Lav alternates for Lectro

[Noiz2]

I managed to get a couple of Lectrosonic 100 series packs at an auction. They have the Lectro M152 mics with them which from what I read are OK.

I was looking at picking up a pair of Oscar Tech lavs as upgrades/ alternates.

So my question for those who know the mics which ones?

I can see good logic to any number of combos. The plan would be for using them mostly on low budget films with possible an occasional podcast kind of gig.

from what I have read and some tests the Lectro mics should be fine for the podcast kind of gig where you don't care if it's seen so placement can be optimized. And not as great when you are having to conceal them under clothing.

So one plan would be to get a pair of OST-801's because they have a bump like the trams and should be better concealed.

Another would be to get a pair of TL-40's because they are small enough that they would be easy to hide, though they may not be as good concealed.

The third is to get one of each, more flexibility but not a matched set.

An assumption (that may be wrong) is that the OST-802's are going to be very similar to the Lectro mics an so would not be all that useful (over what I have now).

I know this is one of "those" questions, but I'm not really asking what is better but more what would you do. What in your experience would you think would be most useful.

Do you find the flexibility more important or would you just go for a pair and use the Lectro's as backup. Or maybe you have found the Lectros fine concealed and you would get the TL-40's as options when you couldn't conceal them and they need to be hidden in plain sight.

Opinions greatly appreciated.

 

[Rick R]

In that scenario and If hiding mics a lot, I would get the (end address) TL-40. The 801/2 are similar (side address) flat style as the 150/2. Which of the three sound better is subjective. The 801 has more HF then the 802 and 152.
That said, I have 801/2, TL40s and the Lectro 150/2. I use the OSTs most of the time. Which depends on the wardrobe/mounting options.
I have many leftover Tram mounts which fit the 801/2.

 

[Noiz2]

Thanks that is the way I was leaning, but having limited experience with the Lecros and none with the Oscars I wasn't sure.

From a lot of reading and checking out the opinions on the 150/2 vary between OK and "my favorite" which to me means they are probably not spectacular but they are pretty good and the differences are more in personal choice. I can see the push on the high end (tram and 801) being a positive but I mostly do post ad you could do that to a certain extent after the fact.

Which was why I was leaning to a pair of the TL40's since they would be a good compliment to the Lectros. Next round maybe pick up something like the 801's for cutting through thicker covering.

I haven't heard from anyone who doesn't like the Oscars. Some prefer others but nobody has been saying anything bad about them.

 

[Rick R]

the 150/2 vary between OK and "my favorite" which to me means they are probably not spectacular but they are pretty good and the differences are more in personal choice.
I would concur Scott, though I've not heard "favorite".
That said, the TL40 is a good overall mic. Slightly smaller than a B3, it can be hidden behind medium sized buttons and clothing/rubbing cable noise is minimal.
The XLR Phantom Pwr. adapter maybe worthwhile as well if you do sit-down interview type work, since the OST power supply is 'affordable' ($85) compared to the $180 Tram TR79. The 'combo' set is cost effective as it includes a windscreen, clip and Pelican case.
The metal windscreen and metal tie clip are a little overpriced IMO... but I rarely use that type config.

 

[Noiz2]

Maybe "my goto" would be more accurate. Just that unlike the lavs that come with the G2/3 systems "replace the 152" has not been the consensus. If I had no mics for the wireless I don't think I would buy the 152's, since the Oscar's seem a better buy, but I have them so...