Hello,

Recently I shot an interview where the person was walking around (indoors/outdoors) and he was wired-up with a Sennheiser Wireless G2 (http://www.dvcreators.net/products/sennheiser_wireless_movieframe.htm) transmitter and stock lapel mic...

Long story short, the audio was good, but not great... I think the cable was causing some rumbling when rubbed against, and in general the attached mic was kinda loose and shaky which (I think) cause some additional fuzz and rumblings.

When I watch TV shows (reality/American Idol... yadda), I see the mics are very tight and appear to transmit great audio.

Is there a better lapel mic that I can buy?

How do you wire someone up with a lapel and position everything so that there is the least amount of bad feedback possible?

I dunno know about all ya'll, but I really hate stuffing/wrapping that long stock lapel cable in-and-around the person (stranger) I am about to interview...

I would love some tips from the pros. :)

Many thanks in advance!
Cheers,
Micky

The stock mic that comes with the G2s is okay, but not great. Probably the most commonly used mic in broadcast today is the Sanken COS11 through Tran and Countryman are other favourites.

Cable noise can be reduced bu judicious choice of mounting location and insuring you have a so-called "broadcast loop" strain-relief loop of cable right at the clip for the mic head. Lead the cable from the mic around to where the transmitter is fastened, roll up the excess and stuff it in a pocket or under the belt next to the transmitter, don't just let it dangle.

Rubbing noise can also be transmitted mechanically through the wire. The strain relief loop can help reduce or eliminate that kind of noise.

I hide my mics and carefully position them so that they're not in a place where the mic capsule will rub against anything if at all possible. And the wire near the mic capsule is also firmly taped down to prevent any rubbing noise from getting transmitted along the wire.

Not sure what you mean by "fuzz" but sometimes unwanted noise can be the result of losing a radio signal, and that can happen at close range. The radio signal will reflect off any metallic surfaces or sometimes hard objects. It can also be attenuated by the human body and obstacles. This unpredictable criss-cross of signals will have dead spots in what's known as an "interference pattern".

One way to minimize the chances of losing a signal is to use a diversity receiver. It has two antennas. As the receiver senses which antenna is getting a stronger signal, it instantly switches to that antenna. The result is a much higher chance of maintaining an uninterrupted signal.

The system I use is a diversity system and I've had wonderfully reliable results. Almost as good as using a hard-wired mic.

When you put on a tie mic. loop the cable up and then down again behind the clothing and trap the cable in the croc. clip.

This will de-couple the cable and any cable rubbing below this point does not transmit up to the mic. itself.

Hi all! Many thanks for the replies! I really really really appreciate your time and expert help. :)

Ya'll make some great points... I think in the shoot I referred to, it was a combination of everything you guys mentioned.

For example... It looked like the mic was not touching anything, and the person was standing still, and the mic was getting (what sounded like) clothes rubbing.

On top of all of this audio feedback, the mic was picking up a lot of wind rumble... How the heck do you avoid that? As soon as I heard rumbling, I reluctantly asked the interviewee to face so his back was against the wind.

Fortunately, I had my shotgun mic turned on and was able to edit out all the bad spots and replace them with the shotgun mic audio... Not optimal, but it sounds better than the wireless in those nasty spots.

Well, anyway, I will do some practicing on my friend and I may be back with more questions. :)

Thanks a billion!!!

Have a great day!
Cheers,
Micky

Quick question...

I am looking at Sanken COS11 on B&H (http://snipurl.com/dhn87)... Looks like the price range is from ~$200 to ~$500....

First, would this mic work well with the Sennheiser Wireless G2 transmitter?

If so, which one would you choose?

What accessories might you purchase?

Oh, I forgot to ask, has anyone here ever had the person that you are interviewing hold a hand-held wireless mic? I have a Sennheiser Wireless mic transmitter, and it seems to get very good audio... I am wondering if I should have used that instead of the lapel mic?

