Thread: I love my new PA system and wireless mike!

I thought I'd share my exciting new sound system, seeing as we're always looking for the perfect speakers.

After breaking yet another set of iPod speakers (that really wasn't loud enough for gigs anyway), I finally invested in a small PA system - a Yamaha Stagepas. It's a speaker with an inbuilt mixing desk, into which I can plug my iPod or CD player and microphone. This is it:
STAGEPAS 300 (though I got just one speaker - AU$800).
It's really easy to use - I tend to leave all cords plugged in to the mixer, so I just plug into power at gigs. The sound is brilliant. Loud enough for any gig except perhaps a mega-reception hall, and with serious base. No tinnyness. It's heavier than a CD player, but still possible to pick up and carry. I have strapped it to a fold-up trolley. Not ideal, and I've tipped it in the gutter several times dragging it out of the car, but manageable. So far it seems unbreakable. ,r:;

I also got a wireless head-mike, because I am experiencing serious vocal strain from teaching - especially as I now do lots of noisy hen's/kids' party workshops. I got this head-mike: JTS Wireless Microphone > Products > Wireless Systems > UHF PLL Diversity Series > US-8001D (AU$500 on special).
I feel like a Britanny Spears wannabe, but it works brilliantly, and my voice is thanking me. Can't do veil work in it, but everything else is fine. It's a big help with crowd-control at the aforementioned parties, and to keep my fitness-class moving without having to stop the music to explain things.

I originally tried a clip-on lapel mike, as they are less visible (thought it'd be ideal to clip to bra strap). Unfortunately, it gave me heaps of feedback (squeEEEAL!!!). Apparently they pick up sound from all directions, and it was picking up the speaker sound and feeding it back. I couldn't get near the speaker to adjust the volume without blasting my eardrums - you need a sound guy to operate it while you stand well clear. The 'directional' head mike fixed the problem instantly. I can move around at will, no dead spots on pick-up.

So there you go. It'd be ideal if the PA was a bit lighter and came with it's own wheels and handle, but I'm still really happy with the set-up. Oh, and it all looks very pretty in the frangipanni-patterned plastic cover I made!

Yay!

I needed something like this just the other day; I looked into it a few years ago but nothing came of it. I'll have to start my search up again!

Thanks for the info!

Deborah