Earset Mics (Avlex vs MM Audio vs OSP)

[matthewah]

My church is going to be looking at purchasing earset/headset mics for the
Audio-Technica ATW-3110b transmitter/receiver http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ATW3110b-C (we're replacing 8 AT 700mhz units on fixed frequencies ). Until now, we've used your basic lavalier mics for drama and one Countryman E6 (pastor's mic) for drama production. I'm not too wild about the Countryman mic for drama/vocals during productions as it moves around too much. So, I'm looking at the Avlex (http://www.avlex.com/mipro/mipro_headworn.html), MM Audio (http://microphonemadness.com/index.html), and OSP (http://www.ospaudio.com/store/pc/vie...&idcategory=22) mics for this and because they cost less for as many as we have to purchase. What is everyone's opinion about these microphones for quality as singing mics for drama production?

[cmchamp]

Matthew
As an AT Dealer and Avlex/MiPro Dealer, I can give experience on the AT892cW, HS-09 and HS-03.
I prefer the Avlex/MiPro HS-09 and HS-03 for secure fit and sound quality. I find them clearer than the AT892cW. The downside of the MiPro mics is the mini-coax connectors on the cables and adaptors. I have found that reinforcing the connection at the connector with gaff tape reduces/eliminates breakage. At $25.00 list each, cable breakage can become an issue.

[pdc]

MiPro audio quality is not as good. AT does not fit well. I have heard that complaint a few times this week. The Shures fit well because they made them smaller for the ladies. OSP....they sound as good or better than the ATs, but the build quality and conductive noise is worse. They have the same fit as the Countrymens for the most part. Some say they sound better than the Countrymens, but I don't think they will last as long or resist corrosion as well. OSP is just rebranded generic copies without the detail and quality engineering.

Compare an OSP 58 to a Shure 58. They may sound close at first, but touch the body. Tap on it. Tap on the mic connector. Bounce the ball of the mic on the floor. Try gain before feedback. The OSP feeds back faster in the midrange where you DO NOT need to be hacking your EQ. The Shure feeds back on the top end first, allowing the meat of the vocal to go untouched.

[cmchamp]

The HS-09, be it an Avlex/MiPro or OSP, are the same accept for the cable and connector system.
Again, I prefer my HS-09 to my AT892cW's.

[Arlin]

Another +vote for the Avlex/MiPro HS-03 (which I think is the same as the HS-09 except it is dual ear).
I have used Countryman (only once) & AudioTechnica 892c (lots of them).

I prefer the HS-03. It sounds good, and I really like the dual ear design & adjustability. Our pastor used the AT for a long time and then tried the HS-03. He has NEVER looked back!

However, I do some of my own modifications to the HS-03.
1.) I cut some small grooves and tie a couple small pieces of wire around one of the parts to hold it together a little better... I will try to get a picture explain that sometime if you wish.
2.) Like Cory said, the cable supplied with the HS-03 is very fragile. Actually, the fragile part is the miniature coax connector at the body pack end. It snaps off easily. I SOLVED this problem when I found a cable that eliminates this extra connector on the body pack end. The cable I now use is a Provider Series PSM1 replacement cable purchased from Jireh Supplies. (see attached pictures)

I have found the Avlex HS-03 & Provider Series PSM1 are identical, but with different name branding (and different cables). I'm not sure who the actual manufacturer is.
It is actually cheaper to purchase an HS-03 from Cory (which includes the fragile cable) and purchase the more robust PSM1 replacement cable from Jireh instead of just purchasing a complete PSM1 with cable from Jireh.

The ear hooks can be folded to lay flat to save storage space. The ear hooks can also be flipped 180 degrees to switch which side of the face the mic is on (left or right).
While that can be a useful feature, I am actually considering just gluing the ear hooks in place to fix their orientation. It is a very minor issue, but once in a while the ear hooks might change orientation, and then the end user does not figure out how to properly adjust ear hook orientation... then they end up bending the ?!#$! out of the mic. Also, the ear hook adjustment can become a little loose after a lot of use.
I have not done this yet, but might consider it for new purchases.

[matthewah]

Do you guys recommend the HS-03 for singing? Know anything about the MM Audio (http://microphonemadness.com/index.html) mics? Anyone tried them?

[cmchamp]

I have used the HS-09 for singing. I don't remember singing into my HS-03 because shortly after I got it for evaluation, Arlin bought it from me. (I think)
The only thing I noticed about the Avlex/MiPro mics is that when used with Shure bodypacks, the -20dB attenuator needs to be engaged or they are super sibilant.
No complaints with my AT4000 units or AT3000 units and I can belt.

[matthewah]

Apparently the MM Audio mics use to be known as Electrovoice RE97Tx or Point-Source Audio(CO-7). Anyone had experience with those mics?

[cmchamp]

Still are, EV still sells that model. The one experience I had with it, I wasn't very impressed, but the acoustical environment was also horrid.

[EmilBarnabas]

I have used many wireless mics over the years, and now I buy only Microphone Madness PSM mics. I have used them with children and adults, from churches to concerts to theater and have had excellent results. You can bend them around any ear and bend them to any position.

[vestro]

I sold all our countryman e6's and bought a fleet of MM Audio mics.

They are so much easier to fit to faces, so much more durable (cable and boom).

Yes the sound quality is slightly less, but they are significantly cheaper and nobody would pick it but me anyway.

LOVE them. They can be absolutely trashed by our youth team and still come off the victor Not the case for the countrymans.

[Levi]

Vestro, what model number of the MM mic did you like best?