Wireless Mic options for GY-HD100 at DVinfo.net

David Holleb · April 28th, 2006, 10:52 AM

Having only used wireless mics in a studio, where the receiver was not mounted on the camera, and my HD100 having not yet arrived, I'd like to hear from knowledgeable field production users if there's an advantage over any wireless receiver units and transmit packages (with lavalier mics) for HD100 camera mounting, or can receiver units, like transmitters, be effective when belt clipped?

Also any information on UHF vs. VHF, various unit's transmitting distances, and units that allow the microphones to be "replaced" with both other lavs or other types of mics (hand-held), and which units have the ability to use a line out of a mixer for events where I need to get the stage sound from the "house" system.

I've looked, on-line, at Azden, Sennheiser, Lectrosonics (which are over my budget), but can't seem to get all the info I need, except alot of microvolt, dB, MHz, and kHz numbers. Anyone have or can recommend used Lectrosonics equipment (this has been recommended by the technician at the TV studio, where i'm taking a production class)?

I did find, for example- B&H's Azden description which says:
"The 51 BT is capable of sending transmission from lavalier and headset microphones, but will also accommodate electric guitar and bass".

Having not "tapped into" "house sound systems" and mixer boards, etc. before,
I'm wondering which units from which companies have the ability to take other inputs besides the matched lav mics ?

Right now it appears (on the surface) that the new Azden 200 ULT system might be the best to start with (I'm planning on doing weddings to pay rent, while ideally I shoot my documentaries and interviews).
Has anyone used this? Comments?

If I've asked alot of questions, just think of this as a test of your audio knowledge. In fact, if you live locally to San Mateo, CA. I'll even take you out to lunch (good food, no junk).

Thanks, you've all been very helpful in the past.

David
http://ProHD.CoolRage.com/

Stephen L. Noe · April 28th, 2006, 11:01 AM

Sennheiser e2 is the cat's meow.

Click here for B&H

It's also something you can grow with...

Marc Colemont · April 28th, 2006, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen L. Noe

Sennheiser e2 is the cat's meow.

Click here for B&H

It's also something you can grow with...

Yep I agree, after 3 systems this is the one that finally does the job without dropouts. I sold all my other systems after using the Sennheiser.

David Holleb · April 29th, 2006, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marc Colemont

Yep I agree, after 3 systems this is the one that finally does the job without dropouts. I sold all my other systems after using the Sennheiser.

This Sennheiser was also highly recommended at first by my supplier, but then he said that it only had one antenna and therefore was probably only a single channel? (please tell me if I'm wrong or if there's something else technically that I'm missing.)
Is there anything else the Sennheiser can do differently or adding on things down the line when I become famous :-)? (obviously I don't want any dropouts).
If you can't tell- I'm doing this independently on a very limited budget, till I get a few more gigs. Lol- someone called me today (Friday) to shoot her wedding TOMORROW!

Can anyone comment on all the Audio-Technica or Sony wireless that B&H carries?

The main point is that IDEALLY (I think) I'd like to be able to separate 2 voices from 2 lavaliers, one on the left chanel and one on the right channel of sound?

I think the Azden 200ULT does this, and I read the description on B&H (below), but please tell me if I'm wrong:

Allows simultaneous operation of 2 microphones transmitters:
• UHF synthesized PLL tuning provides 63 user selectable frequencies
• 200 UPR dual receiver is compatible with Azden 51, 41 and 10 series transmitters
• 200 UPR features dual, high-gain BNC antennas and On/Off switches for each channel

I guess I need to know if there's any other 2 transmitter with 2 lavs/receiver package in the $600 range that maybe B&H doesn't carry?

My first shotgun microphone was a Sennhesier (and I had no problems with it below freezing and in 110 deg. desert) and I'm pretty sure I spent all my college graduation money on it !!!

Dane Oldridge · April 30th, 2006, 12:16 PM

I don't think you can get a dual/dual option for that little money ($600).

I have 2 G2 100's and they work very well with the HD100. One mounts on the pop light mount (at the moment while I wait to make a plate for my AB mount.) The other, I have to Gaff tape on right now. Despite that, I couldn't be happier with the performance.

