Wireless mic systems at DVinfo.net

Philip Younger · January 30th, 2009, 12:17 PM

Any advice on wireless microphone systems suitable for location shooting (quiet generally) with presenter up to perhaps 10mtr from camera.

Everywhere I look it's Sennheiser, do others make them?

Cost is a big consideration too as it wouldn't be used very oftem but often enough to make hiring a no no

Don Bloom · January 30th, 2009, 12:34 PM

sennheiser, audio technica, lectrosonics, sony...they all make units but they're all around the same price except for Lectro. Much more money.
Sennheiser and AT1800 single channel are about the same money and equal in quality.

Pays your money, takes your choice

Don

Philip Younger · January 31st, 2009, 04:05 PM

Thanks Don, I just wasn't sure what was available and didn't know if Sennheiser was the holy grail of wireless mics or not as they appear to be the only ones I ever see advertised!

Perrone Ford · January 31st, 2009, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philip Younger

Thanks Don, I just wasn't sure what was available and didn't know if Sennheiser was the holy grail of wireless mics or not as they appear to be the only ones I ever see advertised!

They offer great performance for the price. The Lectros are better, but at 4-6 times the cost, they BETTER be! I went for the Senn. G2s, but got Countryman mics, and couldn't be happier.

Don Palomaki · February 1st, 2009, 08:12 AM

Be aware that changes in use of radio frequency spectrum rules due to take effect this month (part of the Digital TV conversion) will result in some frequencies previously used for wireless mics (i.e., the "700 mHz" bands) being used by other communications services. While the reputable US sources no longer sell microphones on these channels, you may be able to find microphones configured for these bands at fire sale prices, possibly being unloaded by current owners. How much of a problem this will be I do not know, but it is something to watch out.

Paul W. Hazeltine · February 1st, 2009, 05:22 PM

Also be aware that "Legal Frequencies" in the USA are different to those in the UK & EU, so purchase equipment manufactured for use in the UK market.

Paul

Giroud Francois · February 1st, 2009, 06:23 PM

The Sony UWP-C1 is a great choice, provided it is the cheapest and high quality.

Works great on 2 small AAA battery for hours, easy 300 feet in open air, very light.

Philip Younger · February 2nd, 2009, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul W. Hazeltine

Also be aware that "Legal Frequencies" in the USA are different to those in the UK & EU, so purchase equipment manufactured for use in the UK market.

Paul

That's a good point, in fact despite the cheaper prices in the USA I have been caught a couple of times with warranty issues and other such things when buying direct from the states so when I am shopping around these days I tend to go for the EU & home market.

Wayne Dupuis · February 2nd, 2009, 08:50 AM

I've been using Sens at work, and Samson Micro's. I prefer the micros (airline)
They work, offer use of mic on the sender itself and have phantom power built in to power a number of other mics available for the unit. At 300 bucks you can't go wrong.

Paul W. Hazeltine · February 5th, 2009, 09:07 AM

Those in the UK may wish to read this article from the BBC regarding proposed changes to the UK airwaves at BBC NEWS | Technology | Ofcom u-turn on digital dividend

Paul W. H

Peter Dunphy · February 5th, 2009, 11:01 AM

Great info guys - I'm planning to bring my Seinnheiser G2 lavs from the UK to the US in a couple of months time. Will they work in the US?

Battle Vaughan · February 5th, 2009, 05:54 PM

While I don't knowing the legalities of importing and using such gear, you can look up the frequencies available in the area you plan to work at : Find Available Frequencies and see if the freqs on your units are compatable with what's there.../Battle Vaughan/miamiherald.com video team

Peter Dunphy · February 8th, 2009, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battle Vaughan

While I don't knowing the legalities of importing and using such gear, you can look up the frequencies available in the area you plan to work at : Find Available Frequencies and see if the freqs on your units are compatable with what's there.../Battle Vaughan/miamiherald.com video team

Thanks, much appreciated - will check it out!

Will Mahoney · February 17th, 2009, 08:50 AM

We've been using the Samson Airline wireless lapel mic, transmitter and receiver. It was pretty inexpensive (less than $200 I'm sure) and we've been very happy with it. Of course, we'll probably step up into something better later. But this works for now.

