2014-12-04T19:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Great fun - glad I got it
I bought this to save my voice while photographing sporting events - to ask folks to please step out of the way, not run me over, etc. I'm having way too much fun with this thing. Not only does it help direct traffic, I can interact with the participants better. I can get their attention at a good distance, make them smile, give them direction, cheer them on, etc. Connecting with them this way makes them more apt to view and purchase their photos, too. The amplifier is surprisingly loud and clear with good frequency response. I've read reviews complaining about feedback (loud squealing) but that is totally user error. Just like any PA system, you have to keep the speaker pointing away from the mic and keep it at a good distance - more so as the volume is turned up. In my case, I tightened the included strap to its very shortest size and buckle it around the padding on my monopod. Once I'm setup, I slide the speaker around facing forward (toward the people in the event). That way the speaker is below, distanced and pointing away from the mic. There's also and auxiliary input for listening to MP3s. Again, surprisingly good fidelity. AND you can listen to music and talk through the mic at the same time. My only niggle about the the aux input is that it sits right on top of the strap lug, so depending on your cord, the input can be hard to plug in. Ergonomically, the headset band is big on my pea head and is not adjustable, so the rests fall more to the base of my head than the middle. But it's very light so it's doable. The mic boom, however, is very flexible so I'm able to position and aim the mic 'just so'. If I could change anything about this unit, it would be to make the headset adjustable. The construction of the speaker unit seems solid enough - no loose or rattling parts. It is total plastic, but assembled better than I expected. I wouldn't want to drop it on the pavement, though. I will, however use it in the rain with a baggie over it. The cord from the headset/mic is like a string. I try to mind the stress on this as I suspect that will be the first thing to go from wear and tear. Overall, a cool little gem of a unit. 'Glad I bought it.
KAY B.