Thanks!
Micky

See this thread for more information on using a G2 system with the COS-11:

COS-11D and Sennheiser G2? - The Digital Video Information Network (http://www.dvinfo.net//conf/showthread.php?t=144583)

I haven't plunked down the cash to purchase this system yet, but will reply to that thread when/if it works.

Hi Nate!

Awesome! Thanks. :)

I am subscribing to that thread now.

Cheers,
Micky

For shooting outdoors I can recommend the Rycote lav windjammer

Rycote - Personal Microphone Solutions (http://www.rycote.com/products/personal_mics/)

which has given me good sound on the top of Scottish mountains and at sea.

N

On top of all of this audio feedback, the mic was picking up a lot of wind rumble... How the heck do you avoid that?

Rycote Lavalier Windjammer (http://www.rycote.com/products/personal_mics/furries/) - or - Rycote Overcovers (http://www.rycote.com/products/personal_mics/overcovers/) or Undercovers (http://www.rycote.com/products/personal_mics/undercovers/).

Hi!

Thanks for links John and Nick! Looks like a must have accessory/accessories. :)

Looks like my credit card is going to see some action this month!

Thanks!
Cheers,
Micky

I'll be bumping out a little how to video on this if there is enough interest, in the meantime, here is some good info. About Lavalier Mics (http://www.equipmentemporium.com/Lavarticle.htm)

Re: How To video...

>>>>>>>> Interested!!!! <<<<<<<<<

This video has been a life saver:

"Sennheiser G2 Evolution" video tutorial
sennheiser_wireless_movieframe.jpg (http://www.dvcreators.net/products/sennheiser_wireless_movieframe.htm)

Thanks for that vid tut Guy!!! I can't begin to tell you how helpful the above video has been... I watch it before every shoot that involves my G2! :D

Thanks a billion for linkage!

Have a great day!
Cheers,
Micky

I'll be bumping out a little how to video on this if there is enough interest, in the meantime, here is some good info. About Lavalier Mics (http://www.equipmentemporium.com/Lavarticle.htm)

Funny, after reading the first post I though... Guy should put out a how to video on proper use of a lav mic. :)



On critical things, I've just used two G2 systems on the same person. That's solved 90% of any issues that have come up. Oh, and for the record, I've never actually read the manual for the G2, I just watched Guy's "how to" video twice.

Funny, after reading the first post I though... Guy should put out a how to video on proper use of a lav mic. :)

Heheh! I even referenced one of his other vids in that first post too!!! :D

On hyper critical things, I've just used two G2 systems on the same person. That's solved 90% of any issues that have come up.

Oooooooh, I did not think of that!

I do have an additional G2 that I could use... Great idea Dylan! Thanks! :)

Cheers,
Micky

Oooooooh, I did not think of that!

I do have an additional G2 that I could use... Great idea Dylan! Thanks! :)


Just don't put the two lav's side by side on the talent where they might "clink" into each other... like I did the first time I double mic'd someone. :)

Here's something in the meantime <http://www.realitycrew.com/watch.html>

I'm sure I can get something with a bit more production value uploaded.

Hey!

For some reason I did not get a forum e-mail... I am glad I checked back!

Watching vids now! Thanks Guy!!!

Also, checking out your DVeStore now. :)

Keep up the amazing work!

Have a great day!
Cheers,
Micky

You need to find out if it is cable noise or clothing noise. I use Trams (they provide every accessory for mounting options) or a Countryman lavaliere. There is a special technique for mounting your mic and avoiding clothing noise. Make sure you get enough lead time to run a test with the talent so you can adjust the mounting to their clothing. A excellent book is "Location Audio Simplified".

I second the recommendation. See more at Home (http://www.locationaudiosimplified.com). Very useful.

Hi Mark and Chris~!

Thanks for the book tip!

$54.95 sounds very reasonable. Adding it to my purchase list. :)

Have an excellent day, and thanks for the replies.

Cheers,
Micky

Hello,

...When I watch TV shows (reality/American Idol... yadda), I see the mics are very tight and appear to transmit great audio.

