Looking For Wireless Lav System at DVinfo.net

David Sotar · August 22nd, 2008, 10:58 AM

Hello.

I have been asked to document vising artists' lectures at the college I graduated from. I am looking for a decent, yet not too expensive lav system that is compatible with my A1. I found this, but need to make sure it will play nice with my camera. Let me know if this will do, or suggest other systems that will work nicely. I am on a tightish budget, and was hoping for under $1,000 (but under $500 would be great!)

Thanks in advance!

Will Mahoney · August 22nd, 2008, 01:24 PM

I'm currently using a Samson AirLine AM1 unit and it is great. I got it from one of the vendors listed on the site here, Zotz Digital.

Anyways, it was inexpensive (memory tells me it was about $250). It includes a lav mic, the transmitter, a small receiver that mounts on the camera, and various little accessories like adaptor plugs. It will either plug into the "mic" opening on the top handle, or into the XLRs on the side.

It works pretty great for us. I do mostly product installations and interview stuff for truck/auto shows.

Video Examples:
Lund Tri-Fold Ramp Installation By Will Mahoney On ExposureRoom

Shoq Tire and Wheel Cleaner By Will Mahoney On ExposureRoom

Good luck!

David Sotar · August 22nd, 2008, 01:31 PM

Thanks! Price looks good, and has XLR. Two things I was looking for.

IU've been told XLR is more dependable than a mini jack when it comes to microphones. Is this true?

Bill Pryor · August 22nd, 2008, 05:07 PM

David, that unit you refer to is AC powered. Sure you want that?
The best deal in sub-$1K wireless systems, I think, is the Sennheser G2. It's about $500.

David Sotar · August 22nd, 2008, 06:21 PM

Yeah, I'd probably want something that doesn't need a wall outlet.

I see the Sennheiser G2's but the one that is camera mountable around $500 doesn't have XLR.

Paul Podraza · August 22nd, 2008, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Sotar

Yeah, I'd probably want something that doesn't need a wall outlet.

I see the Sennheiser G2's but the one that is camera mountable around $500 doesn't have XLR.

Actually it comes with both a mini and XLR connector.
Buy it here from Zotz Zotz Digital - combos multi channel - Sennheiser Evolution 112P G2 system
Usually around $550, I've bought three of them, and will buy more if needed.

Julian Frost · August 22nd, 2008, 06:58 PM

The FCC is considering banning certain wireless mic systems in the 700 MHz range, so be sure you're buying a system that's going to remain legal. Check out this thread for more info.

The Sennheiser Evolution G2 100 comes in several varieties, 518-554 MHz, 626-662 MHz and 740-776 MHz. The G2 seems to get great reviews, and I'm considering buying a set myself. Is there a reason why one would buy the 500MHz version over the 600MHz version, or vice versa, other than maybe trying to chose a less crowded band?

David Sotar · August 22nd, 2008, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Podraza

Actually it comes with both a mini and XLR connector.
Buy it here from Zotz Zotz Digital - combos multi channel - +
Usually around $550, I've bought three of them, and will buy more if needed.

Hmmm...I'm used to B&H's site with how they spec the products.

This seems to be the same product (very nice, may buy it) on B&H's site. I've only purchased from them (so far) for my gear. Is Zotz cheaper or better in some way? They make you request quotes as opposed to telling you the price up front.

Thanks guys...I'm pretty newish at this. I just don't want to waste my money.

Doug Davis · August 22nd, 2008, 11:18 PM

I've had a fantastic experience with my G2's... Very good investment... A very good thought out product...

Jeremiah Rickert · August 23rd, 2008, 04:13 AM

Just to add another brand to the fire. Samson Micro 32 I've been very happy with.

$400ish at B&H.

I also bought a mini-xlr to XLR adapter and have even hooked my sennheiser shotgun to it (which saves laying a ton of cable at a wedding or something).

Guy Shaddock · August 23rd, 2008, 08:40 AM

Not mentioned so far are the dual diversity systems. In essence the receiver has two antennas. That means the receiver will always seek the strongest of two signals it receives. The result is far less chance of drops outs, changes in audio level etc.

I've been using this system for 4 or 5 years now and am very satisfied with not only the quality sound but also the range, dependability. I've been in large buildings in other rooms than the transmitter (ie lav on the talent) with no problems.

Check out B&H there are a number of reviews. Remember sound is "50% of the picture", you don't want to go cheap here. That said, I believe the UWP series is going for about $500 bucks a unit.

Jeremiah Rickert · August 23rd, 2008, 01:36 PM

The Samson Micro 32 is a diversity model.

Guy Shaddock · August 23rd, 2008, 02:21 PM

No offense Jeremiah..just trying to bring to light the value of diversity systems. Usually I'm not a big fan of Sony. So much of their stuff has proprietary fitments,cables etc.

Jeremiah Rickert · August 23rd, 2008, 03:32 PM

No prob...and you're definitely right about that. My fried has a less expensive wireless system and it's usually good for about 10-15feet at most. The diversity rig was good for saving me laying about 75 feet of XLR up the aisle of a church during a wedding.

I just put a short mic tripod down on the floor and pointed it up with the shotgun on it. My camera was straight down the aisle--voila...got the pastor and the bride and groom and the speakers hanging from the ceiling. Saved me having to mic everyone. :)

In other situations, I've mic'd just the pastor, though.

Bill Watson · August 23rd, 2008, 04:02 PM

I use the Sony UWP system.

