wireless mic suggestions?

[mrb]

Looking for suggestions for wireless mics. I am going to need between 4 and 8 systems, some handheld, some lav, maybe one or two guitar transmitter. These will sometimes be used with an antenna combiner and remote antennas, and other times will be used individually. They will be used in a variety of settings.

I am leaning toward the AKG WMS 450 series. Does anyone have any feedback for me on these?

I really liked the AKG DMS 700, but at $2500+ per receiver/mic theyre too pricey.

Also looked at sennheiser EW 300 G3. I like how the receivers can be networked with a PC, and the entire system can be set up from the pc instead of having to deal with the controls on each receiver. The downsides were a bit higher cost than the AKG, and I dont like the antenna thing sticking out of the bottom of the handhelds.

I appreciate any help.
thanks

[museav]

With a wide range of undefined applications, no budget identified, no mic preferences, etc., what you'll get for responses are likely to be what people personally like for their use, which may not be the same as yours.

How do you plan on accommodating the with or without antenna and power distribution configurations and the individual or multiple unit use? How do you plan on mounting the receivers and related equipment? Constantly remounting receivers and changing antennas is probably not the best thing in terms of reliability and durability.

Would these 4-8 wireless mics always be the only wireless mics in use or might they routinely be used in conjunction with other wireless mic systems?

I'm not sure the PC control would be a significant factor since you mention the systems may often be used individually. The little stub antenna bothering you combined with no apparent consideration for the mic itself suggests you might be more concerned with appearance than performance. What are your priorities?

[mrb]

Originally Posted by museav

With a wide range of undefined applications, no budget identified, no mic preferences, etc., what you'll get for responses are likely to be what people personally like for their use, which may not be the same as yours.

How do you plan on accommodating the with or without antenna and power distribution configurations and the individual or multiple unit use? How do you plan on mounting the receivers and related equipment? Constantly remounting receivers and changing antennas is probably not the best thing in terms of reliability and durability.

Would these 4-8 wireless mics always be the only wireless mics in use or might they routinely be used in conjunction with other wireless mic systems?

I'm not sure the PC control would be a significant factor since you mention the systems may often be used individually. The little stub antenna bothering you combined with no apparent consideration for the mic itself suggests you might be more concerned with appearance than performance. What are your priorities?

You bring up some excellent points. The budget is in the $500 to $1,000 range per mic/receiver.

The receivers would be mounted in a rack with antenna and power distribution. Most of the use would be in this configuration. If removing a receiver for individual use became more than a couple times a month occurrance, I would buy additional receivers. Most of the time these would be the only wireless mics in use, but I have to consider the possibility of interferance from other RF sources at the events and nearby.

[2mojo2]

In that price range you will want to consider the Shure SLX and the Sennheiser G2 (assuming you can still find sufficient stock to meet your needs).
So far, the Shures have worked well for our high school theater, but only time can tell about durability.

[mrb]

I just discovered another prerequisite. The handheld mics must have a sliding switch to mute them. This eliminates the sure SLX since it has a mute button which if held in too long turns the mic power off. I need to check the sennheisers to see what they have.

Im really leaning toward the AKG. Anything bad about them?

[Blah067]

Have you looked at Shure's ULX systems?

The handhelds have a sliding switch, but no mute function. Its on or off with a 3 second delay.

I've never used AKG gear at all really, so I can't vouch for their stuff.

[Sayen]

Are you sure you want an on/off switch? I usually buy mics without those intentionally. Somehow performers are always drawn to those, especially people not used to using mics, and inevitably they leave them off when trying to speak onstage. Muting from the board is often preferable.

I wish Sure had a cover over the buttons on the SLX as it is.

[Blah067]

--You can purchase a sleeve for it.

--I don't like handhelds (or any transmitters) with a standby/mute switch. Too much confusion when you cannot/do not wish to mute from the board.

--On/Off or LOCKED ON (haha actors...its actor proof...). Those are my preferences.

[mrb]

due to the situations these will be used in, the mute switch is needed.

[mstaylor]

I have four of the Shure SLX mics and the mute/off switch isn't a problem. I use them often with non-professionals and they have never messed one up yet.