The world of live sound will never be possible without those fancied hanging microphones that you would usually see on stage in theatrical plays, opera, musicals, and other shows that require live sound systems. Yet, each show and act may have different microphone requirements, and thus, you need to be very careful in choosing the hanging mics you would utilize for such shows.
When it comes to microphone applications, there are four types: floor mics, wireless lavalier mics, wireless hand-worn mics, and hanging mics, and in this post, we will discuss the hanging microphones. Every act or show may require one or two or all of these applications to get an adequate live sound reinforcement on stage.
Acts and shows, of course, rely heavily on great sounds. Hence, when installing microphones like hanging microphones, you need to consider several succinct factors to have a live sound system that effectively captures the sounds onstage. The right microphone selections can make or break a show or performance.
Factors You should know about Hanging Microphones
Overhead microphones and hanging microphones usually come in different arrangements. Moreover, when choosing hanging microphones, you need to consider various factors. Such factors include quality, price, physical size, and even the color of the mic. Yet, whatever microphone you choose to buy, the selection process will surely be the primary step in creating an efficient and effective sound system.
For example, in theatre, the use of hanging and overhead microphones is usually one of the alternative miking techniques utilized by sound engineers and producers. Using this technique, you can capture sound through the microphones that are hanging from above the performers. For a larger area, this technique can prove useful in reinforcing sound.
Choir microphones, however, are positioned farther away from the source of the sound. Their positions make it possible for them to capture more ambient sound. Stage designers make sure that these hanging mics are far from the loudspeakers to avoid feedback.
Most Recommended On Stage Hanging Microphones
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When it comes to searching for the best hanging microphones, it is not enough to know the succinct factors that you should consider when buying a hanging microphone. It will also help if you know the following most recommended microphones in the market today to facilitate the buying process for you:
1) Audio-Technica U853R Cardioid Condenser Hanging Microphone
The Audio-Technica U853R is perfect for picking up and reinforcing orchestra, speech, and choir sound. This phantom/battery-powered microphone comes with unfigured RFI shielding innovations as well as an Unsteer filter that can reduce the picking up of unwanted low-frequency ambient sounds.
This microphone comes with a low-profile design that accepts interchangeable elements for acceptance angles ranging from 90 degrees and 360 degrees. It also comes with an AT8438 stand adapter along with a windscreen. It weighs around 13.6 ounces. It is easy to set up.
2) Shure MX202B/C Condenser Microphone
Another great option of a hanging microphone for the stage is the Shure MX202B/C. It is a mini condenser cardioid mic that is colored black. This hanging mic also comes with an in-line preamp, stand adapter along with cable. As a miniature electret condenser mic, it has an excellent design for miking performance groups and choirs. Moreover, you will often see this mic suspended over the heads of the performers.
The Shure MX202B/C comes with high sensitivity. It also features a wide frequency range that makes it best suited for recording, aside from sound reinforcement applications. It also comes with a 101-millimeter gooseneck that makes it easy to aim it at the sound source. Furthermore, it comes with a black and white finish to make it unobtrusive and blend with the surroundings. Besides, it features RF filtering.
3) AKG Pro Audio CHM99 Hanging Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The AKG Pro Audio CHM99 is another good option if you are looking for a hanging microphone. It is part of the 99ers Series. Moreover, it features a cardioid polar pattern used for recording speech or music in worship house, theater stages, and conference rooms. It also comes in black and white.
The AKG Pro Audio CHM99 comes with a 10-m special cable, designed to lessen twisting to the lowest level. It also comes with a hanging clamp (spring steel) for precision alignment to secure the mic in its position. Moreover, it comes with an attached phantom power adapter for connecting to any standard mixer input that comes with 9V to 52V power supply.
4) Shure CVO-B/C Centraverse Overhead Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The Shure CVO-B/C Centraverse Overhead comes with a tailored frequency for picking up fast transients above ensembles and choirs. It features the CommShield Technology that protects or guards against unnecessary and unwanted RF interference from smartphones and other portable wireless devices.
This technology also provides high resistance to radio signals nearby. Moreover, this mic comes with a superior and rugged Shure design for durability. The frequency response of this mic is from 70Hz to 16kHz.
5) Samson CM12C Hanging Choir Microphone
One of the top choices for hanging microphones for the stage is the Samson CM12C Hanging Choir Microphone. It is a miniature or tiny hanging choir microphone perfect for theatre and other live acts on stage. It’s one of the condenser microphones with a cardioid pickup pattern.
You will often find this microphone hanging over an orchestra or choir. Moreover, it comes with a steel hanging positioning bracket that positions the condenser element correctly to capture the performance’s sound.
The Samson CM12C also comes with a mini XLR connector and a hardwired 30-foot cable. It also comes with a mini and standard XLR connector with a multistage windscreen. It necessitates a 9-52V phantom power operation.
Conclusion
In theaters, sometimes, it is hard to hear actors who are farther upstage. The best thing to do is to hang one or more miniature mics like the mics mentioned above to ensure the capture of the dialogues of those actors. With the addition of these miniature mics, you can obtain the best capture of sounds.
The hanging mics have two parts the electronic module at its end and the mic itself. Moreover, these mics are directional to pick up the sound source on its front and reject rear sounds. In this way, these mics can effectively reduce feedback.
Sharon Christie says
Hi Bradley, thank you for this very helpful article. I am looking to invest in hanging mics for an outdoor stage. We have been using floor mics for over a decade and we are picking up a lot of foot traffic so it’s always been a big juggling act to manage. I recently went to a theater production and there were six hanging mics staggered, across the stage. The sound was outstanding. I realize that we are an outdoor stage, which makes it difficult with all of the ambient sounds in the environment, but we are willing to invest in some hanging mics. We have rafters over the stage from which the Mike’s could be Hwang. I’m wondering if you have a recommendation based on the mics you reviewed, as to which one might be our best shot for outdoors