Category: Tech Topic

While wireless systems have liberated performers from the bonds of cables, they have unleashed a dizzying array of technical headaches. Getting a wireless system to behave predictably is a challenge faced by touring professionals and novices alike.  No venue or system is immune.  Still, it doesn’t have to be guessing game.  Understanding the basics of how wireless systems function and how radio waves travel will help triumph over dropouts, interference, and distortion.  Avoiding five common errors will often tame unruly… -more-

Introduced in 1967, the M62 Level-Loc promised to solve audio problems caused by loud and soft talkers. Placed between the microphone output and the mixer input, the unit was set up as follows:  To use the M62 in a Public Address system, increase the volume control on the PA system to the point where the system is at the threshold of feedback with no signal being transmitted through the microphone. Used in this manner, the total volume is reduced by… -more-

When Shure Brothers introduced the Vagabond 88 wireless mic system in 1953, its primary purpose was to replace the 20-foot cable attached to the microphone.  The Vagabond was not expected to transmit a signal hundreds of feet.  In the 1970s, wireless mics grew in popularity, particularly for in-studio TV production (think “person presenting the weather”) and for Las Vegas stage shows. Even then, the transmission distance was relatively short. Components of the Vagabond 88 As wireless mic technology improved, transmission… -more-

Most MX400 series gooseneck microphones are mounted to a lectern, pulpit, or tabletop.  On occasion, a customer requests a method for mounting an MX400 to a mic floor stand.  Here are three suggested methods.  Each method employs an MX400 series model that has a cylindrical preamp permanently attached to the gooseneck. See photo below. MX400 series gooseneck microphone Method 1: Use the A57F stand adapter The preamp section of the MX400 has a diameter of 0.75 inch.  By happy coincidence,… -more-

In 1925, Western Electric Research Laboratories and the engineering division of American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T) merged to create Bell Telephone Laboratories. The ownership of Bell Labs was shared between Western Electric and AT&T. The principal work of the Labs was to design and support the telephone equipment Western Electric manufactured for Bell System companies. At its peak, Bell Labs developed a wide range of revolutionary technologies, including radio astronomy, the transistor, the laser, information theory, the UNIX operating system,… -more-

On December 20, 1916, inventor Edward C. Wente, employed by Bell Labs, applied for a U.S. utility patent. His device was a new type of telephone transmitter, i.e., a condenser microphone. Four years later, Wente received his patent. Patent drawing for the condenser microphone, 1916 In the early 1920s, Bell Labs, in conjunction with its manufacturing subsidiary, Western Electric, began developing designs for recording studios with electronics at the heart of their recording process. Such studios would soon replace acoustical… -more-

When the SM58 debuted in 1966, the connector end of the mic was different from the current design. Below, note how the 1966 handle diameter suddenly diminishes to match the diameter of the mating XLR connector. SM58 with original handle design, 1966 Enlarged original SM58 handle and XLR connection, 1966 The rationale for this industrial design choice was a mystery. It seemed like too much effort simply to have the mic handle match the XLR diameter; pieces of this puzzle… -more-

With the continued interest in phonograph records, Tech Tip readers may be interested in how vinyl discs are manufactured. The techniques have remained essentially the same for decades. Vinyl LP pressing plant, The Netherlands Here are short educational films from RCA Victor about vinyl recordings: Related information: Timeline of the V15 phono cartridge 1978 Phono Seminar White Paper Illustration of the interior of a phonograph cartridge Introducing Hi-Fi Stereo Sound 1978 Shure High-Fidelity catalog Record Pressing Plant in Nashville Arcana… -more-

Montreux Jazz Fest, July 2024 An Extraordinary Relationship The Montreux Jazz Festival was born as a tribute to the vibrant world of jazz and, 58 years later, has grown into a global celebration of diverse music, drawing legendary artists from all genres to its stages. Its journey mirrors that of the legendary Shure SM58 microphone. Initially designed for studio use, it was adopted by performers on stage and has been trusted by artists across the world and countless performers on… -more-

First available in June 1967, the Unisphere I Model 566, dubbed the Unisphere I, is a member of the Unidyne III family. While the upper portion is the same as the Model 565S, discussed in Tech Tip #565, the lower portion is different. The lower section of the Model 566 contains:

• A switch with three positions: ON Low Impedance / ON High Impedance / OFF
• A switch cover plate if the ON/OFF function is not desired
• Integrated vibration isolation mount

… -more-