A pair of paddle antennas could help increase signal strength and reliability in tricky RF situations like this. I work for an A/V company and we deploy them at any event where large crowds and/or long range are a factor. I would also recommend using higher group numbers, especially if there are other wireless mic systems being used in proximity. This reduces the chance you'd be competing for the same RF space. Your videos are always a treat- thank you!
We may add a paddle solution in the future. Though, this event is the only one we have experienced issues with (since 2022). We do use wireless mics for some of our larger events, but those receivers stay at the stage. Thank you for your comment!
Hello Thank you for your message. In the United States, it can be used up to 50 mW without a license. I envy you. When the signal conditions are severe during outdoor events, I sometimes attach the receiver's antenna to the head of the speaker on the speaker stand and extend it with a coaxial cable. Somehow it is stable on stage, which is helpful. Wireless is convenient, but it has many weaknesses. I'm also looking forward to a fun video. Thank you very much. From Fukuoka, Japan.
everybody in the comments screaming "use a paddle!" would be wrong. the issue isn't the receive antenna very likely... the issue is old and cheap wireless. Get into some ULX-D at least, and do actual frequency scans with wireless workbench, and you'll have a rock solid system. I'd say the cable routing on this gig definitely left something to be desired though...
I'm not too concerned about the cable routing for this event. Don't forget... there's no public and no performers in the immediate area. This is one of the only events I take a break from cabling, besides, the only people actually seeing the cabling are the ones viewing this video! The wireless mics are good. The frequencies are good... the mics are not old nor cheap... Don't forget, mics are just tools for events. I would question someones understanding of an event if they were to show up with a very expensive wireless setup. The ULX-D mics are nice, but far too expensive for emcee types of events.
@@stageleftaudio "I would question someones understanding of an event if they were to show up with a very expensive wireless setup" care to elaborate on this? Wireless gear is one aspect where you really get what you pay for. I still maintain both the systems you have there are cheap/affordable consumer grade stuff, in comparison to actual professional wireless. I'm not entirely sure why just because it's an MC mic it can't be good? Surely you would use them on other gigs as well...
Just because something may be very expensive, certainly does not indicate it would be the right tool for a job. Mics (like all audio gear) is a tool. Some tools are better than others. If a sound provider showed up to an event with a 20,000 watt sound system with a 10 box speaker-hang, a 48 input console for a corporate event to provide a vocal only PA to address 50 employees... would you question that sound provider's ability to understand what the event is and what it may actually need regarding audio? I certainly would! The events we provide services for do not warrant the extra expensive microphones, nor the extra expensive gear. If we were providing audio for touring bands and riders were part of the agreements, we would be using much different gear. We use good, affordable mics, that if something should happen to a mic (i.e. an emcee drops the mic and breaks it), it can be replaced without too much of an expense. This allows us to price our services accordingly to support a demographic for our surrounding areas. Is there better gear available for 100% of the gear we use...? Yes! Is it affordable to our customers...? No!
@@stageleftaudio showing up with comically too much gear is one thing... I will never question anybody bringing quality gear. Clearly you've had issues with these particular mics, and others were suggesting a less than stellar solution with paddles that cost more than your wireless system does. I was suggesting the correct fix which would eliminate all the issues you were having. If the job is one wireless handheld, you better believe I'm going to make sure I'm going to bring one that's properly up to the job at hand. Dropouts, even on an event like this would be unacceptable in my eyes if I was the provider, and even more so if I was hiring the production.
Thanks for your comments. I agree... showing up with comically too much gear is one thing. I referenced this having worked with an organizer on a sound provider; the provider spec'd what he thought would be needed for their event. They were not chosen. I agree with you as well on dropouts. Even for this event, it was entirely unacceptable (even if it occurs only once). Back story... These RF issues started in 2022 when I elected to open up an area on the patio to allow pedestrians to walk to/from the different areas of the parade (for safety issues). This resulted in a large number of people standing on the patio to watch the parade... line-of-sight issues. These mics have always worked perfectly at other events... line-of-sight issues were almost non-existent. Many times, we leave the receivers at the stage. The parade setup does present some logistic issues.
