I have to replace my Samson Micro 32 system. I had it for seven years, and always really liked it. but recently it started to exhibit some dropout, and I lost my confidence in the system. Anyway it is discontinued and no longer work in legal frequencies.

I want to buy something in the 500-800 range. The logical choice would be the sennheiser units. But one thing I learned to like a lot on the samson is the DC input that allowed me to power the receiver from the D-Tap output of my AB battery packs.

The sennheiser don't have this feature. Is there any other system in this price range that offer some kind of DC input?

Sennheisers actually do have the capability you're looking for. You do however need a separate power adapter which goes in place of the AA batteries.

Sennheiser DC2 - DC Camera Power Converter DC2 B&H Photo Video

The listing says for G2 but it also works with G3 (it's listed in the G3's manual)

Audio Technica unit also have a DC plugin that will work for you.

Wow thank you guys! I wasn't aware of these options. What do you recommend, the senn or the AT unit?
Tha AT have the advantage to be cheaper and doesn't need any adapter.

And what about the Sony v1 system? Do you know if there is a way to Power it using an AB battery?

Don't know about the Sony but the AT unit I use is the AT1821 dual channel receiver as in almost all cases I'm running 2 transmitters and it's just easier to use 1 receiver. As long as you don't use the stock mics the unit is very good. It also has level controls on the receiver which work individually so you can control the levels by using that and the transmitters have a spread from -6db to +12db and of course you have the controls on either the camera or mixer so you have a lot of control over the levels. On the bottom is a headphone jack (never used it-wrong way to monitor sound), the levels controls (little knobs that are hard to mistakenly turn) and a 12v DC plug. The receiver also works off of 6 AA batterys.

I am also using AT1800 series setup and power it externally most of the time off the camera battery.

Thanks a lot! Is the supplied microphone really bad? What do you recommend to replace it? On my Samson kit, the supplied mic is an AT350. I always liked it very much, the sound is rich and it seems to put some emphasis on the low frequencies, which gives a very good presence to the voice.

When I need to use two microphones, I rent a sennheiser unit, but I don't really like the sound of the Sennheiser ME-2 mike.

The mic that comes with it is certainly not horrible. Its a little big but sounds OK.

I upgraded to the AT899cW which is much smaller and does sound better.

Edit: And it won't break the bank either.

I have to replace my Samson Micro 32 system. I had it for seven years, and always really liked it. but recently it started to exhibit some dropout, and I lost my confidence in the system. Anyway it is discontinued and no longer work in legal frequencies.

I want to buy something in the 500-800 range. The logical choice would be the sennheiser units. But one thing I learned to like a lot on the samson is the DC input that allowed me to power the receiver from the D-Tap output of my AB battery packs.

The sennheiser don't have this feature. Is there any other system in this price range that offer some kind of DC input?

What do you mean "The sennheiser don't have this feature" ?

Any Sennheiser G2 or G3 system can be powered by external DC.

For the transmitters and "camera" receiver all you need is the Sennheiser DC 2 DC adaptor.

SennheiserUSA - DC 2 - DC power for EWG2 body packs receivers (http://www.sennheiserusa.com/tech-spec-database_wireless-microphones_antenna-systems_camera-accessories_021825)

http://www.soundexposure.com/store/DC2_A500.jpg

Yes other members pointed it for me too. I wasn't aware of this adapter. I didn't read the manual, and there is no mention of it in the spec sheet.

Anyway I think the AT unit will be my choice. It's $550 and can take 12v power natively. The sennheiser one is $700 if you add the adapter. Both seem to have very good reviews. While both are in my price range, the 150$ difference can go to other expenses, perhaps a better lab mic if I come to the conclusion that the stock one is not enough.

Thanks everyone!

Yes other members pointed it for me too. I wasn't aware of this adapter. I didn't read the manual, and there is no mention of it in the spec sheet.

Anyway I think the AT unit will be my choice. It's $550 and can take 12v power natively. The sennheiser one is $700 if you add the adapter. Both seem to have very good reviews. While both are in my price range, the 150$ difference can go to other expenses, perhaps a better lab mic if I come to the conclusion that the stock one is not enough.

Thanks everyone!

But the Sennheiser is used by professionals, the AT isn't.

Mr Don Bloom is certainly a professional.

Thank you Jean-Philppe. I know what John means though. I see many more professional sound people using Sennheiser than AT. Many because of weight issues. If carrying 4 receivers a mixer and a recorder in a bag hooked to your chest every ounce can mean a lot. I have had a few professional audio folks check out my AT unit and really like it but can't switch because of the demands of the production companies they work for. So while I might be in the minority using AT I am still as professional as anyone and happen to use something different than many and just happen to love the gear.
Must just be me.

I am also using AT1800 series setup and power it externally most of the time off the camera battery.

How's that 1800 working for you, Chris? What mics are you using?

Regards,

Ty Ford

I have both body pack and plug-on transmitters (I have the 2 channel receiver). When I'm working with an audio guy I hand him a pair of plug-ons and go. Keeps my rig nice and tidy. Plenty of range for what I do (200' or less). I wish I had them with me for a gig a couple of weeks ago. I ended up running a steadicam shoot with an audio cable hanging off the sled.

For interviews in noisy places I have one of the Sony ENG stick mics (F-112).

For body pack stuff I have a pair of the AT899cW lavs. They sound great for the $$. I also have a pair of the XLR to 4pin wireless power supplies from AT that lets me use my wireless lavs as wired.

Chris, Can you point me to the power supply xkr adapter that you use with the at899cw?

Here ya go - Audio-Technica AT8539 Power Supply AT8539 B&H Photo Video

Even though it doesn't list the AT899cw specifically it works with any of the body pack mics. I use them all the time with mine. Saves me from having to keep multiple versions of the same mic in the bag.

The spec sheet from AT is here - http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/literature/e313843c3239e61c/at8539_submit.pdf

The AT 8539 power supply does not have a battery option, if that makes a difference.
Alternately, the Tram TR-79 is capable of power via a 1.5v (LR44) battery OR external phantom power source. but that's $180. I don't know if it's available with the AT's type connector though.
Tram TR-79+ - Power Supply TR79SET+ B&H Photo Video