sound on sennheiser lavalier not crisp

J

jen marlowe

New member
the mic is acting as if it's really hot--but when i check the audio signal (af level) on both the transmitter and the receiver, it's not too high.

but there seems to be a lot of buzzy background noise and the voice itself during interviews is loud enough but not very crisp and clear.

i've been turning the channels way down on the camera, and that helps somewhat with the buzzy background noise, but i'm still worried that the sound isn't crisp enough...

thoughts?

jen
 
Check the batteries: low batteries often introduce distortion into the signal.

Check the compander: if the transmitter's compander is set too high, the signal may be distorting before it ever gets to the reciever.
 
do you barry the mic under cloths?
the mics which come with sennheiser are something between dog and cat sh..
use better mic
 
Oleg 2 said:
do you barry the mic under cloths?
the mics which come with sennheiser are something between dog and cat sh..
use better mic
Click to expand...

Ah really? I didn't know that. I'm new to lavs and got my Senn G2 abouta month ago. So what would be a recommended mic?
 
I got Tram TR-50 lavs wired up with G2 connectors. These work very well and sound much better than the stock Sennheiser mics. Though, I must say that A LOT of people really like the Sanken COS-11 lav mic. If I were you, I might try and get a COS-11-- everyone seems to love them, and I think Oleg may know where you can buy some used ones. I bought a Sennheiser 416 from him- and it is a great mic.

-Vic
 
From all I've heard about them, I don't doubt COS-11s are great lavs. Unfortunately they're a bit out of my budget right now. I've been using both Countryman EMW and B3 lavs with the G2 and I like the results. I just got a pair of B3s from Northren Light & Sound for $159/ea. I should say that I do more live event sound and recording where it's probably not as critical as it is in filmmaking.

I can't make a direct comparison to say for sure but I wonder if one can really tell the difference between a mid-priced lav like a B3 and a COS-11 when using the G2 series. Has anyone tried this comparison? Any opinions?

Thanks,
Dan
 
I would check the sensitivity of the transmitter. On the eW100 I have I need to set the sensitivity to -20 or even -30 or it clips the signal before transmission.
 
ptalsky said:
What model of lav are you using? Are you set for line or mic in on the camera?

Phil
Click to expand...
i don't have the mic with me at the moment--i know it's sennheiser but don't remember the model. i have it set to mic, not line.
 
Hi Jen,

Last year I did a quickie test using several microphones with my Sennheiser G2s - the test was intended to demonstrate the effective range in an open environment but you can get a feel for Senn ME2 and ME4 versus the Countryman, etc.

http://www.bridgehands.com/audio

Regards, Michael
 
Hi Michael,
I've just visited your good web site. I've been very suprised by the poor quality of the ME2. I have a doubt right now: You show the Countryman, that I like, but someone on this thread suggest the SANKEN COS-11. Which one would you prefer?
There are any other lav I should consider?
Thanks a lot
Kind regards
Paul
 
Hi Paul,

You'll find many here love the Sanken, even if it requires the added phantom power not available on the Sennheiser. And on the high-end, you might consider Lectrosonic, Tram, etc. A few forum and internet searches should enlighten you - it all depends what you're trying to do...

Good luck, Michael
 
If you look through the stickies at the top, you will find a link to the A/B comparison I did between the B6 and ME4 and an EMW and ME4 all running through G2's. This will give you a chance to hear the difference - always a good thing to do when purchase microphones.

Phil
 
palbanet said:
Hi Michael,
I've just visited your good web site. I've been very suprised by the poor quality of the ME2. I have a doubt right now: You show the Countryman, that I like, but someone on this thread suggest the SANKEN COS-11. Which one would you prefer?
There are any other lav I should consider?
Thanks a lot
Kind regards
Paul
Click to expand...

COS11 and B6 are effective for two different reasons. The B6 works great when you want to hide the mic in plain sight, the Sanken will work better for visable lav situations. In a straight side by side comparison the Sanken has a much fuller sound but is more difficult to hide.

I am starting to fall for the Pinmic for narrative work as compared to my usual fall back of the B6. Average sound (comparable to Tram) but once it is mounted you are done...until a wardrode change.

I still recommend the B6 when someone demands a one size fits all lav (meaning "I didn't budget enough money for sound).

Cheers
 
jen marlowe said:
the mic is acting as if it's really hot--but when i check the audio signal (af level) on both the transmitter and the receiver, it's not too high.

but there seems to be a lot of buzzy background noise and the voice itself during interviews is loud enough but not very crisp and clear.

i've been turning the channels way down on the camera, and that helps somewhat with the buzzy background noise, but i'm still worried that the sound isn't crisp enough...

thoughts?

jen
Click to expand...

A. Sennheiser stock mics are garbage. Throw them out when opening the G2 box for the first time.

B. Turn down the tx sensitivity

C. If you are hiding mic under clothes find a better position (closer, in hair, etc) Experiment to find what works best.

D. Post sample and more details of what you are using and exactly doing.

Cheers
 
Sennheiser also has the MKE-2 for the G2 series. It's pretty damn crisp and detailed. You can't really, really gauge it by this example, because it's heavily compressed by youtube, but here is a MKE-2 wireless on a Sennheiser Evolution G2 wireless. Much, much better than the stock ME2. I've heard that Jay Leno uses the MKE-2. Can anyone confirm?
 
The standard lavs that come with the G2 are indeed standard shyte.

The MKE-2 can be had for between 290-400 bones.

Samples sounds would be nice.

Jay's are great but there is a lot more going on to the signal before we hear it.
 
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