Wireless microphone RF antenna can use an RF signal distributor, so that the wireless microphone receiver can be placed in the car to facilitate observation of signal strength. Setting the antenna outside will reduce working time.
Hello The video I watched this time resonated with me very much. I think the radio wave laws are different in the United States and Japan, but even so, it seems that wireless radio waves are hindered when the number of people at the event venue increases. In Japan, the output of wireless radios that do not require a license is set at 10mW, so I always feel that it is not enough. It's difficult, isn't it? So... Y.K. from Fukuoka, Japan
Thank you for the comment. In the United States, you can get 10mW, 20mW, 30mW and 50mW microphones without requiring a license. You are correct, 10mW is probably not enough. All of our wireless mics are 30mW. These do very well in open areas and where there is a stage. Many years ago, I had an AKG 10mW mic. It was not enough to pick up someone a short distance away (I no longer have that mic). The issues with the mics in this video is due to line-of-sight problems where the antennas and the transmitter are located. There's too many people! However, the issues with event were a lot less compared to last year. There were some logistic changes with the setup that caused the issues.
Good job mitigating RF issues with the gear you brought. It's hard to believe the news crew's transmitter in the back of the truck was able to reach them without dropouts though!! I'd be nervous to be them for sure!!
Thanks for the comment. I'm not sure how the news camera receiver worked out for them. Though, I think their transmitter may be a 50mW unit. For recording, the news camera also had an ambient mic setup on a stand elevated about 10ft above the crowd; they could mix either signal (mic and receiver) into the camera at the same time if needed
👍✅ Lot's of people criticizing your equipment choices and yelling "paddles". Let me address them: all depends on your customers needs and budget as you well know. Simple solution that always works is locating receiver near the transmitter and run xlr PERIOD it works!!!!! We invested in G4's a few years ago and never regreted it, bands love them BUT also got the Sennheiser paddles that we just drag out to every event and have only used once and that was to test them (and yes that do increase range significantly). Have never had our Shure or the Sennheiser drop out if the receiver is within 10-15 meters of the mic ever! Investing in un-necessary items is not wise business advice and those that say you must are usually the employees that find it easy to "spend" the boss' hard earned money when a perfectly reasonable solution exists. This frees up funds for investments in equipment that really increases the value of your services! An experienced professional knows that just throwing money at the problem is not always the best solution. Sorry for the rant but I admire your knowledge, work ethic and professionalism.
Thank you for your positive comments!! You are correct, a lot of what we do and what we have for equipment is to support the demographic of our customers/clients... which helps make our services affordable. We looked at paddles, but could not justify the expense. All of our wireless mics have performed exceptionally well over the many years. We have a small Sennheiser EW100 G3 setup that's been with us for a long time... no issues. For most all events we do, the wireless receivers stay at the stage (to avoid line-of-site issues). The parade event (in this video) actually has some logistics issues that are not found in the regular events we do. These "recent" RF issues began in 2022 when I started allowing parade visitors on the patio (for safety reasons). The added number of people really bumped up line-of-sight problems. I'll have another plan for the 2024 parade. Thank you again for your great comments!
I would move the receivers as close as possible. Maybe on top of the speakers. Not sure why so many people are set on having them near the mix position instead of the stage (I know monitoring them is convenient).
For sure. The receivers will be moved much closer... as well, I'm hoping to have an "add-on" to the speaker stand post to raise the receivers higher than what we did this year. What's odd, these wireless issues first appeared during 2022, and just at this event.
You may want to try using paddle antennas for a situation like this, or a helical. We use the RF Venue Diversity Fin, and it's great in situations like the one you're describing.
Thanks for the reply. We actually looked at the RF Venue Fin a couple of years back, but decided not to move to a paddle because this event is the only one where we have experienced trouble, but only since 2022. We use wireless mics for some of our bigger shows, but we keep the receives at the stage. We may still add a paddle antenna option at a future time.
