Lavaliere Comparisons-B6 vs. EMW vs. ME2

P

ptalsky

Veteran
Hey all,

I've been talking about doing this for some time, so now I've gone and done it.

The links below are two comparisons - a B6 vs. an EMW and a B6 vs. an ME2. In both cases, the B6 is mixed left, the other mic is mixed right.

The first links are for uncompressed .wav files (very large). They were recorded at 44.1 and 24-bit. The second set of links are .wma files (much smaller, but compressed) set at 44.1 and 16-bit.

The recordings were done on my Tascam HD-P2, running through my Mackie 1202 (my normal mixer). I used line-in on the Tascam, so this isn't really a test of the pre-amps on the Tascam. The mics were hooked up to my G2's. The sensitivity on the Tx was set to -30Db. I adjusted the gain a bit on the mixer to balance them out. The mics were placed about where I would put them on talent, but over my clothes rather than under.

Here are the links:

.wav
http://www.bwgproductions.com/examples/B6_Left_EMW_Right.wav
http://www.bwgproductions.com/examples/B6_Left_ME2_Right.wav

.wma
http://www.bwgproductions.com/examples/b6_left_emw_right.wma
http://www.bwgproductions.com/examples/b6_left_me2_right.wma

Let me know what you think.

Phil
 
Phil,
Wow, this is exactly what I was looking for--a direct comparison with some of the major lav options I've been considering, now that I just got a G2 and am thinking about upgrading the mic. Thanks very much for taking the time to do this; it was quite helpful.
Funny thing: I clearly could hear the sound difference between the B6 and EMW, and thought the B6 sounded better. But the B6 and the ME2 actually sounded pretty similar to me! Am I just missing something?
One more question for you: you mention that the EMW is more subject to handling noise than the B6....now that you've had more time to play with the mics, are you still feeling that way? I'm fairly new to lavs and the art of mic-ing someone, and am looking for a mic that is a little more forgiving to clothing or body movement. Any litle advantage counts in that department, so I was curious to know if you still think the B6 is less sensitive to that than the EMW. How about compared to the Me2, by the way?
Thanks much for posting this...
 
K2,

Thanks for the feedback.

Actually, ranking clothing rub noise - ME2 first, EMW second, B6 third and best. There is a significant sound difference for me between the B6 and the ME2, but it generally shows up most under clothing. I recorded these outside the clothes, but positioned about where I would normally position them. So it isn't an exact apples for apples type of comparison.

As far as what I personally recommend, I'm going with all B6's, for a couple of reasons. First, they are so tiny they can be hidden outside the clothes (behind buttons, in the hair, taped to eyeglasses, etc.) that they can't be beat from that standpoint. Second, and this one is very specific for me...Countryman is right here in Menlo Park. So when I switch (and I know I'll be making this switch sooner than later) from G2's to Lectro, I can bring the mics in to them to get re-plugged. The one and only time I ever tried to solder something, I ended up with a big glob of mush, so I don't even try any more.

Phil
 
Thanks Phil. I'm getting excited to give the B6 a try, but one more question: given its small size, are there any complications with taping it under a subject's shirt? (quality drop off, any other gotchas). I appreciate the flexibility of being able to hide it in hair, under buttons, etc. etc., but again, that's the kind of thing that I'll try to do when I gain more experience. For now, I'll probably keep taping it under people's shirts...
 
Thanks for these tests, I am also going to buy lavalier soon, these will come very very handy, downloading now...:dankk2:
 
Last edited:
K2,

Sorry for not answering sooner, this thread just dropped way down and I missed your question.

Usually, I manage to find a way to get the B6 outside the talent's clothes. For example, I put it behind a button, on the outside of the shirt. If you tape underneath, I don't think you will experience any serious degredation, but it depends on the cloth and the type of clothes. For example, I wouldn't put it under a heavy wool coat...you won't get much usable audio that way. But, again, you could tuck it under the button of the coat without any problem.

HTH,

Phil
 
Matthew, I still don't have one. I've decided to go strictly with B6's across the board until I move to Lectro. The reason for this is Countryman is 10 minutes from my house, so when I move to Lectro, they can re-plug them for me. I don't have anyone here that could re-plug a COS11 (and yes, I'm sure it's easy and all that, but the last time I soldered something, I ended up with a big silver blob.)

Phil
 
yes i certainly understand why having them right near by would be a huge plus!

i was just curious if you had a file comparing the cos-11 with the other mics.

it was pretty much a coin toss between the b6 and the cos-11

the cos-11 just sounded more full to me in the limited opportunity i had to listen to it beforehand.

there is no pro audio shop nearby and when i go into the city b&h isn't exactly conducive to quiet contemplation!

but i'm close enough to nyc that stuff from b&h and gothamsound.com usually gets to me next day even though i have it sent ground.

matthew
 
Thanks Phil for doing these tests. Looking at the size of the B6 s and the sound coming from such a tiny wee mic is incredible. How technology moves forward in this way is something else.

