Hey everyone,

I'm looking to replace all the mics in my school's studio. They need to be able to handle rigerous useage and run off phantom power...as well as being cost effective.

Do you guys have any suggestions, the last few audiotechnicas have been crap, but our sony lavs do a fair job and seem to last awhile.

Thanks for any advice.

Brian

... the last few audiotechnicas have been crap...


Which specific mic(s) did you have and what exactly has not met your standards on the "audiotechnicas"?

http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1807&brandID=2

Maybe you could consider the Samson QL5 CL lavalier?
Not too sure if it's rugged enough but it's probably less costly.

Or the Shure SM93... that's quite bulletproof..

Sony ECM-44s are pretty cost effective, we've used them with students for years. A couple of them have taken quite a beating and are trouping along.

-Matt

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to replace all the mics in my school's studio. They need to be able to handle rigerous useage and run off phantom power...as well as being cost effective.

Do you guys have any suggestions, the last few audiotechnicas have been crap, but our sony lavs do a fair job and seem to last awhile.

Thanks for any advice.

Brian

AT makes a line of mics. Depending on what part of the line you buy determines the quality. Specifically which model mics did you not like and why?

I use AT lavs very succcessfully. The litle paddle lav they sell is the same one that comes wih some lectrosonic wireless mics.

Regards,

Ty Ford

I can't imagine a tougher lav than the AT SM11. Not the most crisp dialog, but I kind of like 'em. It would be tough to hide too, but I've done it.

I'm not sure on the model number for the AT's, summer access to the building with the studio is limited to when a trashcan gets stuck in the door by maintance.

I'll try and get a model number on it for you asap though.

The main use for these lav's is daily news, soundquality is somewhat damaged by our Master Control due to technical limitations. So the quality of mic is second to durablity.

The sony's we use are ECM-77s. As I said they work for us but I'm always open for options.

Thanks and I'll get back to you all soon.

I have been researching this issue as well, and am settling on Countryman B3 or B6 mics.

Bob I wanted to follow up with you about the B3

Do you think it could stand up to the rigors of college student use (meaning setup about 4 times a day) and still perform near broadcast quality?

I would really like the mic to last more than a year...like our audiotechnicas did.

I'm look at that or 77B still

Also, any thoughts on the EMW series, possibly more durable?

Someone else can better respond. I baby my equipment, and I have not used the B3 that long anyway. But they do have a great rep. I seem to remember some instructors raving about there indestructability. Do a few searches here and you might find your answer.