I think you should have brought the receiver as close to the transmitter as possible (avoid delay and cuts) and reach the console with cable (faster signal). You already did that event last year. a hug from Yumbo Colombia
Thanks for the comment! Yes, next year I am planning on a slightly different setup which will include moving the receivers closer. Thanks for watching!
We actually started with passive speakers when first working this event. However (at that time), the passive speakers were not powerful enough to cover the area the way it needed to be covered. We moved to powered speakers (which were more powerful), and by doing this, we only needed two speakers (instead of the original 4 passive speakers). However, I agree with you... deploying passive speakers is a lot easier.
The wireless issues you were having could be helped/avoided using a digital higher grade system like the Shure ULXD/QLXD or even Axient. Im using their PRO start grade SLXD and having ni signal interferrences or dropouts from up to 300 feet.
We looked at getting paddles a couple of years ago. This parade is the only event we do where there's an issue with dropouts. Purchasing a paddle solution just for a 2 hr. yearly event did not sit well with me. Next year, I'll move the receiver closer. If issues occur then, I may need to look at an "affordable" antenna solution.
I recently did some testing with a cheap passive uhf tv antenna from amazon. Since the, and most uhf wireless microphones, are in the UHF tv band. The cheap antenna did excellent.
62 lb / 28 kg They are pretty solid. We've had these speakers for about 8 years (as of Jan. 2024). We use them for smaller (no sub-woofer) events and for parades.
There were some changes at this event location that has presented logistic issues. This is the only location where wireless has become problematic. All other locations we use wireless there are no issues. Do not forget... not all locations are the same.
Is it just me or do your US-standard power cables suck? Rigidity plastic looking crap that isn't IP-rated. (Talking for the whole USA so don't take it personal) Glad we have nice neoprene and polyurethane cable and IP44/IP54 connectors over here in the Netherlands... And I would have opted for a small speaker pole mountable line array like d&b audiotechnik's T-serie to get some nice penetration thru to the other side of that crossing.
Actually, there are some better power cables available in the US than what I'm using. I too do not care for the rigid-ness of them (especially during the cooler temps.), but they do work well... have never failed me... and are rather inexpensive. Some of what I use have locking ends. I have about 3x the number of power cables than the gear I have that needs them. If one goes bad, I just grab another. The volume level of the 2 speakers is more than enough... even across to the other side of the intersection. There is a lot of different ways speakers could be deployed for this event. More speakers would be nice, however, their budget did not warrant anything more than 2 speakers.
@stageleftaudio I know you guys have SJOW and SOOW which is comparable to our H07RN-F neoprene cable except for the cable fillers used. I actually had some SJOW cable for a while. Better but not my choice. Last year I completely switched my single phase cables to polyurethane H07BQ-F 3x2,5mm2 cable at €4,22 per meter. Plugs are about €8,- per piece and couplers €17,- per piece. All in all around €1000,- with cable reels, 4-way sockets and so on for about 125 meter of cable. About the paddles everyone suggests: They are directional. Great when your MC stays roughly in the same space but not if he is on the move. Add to that signals bouncing of metal objects and buildings (metal in structure) which changes the direction of the signal and you have a problem. In my opinion/from my experience, paddles work best when they still have a clear line of sight. Best way is to see them as range extenders within a line of sight. The problem you experienced is down to two problems: The distance to the microphone combined with the equipment used. Not sure about the Audio Technica because no experience but I do know from a large rental company that the Mipro's can sound great but suck in reception. Add to that your close proximity to that building and the earlier mentioned bouncing of signals and your problem becomes more clear. You could have switched antennas on the AT and Mipro as those 1/2 waves are way better than the 1/4 wave of the AT. Or put one 1/2 and one 1/4 on each receiver. For next year you have several options. One (more a must) is bringing your tent and moving yourself way closer to the crowd. Think right side of that gigantic ball. That could solve your problem but also make your life easier (less cable). Other option is bringing a better antenna or better equipment. I have used several brands and in the end decided on Shure and Sennheiser. It's not without reason you only see those brands on big name tours. Knowledge is power and don't forget that people are carbon based bags of water capable of absorbing even the best signals (like high frequencies from your speaker system when the room is packed).
