Need a VERY small, water resistant & VERY rugged wireless transmitter + Lav question

el_lago

el_lago

Active member
Need a VERY small, water resistant & VERY rugged wireless transmitter + Lav question

*** EDIT: please refer to question about lavs in my post following this one.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Hello,

Not too long ago I posted questions about audio equipment that I'll be needing for a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructional series that I'll be producing:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?t=37248

I got an MK-41 and have recently decided to expand my audio budget (by $3,200 ballpark) and add a wireless set up. On my previous thread ExileOnTheMainStreet recommended the Lectrosonics MM200 transmitter but I see that it has (recently?) been discontinued. Lectrosonics is the only company that seems to make transmitters that are small enough, water resistant, and sturdy enough for my needs (the SM & the MM400B).

From what I've read the MM400B looks like it will suit my needs. It's small so it won't interfere with any of the moves that will be demonstrated, being water resistant I won't have to worry about my instructor's sweat destroying it, and I don't have to worry about it getting crushed because it's made out of machined aluminum. B&H sells an MM400B system for $2,455.00. I was wondering, though, are there any alternatives with the same characteristics that I have overlooked that would be worth considering? The SM looks tempting but I'm debating on whether or not it's worth the extra $. BTW - I'd like to point out that my equipment isn't going to be used solely for this instructional series, I'll also be using it for documentary type projects as well.

Another question I have has to do with lavs. My main concern, besides audio quality, is the ruggedness of the mic wire where it meets the connector and the overall microphone. Can anyone recommend a good lav that will have no problems surviving my jiu jitsu instructional?

I forgot to mention on my previous thread that renting equipment would be more expensive for me than buying due to the amount of shooting that needs to be done. Also, my instructor has training associations across the country that keep him very busy so our shooting schedule is going to be fairly sporadic.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
The MM400b is really your only option. It's the only water resistant transmitter out there.

-Dave
 
Thanks for the advice, guys. I'll be going with the MM400B package from B&H. I checked out Gotham Sound's used page but unfortunately the mm400a's they were selling don't come in one of the frequency blocks recommended to me by Lectrosonics for the areas I'll be shooting in.

Now what I need to figure out is what lav I should get. I was looking at the Countryman B6 and became interested in it when I saw how small and unobtrusive it is and that it's moisture resistant, but after delving into some newsgroup posts I saw someone comment that it isn't very rugged. BTW - which pick-up pattern do you think would be best for my needs, an omni or cardioid?

I'm very interested in hearing any info on lavs that meet the following criteria.

1. something that isn't fragile and will withstand the user throwing people around, etc.
2. moisture resistant and can handle sweat
3. small and unobtrusive

thanks
 
I've been thinking about this for a few days.

No microphone will absolutely stand up to full on interactions on the mat. But with a little planning and common sense, I think you can be successful with the following:

1) A Countryman B3
http://tinyurl.com/b9b6w

or 2) A Countryman E6
http://tinyurl.com/8tufj

In thinking about some of the typical positions that the demonstrator will find himself in, I would not place a lav on the front of the gi where people generally grab each other. Instead I would place it up on the collar. I would use an omni mic.

The second solution also avoids placing the mic where a lot of the grabbing is going on, and is fairly unobtrusive.

As long as the demonstrators are reasonably careful either should work out fine.
 
I understand your interest in a rugged wireless system... but have you considered a good shotgun mounted on a boom... with a good audio/boom operator, would work certainly just as well. Wouldn't have the extra noise of being worn, rubbing against the wearer/opponent, and being slamed into the mat.

Good luck...!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top