I used to rent 2 Lectrosonics wireless kits that worked great but their retail was well over $1000.

Also, try a local dealer, you likely will get a better price. I did.

Jonathan Ames · April 30th, 2006, 04:00 PM

I'm not sure what your time frame is but when you say the Lectros are out of your price range, that may not necessarilly be so. Two things are moving to your advantage; 1) many more of the reality-based series that would have been green-lighted a year ago are biting the dust and so there are a number of wireless Lectro packages about to come on the market in the next 30-60 days at very affordable prices. Producers who are, for lack of better terminology, "One Hit Wonders" whose single show bits the dust will be trying to recover some of their investments so keep an eye out. Typically they have 4 to 6 units to a package with mixer/preamp/bag/wiring included. Our sets typically have 4-8 talent wired so they pick up the transmitters for sound checks and then return them to the cart when the day's over. The receivers are always plugged into the mixer in the bag so the sets get very little wear and tear and you can pick them up for usually 40% of value. 2) the company is coming out with a completely revamped digital system so the "Older" units we're using now are going to be selling for a discount. The big 4 studios will be ugrading which means their "old" Lectro units will be coming on the market for about 50% of new pricing. We're not planning on getting the new Lectros and we will be picking up the "Old" ones as backups and spares. So, again, depending on your time frame, the Lectros may not be that far out of your price range. Just something to think about.

Adam Craig · April 30th, 2006, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dane Oldridge

I have 2 G2 100's and they work very well with the HD100. One mounts on the pop light mount (at the moment while I wait to make a plate for my AB mount.) The other, I have to Gaff tape on right now. Despite that, I couldn't be happier with the performance.

Your system works well for you? Do you find it difficult to mix in post? How's the mic on the system?

Tom Valens · April 30th, 2006, 11:11 PM

You mention that Lectrosonics are out of your price range, but just thought I'd mention anyway that I am very happy with the units I have. I have three UCR 100's velcro'd on top of each other on a Sennheiser shoe adapter, all running to a Studio 1 BP3 passive mixer Velcro'd to the back of my Anton Bauer Dionics 90 battery. They run into one XLR of the HD100, and a Schoeps camera mike runs into the other (I do one-man band documentary work). I use Lectros small SM transmitters, and Pin lavalier mikes.

David Holleb · May 5th, 2006, 04:53 AM

Since I can't get new Lectrosonics- I'll look for used- Does anyone have "recommended" web sites / stores that sell used TV/Broadcast/Studio Production House stuff- like was mentioned when reality shows need to sell off their used equipment?

I ordered the Azden setup and I will do a review in a week or two, after I use them. I can always buy Lectrosonics after I win at Sundance next year :-)

Thanks again.

David
http://ProHD.CoolRage.com/

Tim Le · May 5th, 2006, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Holleb

Since I can't get new Lectrosonics- I'll look for used- Does anyone have "recommended" web sites / stores that sell used TV/Broadcast/Studio Production House stuff- like was mentioned when reality shows need to sell off their used equipment

Try these guys:

http://www.trewaudio.com/consign_wireless.htm (Nashville/Toronto)
http://www.coffeysound.com/consignments/ (Los Angeles)
http://www.colossalsound.com/wireless.htm (Los Angeles)
http://www.gothamsound.com/main.shtml?page=usedgear (New York)