Thanks for the comments. We mostly use SOOW (all black cords) for nearly all of our regular events. We have just over 300' (91m) of SOOW. The parade is different due to no bands, and no one (but me) walking around the cords. So, I bring out these other cords... they are lighter weight. The logistics of the parade changed in 2022... the setup is different than it was about 10 years ago when I first started working with this group. The plan is to move the antennas closer (and hopefully higher) to where the emcee usually is. The parade is not new to me, but the changes made over the past 2 years have presented some technical issues.
@stageleftaudio Also thank you for your response! Always nice to talk to a fellow audio technician from the other side of the world. I used to have several kilometers of cable but sold all to downsize and replace the amount of meters that I want to keep. Main reason being shift in business to providing power instead of audio and light. That's something I got into during covid with all temporary locations being set up. With selling the old stuff I got the chance to start new and uniform with 1 type of cable that is printed with company info. Now it's just a matter of expanding when needed because that cable brand (Elektron Berlin) always has that cable in stock so it's just a matter of ordering what I need when I need it. And technical challenges keep the job interesting! For me at least. I'm looking forward to next year's video!
![ประสบการณ์ จ้าง Developer ที่ผมจะไม่มีวันลืม [ภาค2]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pZbsSDRrmXA/mqdefault.jpg)
A pair of paddle antennas could help increase signal strength and reliability in tricky RF situations like this. I work for an A/V company and we deploy them at any event where large crowds and/or long range are a factor. I would also recommend using higher group numbers, especially if there are other wireless mic systems being used in proximity. This reduces the chance you'd be competing for the same RF space. Your videos are always a treat- thank you!
We may add a paddle solution in the future. Though, this event is the only one we have experienced issues with (since 2022). We do use wireless mics for some of our larger events, but those receivers stay at the stage. Thank you for your comment!
You have amazing organizational skills & lots of patience to perform an outdoor job such as this, working by yourself.
Thank you!
I Watch your video for fun and for learn and i really love them it nice that you upload frequently ty
Glad you enjoy it!
Hello
Thank you for your message.
In the United States, it can be used up to 50 mW without a license.
I envy you.
When the signal conditions are severe during outdoor events, I sometimes attach the receiver's antenna to the head of the speaker on the speaker stand and extend it with a coaxial cable. Somehow it is stable on stage, which is helpful.
Wireless is convenient, but it has many weaknesses.
I'm also looking forward to a fun video.
Thank you very much.
From Fukuoka, Japan.
Great video as always.
Thanks again!
everybody in the comments screaming "use a paddle!" would be wrong. the issue isn't the receive antenna very likely... the issue is old and cheap wireless. Get into some ULX-D at least, and do actual frequency scans with wireless workbench, and you'll have a rock solid system.
I'd say the cable routing on this gig definitely left something to be desired though...
I'm not too concerned about the cable routing for this event. Don't forget... there's no public and no performers in the immediate area. This is one of the only events I take a break from cabling, besides, the only people actually seeing the cabling are the ones viewing this video!
The wireless mics are good. The frequencies are good... the mics are not old nor cheap... Don't forget, mics are just tools for events. I would question someones understanding of an event if they were to show up with a very expensive wireless setup.
The ULX-D mics are nice, but far too expensive for emcee types of events.
@@stageleftaudio "I would question someones understanding of an event if they were to show up with a very expensive wireless setup" care to elaborate on this? Wireless gear is one aspect where you really get what you pay for. I still maintain both the systems you have there are cheap/affordable consumer grade stuff, in comparison to actual professional wireless.
I'm not entirely sure why just because it's an MC mic it can't be good? Surely you would use them on other gigs as well...
