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Review of the Mini Swan mic + Mini PSU by Terry McGee - Flautist and flute maker

61 Calder Crescent, Holder ACT 2611 Australia

Phone +61 (0)2 6288 8006, Fax +61 (0)2 6287 4263

mailto: t.mcgee@dynamite.com.au

http://www2.dynamite.com.au/t.mcgee

Construction:

Very high standard of construction leaving nothing wanting. The need to use a screwdriver to open the PSU to replace the battery might cause embarressment at some stage, but I feel this is preferable to the finicky little plastic covers whose clips break off at critical moments. Buy a cheap screwdriver to keep in the mic bag with a spare battery!

Performance

Plenty of output (even though I had to use the "line in" on my PA for lack of the right cable!). No sign of noise or distortion.

Quality

Excellent tonal balance - I ran it flat and felt no need to use the parametric EQ on the PA.

Breath and mechanical noise

Complete freedom from wind noise (combination of omni pattern mic and wind shield) is impressive. No handling noise perceived.

Feedback

No feedback problems despite the omni mic and use of up-close personal monitor speakers at high volume. The fiddle fed back first!

Weight and drag

No noticeable change to weight or balance of the instrument. Cable is flexible and presents no drag problem.

Strap.

Although it seemed to hold fine, I felt that a bit of stretch in the strap would be more reassuring.

Mic Connector

Use of phono connector unorthodox but a stroke of genius, compared to the crappy miniplugs often used. Gold plated ditto. Well done.

Output connector

I'd have preferred an XLR, but can see the attractions of a jack. Offering a nice jack to XLR cable as an accessory might be good (although careful - I think the Americans may use different pins to the rest of us!)

Power switching

On the mini PSU inserting the jack turns on the power. I noticed a sharp crack when either the input or output plugs were disconnected. This is catered for on the Standard PSU as is a battery level indicator.

Summary

All in all, a well concieved, well made, easy to use, high performing system for miking flutes for stage use. Thoroughly recommended.

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WOW! I am truly impressed!!  The sound is great, the volume control on the PSU gives me more flexibility, and best of all is the portability of the setup!
No longer am I tethered to a stick mic. I can wander while I play which is REALLY a boon to our setup. Our keyboardist often has a more intriguing arrangement of music so on a whim I can move over to her area and we can play off each other. It is fabulous!! The velcro strap fits snugly on my flute and stays in place. It took only a few moments for me to get used to having the mic **right there** in front of my mouth. The wire from the mic to the PSU is a good length so it stays out of my way while I'm playing, too. The mic picks up just my music, not my breathing or surrounding noise -- it is wonderful. I have the PSU run into the sound system by a 30 ft cable, so I have lots and lots of wandering ability. I am thrilled with the setup. Thanks for all your help!

Meg, Flutist from "In His Name" Clinton, New Jersey

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