Need help replacing wireless microphone/lavalier

[ssnedeker]

Hello, I am very inexperienced with sound systems, but I work in IT, and I am sometimes asked to set up our sound system for company meetings, we have a pretty inexpensive sound system, and the microphone and lavalier need to be replaced on it, however I can't seem to find a replacement for the exact device, but only for the entire system. I am hesitant to purchase a generic lavalier transmitter and a wireless microphone with the fear that they may not be compatible.

The lavalier bodypack transmitter is a VHF wireless transmitter with an channel F sticker 203.40 MHz
The Microphone is Channel E 215.20 MHz.

This is the link to the system we have Amazon.com: nady-pro sound encore duet ht b&d nady encore duet 2 chn wireless 2 cardioid dynamic hh vhf chn b&d: Musical Instruments


Any help would be greatly appreciated! We don't need anything extravagant, we may only use it half a dozen times a year and this equipment has lasted us years so was well worth what we paid for it.

Thank You!

 

[Supercreep]

Hello, I am very inexperienced with sound systems, but I work in IT, and I am sometimes asked to set up our sound system for company meetings, we have a pretty inexpensive sound system, and the microphone and lavalier need to be replaced on it, however I can't seem to find a replacement for the exact device, but only for the entire system. I am hesitant to purchase a generic lavalier transmitter and a wireless microphone with the fear that they may not be compatible.

The lavalier bodypack transmitter is a VHF wireless transmitter with an channel F sticker 203.40 MHz
The Microphone is Channel E 215.20 MHz.

This is the link to the system we have Amazon.com: nady-pro sound encore duet ht b&d nady encore duet 2 chn wireless 2 cardioid dynamic hh vhf chn b&d: Musical Instruments


Any help would be greatly appreciated! We don't need anything extravagant, we may only use it half a dozen times a year and this equipment has lasted us years so was well worth what we paid for it.

Thank You!

You should buy a new system, especially if you have used this thing for years. You are right to be hesitant.

Were I you, I would order something and plan to test it well ahead of any company meeting. "I work in IT" and "I got bad advice at HR.com" don't help when the COB is trying to give a speech and the mic doesn't work.

 

[Farview]

The transmitters and receivers are.a.set. there is a encode/decode process that can keep other transmitters on the same frequency from working properly.

Just get new systems, that way you know it will work as intended.

 

[Bobbsy]

Yup. Every manufacturer (and sometimes different models from the same manufacturer) uses different settings for things like compression/expansion and FM deviation. Unless you can find exactly the same make and model, by a set and be done with it. I also recommend "don't skimp". There's an old saying about wireless mics..."You can spend thousands of dollars on the best radio mic system and end up with something almost as good at a $20 XLR cable". I'd stick to things from Sennheiser, Shure or Trantec. Also, discuss frequencies with a local dealer who should know which ones are safe in your area.

Finally, you may be offered systems that work in the 2.4MHz Wifi band...some of these are pretty good but be aware that if you're in a wifi dependent office, interference can be a problem. I've heard of Line6 digital gear shutting down a local wifi network in theatres.

 

[John Willett]

VHF systems are rarely used nowadays - mainly dou to the fact that they are now more expensive than UHF, have long antennas (because of the lower frequencies) and are more prone to licking up interference.

Personally I would go for a Sennheiser G3 system.

Finally, you may be offered systems that work in the 2.4MHz Wifi band...some of these are pretty good but be aware that if you're in a wifi dependent office, interference can be a problem. I've heard of Line6 digital gear shutting down a local wifi network in theatres.

The new Sennheiser 2.4GHz (NB: *not* 2.4MHz) systems are pretty robust in these situations.

 

[bruiser1964]

I agree, get a new system for all the above reasons but also because the usable channels / frequencies available have changed and your old kit may not be legal anymore.

 

[Bobbsy]

VHF systems are rarely used nowadays - mainly dou to the fact that they are now more expensive than UHF, have long antennas (because of the lower frequencies) and are more prone to licking up interference.

Personally I would go for a Sennheiser G3 system.


The new Sennheiser 2.4GHz (NB: *not* 2.4MHz) systems are pretty robust in these situations.

Ooops...yes of course I meant GHz.

FYI, all the problem I've heard of (so far) with sharing that band have been the microphones blotting out the local wireless network, not vice versa It's nice to know your radio mics are robust...but not so nice if you're in charge of IT!

I agree...the G3 system is nice indeed, but as this is for presentations at office meetings it might be a bit expensive. For this application, the XS range could well be sufficient for a lot less money. I have 4 channels of XS and have been pleasantly surprised by the quality and reliability.

I agree, get a new system for all the above reasons but also because the usable channels / frequencies available have changed and your old kit may not be legal anymore.

Good point. The OP doesn't say where he is but, since the advent of digital TV, an awful lot of frequencies have been juggled in various countries.

 

[Farview]

I work for a.big international AV company, we use the Shure wireless systems. Even the cheap ones work well. If you are in the US, they will be cheaper than the sennheiser systems.

I prefer the directional lavalier to the omni, especially if the speakers are in the ceiling.