Karaoke Forums

This is Marble's call. She told me by PM after I voted, so I would think we could do that for anyone who wants to know. I would think we could stop pretty quickly as it seems clear that 1 and 3 are the ones people like, and 2 and 4 the ones they don't like.

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

I was going to leave it a week, before i posted the answers, but if anyone thinks I should tell sooner let me know, failing that or just PM if you want the results.

Mics 1 & 3 definitely sounded better than the other two. I'd have to say that 2 is the least appealing.

#3 seems to be slightly clearer than 1

The answers are as followed

1. was the SM58
2. was the Skytec
3. was the Sennheiser
4. was the Kam Dual microphone

I personally have noted that my Kam doesn't have as much handling noise as some, and I've watched this thread with baited breath... so providing my compressor can reach me today (snow is causing havoc on our roads in the uk...) my plan is to insert this into the last pages of my karaoke book.

If anyone has ideas on how perhaps I should re-word this, please let me know...

A bad workman may blame his tools but a good singer loves their microphones.
Shure SM58
The SM58 is a professional microphone, commonly used in live vocal applications. It has built an enviable reputation among musicians for its robust construction and technical performance, and is considered the industry standard for live performance microphones. Introduced in 1966, the SM58 remains one of the best selling microphones in the world today. The SM stands for Studio Microphones.
The SM58 has a mid-bass frequency boost common to all cardioid microphone designs when used close to the source. The cardioid response reduces pickup from the side and rear, helping to avoid feedback onstage. The SM58 uses an internal shock mount to reduce handling noise.

Sennheiser e815S
The e815S is a hand-held dynamic vocal microphone, designed for live performance. Its shape is similar to a Shure SM-58, in that it has an integrated "ball top" wind screen, and a dark gray tapered body. It features an "off-on" switch. In comparison to the Shure SM58 the e815S has a slightly brighter top end, a less pronounced midrange peak and less low end proximity effect.

Kam 1920 Microphone
This radio microphone has a range of 50 metres, balanced outputs and no cords to worry about, the singer the ability to move on and off the stage. It features an on off switch. Despite some reviews on the internet, this does not have the same quality as the SM58, and is prone to handling noise, distorting, picking up sibilance (the noise created by a jet of air traveling through the vocal tract towards the sharp edge of the teeth) and dropping out. However what it loses in quality it certainly makes up for in fun.

Compressor
Because the SM58 and Kam 1920 Microphone are the most commonly used microphones that we have, both are also connected to a compressor which helps keeps the singers volume more consistent. Compression can also be used to lift the soft passages of a selection, pulling the sound toward a compressed "middle". Hence, loud sounds are pulled back and soft passages are boosted.
For people who prefer not to have compression used on their vocals, we recommend you use the Sennheiser e815S.

This was interesting, not scientific, but interesting. Seems like more people including myself liked number 3.

I own #3 the Sennheiser e815. It's one of the mics myky57 called junk on another thread. It's actually not as good IMO as the e816 that I got at the same time off ebay. The e816 and the e835 seem to brighten my voice in the higher frequencies which I like.

Both the e815 and e816 are inexpensive mics. The Sennheisers have low handling noise too. The bodies are solid metal, heavy and have a very sold feel and the screens are very solid-they'll hold up to being dropped. Properly cared for I could see them lasting a very long time, an entire career even. Certainly several decades.

just to clarify, the mic in the test was a radio mic sennheiser which was an expensive one... the one for my karaoke customers is cheap... but I've used it because it allows the customers to choose a mic that doesn't have compression.

Thanks for going to all that trouble to do the test--and to MickyJ for posting it. It was fun. (no pressure on me to "get it right" because I'm not a techie.)

I like your idea of explaining the mics in your book. We have done the same for explaining the different brands of karaoke manufacturers and most don't read it but it is at least available for those who want to learn more. Maybe we will add a mic/equipment section. Again, most won't care but some may get an appreciation of what it takes to put on the show.

Also agree--the fun factor on the wireless make up for the lesser quality and the customers agree. I figure that as long as we also have a better quality corded available to those that care, there is no harm in it.

Not likely. It is Sennheiser, and they don't really make junk. The 815S is a decent mic, but not nearly as good as the SM58 or 835. More like the PG58. Incidentally, the #3 in the test was the G2-100 wireless with the 835 head.

Now with the Nady, you got me. I called that junk, to be sure. And I meant it.

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

Dear God, here we go again.

Glad I was able to pick my own mic out!!!! Was I the only one that picked 1 #1?