Karaoke Forums

Last week I ordered the Shure PG/14 PG/30 wireless headset system from Musician's Friend.  I have always considered Shure as the Rolls Royce of microphone systems.

I am very disappointed with the quality of the sound.  It has very little "presence".  It is worse than my least expensive wireless handheld system, the Pro 2.  What an unhappy surprise.

Is anyone else disappointed with the Shure 14/30 combo?  Or maybe I just got a bad one?

Any other recommendations?  I love working with a headset... leaves both hands free to manipulate my equipment.  The 14/30 would be OK for just announcements between songs, but definitely not for quality singing.

The only thing I liked was the price... discounted to about $250.

I see a Nady that comes with 3 handhelds and one headset for about $350.  That would be nice to have all those extra handhelds, but I can't imagine it would offer all that much and have a quality better than the Shure.

I am willing to go as high as $500 if I could get sound equal to my Pro 2 handhelds.  I would love to get some recommendations here.

Thanks

Well, I sent back the Shure system to Musician's Friend today and declined an upgrade until I do more research.  and that is why I am here, talkin' to the walls.  C'mon gang, anyone had a good experience with a wireless headset mic?  Need the best I can get for around $500 or less.

I'd like a recommendation for wireless headphones for home use (at less than half that price).  A system that's not prone to VHF/UHF Emergency vehicle transmission interference, electrical interference, flourescent ligh hum etc.  Just around 50 feet strong signal but thru walls too. (If I feel like sitting outside, I'd like them to be able to pick a signal up outdoors).  Same distance however,  nothing far.

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Wireless headsets are extremely hard to use in terms of karaoke, the fact that your mic is alway so close to your mouth makes it difficult for control of your voice levels unless the KJ is always paying attention and constantly working on your EQ levels. Most Shure mics are good but the thing is, the headsets that come with the body pack transmitter and receivers are usually never that good, buying a new headset is usually the best option. I use a Nady Encore II body pack and receiver with a Sennheiser G2 Headset. I've used Countryman headsets in the past and they are just incredible. 75% of the time the problems that lie in the use of headsets though is usually due to a sound tech not working on the sound levels as the singer is singing. Sound quality issues with these mics can also be due to a bad headset and very rarely the transmitter or receiver. There are so many headsets out now that it can be confusing when looking for them online. You have to make sure that the system you purchase has a body pack capable of having other brands plugged into them. When I got the particular Nady System I use I didn't know that I could only use Nady headsets or Sennheiser at the time, had I known I would've purchased a system that had a body pack with a mini XLR connection. BTW make sure you keep that in mind. My next headset system will be an Audio Technica system, the headset that comes with most of their headset systems is quite good but it tends to squeeze a little tight on your temples but if you switch from headset to handheld, like I do, you'd have no problems. Audio Technica's inexpensive sytems are good for the money you spend and I believe they have a mini XLR body pack making it compatible with most any brand headset. Somewhat related, I've been asked a few times about what type of headsets are used by different performers and here's a few references if you are looking to use what some of the pros have used.

Electro-Voice Headset was used for Madonna's Blonde Ambition 1990 Tour, Michael Jackson and Garth Brooks used the same type also for their tours around that same time. Intrusive and you can hear every breath you take.

Samson was used by Paula Abdul in 1992, they have a great one out now that doesn't need a body pack, it's transmitter is on the headset itself.

AKG was used by Kylie Minogue in her 2001 tour. Great sound but you see the mic out the corner of your eye.

Countryman headsets are used in all American productions of RENT. You forget they are on.

Crown headsets are used by Sarah Brightman for her tours as well as the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and N*Sync used them also, they are incredibly clear but require Phantom Power and bulky.

Senheisser is used in the German Production of Starlight Express. Great sound but same with the AKG, you see it out the corner of your eye.

And...For those of you that LOVE LOVE LOVE American Idol, they use Audio Technica when the contestants opt to use headsets. The Grease Reality show "You're The One That We Want" used Audio Technica also. Very small and you forget it's on.

Hope this helps a bit.

~Adrian