Wireless microphones

[jbejar]

The pulpit microphone in all of our buildings are sensitive enough to pick up background noises easily. So it will be switched on, esp. if you have someone speaking near the pulpit in a live setting. You can measure the maximum gain before feedback by turning the volume knob up on the receiver for the lapel mic. Try plugging the lapel mic in both with and without the podium mic plugged in. In our experience you can increase the volume much more now that the podium is unplugged. The reason that lapel mics are so sensitive is that ours are omnidirectional and condenser type. The pulpit microphone is condenser but is cardioid (directional) (ES905CL).

Using handheld mics pick up much less noise because they are not omnidirectional and they are not condenser type but are dynamic. That eliminates a lot of the feedback BUT requires whoever is speaker to hold it closer to their mouth.

Also see
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2ceO8D_MUw

[sbradshaw]

When using a lapel mic for Gospel Doctrine say in the chapel, you will get much better results if you unplug the pulpit mic.

I don't know much about the tech side of connecting microphones, but I worry about the practical aspect of making sure everyone knows (and remembers) the system. I imagine the next ward coming in for sacrament meeting and being annoyed because "someone keeps unplugging" the pulpit microphone. If you do this, I'd recommend taping a sign on the pulpit that explains. Or, could you make a fabric cap for the pulpit microphone to prevent it from picking up sound when it's not in use (maybe tied to the microphone stem with a string)? That would be more visible and easy to take on and off, rather than getting up and starting to speak, realizing it's not working, then needing to bend down, open the cabinet door, and find the microphone plug.

[russellhltn]

Since it should be on an automatic mixer, if the pulpit mic is picking up sound to a noticeable extent, the solution might be a simple a lowering the mic so it's not pointed to the ceiling speakers.

I'll also note that the automatic mixers makes setting the feedback point a little tricky as the feedback point depends on what mic is on. Turn it too high and everything may seem ok until a particular mic is triggered "on" and then you've got not just a little feedback, but runaway feedback.

Rather than pushing for maximum volume on the wireless, you may want to using a different remote mic, or even a headset.