Which wireless system with phantom power?
 

I'm looking for a wireless system with an XLR plug-in transmitter. The problem is that my shotgun microphone (NTG-1) is phantom power only. The only plug-in transmitters I have found that supply 48v are the Sennheiser SKP500, and the Azden 51XT. The complete kit that includes the SKP500 is $905. The Azden kit is only $665, and that's dual channel (comes with a bodypack and the 51XT). Basically two Azden receivers (in one case) and two Azden transmitters are less expensive than one of Sennheiser transmitter and receiver. So, should I go for the cheaper Azden or the Sennheiser? Are there other plug-in transmitters that supply 48v phantom power? (besides Lecro, 'cause those are like $1500.)

Well I can't tell you which wireless unit you should buy,
But I can tell you that I have an Azden... Sitting in my Attic!

From what I have read on this board, the Azden systems aren't very good compared to other UHF systems. It hasn't been stated why, but people seem to prefer the Audio-Technica, Sennheiser, and Lectrosonics. The problem is I can't find an AT plug-in that provides phantom power. The AT system that DOES have an XLR plug-in (the ATWU102) is cheaper than the Azden and Sennheiser, but it doesn't say if it provides phantom or not.

the plug in that comes with the AT 1800 series provides phantom power, I think up to 12 volts..not sure what the NTG-1 needs ... the AT specs are on their site though .. go to the page for the product you want and then click the PDF link for the product specs .. easy to find

you can always use a battery powered external phantom supply with any rf transmitter. not as sexy, but it works...

In the NTG-1 manual it says "P48 Phantom, 44 V to 52 V." So does that mean the 1800 plug-in won't provide enough power? I thought 48V was the standard. On AT's site it has a manual for their 1800 series single channel receiver (ATW-R1810), but I don't see it on B&H yet. In fact the individual dual receiver and individual XLR plug-in are listed as "Coming Soon," even though the full system is available. I guess I'll wait for the single channel system (assuming it is less expensive, and that the plug-in will work with my mic.)

P48 is a standard, but a lot of the newer designs will run on as little as 6V. As a result power supplies seem to be heading down in voltage output. I wish we could say "P12" or something was a new standard everyone could gather around. If your mic requires 44-52V, and many of the older or better capsule designs do, then you need a true P48 supply.

Looks like I'm going to need to Lectro UH400A. Or the Azden 51XT, but no one seem to like them (Azden.)

Wow! Talk about extremes...Lectrosonics or Azden? At the risk of sounding condescending...that's like saying "either I need a Humvee or rollerskates to go over that steep hill."

The AT will power the NGT1. I have one.
The 1800 is a great system. So far, I've not run into any issues, but to be as neutral as I can be, I've now talked to two sound mixers that have had issues (both fairly minor) in two very disparate parts of the USA.

The straight poop on the Azden is.... That the audio quality is lacking to say the least.

Entry-level systems from Lectrosonics, Audio Technica, and Sennheiser, far surpass the sonic quality of the most expensive Azden.

The only time I might get the Azden out of the attic, is when a producer needs a wireless audio monitor from the sound cart.

I believe that Azden does have a new model coming out in July...but, from your original question and your apparent price range...

I would lean toward the Sennheiser. It's going to give you a better frequency response, working range, and most importantly a better signal to noise ratio.

That's what I thought.

That's what I was going for. The two systems that will power my mic are at the opposite ends of quality. But then you said the AT works, so...

...the AT 1800 is a contender. It looks like it is between the Sennheiser SKP500, and the Audio-Technica ATW-1812 (when it comes out). The SKP500G2 specs say that it will work with any G2 receiver, so could I save some money and get the EK100G2 receiver? The 500 series plugin and receiver kit is $904, but the SKP500 plugin and EK100 receiver separately is $785. Then again, the MSRP for the ATW-A1812 is $720. Should I wait for that? Thanks for all your help.

Yes, the 500/100 combos work fine. Do pay attention to the frequency ranges of the systems if you buy them separately. If I remember, Sennheiser sells 3 different ranges for the US.

I recommend a Denecke PS-1A (48v phantom with belt clip, reliable, clean . . about $150) and a good prosumer wireless, like the Sennheiser G2.

lectrosonics uh 400 will work the best

Well, the ATW-1812D is now on B&H, and it is only $500. It looks like that's the way I'm going to go. Thanks everybody for your help.

Check Full Compass as they have the 1812 for $328 plus shipping.

Well, Ty Ford just said that he has used the AT plug-in with the NTG-1, but he got terrible audio quality. http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=96433 I was planning on buying that system, but now I'm not so sure. Can anyone else confirm or deny the ATW-T1802 works with the NTG-1? Ty said it works with the NTG-2 with the battery, but the NTG-1 uses only phantom power.

Or perhaps even better (?) the new dream plug from Zaxcom, TRX700, with built-in recording backup in addition to phantom power and digital wireless ...

Honest Doug,

I tried the NTG-1 here on the 1800 and the level was low and very very noisy. Wonder why.

My advice, BTW, would be to get a Rode NTG-2.

Regards,

Ty Ford

I personally like the Sennheiser G's but I was lucky to pickup a used Lectrosonic U195 system from Coffey Sound and find it to be a pleasure to work with. I did upgrade my microphone from the stock lectro to a Tram TR-50. No noise whatsoever. I guess if you really want good sound you get what you pay for. But there are used ones up for sale at decent prices.

I decided to go with the Sennheiser EW100 with an SKP500. B&H actually has this kit (the EW150ENGG2) but it is not on Sennheiser's site anywhere. The instruction manual was also just for the EW100 (no SKP500 manual.) The SKP500 works perfectly with my NTG1. I do have an old Shure handheld mic that it won't work with though, wonder why... This kit was perfect for me because it had the 100 series lav and receiver, but the 500 series plug-in which has P 48. The SKP500 also came with the leather pouch and belt clip, so I'm excited! I also got a $100 instant rebate!

The 1800 does not provide phantom power. I tried it with the NTG-1 with dismal results. If that's what you want, you need the NTG-2.

Ty Ford