Splitting a lavelier at DVinfo.net

Steven Davis · May 8th, 2015, 09:22 AM

So,

I am thinking of changing my technique. Often I find myself with interference with my wireless, or other issues. So I'm thinking about adding a wave recorder backup and splitting it off of one lavalier microphone. For example, I have a wedding that is well away from my local frequency area, so I'm thinking the splitter might be a good idea.

Do you guys do splitters to minimize the number of lavaliers?

Jay Massengill · May 8th, 2015, 10:07 AM

If you're talking about splitting the audio from a wireless body pack lavalier element, there isn't generally an easy way to do that directly without having mic element bias power and connector reliability issues.

There are indirect ways to do it, such as using a second receiver tuned to the same frequency, or using a mini recorder, wireless body pack, lavalier element and an interface cable that are all compatible and can form a chain from lav element to recorder to body pack transmitter. But that isn't "splitting" the signal, it's looping it from one device to the next, which could still fail completely with the failure of one point of the chain.

The only totally redundant way is two lav elements on two separate paths (recorder and wireless), and adding a second receiver for additional protection against wireless dropouts.

But as you stated, that's twice the lavalier elements and twice the rigging.

Rick Reineke · May 8th, 2015, 10:18 AM

I've never tried to 'Y' mult an unbalanced mic.
How about an H1 or other pocket-size recorder, and feeding the output to the wireless transmitter.. though attenuation may be necessary for the recorder's output-to-transmitter's input.
Though it's currently not available in the USA, Tascam makes the DR-10S, which has a 3.5mm through-put (wired for G2/3 Sennheiser). Otherwise there's the $$$ Zaxcom recording transmitter..

Robert Benda · May 8th, 2015, 10:50 AM

Its much more reliable to simply put your receiver much closer to the body back. I often have to do this at outdoor events.

I'd also get another mic rig on a different frequency group. If there is interference on one, there probably won't be on the other. Or invest in a selectable frequency receiver/mic combo. Or do both.

Last time I had drop out (outdoor), I put the mic receiver maybe 5 feet from the B&G. Receiver ran a long XLR into my Tascam, which was near my camera. I then ran into my camera (hey, why have to sync later if you don't have to?)

May 8th, 2015, 09:22 AM	#1
Steven Davis Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,065	Splitting a lavelier So, I am thinking of changing my technique. Often I find myself with interference with my wireless, or other issues. So I'm thinking about adding a wave recorder backup and splitting it off of one lavalier microphone. For example, I have a wedding that is well away from my local frequency area, so I'm thinking the splitter might be a good idea. Do you guys do splitters to minimize the number of lavaliers? __________________ What happens if I push the 'Red' button?

May 8th, 2015, 10:07 AM	#2
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	Re: Splitting a lavelier If you're talking about splitting the audio from a wireless body pack lavalier element, there isn't generally an easy way to do that directly without having mic element bias power and connector reliability issues. There are indirect ways to do it, such as using a second receiver tuned to the same frequency, or using a mini recorder, wireless body pack, lavalier element and an interface cable that are all compatible and can form a chain from lav element to recorder to body pack transmitter. But that isn't "splitting" the signal, it's looping it from one device to the next, which could still fail completely with the failure of one point of the chain. The only totally redundant way is two lav elements on two separate paths (recorder and wireless), and adding a second receiver for additional protection against wireless dropouts. But as you stated, that's twice the lavalier elements and twice the rigging.

May 8th, 2015, 10:18 AM	#3
Rick Reineke Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 2,039	Re: Splitting a lavelier I've never tried to 'Y' mult an unbalanced mic. How about an H1 or other pocket-size recorder, and feeding the output to the wireless transmitter.. though attenuation may be necessary for the recorder's output-to-transmitter's input. Though it's currently not available in the USA, Tascam makes the DR-10S, which has a 3.5mm through-put (wired for G2/3 Sennheiser). Otherwise there's the $$$ Zaxcom recording transmitter..

May 8th, 2015, 10:50 AM	#4
Robert Benda Trustee Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Crookston, MN Posts: 1,353	Re: Splitting a lavelier Its much more reliable to simply put your receiver much closer to the body back. I often have to do this at outdoor events. I'd also get another mic rig on a different frequency group. If there is interference on one, there probably won't be on the other. Or invest in a selectable frequency receiver/mic combo. Or do both. Last time I had drop out (outdoor), I put the mic receiver maybe 5 feet from the B&G. Receiver ran a long XLR into my Tascam, which was near my camera. I then ran into my camera (hey, why have to sync later if you don't have to?)