opinion sought on AT MT830mw vs Tram TR50 at DVinfo.net

Les Nagy · September 16th, 2009, 11:45 AM

Hello all:

I have had some experience using the AT MT830mw lavs and they are pretty good lavs but I have been wondering lately how much better the TR50s would be. Most of my work the the MT830mw lavs has been interview type work where the absolute subtleties and nuances a better mic might pick up have not been that important. I am looking at producing more scripted and story based work and think I might need better. I also know the reality that you get what you pay for.

Any thoughts on the qualities of these two different mics would be appreciated.

(yes I have searched and read and listened to all the samples and tests that can be found but there is very little on the 830s)

Les Nagy · September 19th, 2009, 08:35 PM

I guess it was too specific a question.

Ty Ford · September 20th, 2009, 07:16 AM

Don't know the tram, but I have 2-3 of the AT MT830 rigged for my AT U100 wireless. They work very well into those transmitters. Lots of signal, probably due to a larger diaphragm.

If you're trying to hide the mic, size matters.

I think (not sure) these are made for AT by Voice Technologies who make the lavs that come with Lectrosonics wireless.

Regards,

Ty Ford

Les Nagy · September 20th, 2009, 01:30 PM

Thank you for the reply Ty. Do you have any opinion on the sound of these as compared to any other well known and commonly used lav?

Dan Brockett · September 20th, 2009, 04:25 PM

I own both. The ATs are not bad but I like the Trams better. A bit more detailed sound and smoother bass is that I hear from the Trams.

Dan

Les Nagy · September 20th, 2009, 06:35 PM

Thank you for the reply Dan. I got the impression myself that the 830s are very usable mics, but seemed a little harsh on sibilants. I was hoping that spending the extra dollars wouldn't be wasted on Tram 50s if I get them. They certainly aren't any smaller than the 830s so hiding them is only facilitated by the accessory kit that is supplied with them.

My feeling has been that the AT MT830mw is a good bargain. It is certainly better than the Sennheiser ME-2 that is supplied with the G2 systems. The same had been same about the Tram 50 and it seems to be rather extensively used in productions.

So I guess I am still undecided on getting the Trams, or even something pricier. They have to be worth it as I hate buying "better" only to find I only ended up spending money and got no better.

Ty Ford · September 20th, 2009, 08:48 PM

One of the difficulties I've had in comparing lavs is that each one may couple better or worse with a different transmitter.

That and specific placement on a particular individual. If that leads to a darker sound, the mic with a slight edge can help. If that leads to a brighter sound, then maybe not so much.

Regards,

Ty Ford

September 16th, 2009, 11:45 AM	#1
Les Nagy Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: A Canadian in Canada, and sometimes Chile Posts: 265	opinion sought on AT MT830mw vs Tram TR50 Hello all: I have had some experience using the AT MT830mw lavs and they are pretty good lavs but I have been wondering lately how much better the TR50s would be. Most of my work the the MT830mw lavs has been interview type work where the absolute subtleties and nuances a better mic might pick up have not been that important. I am looking at producing more scripted and story based work and think I might need better. I also know the reality that you get what you pay for. Any thoughts on the qualities of these two different mics would be appreciated. (yes I have searched and read and listened to all the samples and tests that can be found but there is very little on the 830s)

September 20th, 2009, 07:16 AM	#3
Ty Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD USA Posts: 2,337	Don't know the tram, but I have 2-3 of the AT MT830 rigged for my AT U100 wireless. They work very well into those transmitters. Lots of signal, probably due to a larger diaphragm. If you're trying to hide the mic, size matters. I think (not sure) these are made for AT by Voice Technologies who make the lavs that come with Lectrosonics wireless. Regards, Ty Ford __________________ Ty Ford's Audio Bootcamp Field Guide Ty Ford's Audio Video Blog

September 20th, 2009, 08:48 PM	#7
Ty Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD USA Posts: 2,337	One of the difficulties I've had in comparing lavs is that each one may couple better or worse with a different transmitter. That and specific placement on a particular individual. If that leads to a darker sound, the mic with a slight edge can help. If that leads to a brighter sound, then maybe not so much. Regards, Ty Ford __________________ Ty Ford's Audio Bootcamp Field Guide Ty Ford's Audio Video Blog

September 19th, 2009, 08:35 PM	#2
Les Nagy Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: A Canadian in Canada, and sometimes Chile Posts: 265	I guess it was too specific a question.

September 20th, 2009, 01:30 PM	#4
Les Nagy Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: A Canadian in Canada, and sometimes Chile Posts: 265	Thank you for the reply Ty. Do you have any opinion on the sound of these as compared to any other well known and commonly used lav?

September 20th, 2009, 04:25 PM	#5
Dan Brockett Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 2,109	I own both. The ATs are not bad but I like the Trams better. A bit more detailed sound and smoother bass is that I hear from the Trams. Dan

September 20th, 2009, 06:35 PM	#6
Les Nagy Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: A Canadian in Canada, and sometimes Chile Posts: 265	Thank you for the reply Dan. I got the impression myself that the 830s are very usable mics, but seemed a little harsh on sibilants. I was hoping that spending the extra dollars wouldn't be wasted on Tram 50s if I get them. They certainly aren't any smaller than the 830s so hiding them is only facilitated by the accessory kit that is supplied with them. My feeling has been that the AT MT830mw is a good bargain. It is certainly better than the Sennheiser ME-2 that is supplied with the G2 systems. The same had been same about the Tram 50 and it seems to be rather extensively used in productions. So I guess I am still undecided on getting the Trams, or even something pricier. They have to be worth it as I hate buying "better" only to find I only ended up spending money and got no better.