Wireless LAV mic recommends?
 

I'm using a Sony V1U with the onboard mic and a Rode NTG-2 shotgun mic. I'm looking to buy a wireless LAV mic package to replace the onboard mic for some shooting situations, but am clueless as to which LAV packages are better than others. Any suggestions? Experience?

This has been discussed quite a bit so I'll paraphrase. The very best, but expensive, are Lectrosonics. A good working model at a modest price is the Sennheiser G2. Whatever you do, don't spend less than $400(new) for whatever system you get and make sure it is a UHF system.

How do you like the Rode NTG-2 with the V1? I need a shotgun for weddings/events to replace the stock mic. I have occasional access to an AT-4073a that is very nice, but I can't rely on it being there in a moment's notice. I want something more sensitive than the stock mic and I'm hoping for it not to sound too harsh or have excessive reflections indoors so maybe a full shotgun is not ideal. How is the NTG-2 indoors?

I second that. One additional suggestion is to replace the Sennheiser lav by the Countryman B6.

I would argue that the Zaxcom TRX900 is probably the very best, but it also does more and cost more than the 411 system.

Wayne

I didn't even realize that there was a lav system more expensive than Lectrosonics. If you can afford high-end wireless systems, it is worth the price. They last a long time and don't become obsolete easily. The reduction in anxiety about getting good audio is priceless. The same goes for mics and tripods/heads. Cameras become obsolete in a few years but mics and other supporting equipment can go over a decade. I haven't regretted the money I spent on a Lectrosonics lav one bit.

With the future of the broadcast spectrum still up in the air I'd be real hesitant to invest in high-end wireless unless you are a working professional with clients demanding it. I can't say enough good things about the AudioTechnica AT1800 system. Replacing the lavs is a must though. At the very least get the AT899CW lav or better.

The only part of the spectrum that really is up in the air is that above block 27. Even then, as Larry from Lectrosonics stated, there is still some debate about how much this really will affect US-based mixers. With a complete Lectro 411 systems selling in the $3K range and Zaxcom TRX900 in the $4K range, I don't see most non-professionals rushing out to buy these wireless units. In the class I've taught, I've brought my 900 and 411 systems, to show the class. But I usually also have the G2 system and most people end up agreeing that for what they are working on the G2 wireless systems work well enough. That pretty much sums up how I feel too. I get paid for both my experience and gear. If you're making your own short/doc/feature, then chances you are either hiring a sound person who better have their own equipment, or you're doing sound yourself and the G2 is probably more in your budget.

Wayne

Interesting Wayne. I've been trying to get good information about this, but it's kind of tough.

I'll can trump that. :) At $5k a set, the new Audio Ltd 2040 are remarkable. I have audio samples in the Audio folder in my Online Archive. And I got 1000 feet with one.

Regards,

Ty Ford

Nice to see you back Ty! ;-)

Wayne

Hello Wayne!!

I didn't know I'd left. ;)

Been busy though. I have the new Sennheiser 8000 mics heree now. They beckon to me even now from the studio ~~~~~~~~~~~ahhhh! ~~~~~~I'm being pulled away~~

Regards,

Ty

hmmm... maybe left is the wrong word, you've just been quite recently.

I'm waiting on my rental check (as is about 3/4 of the crew who rented gear) then I have both the 8040 & 8050 on my list of items to get. Everybody who has used them that I've talked with really likes them.

Wayne

Try looking here
 

Arturo, try reading through this thread; there's a link to other threads pertaining to wireless about 2/3 of the way down: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=110967

It's worth reading. In my short lived experience, you get what you pay for; therefore, you have to set a budget and determine what your needs are. Resist the temptation to buy $100 wireless; you'll be disappointed and only have to replace them later on. That's what happened to me.

I have the Senn G2s and am happy. Wating for my new Countryman Mic to arrive. If you are looking at a package, make sure you really need all of the components. Some vendors pack in a bunch of stuff that's not really needed and only serves to inflate the price.

Cheers,
Bob

Also make sure it is a true diversity receiver UHF system, which the EW100 G2 Senny is.

