View Full Version : I need 2 wireless lavaliers asap and need some tips


Tom Glynn
March 3rd, 2003, 09:36 AM
I am going overseas next week to shoot a "mockumentary". I'll be using the XL-1 with the MA-100. We're going to be in a number of different areas with a number of different noise variables (crowds-outdoors and indoors, outside walking, etc.).

I need to get 2 wireless lavalier mics - what exactly should I be looking for? What are the NECESSARY components (i.e. lavaliers, receiver, transmitter, etcetera)?

I've been looking at the following...please let me know if this will work...

1. Azden WR22-Pro 2 Channel Receiver ($169)
2. 2 WM-Pro belt packs/mics ($89 x 2)

Is that all I need? Will this receiver hook directly into the MA-100 or will I need some cable? Are there any less-expensive packages that will work better?

Please gimme some guidance asap, anybody! Much appreciated!

Jeff Donald
March 3rd, 2003, 09:59 AM
First a couple of questions to help you better. You say you need 2 wireless lavs, but only list 1 receiver, is one mic for backup? What type of quality do you hope to achieve? The quality from these sets would be marginal at best. I understand budget considerations, but you need to understand the limitations of your equipment choices. It may suit your needs, but if your intended use is broadcast, you may be disappointed.

Tom Glynn
March 3rd, 2003, 10:11 AM
Thanks Jeff! I'm clueless when it comes to audio...so I WILL need 2 receivers? I was looking at the Azden mid-range for price considerations - what would you recommend on a modest budget? I may even end up renting, in which case what would you then recommend?

I need somewhat of a lavalier 101 class so I get this right. I need to have 2 guys mic'd with the ability to roam around, and often in large, noisy crowds. I basically just need to know what it is I need (I have the XL-1 & MA-100) - what are my minimum requirements?

Appreciate it Jeff!

Don Palomaki
March 3rd, 2003, 05:22 PM
The Azden WR22-Pro receives signals from two wireless mics simltaneously. Believe the WLT-pro is the matching belt pack transmitter with lav mic. A pair will give you two wireles mics to feed the two channels in the WR22-Pro.

Be sure you can use them where you are going. Different countries have different rules for use of radiio frequencies and transmitters.

The Azdens are modest cost, and can work OK if "professional quality" sound is not critical to your shoot. Keep in mind that they may be subject to interference if there are nearby VHF transmitters on close to the same frequency.

Tom Glynn
March 3rd, 2003, 05:45 PM
Thanks Don!

I believe, upon further investigation, that we are going to rent Lectrosonics mics. How would I find out if these mics/frequencies jive in other countries?

Much appreciated Don!

Don Palomaki
March 3rd, 2003, 08:16 PM
Contact someone in the business in the countries you are visiting. Find out what they are using there. You might find something on a web search, but it is not a subject I've researched in any depth. Local rentals mith be the best bet - you are not renting for travel time and what yourent is set to work there.

And some countries may be a bit anal about people shooting video professionally in their land.

Tom Glynn
March 4th, 2003, 03:56 PM
Great info Don, many thanks!

Jay Thompson
March 5th, 2003, 07:46 AM
What about the more expensive Azdens... Not the 'Pro' series (I believe the 500UDR is the one Im referring to). Are these still prone to nterference? Ive ordered one and am hoping I haven made a mistake.

-J

Don Palomaki
March 6th, 2003, 04:53 AM
Depends on how busy the frequencies used by the mic are where you plan to use the mic. All wireless mics will suffere if there is a trnsmitter nearby that is on or close the the same frequeincy. How near is nearby depends onthe power and frequency separation.

Believe that many of the UHF model offers a choice of a number of frequencies, so you have more options to find a clear channel.