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My question concerns a loud machine gun-like noise (more like a Gatling gun than an Uzi) that happens from time to time with my handheld wireless mics . . . from a Gemini UF-2064 dual system (and yes, I understand that "ya gets what ya pays for.").  All three times I've used one of these mics in a karaoke-type situation using a CDG player and TV, it has happened . . . and then stops before I can isolate the problem. I've set up my equipment at home several times, attempting to reproduce this noise, and have . . . for a second or two, but again it stops before I can figure it out.

I know the veterans here caught on early in my post that I am not what you'd call "tech savvy," so this problem may be caused by something simple that I'm not aware of . . . and then again, maybe not.  Has anyone else had this problem and do you know of a cause and solution? Your help will be much appreciated. Meanwhile, I'll keep on saving my spare bucks for an upgraded mic system.

I'm not a fan of that type mic set up.  It could be a dead spot of the reception.  It could be a loose battery.   Could be some type of electrical interference.  Can you change the frequency?

Handphone ringing nearby may produce such sound.

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I can neither confirm nor deny ever having or knowing anything about nothing.... mrscott

I get sharp popping noises from my cordless Seinnheiser when the battery is dying.

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"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

Does a fresh battery cure it?

Otherwise, this is the reason why UHF systems are superior to VHF, which are far more susceptible to interference from random events like aircraft radios passing overhead.

err if you read the specs they are indeed uhf, sure the new battery cures the popping but its annoying if it starts making the noise mid song. Thats why I always have a corded plugged in ready

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"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

Mine have battery indicators on them and lights that change colors.    Never heard that noise.

Cheap cell phones can cause that.  I have such a device and it throws all sorts of RF nastyness.

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Okay, who took my pants?

Right on about the cell phones. And not just cheap ones, either. I have a Samson UHF guitar wireless system, and it makes that exact sound when certain cell phones ring within a certain distance. None of my other wireless units do that. Just has to do with specific frequencies, I guess. Much different than the "battery dying" sound.

uhuh one concentrates on performance or concentrates on lights...I know which I will be doing

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"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

Thanks for the input here, folks. This is indeed a UHF system; and as for batteries, I always start a night with fresh ones. I'll do some experimenting with cell phones to see what happens. I'm open to more suggestions if anyone else has diagnosed and "cured" this problem.

I have experienced interference from a cellphone while using my wireless mic and personal monitor system.  Not sure if it was the mic or the monitor, but I resolved it by moving the cellphone further away from the equipment.  I have had many instances of RF interference from cellphones, most noticeably while listening to a radio station with a cellphone nearby.  Once you know this sound, it's pattern is quite distinctive and recognisable as being cellphone induced.  My guess is it's due to the 'phone synching in with a cell.   I even heard it through my headphones while on a 737 during landing approach to Calgary last week.

If this is the cause of your problem, it is most likely due to a 'phone that is quite close, possibly your own.  Does it occur when your cellphone is off (assuming you have one, of course!)?

I had strange music playing over my system one night momentarily - no other clubs for miles around. All of a sudden it stopped.  Found out that someone was in the their car in the parking lot (right outside where we were) and they had plugged their IPOD into their car system to listen to a song they were intending on trying that night - and it was broadcasting over my system.

In closer proxmity I have had cordless mics from other clubs broadcast over my system occasionally but not often. (I use a cordless SM58).

k

Change the frequency if you can.

I sat outside a church once with my CB radio and they listened to "MY SERMON" over their PA system.  :dancin:

Next we will have signs like they have in hospitals and doctors offices.  PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES DURING KARAOKE.

I've never been to karaoke at a hospital or in a doctor's office!  Don't they usually prefer a quiet environment?  :yum:

First of all it's the distraction.  

But it was also for people that had heart pace makers.  The microwave (frequency) interference could possible stop the pace maker, thereby killing the patient.

So the microwave (frequency) interference could be the noise on the microphone.

That is why all good microphones have the capability to change the frequency.  Don't leave home without it.

Even better is the wireless system that scans for available frequencies automatically... really simplifies set-up!

Personally as a tech and engineer I do not like wireless mics and I have used and maintained  all systems  including SHF TV repeaters between broadcast stations. It is subject to RFI  Above are all good suggestions however I would ask Does your receiver have a threshold adjustment?
 I do an annual gig directly below the WWV towers in colorado and sofar have been the only system with no RFI.. Wireless mics would be useless
To get a reliable wireless mic it takes some bucks. If you want the best I recommend sony

For a Sony this is cheap!!!!

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EUREKA! With the help of those of you here, the source of my mic problem has been found! It WAS cell telephones . . . but apparently not all cell telephones. My own phone did not create any problems, but any time my wife's phone was used anywhere in the immediate area, that terrible and familiar rat-tat-tat returned. She didn't even have to be talking on the phone: all it took was an incoming call or a voice mail reminder (in addition to interference while talking).

I also have an UHF Audio-Technica system (with a lavalier mic) which operates at a lower frequency. I tried it out, and her phone didn't affect it a bit.

I guess I just have to accept the fact that I am the owner of a mic system that is pretty much unusable, unless I (A) have all patrons turn off phones, or (B) don't mind having patrons diving under tables when they hear what they think might be gunfire!  Thanks again for the help, folks!