Hanging non-hanging microphones

[Johnno]

If you wanted to use a non-hanging microphone as a hanging microphone for musical theatre which would you choose? Our drama teacher has set her heart on getting some hanging mics but I don't think they'll work very well with our children (SPL=0), so I'm reluctant to get mics which would be difficult to use in any other way. Most specialist hangers look as though you couldn't do much else with them so I was wondering about using plain vanilla mics which can easily be recycled if I'm right, but which will work adequately if I'm wrong. Trial rental may be used as a tie-breaker so it's not decision time yet.

[smalljoshua]

Ma-by the Behringer C-2 Condenser Mic's. Theory are light enough to be suspended from the cable, and small enough to hide away.

 

I find it is a good precaution to just tape around the XLR connector as well.

 

Josh

[david.elsbury]

I wouldn't. I trust that you've seen the other threads about why hanging mics are such a bad idea?

 

That said, a small diaphram condenser would likely be your best bet.

[Dj Dunc]

One thing we do is have a pair of Rode NT`, with our custom made mounts, which are like a cone, which the mic is inserted upside down from the base, then the mic's fixing bolt thing (the circular bit) is attatched, screwing it into place. The mic is then able to be suspended from any point on the mounting frame for the desired angle (with safety bond mount) and mic basket (incase the mic seperates from the mount), with no stress on the cable.

[Ynot]

I wouldn't. I trust that you've seen the other threads about why hanging mics are such a bad idea?

I'll echo that.

 

As I've said before (and others) how many of the kids will be speaking/singing with their heads pointed towards the grid??

My bet? NONE!

My guess also - many will actually be singing to the floor!!!

 

Hanging mics in any situation for reinforcement is almost certainly NOT going to work - sorry.

As David says - trawl the BR for similar threads.

[Bobbsy]

There's a big echo in here. You'd think the Sound forum would do something about the acoustics!

 

Seriously, I also agree that hanging mics rarely work as well as you need. However, sometimes it becomes necessary, and in those cases, some suggestions:

 

1. Use a small diaphram condensor with a cardioid (or even hypercardioid) pattern. These are useful for lots of other things, so no waste.

 

2. Do NOT just hang them straight down above the stage. Get them out slightly in front of the acting area, angled at around 45 degrees so they point at the main playing area.

 

3. Get the mics as low as you can (i.e. close to the performers) without destroying sight lines.

 

4. Have a look at THESE DEVICES then get busy with some wire coat hangers, a pair of pliers and a piece of wooden dowel and build your own versions.

 

5. Wrap the XLR connection at the mic end with a bit of electrical tape. The connector which has been perfect for years always pulls out when it's 20 feet up. That's some kind of rule of physics or something.

 

Bob

[gingertech_2000]

I have succesfully hung 4 rifle mics before in a theatre setup. I places them about 6ft in the air, hung them from the grid and made my own crude but effectice hanging clip using a bulldog clip. I then pointed them towards the stage and concealed them behind the black tabs which were not used. They were very very effective. They were hung there for a 3 week run and dint need adjusting once. I always worth experimenting!!

[nothingatall666]

My suggestion would be to buy condensers but don't hang them, unless (as Ynot said) they all sing whilst looking at the lights.

How about putting them on the edge of the stage? (obviously using a low stand to point them at the actors),

I have found this to be quite successful. and although it may look a bit odd having Mic's on the edge of the stage. There are a lot of armature theater company's that do this.

[gareth]

Can you not persuade your drama teacher to change her mind and go for some float mics (Crown PCC160s are the tried and tested favourite) on the front edge of the stage instead? Far more useful ...

[Johnno]

Thanks for the replies.

 

I know hanging mics aren't likely to work very well that's why I'm keen to avoid buying any. Which I thought was what I'd said in my post :o

 

We've got a couple of floor mics but have a gain-before-feedback problem with them at present. Working to resolve that (relocating the speakers).

 

The drama teacher is not likely to give up on the idea. I think she's used hangers before, possibly in commercial theatre.

 

That's why I think it would be better to buy a couple of mics that are not specialised hanging types. If they don't work well enough I can find other uses for them and no-one will be able to say I didn't try and I won't have wasted our money. If they do work, all's well and good.

[Ben Langfeld]

Why do you have to buy before you try?

[Sirch Sound]

You could also use some of CPC's super duper cheap hanging mics, there something like £20 a pop, might be even less in the sales. Infact im sure there was a thread not so long ago about them being under a tenner, Its not exactly the end of the world if they dont work and everybodys happy!

 

Rich