Switch or not to Switch

[2cool]

So I was wondering, is there much of a difference between a mic that has a on/off switch? I have Sennheiser e835's with switches and w/o. I cant really tell if one has better sound then the other.

[bladeaudio]

Probably no difference in the sound, but I prefer mics without switches so that people on stage can't turn them off and ruin things for the next person who uses the mic.

Seen it happen too many times. No matter how many times you tell people to leave the switch alone and not touch it, someone will turn it off, then the next person picks it up and you get nothing.

I think the only time you would want a switch on a mic is with a system that does not have someone running sound. Like a meeting room/classroom for example.

[waynehoskins]

If they sound different (where the only difference is the switch), there's a problem. The switch should introduce no sonic differences.

Generally, switches create more problems than they solve, though I actually use an 835S with a plug-on transmitter for our handheld wireless set that's used for announcements and such. If the application merits a switch, such as for lecture events, get a switch. If not, don't get a switch.

[Tim Padrick]

With a bit of electrical tape you can both color code the mic and disable the switch

[Walter Schillin]

Generally, avoid switches like the plague. Not only do you run the risk of the microphone being turned off, but if a mike is turned on while the channel is unmuted, you'll generally get a small pop in the audio channel. And, in general, the switch is usually the first thing to go on the microphone.

[tdangelo]

I've found on/off switched mics very helpful in the past for certain applications. For example ... a stage manager or Director during rehearsals. Or a IFB during a show ... but I would tend to not want a on/off switched mics going to any place audience will hear.

[prochlea]

I have one switched mic in my rig - it's used for the talkback mic to the worship band's in-ears.

Our wireless handhelds have switches, but they can be locked in the on position. We use one for announcements, and I keep it locked on and control it at the board.

[tropicalfish]

No switches. It just keeps away the hassle of having to go onstage to turn on the microphone (or have someone else do that) because the person turned it off unintentionally or does not know how to turn it on.


I don't know what's worse, though... people saying "test" or blowing into the microphone to see if it's on, or turning the switch off and causing problems. If it's not on, blowing won't do anything. It's either going to work, or not work. Leave that to the sound guys, not you.

It WILL be on

end rant.

[tdangelo]

OK ... million dollar idea: Software switched on/off mics that allow the FOH audio guy to reset the switch without running forward to the stage. Actually should be quite simple to do using phantom power.

[tkpeterson12]

Originally Posted by tropicalfish

I don't know what's worse, though... people saying "test" or blowing into the microphone to see if it's on, or turning the switch off and causing problems. If it's not on, blowing won't do anything. It's either going to work, or not work. Leave that to the sound guys, not you.

It WILL be on

end rant.

Nothing to add to the conversation, I just wanted to say Amen!!!

[Cliff]

Originally Posted by tdangelo

OK ... million dollar idea: Software switched on/off mics that allow the FOH audio guy to reset the switch without running forward to the stage. Actually should be quite simple to do using phantom power.

Just hit "mute" or "on " on that channel

[Brad Weber]

Originally Posted by tdangelo

OK ... million dollar idea: Software switched on/off mics that allow the FOH audio guy to reset the switch without running forward to the stage. Actually should be quite simple to do using phantom power.

I've done this for years, as have many others, for conferencing systems where it is important for the users to have some mute functionality and for the system to know the mute status of each mic (for echo cancellation and NOM purposes), so both mute and mute status are controlled via a control system and/or the audio mixer/processor. There are both wired and wireless mics that support this. I also often apply a similar approach for conference rooms, lecture halls, meeting rooms, ballrooms, commission chambers, courtrooms, etc. where the muting is handled at the mixer/processor rather than at the mics themselves, thus allowing remote monitoring and control including 'presets' such as all mute, all unmute, chairman override, sidebar and so on.

I agree with the genral concepts already noted, a switch should not affect the audio quality and whether one is desired or not is a function of the application. Microphones with a switch that can be locked in the on position are often a good compromise.