGFnZT0x


http://shure.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/shure ... BfcGFnZT0x

Questions: What exactly are "components"? Are beltpacks, headsets, handhelds fall in this category?

I bought a Shure UC beltpack/Countrymen Headset with frequency in the 700 series for $495.00 @ ebay 10 mos ago. The seller didn't mention anything about banned freq, and I blame myself also for not being informed. I checked ebay and notice there's a lot of used Shure wireless being sold, some frequencies mentioned, but most are not. There's a Shure ULXP4 with a freq 700 series, he has 12 bidders at over $300 already. Not too many are informed, I guess (including me).

Anyway, what will happen if I continue to use it beyond the June deadline, and how will the "frequency police" find out that I am using an illegal unit? Hmmmm

It's possible that you might get interference or even worse an emergency call go over your speakers.

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The Line Array Experiment is over. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Ultimately using a device in the 700Mhz band could encounter interference or cause interference to other legitimate devices in that range. 700MHz has been opened up for public service (emergency services) use and mobile broadband. Conceivably at some point in the future a police car could drive past your gig and either receive interference on his radio from you or cause your wireless device to experience interference. Or you could have someone in the audience using a mobile broadband device that would encounter the same type of issues.

Now two things to remember. First, just because this band opens up to these uses this summer doesn't mean there will for sure be folks in your area using that band day one. It will take some time for infrastructure and such to be put into place and such. Second, if you are causing interference, someone would have to file a complaint and the FCC would have to locate you. In that unlikely but possible scenario, there would be a significant fine and probably confiscation of your equipment.

My guess is that in most cases the new uses of 700MHz will cause you more issues than you'll cause them. A 30 mW device (i.e. your body pack) isn't likely to cause much interference but will probably experience plenty if there is a high powered tower around. That could impact your show.

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DJ Tony
Let It Rip Karaoke

Wow! Reading the two posts from above, I am definitely sold to the idea of replacing my unit. Lots of worst scenarios, it ain't worth the hassle. "Forewarned is forearmed". I'm gonna start saving and replace it next month. No later than June 30 to get the Shure rebate. Thanks much, Danny & Tony!

My plans are to change the channels on my mics. All of my mics are multi-channel- 65, 25, or at minimum 8, and can switch out of the affected range.

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"No Contests, No Divas, Just A Good Time!"

" Disc based and loving it..."

Just rember they are also going to banning the use from 500 to 600 in the next year.

So, when you buy you mic make sure they are 600 to 698mhz