£400 budget on a lav setup

[laverdir]

I don't disagree, but not typically an option on quick one-man-band shoots. For sit down interviews i'd like to add a stand I can swing a boom on so I can feasibly be behind camera and mic, be able to move both without needing to worry about one going completely awry while I operate the other.

Can you expand on the Sony option?

You can get URX-P03D UWP-D two-channel portable receiver.

And use it with UTX-P03 UWP-D XLR plug-on transmitter for microphones that require phantom power (eg. your AT875R).

And with UTX-B03 UWP-D belt-pack transmitter to get lav system that you wanted.

Or UTX-B03HR UWP-D body-pack transmitter to add hirose connector lavalier of your choice.

Finally, UWP-D Series system has line input available for added flexibility, if you want to add Sound Devices MixPre-3 latter (which you can remotely control via Wingman app.).

 

[junct]

Thanks - that option only stretches the budget 400%

 

[junct]

If you do the editing, I would also consider buying one or two of the Tascam DR-10Ls instead of wireless. They are smaller, simpler, set and forget. The downside is you cannot monitor the sound so you need to know how to properly rig a lavaliere. The upside is, they record everything, even when your camera is off, which for certain types of filmmaking can be immesely helpful.
Super simple to sync these days with the auto sync functions built into FCP X and Premiere CC. You don't need slates, handclaps, clapper boards anymore. We bought two of the Tascams and have actually been using them far more than our wireless. Plus wireless eat batteries in comparison, are larger and heavier, a PITA to try to get clean sound with at times from UHF or WiFi interference.
The more I use the Tascams, the less I am liking wireless in general for the type of OMB run & gun documentary shooting where we cannot have a sound mixer. I always prefer having a good sound mixer to do the job but when you can't, I am digging the Tascams. The limiter is pretty good and they also record a safety track at -6dB or -12dB under your main track.

Of course, if you hand off footage unedited to clients, you are probably stuck with wireless.

I wanted to say thanks - this is the set up i went with. I used it on a shoot today, and while the primitive gain controls, minimal options, lack of monitoring etc are drawbacks, I realised they're actually kind of blessings for this type of interview work. I used a shotgun as well, but the Tascam got *good enough* sound for this kind of corporate video work, and was way less hassle. I was able to focus properly on asking questions etc.

The ease of use, quick set up and tiny size are a huge bonus too. On gigs where I can't work with a sound person/my sound person is limited/the client won't pay for one, then I think this does the job *well enough.* Heck I might even start leaving the mic stand at home..

 

[puredrifting]

I wanted to say thanks - this is the set up i went with. I used it on a shoot today, and while the primitive gain controls, minimal options, lack of monitoring etc are drawbacks, I realised they're actually kind of blessings for this type of interview work. I used a shotgun as well, but the Tascam got *good enough* sound for this kind of corporate video work, and was way less hassle. I was able to focus properly on asking questions etc.

The ease of use, quick set up and tiny size are a huge bonus too. On gigs where I can't work with a sound person/my sound person is limited/the client won't pay for one, then I think this does the job *well enough.* Heck I might even start leaving the mic stand at home..

Exactly. When one man banding it, I'm usually too busy to mess with my mixer, Tentacle Syncs, multiple channels of microphones, scanning for open frequencies, troubleshooting RF issues. Sometimes you just need simnple and good enough.

 

[junct]

Yup. As you pointed out you also get good stuff when the recorder is left running when you’d often turn off another recorder. I’ll likely use some post-interview bits in this edit, because the candid nature of the conversation we were having as I was packing down camera got some really good sound bites.

In my creative doc work, it’s a technique I already use (I try leave the camera running as I pack up and set down - I always tell participants, no one has had an issue with it so far, but the less formal nature of it all gets some good stuff)