New wireless system shootout...

[Alex H.]

This popped up on my Vimeo feed today.

Though I hear things differenty from Dave, and I have some different conclusions in some places, he still ends up going with what's probably the best system in the range. I also love the conclusion he reaches about Azden.

This is a review by a non-sound-professional, so again it has some things that I see/hear differently. It's also missing some information, and I kind of wish he'd included the Audio-Technica 1800 series since there just isn't much out there in the way of hands-on reviews of them, but on the whole this is worth watching.

 

[Jema]

Thank you for sharing this. I didn't know much about the other low-cost alternatives besides the G2/G3 systems, so I learned a little.

I wish they would have used the same microphone for all systems though, and not the one they come with (which usually aren't good). It's hard to judge any real difference in audio quality and self-noise because of it, but the other parts are still good.

 

[Alex H.]

I wish they would have used the same microphone for all systems though, and not the one they come with (which usually aren't good). It's hard to judge any real difference in audio quality and self-noise because of it, but the other parts are still good.

True, and that was one thought I'd had. However, it's still very informative as there are folks who purchase these systems and don't (yet) have the budget to upgrade the lavs. It's important especially to hear how lousy Azden really is, both in noise/sound quality and in range.

A level playing field with a good lav would be nice, though, and make a bit more critical of a comparison.

 

[ggrantly]

Alex,

I don't see a link.

G

 

[John Willett]

I saw a "shoot out" done by broadcast sound recordist professionals.

This was to test for range and drop-outs in bad areas. So the tester got on his bike and cycled around Pinewood Studios; now and again he got off the bike and went into offices and scenery stores where there was lots of metal blocking the signal from the transmitter to the receiver.

He tested a wide range of systems from the inexpensive Sennheiser G3 to the expensive Lectro, Audio, Micron, Sennheiser and Zaxcom models.

Surprisingly, the winner ended up being the G3.

This was not a test of quality or absolute range, but testing on how the signal was received when things get awkward.

everyone was surprised as we all thought the Audio Ltd. would win and the G3 was the cheapest on test.

 

[Alex H.]

Alex,

I don't see a link.

G

Should be embedded in my post? If you cannot see the player, here's the link: https://vimeo.com/53174712

 

[Rick R]

Yes, that was well done. I agree, The AT1800 system should have been included. As well as a microphone up-grade option should have been mentioned.

 

[ddixon]

Hey, Alex - as you know I own both of these. I got the Sony about 1 1/2 years ago, and just this summer bought a used G2 system from Alex. I was pleased that the Sony compared as well as it did with the G3, because I've been pleased with mine. Just a couple of comments re: Senn. G3/2 and Sony UWP:

• I find the build quality to be pretty equal, and use Eneloop rechargeables with both with no issues.
• The stock lav on the Senn. is much better than the stock Sony. I was not impressed with the sound of the Sony in this video, but the lousy stock mic is part of the reason for that. I usually can get better quality with mine than this video shows.
• Price: when I got my Sony, it was $450 and the G3 was $600. I changed the Sony lav out for an Oscar Sound Tech and had still spent less than the G3 system. But, that's not true now. The price difference is only about $60 now. And, until Dec. 31 Senn. has mail in rebates. So, if I were buying today the G3 is a no brainer purchase.
• Why did I buy a G2 system from Alex when I already had the Sony with upgraded lav and was happy with it? The G2 came with the plugon transmitter and a hand held ENG mic, which I wanted. The whole package was in great shape and Alex made me a good deal on it Plus, longer term I thought it might be easier to get parts, lavs, accessories, etc. for the more ubiquitous Senn. model. And, I now have two very capable wireless systems.

By the way, Alex is a really great guy - enjoyed getting to meet him and picking his brain a little!

 

[Alex H.]

Thanks, David! It was great meeting you as well. Believe it or not, my office is much more tidy now than when you stopped by.

My experience with the Sony was a little different. While I found the build quality to be quite good, and I actually like the receiver design better than the Sennheiser, I found it too noisy. Perhaps I tested a bad unit, and perhaps part of the problem was the stock lav, but in the end the Sennheisers have served me well, and the plug-on transmitter is solid. The other thing I wasn't so fond of with the Sony was the menu interface, and the fact that the unit has to be powered off then back on in order to affect setup changes. The Sennheisers have more intuitive menus and much better data displays, in my opinion.

Also of note, I saw on the RØDE website that they now have an omni, dynamic ENG mic: the RØDE Reporter. I cannot find it available anywhere, or even find a price, but I'm looking forward to a chance to test one out.