The lav mic that comes with the G2 are a bit noisy from very little movement, so I would also suggest a countryman or after market lav. The nice thing about the Sennheiser G2 system is that the lav plugs in with a standard size 1/8", so with an 1/8" to 1/8" cable, you now have access to wireless audio for a laptop. Works great for presentations (hate running all those cables).

Thomas

The mains powered half U rack-mount unit is but not the battery run belt pack style receiver.

Thanks for the clarification. I have only used the half rack units, which I am actually using at an event right now.

Thomas

Is the Countryman B6 more directional, or omnidirectional? I do like on the stock lav that comes with the G2 system that people can turn their heads pretty far or whatever, or the mic can be placed not ideally, and you can still get excellent sound.

So if the B6 isn't a nicer version of that type of mic, what lav might be?

How is the Isomax EMW, also from Countryman?

The standard lapel that comes with the G2 unit has a swivel on it that seems noisy to me. After prolonged use, the swivel gets loose and makes a clicking noise whenever the person even lightly touches the wire running to the body pack/transmitter. I'm running sound as we speak with the G2. Can't here the clicking that much through the PA, but when I put on my K240 headphones... well, time to whip out Magix Audio Cleaning Lab 12.

Thomas

I actually haven't heard much of that. I'm having issues with "self noise" (is that the term? The noise inherent to any mic?). . .seems no matter how I set the AF Out/Sensitivity, there's a little nastiness down in the lower end of the volume, regardless of what's actually going on in the room. Or is that part of the system itself?

Self noise is the correct term. Yeah, I don't know why it is so noisy. I only use the balanced XLR output and you can still hear it very faintly. Then, when I compress, it gets worse (naturally).

As for the clicking, it is because I have had them for a number of years and the swivel is loosening from too many twists. Just be aware that it may be a problem in the future.

Thomas

So are either the Countryman B6 (somewhat pricey, I see) or the EMW decent alternatives to that stock mic? Again, looking for something a little more omnidirectional.

Personally, I have only used the headset model (E6 I believe) and it sounds amazing! But before you make a purchase, try plugging other sources into the transmitter. Just get a cable with 1/8" on each side and plug it in an MP3 player. See if it is still noisy. You can feed just about any audio source into the body pack. Make sure to use a balanced source to avoid self noise from the SOURCE.

I'll second the idea of using the bodypacks as a connection for just about anything. In live gigs, I use 2 for sending a stereo signal from the output of a mixer placed out of shot but handy for audio balancing to the main camera. I have a set of cables for splitting the stereo ouput of laptops/CD players etc for presentations to feed two bodypacks. You just need to be careful about the frequencies used to avoid interference and keep legal.

The Countryman B6 is an omni.

Ah. There you are then.

So it looks like you have to have to buy a lav specifically made for your system? For instance, there's the B6 for Lectrosonics, B6 for G2, etc.? There's not just one B6?

I think most folks will agree that ultra tiny Countryman B6 is a worthwhile upgrade to the Sennheiser Evolution G2 wireless. Is it worth $319 over the stock ME2? To those that desire a bit more detail and finesse, yes, absolutely. Your average viewer isn't going to notice, but those with good ears will. There is a video test we just shot with a gal playing guitar outside on a windy day. In the exterior example, the Countryman B6 is mounted mid sternum with the foam windscreen and picks up a nice, mellow, surprising musical track. There is no mixer in the audio chain for this example. The Sennheiser wireless receiver is being fed directly into the camera. http://www.dvcreators.net/countryman-b6-lavalier/

Good to know. I'm still curious as to whether there are several different models of the B6 meant for different transmitters. In other words, several different attachments at the end of the mic (1/8", XLR, etc.)

Here's another question--when would you ever NOT want an omnidirectional lav. They stuff I do with lavs is talking head interviews, filming speakers at a podium or walking around on a stage, and teachers in a classroom. In all these cases, there's always a chance for someone to turn their head far from the mic, which an omni will help with in regards to keeping the sound even. When would this ever NOT be desirable?

A cardioid lav might be used in a live sound scenario where problems with feedback control surface. For film and video, go omni.

You can get the B6 factory wired to connectors for a number of different wireless models plus bare pigtails to wire yourself. The Countryman site has a chart of wiring details for the various models and for many common wireless units. http://www.countryman.com/display.asp?catid=4&pid=75