122 out of 122 people found this review helpful.
Great Microphone for DJ's
Date of Review: Jan 10, 2004
The Bottom Line: If you need a mic then grab this one, it's an affordable name brand mic with quality features.
Mic check, 1, 2, 3, Mic check, 1, 2, 3, Can you hear me now? Can you hear me now? An essential piece of equipment for the Disc Jockey (DJ) is a microphone whether it's cordless or not. The microphone usually connects to the mixer and is used to talk to your audience and upon rare occasions if you have the vocals, sing a tune. My microphone is primarily used for announcements, introductions and to hype the audience if no one is dancing.
Although I prefer using my wireless microphone, the Sony FV-420 Unidirectional Microphone with Natural Sound is an excellent back up. Sony markets this microphone to professional vocalists. Although I'm not a professional vocalist I can carry a tune, and think this is a great microphone. If you are looking for an affordable standard issue microphone with quality sound reproduction then I'm sure this will work for you. This microphone has good range and provides clear sound reproduction when used. The FV-420 reproductive ability is the result of its high power alnico magnet. The alnico magnets are some of the best because they exhibit high residual induction, and are extremely resistant to elevated temperatures, having relatively high-energy output.
In addition the Sony FV-420 Microphone also has the standard 5.5m Oxygen Free Copper (OFC) wire for quality sound reproduction, which is designed to assure durability and reliability. The microphone connects easily to standard connectors and can be used in almost any standard professional system. The microphone features a 3.5mm gold plated mono plug. The gold plating is responsible for reducing corrosion, and signal loss insuring overall maximum performance. Naturally, you get the standard feedback if held in front of a speaker, but when used properly there is minimum noise. The circular Cannon connector is a standard in the industry and provides sturdy and reliable connection to the microphone. Plus the microphone comes with the standard 9' 8" cord providing ample distance.
My system uses the 3.5 plug, but the microphone comes with an extra 5 1/4 mm adapter making it adaptable for other systems. The Sony FV-420 Microphone features a built-in on/off switch which allows the user to instantly turn the unit on or off with the flip of your thumb while holding it. I've used the Sony FV-420 Microphone for 12 months and haven't had any problems. While it continues to serve as a backup microphone each time it's been used over the 12-month period it has worked fine. It has always provided resilient and consistent connections. Depending upon how you store and take care you're your microphones will determine how much abuse, it takes. The Zinc die cast constructed body of the microphone is strong and solid withstanding several drops and falls to the floor.
The microphone is fairly easy to clean. Since this is the microphone I let the public use I clean it after each event. Depending upon who uses it the grille area could become saturated with saliva, lipstick, food particles, and the odor of cigarettes, which is a common smell in some clubs. Since I'm a hygiene fanatic cleaning it after each use is mandatory. My recommendation is that you make sure it's disconnected first. Then gently remove the grille and clean it with plain water adding a mild antibacterial dishwashing liquid to the water to disinfect it. Let it dry then reattach and you are back in business.
Whether you are professional singer or an amateur planning on doing karaoke, or need a DJ microphone, Sony's F-V620 Unidirectional Enriched Sound Vocal Microphone is a good deal. This microphone has all the features you need to get you going and it won't let you down.
Strengths:
Solid Build, Quality Brand, Performance, and Low Cost
Weaknesses:
In this price range, little, if any.
Product Specs:
- Built-in on/off switch
- 9' 8" cord,
- 80Hz–15kHz
- 600 ohms impedance
