Lavalier Mic Improvement

D

Darkwing Productions

Member
I'm looking to improve the quality of my lavalier sound recordings, and also reduce the footprint. My current setup is a Tascam DR-05, Aspen Mic HQ-M Mono Lavalier, and one of those old cell phone belt clip cases. What would give me the most bang for my buck of about $200 (option 3 would have to be done in 2 stages)?

  1. replace the DR-05 with a Tascam DR-10L
  2. replace the Aspen with a Sennheiser ME 2
  3. replace the whole DR-05 + Aspen Mic combo with something like the [Tascam DR-10X or Saramonic SR-VRM1] + [Audio-Technica AT803 or Shure SM93 or Oscar SoundTech Lavalier)

I know there are wireless options in the $200-$500 range, but am I wrong for thinking that the quality would be less than the setup I currently have? And is there a significant improvement in audio quality when using XLR lavs vs 3.5mm (1/8 inch) ones?
 
I'm using the Roland R-05, a bit smaller than the Tascam unit.

I don't consider myself an audio expert (I've worked with those guys, man their ears are good), but I do think my ears are slightly above average. I find the sound quality/size of the Countryman EMW quite satisfactory.

$400 for the pair at B&H. The DR-10L would be half that price, though, so might be worth it.
 
The Tascam DR-10L[/B has a 1/8 jack with the needed plug-in pwr. (aka, bias current) for lavs. The DR-10X is a plug-on type Tx, better suited for a dynamic hand-held reporter's mic like the venerable EV RE50.
Lavalieres: I'd stay away from the infamous ME2. A Countryman EMW or B3, Shure WL93 or OST 801/802 would be a better choice IMO. All of which in the $100-200 range.
I don't know much about the new Saramonic SR-VRM1 recorder, except it's China made by the B&H sister company. Don;t know if they make a Lav version of the recorder.
 
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