Tram TR50 over Countryman B6? (B6 no good in field?) at DVinfo.net

David Aviv Nussbaum · October 14th, 2009, 09:04 AM

I've been doing heavy research for wireless lavs, and I've narrowed it down to the Tram TR50 because of it's durability, accessories, & ease with cutting between a shotgun.

Yet I am very interested in the Countryman B6 for it's amazing size and sound, yet one thing is holding me back. I hear from people that outside, this isn't the best lav.

I do short films, documentary stuff, etc. so I'm in the field quite often. Can anyone back up this claim? Should I stick with my Tram (and G3 I plan on getting) or should I be persuaded the Countryman B6 is the way to go?

Much appreciated!

--David

Rick Reineke · October 14th, 2009, 09:35 AM

Both have pros and cons. Obviously, the B6 is easy to hide (in plain site if needed) but more subject to wind noise. The TR50 is physically easier to work with and faster in general due to it's larger size head, cable, clips, ect. (the B6's cable is extremely thin and a real pain to mount a vampire or lapel clip on.. like threading a needle)
IMO, if I had to choose just one, for mostly hidden mic work: the B6; Otherwise, the TR50.

Perrone Ford · October 14th, 2009, 09:40 AM

Consider the Countryman B3 as well. Though it gets less press than the B6, it's just a bit larger, sounds the same, is cheaper and hides well. It's the choice I made when I was in the same predicament.

Nathan Moody · October 14th, 2009, 05:25 PM

+1 on the B3. Hiding, of course, also gives you wind protection...a small amount. :)

Zack Allen · October 17th, 2009, 09:10 PM

Tram's are popular, however I would go with the B3 or B6. Then go get some Rycote Undercovers and you'll be good.

Dan Brockett · October 18th, 2009, 04:32 PM

I use both the Trams and the B6s. They both sound good to me. Different, but both good. The Tram sounds a bit more natural and open but is harder to hide. The B6 sounds very good but has a somewhat thinner sound overall than the Tram. Mics are like golf clubs, you really end up needing a whole bag of them, different ones work better for certain situations.

Dan

October 14th, 2009, 09:04 AM	#1
David Aviv Nussbaum Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: United States Posts: 32	Tram TR50 over Countryman B6? (B6 no good in field?) I've been doing heavy research for wireless lavs, and I've narrowed it down to the Tram TR50 because of it's durability, accessories, & ease with cutting between a shotgun. Yet I am very interested in the Countryman B6 for it's amazing size and sound, yet one thing is holding me back. I hear from people that outside, this isn't the best lav. I do short films, documentary stuff, etc. so I'm in the field quite often. Can anyone back up this claim? Should I stick with my Tram (and G3 I plan on getting) or should I be persuaded the Countryman B6 is the way to go? Much appreciated! --David

October 14th, 2009, 09:40 AM	#3
Perrone Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 4,100	Consider the Countryman B3 as well. Though it gets less press than the B6, it's just a bit larger, sounds the same, is cheaper and hides well. It's the choice I made when I was in the same predicament. __________________ DVX100, PMW-EX1, Canon 550D, FigRig, Dell Octocore, Avid MC4/5, MB Looks, RedCineX, Matrox MX02 mini, GTech RAID, Edirol R-4, Senn. G2 Evo, Countryman, Moles and Lowels.

October 14th, 2009, 05:25 PM	#4
Nathan Moody Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SF Bay Area, CA, USA Posts: 78	+1 on the B3. Hiding, of course, also gives you wind protection...a small amount. :) __________________ designer of media for eyes and ears sound design and field recording at http://www.noisejockey.net/blog

October 17th, 2009, 09:10 PM	#5
Zack Allen Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Fresno,CA Posts: 42	Tram's are popular, however I would go with the B3 or B6. Then go get some Rycote Undercovers and you'll be good. __________________ www.soundgeekproductions.com

October 14th, 2009, 09:35 AM	#2
Rick Reineke Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 2,038	Both have pros and cons. Obviously, the B6 is easy to hide (in plain site if needed) but more subject to wind noise. The TR50 is physically easier to work with and faster in general due to it's larger size head, cable, clips, ect. (the B6's cable is extremely thin and a real pain to mount a vampire or lapel clip on.. like threading a needle) IMO, if I had to choose just one, for mostly hidden mic work: the B6; Otherwise, the TR50.

October 18th, 2009, 04:32 PM	#6
Dan Brockett Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 2,109	I use both the Trams and the B6s. They both sound good to me. Different, but both good. The Tram sounds a bit more natural and open but is harder to hide. The B6 sounds very good but has a somewhat thinner sound overall than the Tram. Mics are like golf clubs, you really end up needing a whole bag of them, different ones work better for certain situations. Dan