Clip on mic for XL1
 

Any recommendations? Not looking for a real expensive one. I'd like to use if for interviews. It doesn't have to be wireless.

The audio-technica 88w wireless is very inexpensive and sounds great. But it's VHF, so you can't get more than 30 or 40 feet away from the transmitter without risking interference issues according to many accounts. It's a great system for the price though.

If you're going with a wired lav, you're probably going to need something with an XLR connection--this is pretty necessary with a wired lav, because an unbalanced cable longer than 3 feet or so (tops) is likely to produce all kinds of nasty noise. Unless you're shooting inside someone's pantleg, I think the issue here is pretty clear. :) With the XL1, this means you need an XLR adapter too. So when you consider the cost of an adapter (if you don't have one already) in addition to the mic itself, then wireless may actually end up being cheaper.

I do not own the Audio Technica wireless system, but I recently purchased a similarly priced Nady System. If you read my previous post regarding XL1 accessories you can learn all about my general dissatisfaction with the product. I would make sure you get first hand positive feedback from a user before deciding on a wireless VHF single diversity lavalier system.

Because I consider even one dropout during an interview to be unacceptable I will be using my Audio Technica ATR35s Lavalier mic that I purchased from Best Buy for about $20 or $30 several years ago. It is a low cost battery powered condenser lavalier that has worked well for me on many previous cameras and projects. It has a 20’ cord that has never been the source of any noise during the interviews I have used it for. It seems that my camera is about 6 feet from the subject, so the length is more than adequate. My only advice is to carry a few spare batteries.

I really wanted inexpensive wireless to work, but the Nady product is definitely not the answer for me. Hopefully other users have has positive experiences with other products from Azden or AudioTechnica, but until I can buy an expensive Dual Diversity UHF system I think I will keep using the wired set.

Hope this helps

Douglas Spotted Eagle has said that he uses the Audio-Technica 88w fairly often, and likes it--though he says it's a little risky using it at a distance over 20 ft. or so. I don't know about you guys, but I trust Spot's judgment on things like this. :)

If you want quality audio, I'd not use a wireless mic. There's a noticable sound quality difference between a wireless mic and a wired mic, even with the more expensive wireless systems. For the money, you won't beat the quality you get from a wired mic.

Check out a AT803B: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

Either a omni-directional or a uni, depends on your needs. The quality audio you get from it will far surpass any low end wireless system.

Ben