NEW YORK — The vocalists and tech staff for the a cappella pop group, Rockapella, chose the AKG WMS 4500 wireless system and C5900 microphone for their 2009 tour. Known for their Folgers coffee commercials and the theme for the PBS children’s show, Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?, the vocals-only group performs pop music with their a cappella styling.
Commenting on the group’s selection of the WMS 4500 and C 5900 microphone, Rockapella’s high-tenor and primary arranger, Scott Leonard, said “The microphone and sound system selection for an a cappella group is extremely important. The human voice is the sole instrument of the group, therefore selecting the right microphones is a highly sensitive process.”
Rockapella took time to review the entire line of AKG products as well as those from competitors. “The microphones we choose have to handle both normal vocals and a wide variety of vocal percussion sounds. Going with the C 5900 microphone through the WMS 4500 wireless system lets us successfully deliver the complete sound of a vocally driven group like Rockapella,” said Jeff Thacher, Rockapella’s vocal percussionist.
The group uses AKG products for live recordings as well as well as standard concert appearances. “The group is amazed at the results the AKG C 5900 microphone and WMS 4500 system delivers,” said George Baldi, Rockapella’s bass. “We needed microphones that we could use universally, bringing studio quality to everything we do while handling different vocal styles,” added Leonard.
The C 5900 was designed with a high quality condenser for stage performance. A spring steel wire-mesh grill gives it control over pops and wind noise. The internal spider-type shock mount minimizes noise and is matched with a switchable bass cut filter that makes it a top-choice for vocal performers. The bass cut filter minimizes stage rumble and a 0/+6 decibel level selector allows you to boost the microphone’s output level.
The WMS 4500 wireless system includes an advanced backlit display on the transmitters and the receiver, remaining battery life readout, silent mode, pilot tone status data transmission, environment scan and rehearsal functions, auto setup frequency search and many other functions.
The WMS 4500 includes the SR 4500 Diversity receiver, HT 4500 Handheld transmitter and the PT 4500 Body pack transmitter.
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