Just because something may be very expensive, certainly does not indicate it would be the right tool for a job. Mics (like all audio gear) is a tool. Some tools are better than others. If a sound provider showed up to an event with a 20,000 watt sound system with a 10 box speaker-hang, a 48 input console for a corporate event to provide a vocal only PA to address 50 employees... would you question that sound provider's ability to understand what the event is and what it may actually need regarding audio? I certainly would!
The events we provide services for do not warrant the extra expensive microphones, nor the extra expensive gear. If we were providing audio for touring bands and riders were part of the agreements, we would be using much different gear. We use good, affordable mics, that if something should happen to a mic (i.e. an emcee drops the mic and breaks it), it can be replaced without too much of an expense. This allows us to price our services accordingly to support a demographic for our surrounding areas.
Is there better gear available for 100% of the gear we use...? Yes! Is it affordable to our customers...? No!
@@stageleftaudio showing up with comically too much gear is one thing... I will never question anybody bringing quality gear. Clearly you've had issues with these particular mics, and others were suggesting a less than stellar solution with paddles that cost more than your wireless system does. I was suggesting the correct fix which would eliminate all the issues you were having.
If the job is one wireless handheld, you better believe I'm going to make sure I'm going to bring one that's properly up to the job at hand. Dropouts, even on an event like this would be unacceptable in my eyes if I was the provider, and even more so if I was hiring the production.
Thanks for your comments.
I agree... showing up with comically too much gear is one thing. I referenced this having worked with an organizer on a sound provider; the provider spec'd what he thought would be needed for their event. They were not chosen.
I agree with you as well on dropouts. Even for this event, it was entirely unacceptable (even if it occurs only once).
Back story... These RF issues started in 2022 when I elected to open up an area on the patio to allow pedestrians to walk to/from the different areas of the parade (for safety issues). This resulted in a large number of people standing on the patio to watch the parade... line-of-sight issues. These mics have always worked perfectly at other events... line-of-sight issues were almost non-existent. Many times, we leave the receivers at the stage. The parade setup does present some logistic issues.
Nicely done!
Thanks!
Wireless microphone RF antenna can use an RF signal distributor, so that the wireless microphone receiver can be placed in the car to facilitate observation of signal strength. Setting the antenna outside will reduce working time.
Hello
The video I watched this time resonated with me very much.
I think the radio wave laws are different in the United States and Japan, but even so, it seems that wireless radio waves are hindered when the number of people at the event venue increases. In Japan, the output of wireless radios that do not require a license is set at 10mW, so I always feel that it is not enough. It's difficult, isn't it?
So...
Y.K. from Fukuoka, Japan
Thank you for the comment. In the United States, you can get 10mW, 20mW, 30mW and 50mW microphones without requiring a license. You are correct, 10mW is probably not enough. All of our wireless mics are 30mW. These do very well in open areas and where there is a stage. Many years ago, I had an AKG 10mW mic. It was not enough to pick up someone a short distance away (I no longer have that mic). The issues with the mics in this video is due to line-of-sight problems where the antennas and the transmitter are located. There's too many people! However, the issues with event were a lot less compared to last year. There were some logistic changes with the setup that caused the issues.
Good job mitigating RF issues with the gear you brought. It's hard to believe the news crew's transmitter in the back of the truck was able to reach them without dropouts though!! I'd be nervous to be them for sure!!
Thanks for the comment. I'm not sure how the news camera receiver worked out for them. Though, I think their transmitter may be a 50mW unit. For recording, the news camera also had an ambient mic setup on a stand elevated about 10ft above the crowd; they could mix either signal (mic and receiver) into the camera at the same time if needed
👍✅ Lot's of people criticizing your equipment choices and yelling "paddles". Let me address them: all depends on your customers needs and budget as you well know. Simple solution that always works is locating receiver near the transmitter and run xlr PERIOD it works!!!!! We invested in G4's a few years ago and never regreted it, bands love them BUT also got the Sennheiser paddles that we just drag out to every event and have only used once and that was to test them (and yes that do increase range significantly). Have never had our Shure or the Sennheiser drop out if the receiver is within 10-15 meters of the mic ever! Investing in un-necessary items is not wise business advice and those that say you must are usually the employees that find it easy to "spend" the boss' hard earned money when a perfectly reasonable solution exists. This frees up funds for investments in equipment that really increases the value of your services! An experienced professional knows that just throwing money at the problem is not always the best solution. Sorry for the rant but I admire your knowledge, work ethic and professionalism.
