clip-on mic for trumpet/wireless questions

[harmolodic]

First off, nice forums. I've looked around here before but have never posted before.

I'm a working trumpeter in search of some technical information. I'm not very technically savvy but do manage to set up our system for live shows and record us in our studio (you can check out my trio at the website below).

Here's my issue: I've been using a wireless system i've kind of cobbled together for a while now. I use a standard mic for open and muted trumpet playing, but I also use a number of pedals and effects, and for that kind of playing, I like a clip-on mic attached to a wireless system so I can get to my effects pedals and whatnot--so I'm not stuck in front of a mic.

I have an AT Pro 35AX clip on condenser and an AKG WMS 40 wireless system. I use the SO 40 Snap-on transmitter--it plugs on to microphones to make then wireless.

Here are my problems--most of which are rooted in my not understanding how mics work and what various terms mean:

1) the AT 35AX has a very thin wire attaching it to its power module. These tend to short out or otherwise screw up pretty easily resulting in a lot of noise.

2) The power module plugs in via XLR to the AKG SO 40 snap-on transmitter. However, it doesn't work like this--I also need to have a battery-powered phantom power adapter between the mic and the transmitter, resulting in a 12" "stick" I then have to carry around in a belt pouch.

So--I'd like to keep the AKG wireless system and just find another clip-on mic to use with it. Why does the AT need the additional phantom power adapter (when it has its own "power module")? A standard mic like a Shure SM 58 obviously doesn't need that.

Are there any decent clip-on mics that don't need this additional power, and ideally, don't have a cable attached, so that I can simply plug the AKG transmitter on to it and have the unit clipped on to the bell of the trumpet?

Please pardon my lapses in knowledge. Any light you can shed on these issues is greatly appreciated.

thanks,

Scott

www.vectortrio.com

 

[easychair]

Scott,
As to why the Pro35 needs phantom as well as the battery power supply, I don't know. That does seem to be the case, however. Keeping your current wireless system, I don't know how wide your options are. Even using a dynamic clip-on, you need to have some kind of connector to plug in your wireless transmitter, and that is going to be bulky. Cable issues can be solved, with good dressing and strain relief. I would maybe stick with the current set-up you have, use a different mic, and keep the transmitter in a pouch like you do now, or mount it on your horn somehow with velcro. Any decent tech can shorten the cable for you if you mount the transmitter on the horn.

I would maybe get something like the AGK d409, about $100, a great mic. It is dynamic, so doesn't need phantom power.

Or, if you want something entirely new, my current faves for wireless horn mics are by Applied Microphone Technology. Not cheap, though.


Roam 1 Elite

 

[harmolodic]

easychair, thanks for the response and for understanding my probably mangled question(s)....

The AKG d409 does look like a nice mic and may well be the (budget) solution to my problems. Since I only use this with a second trumpet (a Jupiter pocket trumpet--not good acoustically but fine once converted to a line-level signal for use with pedals etc), creating something out of velcro and duct tape might work.

As to the AMT Roam 1 Elite--is that a complete system (mic, transmitter, and receiver) for that price? If so--it is tempting!

Scott

 

[easychair]

easychair, thanks for the response and for understanding my probably mangled question(s)....

The AKG d409 does look like a nice mic and may well be the (budget) solution to my problems. Since I only use this with a second trumpet (a Jupiter pocket trumpet--not good acoustically but fine once converted to a line-level signal for use with pedals etc), creating something out of velcro and duct tape might work.

As to the AMT Roam 1 Elite--is that a complete system (mic, transmitter, and receiver) for that price? If so--it is tempting!

Scott

Yep- that price is for the whole shebang. A couple of things about it though.

It uses the Samson Airline wireless unit. I have been nervous about their performance, given previous not-so-stellar experiences with Samson products and customer service. I don't know why they chose to go with Samson, considering their mics (in my opinion) deserve a way better system. Maybe they like the compact size, or got a good distribution deal, who knows.
That being said, I have had zero problems in six months. I bought two specifically for a gig for a big client, and have used them quite a bit on horns, percussion, ethnic drums, and a few other things. The receiver usually sits right at the performer's feet (it is very small, and could plug right into your effects processor) so I usually have no signal problems.

The other thing is that price is for a non-diversity system, sorry about that. True diversity will run you another $150. At that point your budget soluiton might look better, especially since as you said, sound quality for this mic isn't your biggest concern. Both the systems I bought were diversity systems. It might not be a big deal, because like I said the transmitter can be right at your feet.

 

[harmolodic]

Again, great info. But one question: what is "diversity"? if I'm the only one using wireless (we are a drums/bass/trumpet trio) is this a non-issue?

thanks,

Scott

 

[easychair]

Again, great info. But one question: what is "diversity"? if I'm the only one using wireless (we are a drums/bass/trumpet trio) is this a non-issue?

thanks,

Scott

A true diversity system uses a receiver with two antennas and (usually) two separate tuners, which are the doojiggeys in the receivers that pick up the transmitted signal. The idea is that the unit picks up both signals, compares them, and locks on the stronger one. It helps with dropouts from moving around, relfections, interference, etc. Your AKG is a diversity set-up, from what I could see on their site.
With your set-up, with the receiver so close, I would bet a non-diversity setup would be fine. Don't hold me to it, though.

 

[harmolodic]

Gotcha. It was the technical term "doojiggeys" that did it!

I appreciate the input. I just ordered the AKG d409 and am trying to design a little velcro and leather harness to attach to the valve cluster of the pocket trumpet so I'm not dealing with a wire and pouch.

Scott