Lav Recommendations

C

Cassius

Veteran
I'm having some shopping issues, and wanted to come here for help, with people I trust.

I need a decent lav for interviews. I don't need the best lav, because that's what I hire sound specialists and go to the rental shops for. The purpose of this is to deal with gigs that either I'm not charging for or I'm otherwise not able to properly rent for. Something that's passable for most things, but doesn't have to be a workhorse I take out for everything. I've stepped back a lot from production, and I'm not sure how much I'll go back other than volunteer work. So this isn't a serious business investment anymore.

For reference, I usually rent G2 or G3 wireless systems. I'm used a few wired, once I rented a B6 and it was pretty good. So that's what I'm used to.

Right now I'm looking at the AT899 for $270. I can't really justify spending more, and honestly I can't very well justify spending that much easily. I would prefer to go with something that costs less, but at a certain point they stop being useful. I don't know how low I can go, and what models are reliable. So I'm here. For casual use when I'm not up for a real rental, can anyone point me in the right direction?

Sorry for being a bit clueless here but again, that's why I hire you guys when I can. Thanks.
 
Cassius said:
Right now I'm looking at the AT899 for $270. I can't really justify spending more, and honestly I can't very well justify spending that much easily. I would prefer to go with something that costs less, but at a certain point they stop being useful. I don't know how low I can go, and what models are reliable. So I'm here. For casual use when I'm not up for a real rental, can anyone point me in the right direction?
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Oscar SoundTech lavs is the way to go if you're on a tight budget but want high quality:

http://www.oscarsoundtech.com/services.html

Tascam DR10L is also worth a look at too as an ultra low budget "wireless" (but not!) lav option.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1281085-REG/tascam_dr_10l_mini_portable_recorder.html
 
I love the Countryman B6, they sound great and can usually be 'hidden' in plain sight. There are three sensitivity options and they come with three response caps as well. Cons: They're susceptible in air turbulence, and bit fiddly to work with.. the cable for instance is only slightly larger than fishing line. The similar B3 is larger and cost less.
Bang for the buck? The OSTs win hands down. The OST 801 & 802 are the exact size/shape as the Tram TR50. The OST TL-40 has a flatter response and a 'traditional' oil can shape, it's about the size of the aforementioned B3 (4mm). Like the Countrymans, OSTs are made in USA and customer service is exceptional.
 
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Awesome, thanks everyone. I found a really good deal on an ECM-77B, so I'm going to try that out, and go back through here if I'm not happy with it. I'm glad this forum is still active. Most websites give me suggestions for the cheapest thing to plug into my iPhone to start a podcast, or otherwise doesn't fit with real advice. Posting here is definitely my best source for reliable, first hand information.
 
M-150, m-152, these are lectro kit Mics. Lots floating around. Not sure what used price is these days. Last time I bought one it was 50$ Used. Wouldn't pay a hundred for one but these have worked on many shows.
 
For a pre owned Lectro lav, $50 seems to have been the going used price for quite a while. There are a lot of them around as they came with many of the systems and most pro users upgrade to a Sanken or other higher end mic, but they are decent. I have a few M119, 150 and 152s around for back ups. I recall reading they are actually made by Voice Technologies, similar to the VT500, which are also regarded as 'decent'.
 
You won’t regard the ECM 77B, it’s a work horse. I have it for years. Great for eng work and omo jobs
 
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