Giant Squid VS Audio Technica

I have no personal experience with Giant Squid, but two things comcern me there:

First, the 1/8" connections that are designed for portable MD recorders, small MP3 and solid-state media recorders, and camcorders. None of them are listed as available with XLR or connectors for good wireless systems.

Second, the repeated use of "hi-fidelity" in their sales pitches. That's a term used in consumer home entertainment systems.

As for Audio Technica, I was blown away by one of their inexpensive stock models, the MT830-cT. It's shaped to mimic a Tram. For $90-ish, it really packs a punch. I bought it as a cheap "last-resort" backup to my Countryman B6 lavs and was surprised that it sounded as good as it does. I even used it instead of the B6 a few times for some interviews and never had an issue. When I did the PA system install at my parish, I ordered those lavs to use with folks who aren't comfortable with the E6 headsets.

I don't like AT's older models of the traditional round-capsule lavs, and they used to send cardioids out with some of their older wireless systems (yikes!). But the 830, and omni, is definitely worth a look-see.

For lavs, omni is always better. Cardioids are great... if the person wearing the lav is in a neck brace and can't move. Once the head turns, off-axis rejection kicks in and the audio will fall off a bit.
 
Thanks man! Lots of good info.

Well, I have read alot about the giant squid mics. And just to make it clear. I will be using these LAVs with portable recorders not wireless systems. And would like to know how they compare to the cheap ones with brand names.
 
I've been researching the same subject a lot. I was originally sold on the Giant Squid omni lav for $25 because they have gotten such great reviews. But despite there quality a few things have turned me off of them. First, Darren (the owner of Giant Squid) advised me not to use one of his mics with a camcorder. Second, they require 1 volt or more of power and my passive XLR adapter and camcorder only have about 1/2 volt, 12v or 48v phantom power will destroy the mics.

In light of this I am know looking for a battery powered alternative, the ATR35S has gotten some great reviews, but doesn't appear to have the same quality of the Giant Squid from what I've read. I am still looking for a battery powered lav that is good quality in the sub-$60-80 range, but there appear to be very few and most don't have any reviews. For a recorder with a decent powered mic jack the GS seem hard to beat, but if you want to use it with your camcorder you may need to look elsewhere.
 
Thanks Rick!

I have decided and went with GS, I bought one Omni, one Cardoid and a power supply. I can post some examples when I get them if someone is interested :)
 
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