Sennheiser Freeport VS Behringer Ultralink 2000

[HxCHarry]

Hi!

I'm looking to buy a wireless mic for live use (I like to move around alot and whilst I can just about get by with wired systems, there's always the occaisional cable that comes out or the cable that wraps round a mic stand and topples it) Also I just want to treat myself a bit as I've used other vocalists systems and just felt a little less worried about the minor problems a wired system has.

I don't have a ton to spend on it, but equally I don't want to go out and buy something incredibly cheap that will just be awful.
I've narrowed a couple of choices down, the behringer ultalink 2000 and the Sennheiser freeport.

Reasons for the Behringer.

1. It looks decent. I've seen a fair few system at that price that look dated. The Behringer just looks like the kind of system that'd be flexible and modern.

2.The number of choosable frequencies.

3. Whilst alot of people don't trust behringer, I haven't had many problems with the gear I've used.

Reasons Against the Behringer.

1. The brand. I'd hate to buy it and then be turned down by most engineers when I ask if I can use it because they don't trust the brand.

2. Why does the Behringer system have so many features that others appear to lack? Surely it has to compromise somewhere.

Reasons For The Sennheiser

1. A more universally trustable brand.

Reasons Against

1. Costs a big more.

2. Has less channels


So really the problem in the decision comes down to the Behringer. I don't need perfect vocal clarity, or an amazing mic. I scream/growl and I'm not in a massive band so I can put up with ok quality.
Do you think the behringer will get me turned down by many engineers? I'd want to use it for most gigs I play, I just really like wireless systems. But there obviously isn't much point in getting one if I'll be turned down due to the brand.

Thanks for your help!

 

[gecko zzed]

You have a tricky choice to make. Much of the criticism of Behringer is hysterical, and in some cases so virtiolic it becomes an act of bravery to even mention the 'B' word. This hysteria is contagious, and others accept the poor opinion without question. This kind of massed group think is not unique; I remember in the seventies it was very uncool to like ABBA (which I did), and all manner of unjustified scorn was levelled at me.

Having said that, I am aware of the huge volume of Behringer gear being snapped up because it is cheap, functional and represents good value for money for people who struggle to find dollars. Most are satisified. I have some Behringer equipment; some of it is great, some of it not so. However, I also have other brands which likewise have vices and virtues. An acquaintance has a Mackie desk that has plagued him with problems since he got it.

I do a fair bit of live mixing. If someone came up to me and said they wanted to hookup their wireless mike, I would say 'sure'. I wouldn't care about the brand, but I would care if it was working ok. Maybe other engineers are more picky. Perhaps some are more judgemental; I can't speak for them.

If the Behringer has desirable features that the other doesn't, and comes cheaper; if it is appropriate to your needs, then go with it.

Incidentally, I have a fondness for Rode mikes, and in particular, my pair of NT5s. For the hell of it I bought a pair of the Behringer C2s (because they are so unbelievably cheap) and set them up against the NT5s. There is a difference, but, wow, are the C2s amazing value for money!