Hello I am looking to purchase lavaliers for two actors and the receiver to go with it. I am looking to spend anywhere from $400 to $600. Does anyone have any brands or specific models they can recommend ? Everytime I end up renting these things they are damaged or missing some part. I don't want to deal with the hassle of renting anymore.
Looking for recommendations on lavaliers
- Thread starter Blutarski
- Start date
Paul Hudson
Vacuum Tube Member
You are going to have a tough time finding two "quality" lavs for that price. Now, one could be had if you are interested in the Sennheiser line.
You can get into the Sennheiser g3 series for about $600.00/channel. That's about the cheapest you're going to get. The lavs that come with the system are acceptable but that's about it. Adding the countryman b3 lav mic will cost $200.00/mic.
I've been looking very closely are adding some wireless to my location sound rig, and the Sennheiser G3 is about the lowest price rig that is decent. B&H has got some Sony stuff for a little over $400/channel but I've been burned by Sony before with wireless an reluctant to trust them again.
Look at the bright side, the next step up from Sennheiser is Lectronics which cost about 3 times what the Sennheiser costs.
I've been looking very closely are adding some wireless to my location sound rig, and the Sennheiser G3 is about the lowest price rig that is decent. B&H has got some Sony stuff for a little over $400/channel but I've been burned by Sony before with wireless an reluctant to trust them again.
Look at the bright side, the next step up from Sennheiser is Lectronics which cost about 3 times what the Sennheiser costs.
I assume that you mean you want wireless systems, then? Lavalieres are only microphones and do nothing for transmitting to a receiver. For that, you need a wireless transmitter as well.
Most wireless systems nowadays come with stock lavs from the manufacturers, though the stock lavs aren't generally the best quality out there.
$400-600 total, or per system? If that's your total budget, you'll get one decent system (maybe). If it's per system, you have some possibilities.
Use the search function in these forums and you'll see plenty of good information about wireless systems: which ones are worth the price and which ones to avoid. Read the stickies, too. You're looking at about $600 for the minimum price per wireless system, at least for the ones that will perform.
How about something like this? Is this conducive for film?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/431961-REG/Shure_PG188_PG185_M7_PG_Series_Dual_Wireless.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/431961-REG/Shure_PG188_PG185_M7_PG_Series_Dual_Wireless.html
I want to use this for powering camera batteries lap top and receiver.
http://www.amazon.com/Duracell-DPP-600HD-Powerpack-Starter-Emergency/dp/B000TKHMWK
By the way don't pay that amount if your thinking of getting one. They go for $125 on eBay
http://www.amazon.com/Duracell-DPP-600HD-Powerpack-Starter-Emergency/dp/B000TKHMWK
By the way don't pay that amount if your thinking of getting one. They go for $125 on eBay
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You might want to work out the loads. This only provides 28 amp hours. Account for the conversion to 110v, and I'm thinking maybe a 4 hr max limit when powering what you want.
The other problem is now your sound mixer is tethered to a power cable.
I'd strongly suggest that you consider self-powered (battery) for all gear in the field.
It's amazing how long it takes to shoot a 6 minute short.
There really is a reason that battery packs, and battery-powered gear are necessities for location shooting. Another option is to either hire out location sound, or rent wireless when you need it.
If you're hiring it out, all the maintenance is left to the sound department. IF renting, just make sure it all works before you leave. And trust me, there is necessary maintenance on location sound gear, especially wireless. Cables break, packs go out and must be sent off for warranty repair, mics have to be cleaned and tested. And you better have backup cables for your critical connections. This is all stuff you don't have to worry about when hiring out sound.
I've recently invested what I consider big dollars into my battery system. The result is I can power 4 receivers, my recorder, and a mixer for 14 hrs with a rig I wear on my web belt.
And one more comment, lavs will not do it all. When at all possible, I prefer to boom the shot. The sound is more natural, blends better, and comes across more open than lavs. Just my opinion.
The other problem is now your sound mixer is tethered to a power cable.
I'd strongly suggest that you consider self-powered (battery) for all gear in the field.
It's amazing how long it takes to shoot a 6 minute short.
There really is a reason that battery packs, and battery-powered gear are necessities for location shooting. Another option is to either hire out location sound, or rent wireless when you need it.
If you're hiring it out, all the maintenance is left to the sound department. IF renting, just make sure it all works before you leave. And trust me, there is necessary maintenance on location sound gear, especially wireless. Cables break, packs go out and must be sent off for warranty repair, mics have to be cleaned and tested. And you better have backup cables for your critical connections. This is all stuff you don't have to worry about when hiring out sound.
I've recently invested what I consider big dollars into my battery system. The result is I can power 4 receivers, my recorder, and a mixer for 14 hrs with a rig I wear on my web belt.
And one more comment, lavs will not do it all. When at all possible, I prefer to boom the shot. The sound is more natural, blends better, and comes across more open than lavs. Just my opinion.
Rippie
Veteran
I wouldnt be surprised if this shure receiver uses a DC adapter
meaning there is no reason to use an inverter.
More than likely a 12v batt wired directly into it would run it.
that link with the duracell battery/power is way overkill.
Rippie
Veteran
just decided to look it up for the hell of it.
The Shure PG88 receiver runs on 12–18 Vdc at 320mA, supplied by external power supply.
Thats not much of a draw.
As I said above a simple 12v battery direct into the unit would work fine.
Thousands of options out there for batteries/battery chargers.
The Shure PG88 receiver runs on 12–18 Vdc at 320mA, supplied by external power supply.
Thats not much of a draw.
As I said above a simple 12v battery direct into the unit would work fine.
Thousands of options out there for batteries/battery chargers.
I wouldn't trust this to hold up in the field. Shure's cheap units are just that: cheap. They don't cost much, either.
Captain Pierce
Veteran
Even when you get into the mid-range, Shure is cheaper than they used to be, and I don't mean the cost. 
JordanBlock
Well-known member
I've had the misfortune of using some of the PG line for live work a couple times and I really can't recommend it.
Rippie
Veteran
Yea just confirming..i was in no way endorsing using these units
just wanted people to realize most of them run off of DC (with an AC adapter)
and can run off of a lot of different type of 12v batteries.
Wouldn't want to try to use these kind of units in a bag of course but perhaps on a cart
if your budget was ridiculously low.
just wanted people to realize most of them run off of DC (with an AC adapter)
and can run off of a lot of different type of 12v batteries.
Wouldn't want to try to use these kind of units in a bag of course but perhaps on a cart
if your budget was ridiculously low.
Sam Mallery
Well-known member
Good thinking.
Another way those Shure's would have been bad is that the lavs have a cardioid pick-up pattern. In video/film you always want to use omni lavs.
manglerBMX
Veteran
there's been a slew of lav/wireless posts lately despite the awesome search tool dvxuser has. we really need to get a well informed written post stickied. but that will probably get ignored as well...