Cheap Sony Wireless lav at DVinfo.net

Maureen Futtner · April 26th, 2004, 12:47 PM

Ok, well-informed audio-for-video friends, please tell me exactly how bad it would be if I purchased Sony's very, very low-end wireless lavalier mic system ($140) for my trv-950. I realize there's no xlr-connection, but then my camcorder only has mini input anyway. So, apart from that, what are the other offenses of this unit?

I just cannot afford the $400+ for more substantial gear right now, but want to know if it would be a COMPLETE waste of my time to buy this cheap wireless in the meantime.

Any opinions and advice welcome. Thanks.

Douglas Spotted Eagle · April 26th, 2004, 12:49 PM

At that price point, spend a couple bucks more and check out the Audio Technica 88. Better wireless, options for better mics, and awesome sound. Distance is about the same between the two, don't try for more than a couple dozen feet. AT has a headphone monitor on the receiver too. Major Hollywood films actually use these as disposables.

Mike Butler · April 29th, 2004, 07:03 PM

Well, I wasn't exactly impressed with the AT system when I was using it, but at close ranges it was OK...and it is true you can plug in a better lav into the transmitter. As for monitoring, that's a handy feature, although I prefer taking it out of the camera, under the premise that it will give me a closer idea of what's actually going down on the tape (and if the cable from the receiver is actually connected solidly to the camcorder). It would be great if they would give you a demo/trial run of each system before you make up your mind. Or at least return privileges if not satisfied.

Actually, I attempted to shoot with the AT, Azden, not to mention Nady, Telex, Samson and even Shure VHF systems before I raised the flag of surrender and got the Sennheiser (UHF) Evo kit. No radio dropouts, ever. After all the money I parted with for the earlier attempts, the $400++ for the Senn was a relative bargain...since I shoot every week in some situations where there is no second chance. But your mileage may vary, and you may find this cheaper system adequate for your needs.

April 26th, 2004, 12:47 PM	#1
Maureen Futtner New Boot Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 11	Cheap Sony Wireless lav Ok, well-informed audio-for-video friends, please tell me exactly how bad it would be if I purchased Sony's very, very low-end wireless lavalier mic system ($140) for my trv-950. I realize there's no xlr-connection, but then my camcorder only has mini input anyway. So, apart from that, what are the other offenses of this unit? I just cannot afford the $400+ for more substantial gear right now, but want to know if it would be a COMPLETE waste of my time to buy this cheap wireless in the meantime. Any opinions and advice welcome. Thanks.

April 26th, 2004, 12:49 PM	#2
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	At that price point, spend a couple bucks more and check out the Audio Technica 88. Better wireless, options for better mics, and awesome sound. Distance is about the same between the two, don't try for more than a couple dozen feet. AT has a headphone monitor on the receiver too. Major Hollywood films actually use these as disposables. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

April 29th, 2004, 07:03 PM	#3
Mike Butler Machinist Mate Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Southern Connecticut Posts: 644	Well, I wasn't exactly impressed with the AT system when I was using it, but at close ranges it was OK...and it is true you can plug in a better lav into the transmitter. As for monitoring, that's a handy feature, although I prefer taking it out of the camera, under the premise that it will give me a closer idea of what's actually going down on the tape (and if the cable from the receiver is actually connected solidly to the camcorder). It would be great if they would give you a demo/trial run of each system before you make up your mind. Or at least return privileges if not satisfied. Actually, I attempted to shoot with the AT, Azden, not to mention Nady, Telex, Samson and even Shure VHF systems before I raised the flag of surrender and got the Sennheiser (UHF) Evo kit. No radio dropouts, ever. After all the money I parted with for the earlier attempts, the $400++ for the Senn was a relative bargain...since I shoot every week in some situations where there is no second chance. But your mileage may vary, and you may find this cheaper system adequate for your needs. __________________ I ain't straight outta Compton, I'm straight out the trailer. Cuss like a sailor, drink like a Mc. My only words of wisdom are just, "Radio Edit."