Oscar Sound Tech - OST 801 vs 802 vs TL-40

F

FOXMAN09

Member
Hey guys. I'm looking to get a lavalier from OST and their website is pretty bare bones as you may already know. I sent them an email full of questions about the differences in their mics and a few other things but they didn't seem to want to take the time to reply. I sent them another email simply asking for prices and they got back to me right away, go figure. Anyway I've heard audio from 801 on youtube and I really like it, plus I like the design and from what I've heard its a solid reliable lavalier. The T-40 looks really nice for its size but I heard it has its caveats so I'm leaning away from that because I'm not shooting footage where it's vital the mic cannot be seen. I was just wondering if anyone had tried out all three of these mics? The cost between the 801 and 802 is $5 but they don't explain at the difference between these two at all other than showing a graph of their frequency response which quite frankly doesn't make sense to me unless I had audio clips to know what it meant. Anyway if anyone has experience with these let me know.
 
Hi Foxman,

OST's microphones are very budget-friendly and ordering multiples of them for backups is a sure way in keeping your kit up from future lav downtime. Not only are they inexpensive their sound quality is superb. A question about the differences may not get you an automatic reply because all the necessary info that you would need are listed on their product page. I guess your question has more to do with their sound quality and abuse from handling and environmental conditions.

The 802 reminds me of the Countryman EMW, but its waterproof capabilities lack compared to the latter. Somewhat more prone for the head/capsule to come off.
The 801 are close to the TRAM TR50. Some folks prefer the sharp high-frequency lift of the 801 as to the TR50 and vice versa.
The TL-40 definitely reminded me of the Countryman B3. Sweat-proof, makeup-proof, size, and sound quality. One small issue that I noticed was how stiff and plastic-y their cables are compared to any of the Countryman lineups.

Used all extensively in musicals, film, interviews.
 
After reading many good reports on them, I have my first OST mic arriving tomorrow! In another forum I was told that the high frequency boost (801) is needed if the lav is hidden under clothing, or if you just really like a brighter sound. I don't like a bright tone for dialog, and never need to hide the lav under clothing, so I got the 802. Like you, I didn't need the smaller size of the TL-40. Also, the TL's pickup is on top, and the 802/801's pickup is on the side (or front, depending on how you look at it) and I thought that might work better for my needs.

I got it hard wired for my Sony UWP wireless - should be a huge improvement over the kit mic.
 
I have four of the 801s and one of the TL40s. Sound quality is very good and the durability is fine. I would compare the sound and form factor of the 801 to the Sonotrim. The 802 sounds like the Tram and has the same form factor aa the 802. I also have four Sonotrims so I was able to do an AB comparison. The TL40 has a slightly richer sound as its frequency response curve is more full range. It does have a tendency to be sensitive to breath pops if you don't use a wind screen or hide it in the clothing. For that reason I would go with the 801 or 802 if you're exposing the mic. It comes in more colors than the TL40 as well. You can't beat the price that's for sure.
I use all four of my 801s with my Lectro 211 systems regularly and they've been solid performers.
Best,
Bernie
 
This is great information everyone. Ya considering their affordability you can't go wrong with any of these. If the TL-40 is really durable compared to the 801/802 I might lean toward that considering I was going to get a windscreen anyway so that would damper the popping issue I have heard about. The price is the same as an 802 anyway. If its sound is richer and its smaller, than why not? For their own good they should post sound results on their site. Is the TL-40 as good in loud environments as the 801/802 though? I have an example here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-r0e0Z66QU
 
I don't know of any microphone manufacturer who posts "sound results" of their microphones. There are so many variables regarding mic placement, environment, signal chain and delivery compression that anything would be misleading. About the only things we can use to evaluate microphones is their free air (or anechoic) frequency response charts, and sensitivity specs. I could take a single mic, and simply by placing it in a different place on the talent (breast vs. collar) make it sound like two entirely different microphones.

The two characteristics which determine how an omnidirectional microphone will perform in a noisy environment are its frequency response and placement. A rich sounding microphone may provide a higher source to noise ratio near a waterfall, but not perform as well when the environment contains more low frequency noise.

I took a chance with OST about a year ago, and since then have purchased 3 801s (I work mostly with film where the mic is placed under clothing). Even on ocassions where I've used them above clothing I'm been very pleased.

FOXMAN09 said:
This is great information everyone. Ya considering their affordability you can't go wrong with any of these. If the TL-40 is really durable compared to the 801/802 I might lean toward that considering I was going to get a windscreen anyway so that would damper the popping issue I have heard about. The price is the same as an 802 anyway. If its sound is richer and its smaller, than why not? For their own good they should post sound results on their site. Is the TL-40 as good in loud environments as the 801/802 though? I have an example here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-r0e0Z66QU
Click to expand...
 
