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Church and H.O.W. – Forums for HOW Sound and AV - Your Displayed Name Must Be Your Real Full Name To Post In The Church and HOW Forums => Church Sound Archive => Topic started by: John Warren on May 02, 2008, 05:03:30 PM

Title: A-T 700 series headworn mic
Post by: John Warren on May 02, 2008, 05:03:30 PM
I would like to hear your comments about this product, pros and cons, and the durability of it.

I was asked to check into a lavalier mic for our Pastor, after they intently listened to my comments about lavalier's, I was given a green light to look into head-worn mics.

This Church was started about three years ago in an older building and the majority of the general fund is earmarked for repairs, remodeling, so a Country man is out of the question for now. However everone is in full agreement of getting one in the future.

Our local music store has a Audio-technica 701H for around three hundred, and we will evaluate it this Sunday. Most of the congregation stays after the first Sundays Sermon, for the business meeting and I will asked them to vote on it.

I have always highly valued this forums opinions, Thank you in advance for your comments.
Title: Re: A-T 700 series headworn mic
Post by: Jeff Ekstrand on May 02, 2008, 05:44:14 PM
I have a quote for a Countryman e6 for the same amount you're quoting the AT. Well, it's about $5 more, plus tax, but you get the picture.

Simply remind the board/committee/congregation that if they buy the good microphone now, and take care of it, then they won't have to spend $600 over the long-haul, they'll only be spending $300-$350 total.

When you point it out to a budget committee or elder board that way, it' almost a no-brainer.

Honestly, I think a lot of folks fool themselves into believing they can't afford the Countryman. If you would like, I can give you the name of the place I buy mine, and you can either buy from them, or show it to a local dealer to price-match.
Title: Re: A-T 700 series headworn mic
Post by: John Warren on May 02, 2008, 07:18:24 PM
Thank you Jeff...Is this for the receiver, belt pack and countryman mike. If this is so, I would gleefully jump  on it, then send you a big Do-nut for the info

As I understand the Countryman, they only make the mic. I was under the impression that I would have to have the receiver and belt pack beforehand, then add the countryman to it. I have seen the Countryman from 285 to 308 this past month, but it was only the mic.

This ATW 701 package contains a 8 channel receiver, AA battery belt pac and head worn mic w/windscreen, that may make my Pastor look like Garth Brooks LOL. They also have the optional wireless hand held mic, acoustic guitar system that could be used, with the receiver and/or belt pack.



Title: Re: A-T 700 series headworn mic
Post by: Jeff Ekstrand on May 02, 2008, 08:56:27 PM
That's just for the mic, no receiver.

I wasn't aware that there is no existing wireless system.

Have you considered a wired lav/headworn system? Save more money or get a better product. In most cases, unless the pastor is EXTREMELY active, a wired lav would suffice. It will also prevent any wireless interference problems you may experience with the white spaces issue come Feb. 2009 with the DTV revolution. Less than a year away with no guarantee of operability after that date. Are 9 months worth $300?
Title: Re: A-T 700 series headworn mic
Post by: Gary Creely on May 03, 2008, 09:05:33 AM
That system is a real cheapy, that is more meant for the aerobics instructor than a pastor to preach with. A decent E6 get up will work and sound much better.
Title: Re: A-T 700 series headworn mic
Post by: Jeff Ekstrand on May 07, 2008, 12:33:18 AM
Unfortunately our friend is dealing with a limited budget... a Shure ULX system with an e6 will run him near or more than three times the cost.

It could be a rock and a hard place if you've already convinced them that the headworn is the way to go, and you don't feel you can go back and tell them a lav is the right solution now.

But that's my suggestion. Either get a wired e6, or get a better wireless system with a lav for now, and buy an e6 down the road when you can afford it again.
Title: Re: A-T 700 series head-worn mic
Post by: John Warren on May 07, 2008, 01:26:19 AM
Thanks again Jeff. I found an old lav is storage and I think it will suffice.

This Church has an old Samik powered mixer and two peavey 15 in mains. Its located now at the front wall as the group and Pastor tweaks it there.

I am presently building a sound desk that matches the Pews, to be located about 3/4 towards the back and off enter. They were going to put the sound  in a closet at the back wall. I suggested closing it in for pantry storage space in the kitchen and suggested using two seats in the above location. Gads I love these people LOL

Another Church is going to let us use a 16 channel mixer (Soundcraft)and a 100 ft snake (12-4).

It has been some time since I have mixed and looking forward to getting into the way they do things. On the fifth Sunday (about 4 times a year) they have a short service, then into a contemporary songfest all morning, then a potluck and more singing until about 4PM. Loads of talent and I hope Im up to the task.
Thanks again for your replys...John

Title: Re: A-T 700 series headworn mic
Post by: Don Boomer on May 07, 2008, 09:05:05 AM
Jeff Ekstrand wrote on Fri, 02 May 2008 19:56

 Are 9 months worth $300?



Jeff's correct ... so if your answer is "yes, 9 months is worth $300" then I suggest you spend your $300 on rentals and at least use something good for that short time.
Title: Re: A-T 700 series headworn mic
Post by: Greg Hertfelder on May 10, 2008, 08:46:44 PM
The gain-before-feedback of a lav just doesn't touch a headworn mic. I have stashed all my old lav mics and only use them only for recording or very low gain applications (classroom sound).

If your budget is tight, I recommend the combo I have been using for the past year -
Digital Reference DR-3500 with Audio-Technica AT-892C, or also packaged as the Audio-Technica ATW-2182-TH.

There are other AT variations of this system worth considering, too.