I also have a Senn G2. It works very nicely, is pretty reliable, and the audio quality of the Tx/Rx set is good. I did not like the sound of the Senn. lapel mic, so I substituted an AT MT830 instead (most any miniplug type mic will do). I even did some audio measurements on the G2 Tx/Rx pair; my main conclusion was that the G2 had better quality than my test setup. http://beale.best.vwh.net/measure/audio/SennG2.htm

The G2 receiver comes with hotshoe mount that on a normal camera puts it horizontal, so the antenna points out along the camera lens axis. This will not give you the best range. It is better to have the antenna pointing upwards, so I got a separate bracket to permit this.

There is also a Sony UHF system in the same $500-600 price range, which I think is probably a fine choice as well.

The G2 500 series are very nice, and expensive. We replace the standard lapel with a way more expensive Sennheiser unit and the package does sound excellent, damn well want to for the money!

They're also pretty rugged, that expensive lapel using Kevlar reinforced wire. Also the minipin plugs a have a screw on locking ring.

One thing with this type of RF link, it uses a compander system so getting the levels in the right ball park going into the transmiiter does make quite a difference. The term "wireless" is not exactly true, the "wire" is dynamic.

I agree with Farss about buying good lapels for the G2s. I got two of 'em with Sanken mics (COS-11) but if I had to make it again, I'd probably try the Sennheisers or even Sonys since they're said to be a little less prone to emphasize sibilance than COS-11s. That being a possible issue with this system too.
When it's too much "hissy", I simply tie'em upside down and that usually does quite a good workaround.
The "dream" will be to get Lectrosonics when finances dept. permits... :)

thanks guys...the G2 it is! I was looking at that one for a while but wanted some advice...

...also..what Mhz range do you guys suggest...or does it really matter?

thanks
jeremiah

For frequencies, these mics are frequency agile so you can choose your own .
There also is a Scan function that checks for gaps in surrounding frequencies to avoid overlapping / interferences; you'll like it.
Pretty flexible system for the price.

For your local frequency blocks, check out
http://radiostationworld.com/default.asp
to find out about your local broadcasters so you can choose a block that's not inside the same parameters. Or you can ask your dealer; if he supplies the pros around, he probably already knows what will suit your needs.

One more thing about lapels: you regularly can find used Lectrosonics ones at places like Trew audio for cheap since the pros usually hook up other brands when they have like 6 or 8 mics in their kit ; they ditch a few ones to get extra dough while keeping 2 or 3 of them as backups just in case.
Needless to say these mics have usually not been very much used, have a good quality and are around 150 bucks, compared to something around 300 to 500 for other pro models... you simply fit the right connector (1/8" - screwable if you want more sturdiness / duct taped if you're on a budget) and you're flying...

The 500 series from memory let's you use all the available bands, the lower numbers ones you get to choose a fixed band, local Senny guys will/should know which band suits your area.

Bob.

Jeremiah,

I don't know what type of camera you will be utilizing this with. With that said, I use my g2 with a HVR-A1u. I had an issue with the pilot tone seeping through onto the actual recorded footage as a high pitched beep. Once I posted here and others had a look at it, it came down to it being the pilot tone. I turned it off, did some more shooting and it was gone. It did not always do this. Some places I filmed it was not there, other places, it was- but just dissabling the pilot tone worked for me. I really like the g2 and it has a great range and the mic mine came with from BH sound pretty good to me :)

j razz

My daughter was in a musical last year and the sound from the body mikes was crystal clear. I asked her which body mikes they were using and she said Sony. I was surprised, but they did sound great.

John

Less sibilance accentuation with Sony and higher end Sennheiser mics.
More sibilance with Sanken, Countryman and Tram mics (designed to be concealed under garment or on head (hairline) so they put a boost in hi-freqs)