Works well. Comes with a short XLR adaptor lead.

Seems to have an effective working range of about 100 metres.

Transmitter and receiver run for about 4 hours on rechargable AA batteries.

August 22nd, 2008, 10:58 AM	#1
David Sotar New Boot Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 19	Looking For Wireless Lav System Hello. I have been asked to document vising artists' lectures at the college I graduated from. I am looking for a decent, yet not too expensive lav system that is compatible with my A1. I found this, but need to make sure it will play nice with my camera. Let me know if this will do, or suggest other systems that will work nicely. I am on a tightish budget, and was hoping for under $1,000 (but under $500 would be great!) Thanks in advance!

August 22nd, 2008, 01:24 PM	#2
Will Mahoney Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 259	I'm currently using a Samson AirLine AM1 unit and it is great. I got it from one of the vendors listed on the site here, Zotz Digital. Anyways, it was inexpensive (memory tells me it was about $250). It includes a lav mic, the transmitter, a small receiver that mounts on the camera, and various little accessories like adaptor plugs. It will either plug into the "mic" opening on the top handle, or into the XLRs on the side. It works pretty great for us. I do mostly product installations and interview stuff for truck/auto shows. Video Examples: Lund Tri-Fold Ramp Installation By Will Mahoney On ExposureRoom Shoq Tire and Wheel Cleaner By Will Mahoney On ExposureRoom Good luck! __________________ http://exposureroom.com/members/WillMahoney.aspx/ www.youtube.com/truckaccessories

August 22nd, 2008, 06:58 PM	#7
Julian Frost Major Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: California USA Posts: 576	Check this thread before you buy! The FCC is considering banning certain wireless mic systems in the 700 MHz range, so be sure you're buying a system that's going to remain legal. Check out this thread for more info. The Sennheiser Evolution G2 100 comes in several varieties, 518-554 MHz, 626-662 MHz and 740-776 MHz. The G2 seems to get great reviews, and I'm considering buying a set myself. Is there a reason why one would buy the 500MHz version over the 600MHz version, or vice versa, other than maybe trying to chose a less crowded band?

August 22nd, 2008, 11:18 PM	#9
Doug Davis Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Birmingham Alabama Posts: 259	I've had a fantastic experience with my G2's... Very good investment... A very good thought out product... __________________ "The only thing the camera sees is light..." http://www.GoWildOlive.com

August 23rd, 2008, 08:40 AM	#11
Guy Shaddock Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 131	Sony UWP Not mentioned so far are the dual diversity systems. In essence the receiver has two antennas. That means the receiver will always seek the strongest of two signals it receives. The result is far less chance of drops outs, changes in audio level etc. I've been using this system for 4 or 5 years now and am very satisfied with not only the quality sound but also the range, dependability. I've been in large buildings in other rooms than the transmitter (ie lav on the talent) with no problems. Check out B&H there are a number of reviews. Remember sound is "50% of the picture", you don't want to go cheap here. That said, I believe the UWP series is going for about $500 bucks a unit.

August 22nd, 2008, 01:31 PM	#3
David Sotar New Boot Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 19	Thanks! Price looks good, and has XLR. Two things I was looking for. IU've been told XLR is more dependable than a mini jack when it comes to microphones. Is this true?

August 22nd, 2008, 05:07 PM	#4
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	David, that unit you refer to is AC powered. Sure you want that? The best deal in sub-$1K wireless systems, I think, is the Sennheser G2. It's about $500.

August 22nd, 2008, 06:21 PM	#5
David Sotar New Boot Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 19	Yeah, I'd probably want something that doesn't need a wall outlet. I see the Sennheiser G2's but the one that is camera mountable around $500 doesn't have XLR.

August 23rd, 2008, 04:13 AM	#10
Jeremiah Rickert Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Newberg, Oregon Posts: 494	Just to add another brand to the fire. Samson Micro 32 I've been very happy with. $400ish at B&H. I also bought a mini-xlr to XLR adapter and have even hooked my sennheiser shotgun to it (which saves laying a ton of cable at a wedding or something).

August 23rd, 2008, 01:36 PM	#12
Jeremiah Rickert Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Newberg, Oregon Posts: 494	The Samson Micro 32 is a diversity model.

August 23rd, 2008, 02:21 PM	#13
Guy Shaddock Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 131	No offense Jeremiah..just trying to bring to light the value of diversity systems. Usually I'm not a big fan of Sony. So much of their stuff has proprietary fitments,cables etc. Last edited by Guy Shaddock; August 23rd, 2008 at 02:27 PM. Reason: Misspelling

August 23rd, 2008, 03:32 PM	#14
Jeremiah Rickert Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Newberg, Oregon Posts: 494	No prob...and you're definitely right about that. My fried has a less expensive wireless system and it's usually good for about 10-15feet at most. The diversity rig was good for saving me laying about 75 feet of XLR up the aisle of a church during a wedding. I just put a short mic tripod down on the floor and pointed it up with the shotgun on it. My camera was straight down the aisle--voila...got the pastor and the bride and groom and the speakers hanging from the ceiling. Saved me having to mic everyone. :) In other situations, I've mic'd just the pastor, though.

August 23rd, 2008, 04:02 PM	#15
Bill Watson Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Noosa Queensland Australia Posts: 248	I use the Sony UWP system. Works well. Comes with a short XLR adaptor lead. Seems to have an effective working range of about 100 metres. Transmitter and receiver run for about 4 hours on rechargable AA batteries.