Thank you for your positive comments!! You are correct, a lot of what we do and what we have for equipment is to support the demographic of our customers/clients... which helps make our services affordable. We looked at paddles, but could not justify the expense. All of our wireless mics have performed exceptionally well over the many years. We have a small Sennheiser EW100 G3 setup that's been with us for a long time... no issues. For most all events we do, the wireless receivers stay at the stage (to avoid line-of-site issues). The parade event (in this video) actually has some logistics issues that are not found in the regular events we do. These "recent" RF issues began in 2022 when I started allowing parade visitors on the patio (for safety reasons). The added number of people really bumped up line-of-sight problems. I'll have another plan for the 2024 parade. Thank you again for your great comments!
@@stageleftaudio 👍✅
I would move the receivers as close as possible. Maybe on top of the speakers. Not sure why so many people are set on having them near the mix position instead of the stage (I know monitoring them is convenient).
For sure. The receivers will be moved much closer... as well, I'm hoping to have an "add-on" to the speaker stand post to raise the receivers higher than what we did this year. What's odd, these wireless issues first appeared during 2022, and just at this event.
You may want to try using paddle antennas for a situation like this, or a helical.
We use the RF Venue Diversity Fin, and it's great in situations like the one you're describing.
Thanks for the reply. We actually looked at the RF Venue Fin a couple of years back, but decided not to move to a paddle because this event is the only one where we have experienced trouble, but only since 2022. We use wireless mics for some of our bigger shows, but we keep the receives at the stage.
We may still add a paddle antenna option at a future time.
I think you should have brought the receiver as close to the transmitter as possible (avoid delay and cuts) and reach the console with cable (faster signal). You already did that event last year. a hug from Yumbo Colombia
Thanks for the comment! Yes, next year I am planning on a slightly different setup which will include moving the receivers closer. Thanks for watching!
Hi!
I always wondered why not use passive speakers for this event? It would be easier to set up
We actually started with passive speakers when first working this event. However (at that time), the passive speakers were not powerful enough to cover the area the way it needed to be covered. We moved to powered speakers (which were more powerful), and by doing this, we only needed two speakers (instead of the original 4 passive speakers). However, I agree with you... deploying passive speakers is a lot easier.
What speakers are you using sounds good
@@KB1285 Yamaha DSR115
@@stageleftaudio which speakers are you using
Yamaha DSR115
Great video!! What speakers did you use?
I juste know it Yamaha but he make a video about what speaker they using
The speakers are: Yamaha DSR115
@@stageleftaudio Thanks!
The wireless issues you were having could be helped/avoided using a digital higher grade system like the Shure ULXD/QLXD or even Axient.
Im using their PRO start grade SLXD and having ni signal interferrences or dropouts from up to 300 feet.
Still no paddles for your wireless mics? Why?
We looked at getting paddles a couple of years ago. This parade is the only event we do where there's an issue with dropouts. Purchasing a paddle solution just for a 2 hr. yearly event did not sit well with me. Next year, I'll move the receiver closer. If issues occur then, I may need to look at an "affordable" antenna solution.
I recently did some testing with a cheap passive uhf tv antenna from amazon. Since the, and most uhf wireless microphones, are in the UHF tv band. The cheap antenna did excellent.
The speakers look like they had some wight to them looks like a good quality speakers
62 lb / 28 kg They are pretty solid. We've had these speakers for about 8 years (as of Jan. 2024). We use them for smaller (no sub-woofer) events and for parades.
Sir how many years in that business?
A little over 35 years.
@@stageleftaudio 35 years not improvement in wireless microphone set up.
There were some changes at this event location that has presented logistic issues. This is the only location where wireless has become problematic. All other locations we use wireless there are no issues. Do not forget... not all locations are the same.
