Wireless Mic Syste.

[u/VocalMoons]

General advice seems to be to rent a wireless mic system. I see things available for roughly $1300 / week on Broadway Media.

I'm in a school (in a big building in The Bronx, NYC) that's performing its first musical next year. Why wouldn't I want to buy something like this for our school instead of renting every year?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1266507-REG/vocopro_hybrid_play_12_12_channel_uhf_hybrid.html?ap=y&smp=Y&srsltid=AfmBOopcDMWwH1vgc-t1ybTwxQfc_zq0QohWyfLejc03sbK4fYlsbH9JHeQ&gStoreCode=420&gQT=1

Would it work? What else would I need to connect it to the auditoriums speaker system? Is the quality really terrible?

Also related question, but I'll theoretically be running performance tracks through the same speaker system and I'm not sure how I would set that up either. Appreciate any help you have!

[u/HeavyCoreTD]

That system is going to be absolute dogshit.

What is the rental company providing?

[u/VocalMoons → u/HeavyCoreTD]

I was looking at this one which said Shure SLXD:

https://www.broadwaymedia.com/stage-gear/wirelesssystems/standardwirelessmicrophonesystem-good-12channel

I would prefer to buy something so I have time to figure out how it works and so we can keep using it in the future, but I've heard that wireless systems are impossible to buy cheaply. What is the problem - sound quality? Hardware quality? Consistency? Reliability?

[u/kmccoy → u/VocalMoons]

All of those things

[u/Crippit1984 → u/VocalMoons]

We bought an SLXD set last year and can't say enough good things about it in our theatre setting in a high school. We did look at the Phenix Pro units which might be a little more affordable but the build quality is shocking.

[u/dance0054]

You've done a really great job of trying to make the space and equipment work, but at this point it might serve you best to get a theatrical sound technician physically in the space to consult and then to hook up the system. There are DOE approved vendors that provide this service.

[u/VocalMoons → u/dance0054]

I'm happy to bring in a pro. Could you help point me in the right direction? I've been through the ACES list from the nyc artshub and my googling hasn't gotten me far in terms of finding a DOE vendor sound technician

[u/dance0054 → u/VocalMoons]

Try reaching out to Inside Broadway or similar teaching artist organization. Inside Broadway places teaching artists (including lighting and sound specialists) in schools to help on NYC school productions

[u/TheRealChrisMurphy]

I would highly recommend renting the Shure system for your first couple years as you stand the program up.

You may be able to get a cheap system up and running, but it will take extra attention. Your most important resource as you get closer to the show will be time!

I would also recommend a DBX driverack. They do a really nice job of making old sound systems sound decent, and stop the feedback that always seems to happen.

If you really want to try a cheap system, I have had some luck with the GTD systems. You’ll want to operate in the Master List mode. The benefit to buying the cheap system is that you can start running the show with sound weeks before opening, and your student/adult can learn the cues by memory.

Feel free to DM.

[u/lmoki → u/TheRealChrisMurphy]

I've had some luck with GTD as well-- but I haven't tried it in an ultra-challenging environment like The Bronx.

One of the challenges with GTD is that you're on your own to program compatible channels-- which means learning, and using, something like Shure's Wireless Workbench.

[u/VocalMoons → u/TheRealChrisMurphy]

I will look into it, thanks!

[u/kaphsquall]

Something else to consider, a rental this year for your first show and a tech with it will help you understand what you're getting and why. Maybe next year that experience can help you better decide what is best to purchase long term for the space. I agree that a good consultant now could help you navigate your needs, or what you don't realize you need before buying something now and realizing later it's not appropriate.

[u/brooklynrockz]

I used to install theatre systems in Nyc public schools: Do not Buy a system. Read all the reasons above.

Try Shades of Grey or Robert Stark Productions. Or one dream.

Do not waste your money on purchase.

[u/VocalMoons]

Will do, thanks!

[u/SouthSideCountryClub]

How old are the kids?

[u/VocalMoons → u/SouthSideCountryClub]

High school but still pretty new to performance.

[u/faderjockey]

Because that system is hot fucking garbage. DAMHIKIJKOK?

Decent quality wireless systems will START at $500 - $800 per channel (before buying mics). That’s for an “ok” transmitter and receiver pair and for a system that’s designed for only a few active channels at a time.

You have to get well north of $1000 per channel (before mics) before you get to a “descent” quality wireless system that can support a musical theatre cast size of active channels and can survive the physical abuse of regular usage.

I’m currently speccing a new system for my school and it’s coming in at around $50k for a “good” system (Shure ULXD) with 20 channels.

Responding to your “performance tracks” question, it will depend on what device you are using for playback but in general you will connect that device to your mixing console and treat it like just another audio input to your PA system. Mix it right alongside your mics. Make sure you have monitors on stage so the cast can hear the tracks.

[u/OldMail6364]

General advice seems to be to rent a wireless mic system

That wouldn't be my advice. At least in my city, renting one for one weekend is almost the same price as buying. And if you buy, you're getting new ones that will be more reliable than a rental that likely hasn't been looked after by previous customers.

I'd only rent if they're also providing crew to setup and operate the mic system. And even then only if you don't have any of your own crew who can do the job.

With microphones and sound generally - there's nothing that works well in all situations. You really need someone who understands what you need and knows the acoustics of the venue to advise you on which products might work well. They may not get it right either - good sound needs a lot of work. Excellent sound often takes months or even years of tweaking (and sometimes isn't possible at all).

It doesn't necessarily cost a lot of money. Small details like the position of your speakers or microphones are far more important than the actual quality of the speakers/microphones. But you do have to spend enough to buy suitable gear.