OT: Wired Lav Question

Cliff Etzel wrote on 12/2/2007, 8:58 PM
So I have my first paying commercial video project that will be in a controlled office environment.

Having been a run and gun shooter, I'm adding some smaller commercial work to supplement the journalism stuff I'm shooting with a journalistic look to it

My budget isn't there yet to purchase a wireless lav setup so I was thinking of getting a wired lav as a stop gap until I get a few more better paying projects that will allow for the purchase of a wireless setup. The town I live in is small enough that it doesn't have a rental house for video gear hence my question.

I'm considering something along the lines of the AUDIO TECHNICA ATR-35S wired lavalier since it has a 20' wire and small power source integrated into the unit. This first project will be in a controlled environment so I don't need the flexibility of a wireless lav at the moment

I know it isn't the ideal setup, but if this project goes well, they will want more work and then I can budget in the cost of a wireless lav.

Any comments???

Cliff Etzel
bluprojekt

Comments

DSCalef wrote on 12/2/2007, 9:34 PM
Cliff:

I needed 6 lavs real quick. I had planned on getting a couple if Trams, but I went with six of the AT-M830Rs from Full Compass at about163 each. I love them. 20-foot cable, great response, very small.

I use a shotgun overhead as a safety during a live interview. Never needed it.

Look at http://www.EventVideoTeam.com/ksfiles/previews for an example.

I highly recommend these mikes. AT puts out great product.

David
http://www.EventVideoTeam.com
Cliff Etzel wrote on 12/2/2007, 10:53 PM
Thanks David - ordered one to see how it works out.

Cliff Etzel
bluprojekt
craftech wrote on 12/3/2007, 6:09 AM
Cliff,
The MT830R is designed to be used where external phantom power is available. Do you have a phantom power source for the microphone? If not you may have been better off with the original one you were looking at - the ATr-35s. For around $30-$35 they work very well for interviews and non-music situations plus they come with a small LR44 button battery to supply power and a very long cord. The MT830R (I think) will turn out to have been a fairly expensive mistake for your situation.
For interviews, you could also rig a boom and any microphone you already have unless you are doing a run and gun interview in which case the ATR35s is the best idea.

What type of microphone input is on your camera by the way?

John
Cliff Etzel wrote on 12/3/2007, 6:20 AM
I ended up purchasing the ATR-35S - I currently shoot with a couple of SONY TRV950's that have mini-jacks on them.

Thanks for the heads up though :-)

Cliff Etzel
bluprojekt
craftech wrote on 12/3/2007, 7:43 AM
Good choice Cliff. The jack on those cameras is 1/8th inch stereo and the ATR-35s plug is mono so you should probably get an adapter so it records to both channels.

This one from Radio Shack accepts either a mono or stereo 1/8th inch microphone plug then plugs into your 1/8th inch camera jack. The right angle will do less damage to the camera's microphone jack after you piggy back the adapter and the microphone plug.

I also use reusable cable ties for literally every cable when I shoot to take the strain off of my equipment. I attach cables to the tripod and you name it with them. They last forever and are incredibly versatile for shoots and around the home.

John
CClub wrote on 12/3/2007, 8:42 AM
Would there be a difference between 1) getting an adapter so the ATR-35S records to both channels, or 2) recording as is and then in Vegas choosing the audio event, Right-click, Channels, Both (or Combine)?
craftech wrote on 12/3/2007, 12:53 PM
As far as I know the answer is "no".

John