Micky

Micky:

Although I believe the mike will make the biggest difference in sound quality, the reciever and transmitter will also make a big difference in sound quality.

I have a Lectrosonics and Sennheiser G2 system and the sound quality is very different between them.

I doubt any broadcast shows use G2 level equipment.

Hi Jeff! Thanks for the reply. :)

I doubt any broadcast shows use G2 level equipment.

Good point. :)

Man, I would love to get some on-the-job experience working on a television show!

Anyway, thanks for the clarification and your input. I really appreciate it. :)

Have a great night,
Cheers,
Micky

I doubt any broadcast shows use G2 level equipment.

G2 is used a lot in broadcast - you see them all the time.

Just don't use the supplied tie mic. and change it for something better (eg: MKE 2-ew).

I've seen the G2 on a lot of news reports, even with the supplied ME2 or ME4 mic.
They are fine for short reports but for longer presentations in productions that go through a dub they would not hold up so well. The other end of the spectrum is drama where they would sound bad and very different from a boom. Even with the upgrade to an MKE2.4 gold or similar there will still be no high frequencies or fidelity. The upgraded mic makes a good difference but the radio link is not a great sound.
Seen the Sony plastic diversity system on strictly ballroom a lot amongst other things too. Same thing really. OK for poor sounding shows of which there are many these days. Not much cop for drama.

Hi John and Jimmy, thanks for the replies~!

Interesting observations... I am definitely planning on upgrading my lav mic.

Dang, I am anxious to film again... All these tips have been great!

As soon as I upgrade my equipment and/or test the new techniques that I have learned (thanks to all!), I will post back here with my findings and experience.

:)

Have a great day,
Cheers,
Micky

The G2 shortfalls are distance and diversity.

The G2 does not have the long range that most Lectros have.
The G2 is not diversity like most Lectros, meaning it has one receiver antenna. Lectro has 2 receiving antennas that can switch instantly to the better signal.

Moat lectros are also 'tighter'. Meaning they use a much narrower band so they are less prone to interference.

Thanks for that info Ed!

Good to know those details... I wish I could afford something with diversity. :(

But, for future buys, I will keep this information in mind.

Have a great night!
Cheers,
Micky

Last year I did sound on that new food network show Chopped and since they only had 350/day for me, including equipment, I used my G2's (with cos-11's). Worked flawlessly and sounded great.

Last year I did sound on that new food network show Chopped and since they only had 350/day for me, including equipment, I used my G2's (with cos-11's). Worked flawlessly and sounded great.

Chris:

What was the audio captured to?

Did you use a mixer(s)?

Did you change batteries daily to be safe?

Did you have any problem with levels or clipping?

Just curious about the details.
Thanks,
Jeff

Just to let everyone hear the 100 series G2 and see a few tips on how to set up the unit please, jump over to this new video Super high quality Wireless microphone set-up for church, school, corporate, or live event on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/1926732)

The mic used is the HSP-2 headset, then later you hear the MKE-2. The receiver on the camera is the EW100 series. The camera is the Panasonic HPX500. There is no mixer used on this shoot.

For most mid range projects the 100 series is going to be adequate with an upgraded mic.
It's that extra 10% of quality that is going to cost 4-8 as much. If your projects demand that kind of quality, be prepared to pony up the big bucks and go for the high end zaxcom, lectro, or Sennheiser 3000/5000 series. You're talking $10,000/channel when you get up to the top of line. Sennheiser USA - 5000 Series (http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite/category.asp?transid=cat57b)

It's just like cars, I can get there with a Hyundai, but I can get there in style and faster with a Ferrari.

Chris:

What was the audio captured to?

Did you use a mixer(s)?

Did you change batteries daily to be safe?

Did you have any problem with levels or clipping?

Just curious about the details.
Thanks,
Jeff

Hey jeff,

I used a sound devices 442 mixer going into a Panasonic sdx900 camera. Never had any problems with clipping but the only loud noises were pots and pans clanging around. Changed batteries daily.

Leone