So it is time to put a wireless mic on a subject at a event. You are familiar with the Sennheiser body packs from Hoffman Hall, but you have received instructions to make the wireless mic a Cardioid type. How do you do that? Our Sennheiser wireless systems can be modified easily between Unidirectional, A.K.A "Cardioid", and Omnidirectional microphones. They can also convert your electric guitar to a wireless instrument if you have the correct cable.
The Sennheiser ME-4 is a cardioid type lapel (or Lavaliere) microphone which is ideal for use in live P.A. systems due to it's ability to reject background noise and prevent feedback. It has a large round windscreen at the top which allows you to physically distinguish it from the ME-2. The ME-4 also has a swiveling clip so that you can accommodate mens button up shirts or womens blouses. Please note that the construction of the ME-4 creates, in my opinion, a lot of mechanical noise; But the benefits of a cardioid make it well suited for live sound in spite of that. I have put a "Cardioid" type pattern behind the microphone head so that you have a visual representation of the inverted heart shaped pick up pattern.
The Sennheiser ME-2 is a omnidirectional type lapel microphone which is ideal for Non-P.A. set ups where the presenter needs to be recorded on video or just voice. The ME-2 can, and has been used successfully with a live P.A. system, but is much more prone to feedback due to its pick up pattern. As a rule of thumb, try to make all of your microphones in a system the same type, that way you have fewer sound issues to deal with. The protective metal mesh screen on the ME-2 is removable, allowing you to turn around the alligator clip on the mic so that it can accommodate men's and womens clothing. Please note the pick up pattern of this mic as I have poorly illustrated it with a large round grey globe.
Placement of the lapel mic: Make a "L" with your thumb and pointer finger and point to the sky. Place your thumb on your sternum and your pointer finger to the lower lips. This is a simple way to describe the ideal placement of the lapel mic. It is an unobtrusive way to show the person putting it on where to clip it on so that you don't have to push the gain to high on your mixing board. (Please refer to the image at the bottom)
If you find a microphone without a wind screen, please notify a coordinator or manager so that it can be fixed. This screen keeps dirt and oils off of the mic so that it can do it's job well. Also, if you find a lapel mic with a damaged wire, please mark it in a way that people will notice it and bring it to the attention of a manager or coordinator.
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