Comments

musicvid10 wrote on 1/6/2006, 5:02 PM
Without singling out the system you mention, wireless microphones in the $100-150 retail range are generally less suitable for professional applications: They operate on busier frequency bands, often on a fixed frequency, and are more prone to interference, dropouts, generally have a shorter range, lower AF response and higher distortion figures than their mid-priced counterparts.

I would look at systems in the $350-500 price range first, and if I was on a tight budget and found a discontinued or good used system for less, so much the better. I have had good results with Sennheiser, A-T, and Shure over the last ten years.
jrazz wrote on 1/6/2006, 5:10 PM
Yeah, I have been reading some reviews on this lapel mic, and the majority of them have not been good. It is 900mhz and has 3 signal settings to choose from, but the reviews stated that it picks up interference pretty easily. It may not be a good second mic.

j razz
GlennChan wrote on 1/6/2006, 6:15 PM
A consumer wireless unit I've tried has AGC you cannot disable. It doesn't play well on camcorders where you can't disable AGC- you get double auto gain control. Ick.
jrazz wrote on 1/6/2006, 6:29 PM
I just bought a Samson UHF Series One - Camera Mountable UHF Diversity Micro Lavalier System with an Audio Technica Mic. It has XLR and a minijack (1/8") connection so I can use it on either- it is used. I picked it up at B&H along with a new A1- I have been watching the A1's for a while and for some reason this evening they showed up with an additional 500 dollar rebate along with 200 dollars off the regular price at B&H... so, get ready for a lot of questions concerning the A1- consider this your forewarning : )

j razz
gdstaples wrote on 1/6/2006, 7:24 PM
An alternative that I am using is:

http://tinyurl.com/9f6ab

It is more expensive than your initial budget but it is a two transmitter, two microphone, one receiver system for about $635.

I am very pleased with the audio quality and the convenience.

Duncan
Spot|DSE wrote on 1/6/2006, 7:32 PM
Chek out the ATPro88W.
Cheap, but doesn't have a compander, and doesn't have AGC, and if you're working short distances, the VHF isn't a problem. It sounds terrific, and is used on a lot of major film sets as a throwaway. Sounds better than units costing 10 times as much due to the stripped electronics, but doesn't have any range to speak of. 20' max in most places.
musicvid10 wrote on 1/6/2006, 9:46 PM
I totally agree with DSE about the A-T's.
Just a short anecdote: I produced a major musical last summer with a cast of 50, a 25-piece pit orchestra, and first-rate sets on a 54' stage in a SOTA 325-seat theater. We had two Oktava's in the pit, and 3 PCC's, 2 PZM's, 3 SM81's, Two Countryman's, and a couple of Pro45's on stage, and 9 (count 'em, nine) wireless units, all Senny's and Shures on the principals. Oh yeah, we had two A-T 1000's as backups. Well, one of the E-6's on a Senny got stepped on (ouch!) and one of the Shure's just crapped out completely. So, both of the older (and slightly bulkier) A-T's got pressed into service. To my ear, I couldn't tell much difference between them and the expensive Senny/E-6 combos. And, the A-T's outperformed the Shures in every case. For a utility unit without the frills, I'm sold on those A-T's and wouldn't hesitate to use them again in the future, even on principals.
craftech wrote on 1/7/2006, 5:09 AM
I also agree with Doug about the Pro88W, but be aware that they come with different lapel mikes. I would get the MT830 or the AT829 and stay away from the R35(unless someone disagrees)

John
richard-courtney wrote on 1/7/2006, 8:15 AM
I keep a PRO in my grab and go case.

I made a few changes. The transmitter comes with a 1/8" inch mic
jack. If you can solder I would remove the jack and solder directly to
the circuit board. This eliminates the electrical noise if the cable is
bumped. Some epoxy will secure the cable.

The receiver also has a 1/8" plug. I cut the end off and soldered a
right angle XLR male plug. It fits nicely on the mic shoe on the top of
my PD170.

jrazz wrote on 1/7/2006, 8:57 AM
Guys thanks for the recommendations. I did not realize the Audio Technica one recommended on here was so cheap. With what you all are saying about it, I think I will pick it up. Since I mostly film weddings, the 20' distance shouldn't be a problem as I will just connect it to one of the closer cameras.
Soldering? I haven't done any of that since junior high!
Thanks again,

j razz