These are Amazing- A must have product
I trialed this product and they work perfectly, they are bulkier than the wired version but this doesn't matter as it allows you to sing from a distance without having to be restricted to wires. They allow a faster game set up as their are no wires to untangle. Excellent product, A must have for any Singstat fan.
Singstar without wires
Had these on pre-order as soon as they appeared on Amazon who dispatched the day before their release so I had them on day one. Firstly install is as simple as plugging in the new USB microphone receiver and putting the batteries in the microphones and turning them on. No new software is needed and according to the blurb they will work as will with the PS2 version of Singstar as well (untested).
The microphones are slightly larger than the wired versions however they feel slightly lighter or more balanced. IMHO they do feel better in the hand than the wired versions.
The power switch needs to be slid forwards and held for a few seconds to turn the mic on and off and sliding down puts it into a locked position. I was a little concerned about this switch as its position is under my hand whilst singing but after 50 or so songs we've still yet to have a accidental deactivation so I think this is me being overly worried.
Quality wise they work as well as the wired version, no white noise, sound distortion or problems playing the game. Range wise they work everywhere in our large living within 15-20 feet of the PS3 receiver.
I was hoping got the voice song selection feature that I'd heard about but apparently its a feature that's built into the latest versions of the PS3 Singstar disks (unconfirmed). With luck this feature will appear in the Singstar update in due course I doubt that they will want to support different branches of software.
So my conclusion is that they do what they say on the side of the tin, no extra bells or whistles (e.g. flashing lights etc.) which is a good thing. They do the job well and are uncomplicated.
My only gripe that they Sony should have made these available from day one.
A long time coming...
Despite the fact I've only owned the mics for two days now I can honestly say they're a sound investment for anyone who seems to whip Singstar out at every social event.
The mics come with 4 AA Sony batteries (2 per mic), a usb receiver with lead and a quaint little pouch for your mics. From what I've heard the batteries last for a long time as people who have been trialing the mics since christmas time say they are still on the original Sony batteries provided. The manual also recommends the use of rechargeable batteries to anyone concerned.
After a couple of days of solid use I haven't experienced a problem whatsoever (eg synch, buzzing) however the true test will come when I take them to a party later this week.
I think it's unfair that people slate the mics for being a little pricey when the competitor Lips is only marginally cheaper. You've also got to take into account that you're paying for the quality that is Singstar - after all, Lips lacks custom video features, a thriving online community and many songs in the store. But then I guess Lips does offer you the chance to tip your mic upside down and bang along to drums... Sony are merely doing what the majority asked for, mics without wires, simple. If you are taken in by new gimmicks, the next iteration of Singstar (Pop Edition) will offer voice recognition where you can say a song and it'll pop up, avoiding the need to pick up the pad.
If wires really do get on your nerves then I'd highly recommend this product, but don't expect any sort of overhaul, it's just your typical Singstar microphone.
About SingStar Wireless Microphones - Standalone (PS2/PS3) detail
- Amazon Sales Rank: #135 in Computer & Video Games
- Brand: Sony
- Released on: 2009-03-20
- Platforms: PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation2
- Format: Unknown format
- Dimensions: 6.30" h x 2.36" w x 11.81" l, 1.43 pounds
SingStar Wireless Microphones - Standalone (PS2/PS3) Description
- SingStar Microphones are now available in wireless form. They come complete with a USB wireless receiver and batteries to make your SingStar moments so much more enjoyable. Includes two microphones.