Is it just me or do your US-standard power cables suck? Rigidity plastic looking crap that isn't IP-rated.
(Talking for the whole USA so don't take it personal)
Glad we have nice neoprene and polyurethane cable and IP44/IP54 connectors over here in the Netherlands...
And I would have opted for a small speaker pole mountable line array like d&b audiotechnik's T-serie to get some nice penetration thru to the other side of that crossing.
Actually, there are some better power cables available in the US than what I'm using. I too do not care for the rigid-ness of them (especially during the cooler temps.), but they do work well... have never failed me... and are rather inexpensive. Some of what I use have locking ends. I have about 3x the number of power cables than the gear I have that needs them. If one goes bad, I just grab another.
The volume level of the 2 speakers is more than enough... even across to the other side of the intersection. There is a lot of different ways speakers could be deployed for this event.
More speakers would be nice, however, their budget did not warrant anything more than 2 speakers.
@stageleftaudio
I know you guys have SJOW and SOOW which is comparable to our H07RN-F neoprene cable except for the cable fillers used. I actually had some SJOW cable for a while. Better but not my choice.
Last year I completely switched my single phase cables to polyurethane H07BQ-F 3x2,5mm2 cable at €4,22 per meter. Plugs are about €8,- per piece and couplers €17,- per piece. All in all around €1000,- with cable reels, 4-way sockets and so on for about 125 meter of cable.
About the paddles everyone suggests:
They are directional. Great when your MC stays roughly in the same space but not if he is on the move. Add to that signals bouncing of metal objects and buildings (metal in structure) which changes the direction of the signal and you have a problem.
In my opinion/from my experience, paddles work best when they still have a clear line of sight. Best way is to see them as range extenders within a line of sight.
The problem you experienced is down to two problems:
The distance to the microphone combined with the equipment used. Not sure about the Audio Technica because no experience but I do know from a large rental company that the Mipro's can sound great but suck in reception. Add to that your close proximity to that building and the earlier mentioned bouncing of signals and your problem becomes more clear.
You could have switched antennas on the AT and Mipro as those 1/2 waves are way better than the 1/4 wave of the AT. Or put one 1/2 and one 1/4 on each receiver.
For next year you have several options. One (more a must) is bringing your tent and moving yourself way closer to the crowd. Think right side of that gigantic ball. That could solve your problem but also make your life easier (less cable).
Other option is bringing a better antenna or better equipment. I have used several brands and in the end decided on Shure and Sennheiser. It's not without reason you only see those brands on big name tours.
Knowledge is power and don't forget that people are carbon based bags of water capable of absorbing even the best signals (like high frequencies from your speaker system when the room is packed).
Thanks for the comments. We mostly use SOOW (all black cords) for nearly all of our regular events. We have just over 300' (91m) of SOOW. The parade is different due to no bands, and no one (but me) walking around the cords. So, I bring out these other cords... they are lighter weight. The logistics of the parade changed in 2022... the setup is different than it was about 10 years ago when I first started working with this group. The plan is to move the antennas closer (and hopefully higher) to where the emcee usually is. The parade is not new to me, but the changes made over the past 2 years have presented some technical issues.
@stageleftaudio Also thank you for your response! Always nice to talk to a fellow audio technician from the other side of the world.
I used to have several kilometers of cable but sold all to downsize and replace the amount of meters that I want to keep. Main reason being shift in business to providing power instead of audio and light. That's something I got into during covid with all temporary locations being set up.
With selling the old stuff I got the chance to start new and uniform with 1 type of cable that is printed with company info. Now it's just a matter of expanding when needed because that cable brand (Elektron Berlin) always has that cable in stock so it's just a matter of ordering what I need when I need it.
And technical challenges keep the job interesting! For me at least. I'm looking forward to next year's video!
Sounds like a good plan for starting new with your company!
my man, you really need some Shure at least QLXD wireless. make your life easier and sound way better. otherwise great event!
Thanks for the comment!