Hey guys...

I am shooting with the Sony HDR-FX1 and the Sony VX2100.

I need a good/cheap solution for a quality wireless Handheld mic system.

I need at least 2 mics.

I also need to build something like a small box that goes right underneath the MIC itself... that will contain a logo for a TV show I am producing.


Please HELP!

and thanks for your time...

For whatever microphone Jay or Matt recommend to you, you can add a Mic Flag from B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=mic+flag

I think a couple of Sennheiser G2 100 series plug-on transmitters and camera-mount receivers would be the way to go.
Add a couple of hand-held dynamic mics and those flags.
Will this be interviews or stand-ups only, or a mixture of the two?
For stand-ups only it is beneficial to use a more directional mic. For interviews it's easier to use an omni mic. There are plenty of omni dynamic interview mics around. Some of the shorter ones don't give much handle after adding a flag.
What's your total budget and what kinds of stuff will you be shooting?

Thanks for the info!

It will mostly be for Interviews...

One host usually... Sometimes two...

I am trying to get in as cheap as possible to start....

I am having to fund the tv show myself... $1000 a week for just one half-hour. So you can see how I would want to save $ :)

So every penny right now I can save, I need too...

After 2-3 shows air... It will be so much easier for me to get advertisers on board.

Please give me a cheap option...In 1-2 months I will upgrade to a much better solution.

Thanks everyone!

You should probably rent the equipment to begin with. If you go any less expensive than buying the Sennheisers that I recommended, you run a much greater risk of having significant audio problems. Renting will allow you to use very good equipment for a low cost if you have your shooting days well planned.

Jay...
What the approx price on those Sennheisers..?

thanks

There are several different ways to bundle these items to mix and match the total of parts you need.
Essentially you would spend between $800 and $1200 to get two complete sets. The higher figure would give you extra capabilities too, the lower would just be for two wireless handheld mics and two camera-mount receivers with no additional items.

So Expensive just for sound... Might just have to do WIRED mics for now...

I have some good ones....


Any other options that could be cheaper than this?

I don't need the best right now


thanks for your time

No options that are as reliable and good sounding as wired mics. If you have someone interested in helping out, let them wrangle cables.

No wireless MIC options for <$200?
What about a BUTTPLUG?

Don't laugh, that is a suggestion a pro video guy I know gave me..


Any?

Hey Brent,

Jay's mikes are obviously the better choice, but I sympathize with the budget problems. I have a wireless sysem from Azden, the WMS-PRO system. The pro designation may be a stretch of the imagination, but I have used the hand held mike (EX-413) with decent results. The receiver mounts on the camera at the hot shoe location or you can tape it in any location close enough to plug in the 1/8 inch connector, about 24 inches. The kit also comes with a wireless lav mike (EX-503), but the quality of that mike is sub par. This kit is about $169.00 and I got them at B&H.

Hope this helps,

Richard

Richard, thanks so much for that info!


I appreciate it!

Brent,
Audio Technica makes a wireless VHF system the AT PRO 88W that can be found for about $112 (Google for it). It sounds pretty good if there is no interference. Only 2 channels but could be a solution for the price. Also, Sony has the WCS 999 for about $100. These are not top of the line, but may suffice if you are on a budget.

Guy... those look like great starter systems!
Exactly what I need!

Do you happen to know one that is HANDHELD???

The Audio Technica ATR-288W (http://www.digitallyunique.com/atr-288w.html) adds a hand mic.

I use the Audio Technica Pro88W, payed $160 for each unit at EVS, and they work fine. I have to boost the input db to -60 on the DVX to get a good level, and I cant run them hot enough to get a good full sound, so I bring em up in post a bit, sweeten with some EQ and all is good....for the price! I've used em so far for recording speaking events, and will be using them for weddings very soon.

Daniel...


thanks for the info!!


B

There are some good posts here, but one avenue appears to have been missed. How does $200 for a combined lav/hand held system with a three warrenty sound?

So, a very important question. Are you in a studio most of the time, and have access to AC power?

Another important question. Do you take care of your equipment, and treat it with loving kindness?

If your answer is YES, then I have workable solution for you. However, it demands some homework. This is at least a 60 day process. If time is the issue, don't go here. If budget is the issue, tough it out. It WILL give a good quality system at low cost.

Go to www.nadywireless.com, and check out their closeout section. Specifically, look to the URR-10 UHF wireless microphone systems. These are re-manufacured units and (internally at least) meet original specs.

Chances are you will only be able to get a wireless lav system. No real big. The lav unit will be useful. Trust me. While your are there, do whatever it is they have as a link to place an order. You won't really place an order. They don't know how to do that. You just need a printable quote and a phone number.

Next, before you order, visit www.qualitone.com, and get their phone number. Don't waste time wandering through their website. You will get nowhere fast.

Next, visit www.audiotechnica.com. Navigate to their support page, and look for their TV Frequency chart (it is the most user friendly one I've found on the net). Once found, key in you zip code to get a report on the VHF/UHF frequencies that dominate in your local area. AT has really good stuff, so don't feel bad if you stay there a long time. Just keep in mind "$200 with a 3 year warrenty".

Having (hopefully) found the least popular UHF frequency in your area, call nadywireless and place an order for the URR-10. For this product line the available frequences are: 1) 800.200MHz, 2) 802.300MHz, 3) 803.300 MHz, 4) 80804.880MHz, U5) 794.900MHz, U6) 797.500MHz, U7) 796.300MHz, U8)798.800MHz, U9)804.900MHz. Your telephone sale rep is used to dealing with school purchasing agents, so any any basic level of "techspeak" will sound Martian to them. Have patience. Secure the order, but be sure to also get sales reps name and phone number. NADY makes good products, but consistency in the employee ranks is, well, a kalidoscope. Reality check...someone is going to drop the ball...accept it. At NADY the sales reps have real power.

Next, wait for delivery. Verify frequency and product operation.

Call Qualitone. Order URR-10 HT Handheld transmitter, or.if you really want good qaulity, order the URR-10HT/58, with the Shure SM-58 cartrige.

Hi Brent,

The Sennheiser G2 100 wireless package contains receiver, transmitter, and "butt plug" or "plug-transmitter" (as I like to call it with a straight face). The package for all three is $649 and has 1440 adjustable UHF channels, camera mountable, and sounds great.

If you already have a handheld mic is $649 breaking the bank? Do you need two systems in the meantime or can one be wired and the other wireless? Or can they share a handheld and pass the mic back and fourth? If you don't have a handheld check out the Shure 58 or Sennheiser MD 46.

Here is a sample video I put together which demonstrates the Sennheiser SKP100 plug-on transmitter as well as some other goodies http://dvcreators.net/products/sound_movieframe.htm