Just curious if there are specific aspects of the G2s that you felt lacking hence an upgrade to the lectros or is it largely just a step up the ladder in overall quality.

Thanks once again it is most helpful... Michael
 
its quite a noticable step up. one of the main differences is either dual band companding, or digital audio being transmitted via analogue radio (these are the new Hybrid systems).

The G2 is pretty cool, and I prefer it to the Sony UWP-C1 (similar cost), but Lectro is a step up overall - just a more professional system.

Some people (like Matt) will say that the Lectro 100's cost more than they improve the audio, and I cant say yet (my Lectro's are in the post on their way to me), but its always like that: on the low end of things, a little cash yields a big improvement, on the higher end you pay more and more for those little imrpovements.

i think the lectro systems are validated though, they are incredible. (ive used the 411, 401, and 211, but not the 100's Im getting so I wont speak for those yet)
 
Quote from timapter:

Some people (like Matt) will say that the Lectro 100's cost more than they improve the audio, and I cant say yet (my Lectro's are in the post on their way to me), but its always like that: on the low end of things, a little cash yields a big improvement, on the higher end you pay more and more for those little imrpovements.

Wow is that not a true statement indeed for many things. Something about the law of diminishing returns or something. Great point and very helpful.

I think that is exactly why what Matt and Jeremy try to recommend "best bang for buck" when they give helpful advice to many others. That said nothing wrong with a wee treat to something special even though it may not represent best value!

The remarks about the sony was timely. I noticed an online store discounting the sonys.

Thanks timapter and i hope your excited anticipation is rewarded by equally excited recordings with your new Lectros :)

I suppose us males are just like kids when we are getting something new sent to us we are full of excitement. Like i waited about four days to get Jay Roses book on audio. Ok its just a book to most people but new knowledge on its way, man that is exciting..... Kind of spoiled when the companion arrived a day later though. That excitement would be missed if we could afford to just replace or purchase the best without having to sacrifice a lot just to get even one tiny little item. Maybe thats a cue for a new thread how much sacrifice have others went to to get something they wanted.


Sometimes i think i have been sacrificing all of my life!:(
 
Yeah, I know what you're saying.

Really, stay away from the UWP. Ive got two of them, and they sound fine for a while, then you start hearing how hissy and dull they are when your ears develop a little bit (Admittedly, I bought mine before doing enough research on them. But its ok, they have paid themselves back long ago)
 
Mostly what Tim said. They are a step up, but the fact that I'm on G2's right now has not hindered my business. I'm waiting until I can find the cost justification to move up. Of course, one step above the Lectros is Zaxcom, and that is what I'm really drooling over. There are two primary things I want to do first - wireless boom and wireless camera hop. I actually used my G2's for a camera hop last weekend, and it sounded pretty good. But, I was never more than 10 feet or so from the camera, so we didn't push the G2's very hard.

So, my next bump up will probably be Lectro 4xx series, but first for the reasons above, then to fully replace my G2's.

PHil
 
Mmmm... 4xx.

mmmm... zaxcom stereoline.

cam hop is FLIPPIN useful...

see, for me, my sony's were pissing me off. and I felt scared to turn to Senn on exactly the same cost bracket (i.e. Im not improving, im just admitting I screwed up).

I cant afford 4 series, but I dont think Ill need them for at least a year or so, and I may get a job that can pay for them in a quick burst. And I know Ill get good SA (or international) resale on Lectro 100's when I decide to sell, which Im sure I will after a year or so.

SA market is starved for gear, so we're lucky on the resale side quite often, but get screwed on buying most of the time.
 
When i read what you guys are saying it REALLY brings home the major key point that "experience makes a huge difference".

It would be easy if you had the money to just jump in with both feet and get the bees knees of equipment, but without this learning curve most in
experienced individuals would not even know how to make use of the very best sound equipment. The really experienced sound guy/girl can utilise all the qualities that high end gear brings and make it sing. My bet is that most folk would simply be wasting their money.

You know when i ventured into this whole video arena i did not realise just how much knowledge and skill is required to enable you to do a video professionally. They say a little bit of knowledge is dangerous and it certainly applies to geting good audio sound. Enjoying the books by the way, hard going in the technical side at times but skip a chapter and return to the difficult chapter next day and you manage to understand a tiny wee bit extra.

Thanks guys you have been very helpful i hope i can return the favours some time in the future Thanks Michael
 
Not that I am shilling for Lectros and/or Trew Audio but there is a sale on Lectro's there right now (also a rebate on the Zaxcom ENG).

Can't go wrong with a coupon :D
 
OK, but that sale is long since over...in fact Lectro recently raised the price of several units. :(

Actaually, that was a very nice A/B, Phil. In the interest of not having 20 stickies on this forum, perhaps posting a link to this thread in the mic comparison stickie would be prudent.

Cheers
 
Wabbit,

I started to - but I have to remember what the links actually are so I can re-post them...when I copy and paste I just get the abreviated version. ;-)

Phil
 
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