Best entry-level mics for XL2 at DVinfo.net

Charles Penn · March 9th, 2006, 09:09 PM

Saturday, my new XL-2 is coming. I don't have a clue as to what brand/type of microphones I should purchase. Wireless lavs or wired ones. Please advise. I should mention that I'll primarily be doing talking heads and one on one interviews.

Guy Cochran · March 10th, 2006, 11:02 AM

Nice pick on the camera. We use the XL2 here too. Actually we have a free 30 tutorial in the "theatre" on how a lot of the settings work. If you have QuickTime, it's definitely worth checking out http://dvestore.com/theatre/ Click on "XL2 Feature Tour"

On to your question.... The Sennheiser Evolution G2 wireless would be my pick for a wireless at $499. Prior to getting one of the Evolutions, we used the Countryman B3 hardwired lav which has great sound. http://countryman.com/
If I were in your shoes, I would consider getting the Countryman B6 $350, Audio Technica 892 $199 (comes with cool mounting options in a kit), or the Sennheiser MKE2 Gold $375. It's nice to have one wired, and wireless if you have the dough. The B3 is a great bargain IMHO.

Me personally, I now use the Sennheiser wireless 100% of the time and sold off two of the three Countryman's, keeping 1 B3 and 1 AT892 "just in case"

I like the convenience of wireless for shooting interviews. Fast and simple once you get used to adjusting the settings. A lot of people that got the Sennheiser thought the manual was a bit lacking so on my day off I put together a free 8 minute tutorial to show folks how to use it. Check it out at http://www.dvcreators.net/products/s...movieframe.htm

You also might be interested in hearing the Sennheiser in action. You can listen to a series of interviews we shot at NAB last year with folks from JVC, Panasonic, Bogen, Century Optics and AJA. Here is the link http://dvestore.com/theatre/ All of these were using the standard, out of the box Sennheiser Evolution wireless in one of the most RF heavy areas you could imagine - we had 0 drop outs. During these "run and gun" style interviews on a lively tradeshow floor, I would not have wanted to "tether" these guys down with a wire. Especially with the entertaining and nimble Garrett Brown (Rocky, Casino, Return of the Jedi) walking off camera after demonstrating the new Steadicam Merlin. In this scenario, I still did have the B3 hardwire with me as a backup, just in case :) Hey, nothing wrong with being prepared!

If you get a Sennheiser, the most important thing to remember is to first AutoScan to find available frequencies, then adjust the levels. Also remember to always where headphones and monitor your audio so if you hear a hit you can act accordingly.

Good luck,

Jonathan Jones · March 10th, 2006, 11:12 AM

I use the Evolution G2 for interviews quite a lot and I love it. I think it is a heck a deal for the price and quality of the units.
-Jon

Guy Cochran · March 10th, 2006, 12:21 PM

I spaced....the correct Audio Technica lav model with the "viper clip" is the AT-899 http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wi...8dc/index.html

I just got an AT 892 which is the headset and use it with the G2. The 892 is great for noisy environments where having a headset in the picture doesn't matter.

March 9th, 2006, 09:09 PM	#1
Charles Penn Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Port St. Lucie, Florida Posts: 103	Best entry-level mics for XL2 Saturday, my new XL-2 is coming. I don't have a clue as to what brand/type of microphones I should purchase. Wireless lavs or wired ones. Please advise. I should mention that I'll primarily be doing talking heads and one on one interviews.

March 10th, 2006, 11:02 AM	#2
Guy Cochran DVCreators.Net Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 892	Nice pick on the camera. We use the XL2 here too. Actually we have a free 30 tutorial in the "theatre" on how a lot of the settings work. If you have QuickTime, it's definitely worth checking out http://dvestore.com/theatre/ Click on "XL2 Feature Tour" On to your question.... The Sennheiser Evolution G2 wireless would be my pick for a wireless at $499. Prior to getting one of the Evolutions, we used the Countryman B3 hardwired lav which has great sound. http://countryman.com/ If I were in your shoes, I would consider getting the Countryman B6 $350, Audio Technica 892 $199 (comes with cool mounting options in a kit), or the Sennheiser MKE2 Gold $375. It's nice to have one wired, and wireless if you have the dough. The B3 is a great bargain IMHO. Me personally, I now use the Sennheiser wireless 100% of the time and sold off two of the three Countryman's, keeping 1 B3 and 1 AT892 "just in case" I like the convenience of wireless for shooting interviews. Fast and simple once you get used to adjusting the settings. A lot of people that got the Sennheiser thought the manual was a bit lacking so on my day off I put together a free 8 minute tutorial to show folks how to use it. Check it out at http://www.dvcreators.net/products/s...movieframe.htm You also might be interested in hearing the Sennheiser in action. You can listen to a series of interviews we shot at NAB last year with folks from JVC, Panasonic, Bogen, Century Optics and AJA. Here is the link http://dvestore.com/theatre/ All of these were using the standard, out of the box Sennheiser Evolution wireless in one of the most RF heavy areas you could imagine - we had 0 drop outs. During these "run and gun" style interviews on a lively tradeshow floor, I would not have wanted to "tether" these guys down with a wire. Especially with the entertaining and nimble Garrett Brown (Rocky, Casino, Return of the Jedi) walking off camera after demonstrating the new Steadicam Merlin. In this scenario, I still did have the B3 hardwire with me as a backup, just in case :) Hey, nothing wrong with being prepared! If you get a Sennheiser, the most important thing to remember is to first AutoScan to find available frequencies, then adjust the levels. Also remember to always where headphones and monitor your audio so if you hear a hit you can act accordingly. Good luck, __________________ Guy Cochran DVinfo Sponsor, Cool Gear - DVeStore!

March 10th, 2006, 11:12 AM	#3
Jonathan Jones Trustee Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Healdsburg, California Posts: 1,138	I use the Evolution G2 for interviews quite a lot and I love it. I think it is a heck a deal for the price and quality of the units. -Jon __________________ "Are we to go on record, sir, with our assertion that the 'pink hearts, yellow moons, orange stars, and green clovers' are, in point of fact', magically delicious?" - Walter Hollarhan before the House Subcommittee on Integrity in Advertising - May, 1974

March 10th, 2006, 12:21 PM	#4
Guy Cochran DVCreators.Net Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 892	I spaced....the correct Audio Technica lav model with the "viper clip" is the AT-899 http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wi...8dc/index.html I just got an AT 892 which is the headset and use it with the G2. The 892 is great for noisy environments where having a headset in the picture doesn't matter. __________________ Guy Cochran DVinfo Sponsor, Cool Gear - DVeStore!