Sample videos:

CoverCraft SeatSaver Seat Cover Install - StylinTrucks.com By Will Mahoney On ExposureRoom

Fitch Fuel Catalyst By Will Mahoney On ExposureRoom

January 30th, 2009, 12:17 PM	#1
Philip Younger Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Warwickshire Posts: 207	Wireless mic systems Any advice on wireless microphone systems suitable for location shooting (quiet generally) with presenter up to perhaps 10mtr from camera. Everywhere I look it's Sennheiser, do others make them? Cost is a big consideration too as it wouldn't be used very oftem but often enough to make hiring a no no

February 1st, 2009, 08:12 AM	#5
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,488	Be aware that changes in use of radio frequency spectrum rules due to take effect this month (part of the Digital TV conversion) will result in some frequencies previously used for wireless mics (i.e., the "700 mHz" bands) being used by other communications services. While the reputable US sources no longer sell microphones on these channels, you may be able to find microphones configured for these bands at fire sale prices, possibly being unloaded by current owners. How much of a problem this will be I do not know, but it is something to watch out. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

February 2nd, 2009, 08:50 AM	#9
Wayne Dupuis Regular Crew Join Date: May 2008 Location: Victoria BC Posts: 29	Wireless I've been using Sens at work, and Samson Micro's. I prefer the micros (airline) They work, offer use of mic on the sender itself and have phantom power built in to power a number of other mics available for the unit. At 300 bucks you can't go wrong.

February 5th, 2009, 05:54 PM	#12
Battle Vaughan Trustee Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami, FL USA Posts: 1,505	While I don't knowing the legalities of importing and using such gear, you can look up the frequencies available in the area you plan to work at : Find Available Frequencies and see if the freqs on your units are compatable with what's there.../Battle Vaughan/miamiherald.com video team Last edited by Battle Vaughan; February 5th, 2009 at 05:56 PM. Reason: clarification

February 17th, 2009, 08:50 AM	#14
Will Mahoney Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 259	We've been using the Samson Airline wireless lapel mic, transmitter and receiver. It was pretty inexpensive (less than $200 I'm sure) and we've been very happy with it. Of course, we'll probably step up into something better later. But this works for now. Sample videos: CoverCraft SeatSaver Seat Cover Install - StylinTrucks.com By Will Mahoney On ExposureRoom Fitch Fuel Catalyst By Will Mahoney On ExposureRoom __________________ http://exposureroom.com/members/WillMahoney.aspx/ www.youtube.com/truckaccessories

January 30th, 2009, 12:34 PM	#2
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	sennheiser, audio technica, lectrosonics, sony...they all make units but they're all around the same price except for Lectro. Much more money. Sennheiser and AT1800 single channel are about the same money and equal in quality. Pays your money, takes your choice Don

January 31st, 2009, 04:05 PM	#3
Philip Younger Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Warwickshire Posts: 207	Thanks Don, I just wasn't sure what was available and didn't know if Sennheiser was the holy grail of wireless mics or not as they appear to be the only ones I ever see advertised!

February 1st, 2009, 05:22 PM	#6
Paul W. Hazeltine Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: West Kent UK Posts: 26	Also be aware that "Legal Frequencies" in the USA are different to those in the UK & EU, so purchase equipment manufactured for use in the UK market. Paul

February 1st, 2009, 06:23 PM	#7
Giroud Francois Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: switzerland Posts: 2,133	The Sony UWP-C1 is a great choice, provided it is the cheapest and high quality. Works great on 2 small AAA battery for hours, easy 300 feet in open air, very light.

February 5th, 2009, 09:07 AM	#10
Paul W. Hazeltine Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: West Kent UK Posts: 26	Those in the UK may wish to read this article from the BBC regarding proposed changes to the UK airwaves at BBC NEWS \| Technology \| Ofcom u-turn on digital dividend Paul W. H

February 5th, 2009, 11:01 AM	#11
Peter Dunphy Major Player Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Belfast Northern Ireland Posts: 261	Great info guys - I'm planning to bring my Seinnheiser G2 lavs from the UK to the US in a couple of months time. Will they work in the US?