Wireless Transceiver Lavalier Test Showdown

[moonlitnite]

I'd like to step up and offer everyone an opportunity to send me illustrative examples of their wireless transceiver lavalier data. Hopefully, this will better serve others with a quantitative acid test. I'll be happy to post everyone's WAV or MP3 files on my website so others can make their own determination. Then in future dvxuser audio group correspondence, we can point others to our test results.

Wireless Lavalier Proposed Test - Include the following:

1. Name transceiver manufacturer and model
2. Name microphone manufacturer and model
3. Describe the environment (distance, etc)
4. Describe recording setting (as 44.1Khz, 128Kbps)
5. Avoid sound processing if possible (EQ, compression, noise gating, etc)

Please keep the file short, 30 seconds of audio is about right. If your sample illustrates a deficiency or shortcoming of the sample file, please include an unbiased fair statement of the problem.

I will post everyone's submission at:

http://www.bridgehands.com/audio


Warm Regards,

Michael

[Ferdi Willemse]

Hi Moonlitnite, that's very kind of you to do. This will definently help a lot of people here, including me.

[moonlitnite]

Hello friends,

Okay all, I've uploaded a handful of indoor/outdoor "as-is" tests using various Sennheiser models, assorted distances, frequencies, etc. So have some fun "flaming-on" - especially those who actually take up the challenge with their *own* submissions. I'll be happy to include anything reasonable...

BTW, the above link is hidden from my commercial website. If for some reason you wish to type in the URL, it's: http://www.bridgehands.com/audio

Enjoy, Michael

[moonlitnite]

Wabbit points out in an earlier forum, Phil offered a few A/B tests as well. See: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=45427

[Ferdi Willemse]

Wow, I've just listened to some tests and I must say the difference between the ME2 and the ME4/Countryman are massive. So I guess that a good solution for me would be to buy a Sennheiser G2 kit, with a ME4 or Countryman microphone.

But I'll wait for a couple more tests before I make any decisions.

[ScoobySounds]

The only wireless lav in this shootout is a Tram TR50, but the audio file might have some value to somebody, somewhere.. who knows. thought i'd tell you about it anyway.

thread
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread...light=shootout

sample
http://www.sound-travels.com/7micShootout.mp3

[Kevin Briggs]

Hey Michael,

I have the basic G2 setup you already tested and 3 more lav mics from giant squid audio labs. These mics are very cheap and for the cost they are worth it for capturing mediocre audio. I bought them after the lav shipped with the G2 was ripped in two. I didn't want to invest in a countrymen mic with the possibility of this happening again, and since I use the cheap mics for weddings, the discernible quality to the perspective client is fine with me. I have since fixed the G2 lav by cannibalizing a 1/8" plug from my computer mic and re-soldering the G2 mic to the new cable. Ok to my question: Would your blog benefit from some tests of these low end lavs?

Here is the link:

http://www.giant-squid-audio-lab.com/

-Kevin

[moonlitnite]

Originally Posted by Kevin Briggs

Hey Michael,

<clip> Ok to my question: Would your blog benefit from some tests of these low end lavs?

-Kevin

Hi Kevin,

Yes, if you have an illustrative low-end lavalier MP3 that's popular, please send it to me (although most would say the Senn ME2 and ME4 are low-end).

Regards, Michael

[Ferdi Willemse]

Well, the G2 with the ME4 - to me sounds just like the Countryman. But I don't have such a good headset here at work, so maybe I'm wrong. But the G2 with ME4 sounds like a good solutions to me.

[moonlitnite]

Originally Posted by Ferdi Willemse

Well, the G2 with the ME4 - to me sounds just like the Countryman. But I don't have such a good headset here at work, so maybe I'm wrong. But the G2 with ME4 sounds like a good solutions to me.

Hi Ferdi,

Glad to hear the testing was helpful. Looking at the sound files via software, I noted the Countryman had a base noise level 10dB lower than the Sennheisers. I agree that the ME4 sounded okay for my simple test, but I wondered if its large size would be more likely to pickup bumping noise, etc. Be sure to check out all the specs (sound patterns, etc) and be aware the lower-end stuff isn't very rugged - okay if it's for personal use but beware when you put it on a client.

Regards,

Michael