need input on wireless solution

droliff

droliff

Active member
Hi all,

I am very new to audio so this is a basic question.

First a preface with info:
I have been taping presentations for a local non profit organization. The end use of the video taping has been to put the presentation on DVD so that anyone who missed one of the various sessions could view and catch up. The organization also may want to start an e-learning series on the web.The presentations average about 90 minutes in length, have 2 presenters that alternate speaking throughout the presentation and are usually in a smallish venue that may hold up to 50 people.
I am using a Panasonic HMC40 camera with XLR adapter. Up to this point my camera mounted Rode NTG-2 has had to suffice and the results, while somewhat passable for the end use, are not where I'd like to be.

I am looking to invest in a wireless system that will be the most versatile for my budget and can accommodate two presenters speaking alternately (must be hands free and transition from speaker to speaker must be quick and seamless). Do I need a receiver that has dual inputs and can receive signal from two lavalier microphones operating on separate frequencies?
Can I put a viable solution together for under 750.00?

Thanks in advance for any constructive input.

Dennis
 
You're close, but the lowest cost for something worthwile is the Sennheiser G3 with Me-2 lav. Those run 599.00 each from B&H with free shipping. I have seen them as low as 460 ea. new on e-bay.

Another alternative is to use wired lavs which will somewhat restrict the movement of the speakers. Very nice wired lavs can be bought (with sufficient XLR cable, and power supply) for around $300.00 ea.
 
Wireless solution

Wireless solution

Hi Dennis. Not sure if my post is too late for you but thought I would reply anyway.
The sennheiser G3 setup is a good option for you though you will need to increase your budget at bit more. To my knowledge, you will need to separate receivers for each transmitter. You can't send two wireless radio signals to one transmitter.
 
You'll need two transmitters operatiing on different frequencies. Those can be picked up either by a single dual-channel receiver or two regular single-channel receivers. Either way, each mic feeds one single channel in the camera or recorder and the mixing is done in post. For the G3, you'll need two complete sets at about $600 each as the G3 line does not offer a dual-channel receiver. Sony and Audio Technica, among others, have sets with a pair of transmitters mated with a dual-channel receiver. Either way, you need to more than double your proposed budget as you're looking at $1250-$1500 as the entry point for a 2 mic system.

You should be thinking a little bit bigger picture. You probably need to record more channels than just lavs on the two presenters ... what about audience reactions and questions from the floor? They're going to need their own mics and recording channels as well. I'm thinking that with 2 presenters and audiences of up to 50, you're actually going to need four to six or more separate recording channels, only two of which will be the aforementioned lavs.
 
Steve House said:
You'll need two transmitters operatiing on different frequencies. Those can be picked up either by a single dual-channel receiver or two regular single-channel receivers. Either way, each mic feeds one single channel in the camera or recorder and the mixing is done in post. For the G3, you'll need two complete sets at about $600 each as the G3 line does not offer a dual-channel receiver. Sony and Audio Technica, among others, have sets with a pair of transmitters mated with a dual-channel receiver. Either way, you need to more than double your proposed budget as you're looking at $1250-$1500 as the entry point for a 2 mic system.

You should be thinking a little bit bigger picture. You probably need to record more channels than just lavs on the two presenters ... what about audience reactions and questions from the floor? They're going to need their own mics and recording channels as well. I'm thinking that with 2 presenters and audiences of up to 50, you're actually going to need four to six or more separate recording channels, only two of which will be the aforementioned lavs.
Click to expand...

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the valuable input. I am new to the video game and am learning more each day. The science and art of audio is particularly interesting to me. In my research on wireless systems I have consistently heard of the Sennheiser G3. This seems like a pro 'go to' system. I also didn't realize until I learned recently through this forum that their are 3 different 'frequency' options when purchasing G3 equipment. I went to the chart pointed out in another thread and found that the 'B' frequency option is best for my area.
Your point about audience reactions and questions from the floor are well taken and something I'll need to address. Recording to more than two channels would require a mixer of some sort correct?
Do you have any thoughts on this Sennheiser wireless kit?
I viewed Chadfish's lav shootout and really liked the sound and performance of the Tram TR50's.

Thanks.

Dennis
 
Droliff,

You didn't mention if your presenters were moving about, and if they aren't, a wired mic will be less expensive and perform better.

Grant
 
ggrantly said:
Droliff,

You didn't mention if your presenters were moving about, and if they aren't, a wired mic will be less expensive and perform better.

Grant
Click to expand...

Hi Grant,

Thanks for the input. Yes, these particular presenters are definitely moving about and not stationary.
 
I'm not a 100% audio guy, but I picked up a used G2 recently - they appear used frequently and it's a dynamite system as well, feature-packed, metal casings, great battery life, very nice.

Y'know, before that I got very good results with the sort of prosumer AT-88w - you can get one of those for a hundred bucks, plus an XLR adapter. Indoors in a small auditorium they may be all you need. I'd read interviews with hollywood feature sound men who used them as "disposables" for action, rain, etc. I spend a lot of hours composing and mixing in ProTools in a well-treated room with pro monitors and found the audio to be surprisingly good with a nice frequency range and acceptable noise floor - (I don't know wireless, but I do know good sound!)
 
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