http://www.ebay.com/

April 28th, 2006, 10:52 AM	#1
David Holleb New Boot Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 11	Wireless Mic options for GY-HD100 Having only used wireless mics in a studio, where the receiver was not mounted on the camera, and my HD100 having not yet arrived, I'd like to hear from knowledgeable field production users if there's an advantage over any wireless receiver units and transmit packages (with lavalier mics) for HD100 camera mounting, or can receiver units, like transmitters, be effective when belt clipped? Also any information on UHF vs. VHF, various unit's transmitting distances, and units that allow the microphones to be "replaced" with both other lavs or other types of mics (hand-held), and which units have the ability to use a line out of a mixer for events where I need to get the stage sound from the "house" system. I've looked, on-line, at Azden, Sennheiser, Lectrosonics (which are over my budget), but can't seem to get all the info I need, except alot of microvolt, dB, MHz, and kHz numbers. Anyone have or can recommend used Lectrosonics equipment (this has been recommended by the technician at the TV studio, where i'm taking a production class)? I did find, for example- B&H's Azden description which says: "The 51 BT is capable of sending transmission from lavalier and headset microphones, but will also accommodate electric guitar and bass". Having not "tapped into" "house sound systems" and mixer boards, etc. before, I'm wondering which units from which companies have the ability to take other inputs besides the matched lav mics ? Right now it appears (on the surface) that the new Azden 200 ULT system might be the best to start with (I'm planning on doing weddings to pay rent, while ideally I shoot my documentaries and interviews). Has anyone used this? Comments? If I've asked alot of questions, just think of this as a test of your audio knowledge. In fact, if you live locally to San Mateo, CA. I'll even take you out to lunch (good food, no junk). Thanks, you've all been very helpful in the past. David http://ProHD.CoolRage.com/

May 5th, 2006, 04:53 AM	#9
David Holleb New Boot Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 11	Thanks for all your responses- Going with Azden Since I can't get new Lectrosonics- I'll look for used- Does anyone have "recommended" web sites / stores that sell used TV/Broadcast/Studio Production House stuff- like was mentioned when reality shows need to sell off their used equipment? I ordered the Azden setup and I will do a review in a week or two, after I use them. I can always buy Lectrosonics after I win at Sundance next year :-) Thanks again. David http://ProHD.CoolRage.com/

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April 28th, 2006, 11:01 AM	#2
Stephen L. Noe Trustee Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,214	Sennheiser e2 is the cat's meow. Click here for B&H It's also something you can grow with...

April 30th, 2006, 12:16 PM	#5
Dane Oldridge Tourist Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 3	I don't think you can get a dual/dual option for that little money ($600). I have 2 G2 100's and they work very well with the HD100. One mounts on the pop light mount (at the moment while I wait to make a plate for my AB mount.) The other, I have to Gaff tape on right now. Despite that, I couldn't be happier with the performance. I used to rent 2 Lectrosonics wireless kits that worked great but their retail was well over $1000. Also, try a local dealer, you likely will get a better price. I did.

April 30th, 2006, 04:00 PM	#6
Jonathan Ames 2nd Unit TV Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 509	I'm not sure what your time frame is but when you say the Lectros are out of your price range, that may not necessarilly be so. Two things are moving to your advantage; 1) many more of the reality-based series that would have been green-lighted a year ago are biting the dust and so there are a number of wireless Lectro packages about to come on the market in the next 30-60 days at very affordable prices. Producers who are, for lack of better terminology, "One Hit Wonders" whose single show bits the dust will be trying to recover some of their investments so keep an eye out. Typically they have 4 to 6 units to a package with mixer/preamp/bag/wiring included. Our sets typically have 4-8 talent wired so they pick up the transmitters for sound checks and then return them to the cart when the day's over. The receivers are always plugged into the mixer in the bag so the sets get very little wear and tear and you can pick them up for usually 40% of value. 2) the company is coming out with a completely revamped digital system so the "Older" units we're using now are going to be selling for a discount. The big 4 studios will be ugrading which means their "old" Lectro units will be coming on the market for about 50% of new pricing. We're not planning on getting the new Lectros and we will be picking up the "Old" ones as backups and spares. So, again, depending on your time frame, the Lectros may not be that far out of your price range. Just something to think about.

April 30th, 2006, 11:11 PM	#8
Tom Valens Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 28	You mention that Lectrosonics are out of your price range, but just thought I'd mention anyway that I am very happy with the units I have. I have three UCR 100's velcro'd on top of each other on a Sennheiser shoe adapter, all running to a Studio 1 BP3 passive mixer Velcro'd to the back of my Anton Bauer Dionics 90 battery. They run into one XLR of the HD100, and a Schoeps camera mike runs into the other (I do one-man band documentary work). I use Lectros small SM transmitters, and Pin lavalier mikes.