F3 Audio Question

[lasikdenver]

I ran this by the audio section, got some good suggestions, but wanted to get some insight from F3 users: I am running a Sennheiser wireless G3 receiver into one of the F3 XLR inputs and occasionally get some static or drop in signal. Granted, there are things that can improve this situation, but my question is about the thought of getting a second receiver to plug into the other XLR input on the F3 so that hopefully at least one will have continuous audio? There is also the possibility of running an entire second set (transmitter and receiver). I had heard of people doing this sort of thing and since I do not use the kit shotgun mic, wondered how other users were doing their audio? I really do not want to use an audio mixer and record separately with having to sync audio later. Any insights? The audio forum members had some great suggestions for maximizing what I currently am using. I must admit that I know even less about audio than video and that is very limited so this might not be a good question.

 

[Nate Weaver]

Lots of things can cause wireless hits. What you're describing is called a 'diversity' tuner, and you'll see that term advertised on certain wireless systems.So your proposal will possibly take care of some wireless hits, but probably not all. And likely none if the G3 is already a diversity system. In other words, it's an old trick, and there's a good chance it's 'built-in' to what you already have. That's why there's two antennas on most wireless receivers.

If your operation requires perfect wireless audio (well, I suppose, whose doesn't?), I'll outline some other ways pro audio guys get there:

-higher quality wireless systems (Lectrosonics)

-wireless systems with simple backup digital recorders in the transmitter.

-wireless spectrum analysis tools. Some Lectrosonics units will do a spectrum sweep and tell you where the least frequency congestion is. I'm guessing they will also auto-select the channel after that sweep.

One other thing, it's my experience that a location will either be clean or have problems, and you can usually figure it out within a few minutes. Take a few to monitor your audio before shooting and find out whether you're unlucky at that particular time or spot.