Noobie Mic and Headphone Question

[ChicaBone]

Hello,

I just got accepted into a rock band! Super excited about this and loving the group and music. The back up band consists of 1 Bari, 1 Alto, 1 Sax, 1 Trumpet and me on the bone. Rest of band is bass guitar, lead guitar and drums. We will be playing gigs in outdoor and indoor settings in the future and we are currently practicing in a small studio where things get loud! We are mic'ed in the studio (mics belong to studio and not me) and I've been told that I would be wise to purchase a mic for gigs (pubs, birthday parties etc.) where they may/may not have monitors. I have two questions. Please keep in mind this is all new to me. I've been playing with a few big bands and community band but the rock band is a new setting to me and a very different beast compared to the other bands I play with.

1. What should I be looking for in a mic? Are there specific mics for trombones? Some of my preferences would be clipped. Also, I don't mind having a battery pack but I do like the idea of rechargeable. Apart from these two preferences I have no idea where to start and what would be best for my needs. Also, I hate cheap things that break down and are unreliable. This doesn't mean I have deep pockets because I don't but am open to buying the best for my needs without breaking the bank. If that makes sense.

2. Ear Plugs - I need to protect my ears. I've tried a music specific ear plug but I can't play with them as I get a loud echoe in my head. Very distracting, painful and annoying. I think this may be what is referred to as the 'occlusion effect'?? But, not positive. Regardless, I need ear protection and this is where I think I should spend the bulk of my money. What is out there? Pros, cons? etc.

I know this is a loaded post but I'm looking for honest opinions from real musicians (not sales advertisements) to help me with my research.

Thank you!!

[JLivi]

1. What should I be looking for in a mic? Are there specific mics for trombones? Some of my preferences would be clipped. Also, I don't mind having a battery pack but I do like the idea of rechargeable. Apart from these two preferences I have no idea where to start and what would be best for my needs. Also, I hate cheap things that break down and are unreliable. This doesn't mean I have deep pockets because I don't but am open to buying the best for my needs without breaking the bank. If that makes sense.

If you're looking for something easy, cheap and good quality, go with the SM57 package at Guitar Center. You can't really beat getting a mic, cable and mic stands for $110. The cheapest thing in this package is the cable, so you may want to have a backup XLR when this eventually fails.

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Shure/SM57 ... 2361074.gc

If you're looking for clip on, I prefer the wired Shure Beta 98 H/C

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... lsrc=aw.ds

If you want a transmitter and receiver that's rechargeable go with the Shure GLXD. I have a few friends that have this mic and love it. I personally have an SLXD, and bought a rechargeable battery for my transmitter, which I think was an extra $125.

https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/wi ... 252FB98-Z3

2. Ear Plugs - I need to protect my ears. I've tried a music specific ear plug but I can't play with them as I get a loud echoe in my head. Very distracting, painful and annoying. I think this may be what is referred to as the 'occlusion effect'?? But, not positive. Regardless, I need ear protection and this is where I think I should spend the bulk of my money. What is out there? Pros, cons? etc.

I love my custom in ear filters. I have a local place to me called Sensaphonics. They're located in Chicago. I love my filters and sweat by them. If I were you, I would look up custom ear plug/filters and see if there's either something in your area, or if there's an audiologist in your area that can help set you up with custom molds to send away to a company. Since I have Sensaphonics close to me, that made it really easy to go into the office and talk to someone.

I think between the hearing test, molds and filters I was $300 all in on my ear filters, and I don't regret that purchase one bit. They're amazing!

[Geordie]

I’ve used a clip on Shure Beta 98 on soul/rock band - wireless clip on is so convenient. Search wireless mics in the forum, lots of advice.

[vetsurginc]

I use Minuendo plugs in big band settings. Do well sitting in front of trumpets. Don't get the funny sounds of more occlusive plugs. No batteries. Adjustable. Not cheap but hold up fine. Amazon has them. Only question is would they be enough.

[Cmillar]

These are probably the best earplug I've used for live playing use. Less than $10!
Used mine last night in a 3 piece horn section playing some pretty loud music in a loud venue. You can hear yourself really well with these. They do what they advertise!

https://www.amazon.com/Hearprotek-Reduc ... ast_sto_dp

[ChicaBone]

I love my custom in ear filters. I have a local place to me called Sensaphonics. They're located in Chicago. I love my filters and sweat by them. If I were you, I would look up custom ear plug/filters and see if there's either something in your area, or if there's an audiologist in your area that can help set you up with custom molds to send away to a company. Since I have Sensaphonics close to me, that made it really easy to go into the office and talk to someone.

Thanks JLevi for your input. You sold me on the Sensaphonics but sadly we do not have one where I am located. But, you gave me some great info to guide me. The Sweetwater article was especially useful!

Cheers!

[ChicaBone]

Thank you everybody for chiming in. I appreciate it.

[HornboneandVocals]

Only question is would they be enough.

I’ve taken my minuendo earplugs to several very loud indoor rock concerts, used them sitting behind a small army of French horns playing maslanka 4, and in a pit orchestra where I sat next to the drumset almost everyday for 3 weeks straight.

I’d say they’re enough