I wrote incorrectly that I have the 801's and that they sound most like Sonotrims. In fact I have the 802s. The 801s have a high frequency peak similar to the Tram frequency response.
Bernie
 
The TL40 is an end-fire type design whilst the 801/802 is a side-fire. Accessories from my other Trams are interchangeable with the 801/802. The TL40 is not as small as a B6, but it can still be hidden behind medium sized buttons and in neckties. The hardwired Phantom power adapter is also affordable compared to Tram's TR79. I prefer the 802 for use with the Sennheiser G series because of the inherent HF/compander issues. In my experience, correspondence with OST is fast and very accommodating.
 
swaneon said:
thanks for that!
Click to expand...
Before you get too excited, note that the list is almost a year old. Who knows what the prices are today? And if they are still the same, then they can be justified in bragging about that.
OST may very well make great microphones at a great price, but I can't avoid being suspicious of companies who refuse to simply post their prices on their website.
There are industries where anything in a hard document (even a PDF) are simply assumed to be out of date. I maintain web pages that state "obsolete if printed". This is the 21st century (in case you missed it!)
 
Rick R said:
The TL40 is an end-fire type design whilst the 801/802 is a side-fire. Accessories from my other Trams are interchangeable with the 801/802. The TL40 is not as small as a B6, but it can still be hidden behind medium sized buttons and in neckties. The hardwired Phantom power adapter is also affordable compared to Tram's TR79. I prefer the 802 for use with the Sennheiser G series because of the inherent HF/compander issues. In my experience, correspondence with OST is fast and very accommodating.
Click to expand...

So would the 802 be good for feature work? I read the thread and each mic seems to have a benefit. I am not super technical and hate to say it, was hoping someone would say, "use this one and you will be fine." lol I do have sennheiser units and when you mentioned inherent hf issues, I guess those would be ideal for me as well?

Thanks!
 
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"would the 802 be good for feature work?
-- Yes, as with anything, the users skill level has much to do with the outcome, so YMMV. OST mics are highly regarded by many pro sound recordists who work on mega-budget features.

"I read the thread and each mic seems to have a benefit. I am not super technical and hate to say it, was hoping someone would say, "use this one and you will be fine."
- Having both end-fire and side-fire lavs are useful for different mounting/hiding issues. The OST 801 would be a better choice over the 802 for hiding under clothes. The 802 has less of a HF boost.


"I do have Sennheiser units and when you mentioned inherent hf issues, I guess those would be ideal for me as well?"
- Don't know exactly what you mean but in general, the Sennheiser 100 G series (and other budget wireless) compander noise reduction circuits can produce audible artifacts when certain HF content is present. ( plastic bags and paper being crumpled for instance) For 'normal dialog' this is usually not an issue.
 
Rick R said:
"would the 802 be good for feature work?
-- Yes, as with anything, the users skill level has much to do with the outcome, so YMMV. OST mics are highly regarded by many pro sound recordists who work on mega-budget features.

"I read the thread and each mic seems to have a benefit. I am not super technical and hate to say it, was hoping someone would say, "use this one and you will be fine."
- Having both end-fire and side-fire lavs are useful for different mounting/hiding issues. The OST 801 would be a better choice over the 802 for hiding under clothes. The 802 has less of a HF boost.


"I do have Sennheiser units and when you mentioned inherent hf issues, I guess those would be ideal for me as well?"
- Don't know exactly what you mean but in general, the Sennheiser 100 G series (and other budget wireless) compander noise reduction circuits can produce audible artifacts when certain HF content is present. ( plastic bags and paper being crumpled for instance) For 'normal dialog' this is usually not an issue.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much!
 
801 versus 802 regarding Sennheiser G3 compander noise reduction?

801 versus 802 regarding Sennheiser G3 compander noise reduction?

Rick - I'm about to order either the 801 or 802 to use with my Sennheiser G3 system. Can you elaborate a bit on the G3's compander noise reduction issue and if I can work around this with the 801? Would setting the Sennheiser's mic sensitivity to a lower range help with bright audio sources? I generally prefer flat mic response, but I'm thinking the 801's high frequency boost will come in handy. Regarding these two lav mics, which is the lesser evil between carving out preamp hiss and ambient noise or boosting high frequencies for clarity? Obviously, mic placement is a major criteria for best results, but I haven't worked with lav mics enough to evaluate the choice between the 801 and 802.

Rick R said:
"I do have Sennheiser units and when you mentioned inherent hf issues, I guess those would be ideal for me as well?"
- Don't know exactly what you mean but in general, the Sennheiser 100 G series (and other budget wireless) compander noise reduction circuits can produce audible artifacts when certain HF content is present. ( plastic bags and paper being crumpled for instance) For 'normal dialog' this is usually not an issue.
Click to expand...
 
I bought a 801 as a back-up to my TRAM TR-50 lav. The 801 high frequency boost is useful if you place the lav under clothing, something that I regularly do. ( not a fan of the Sennheiser kit lav mic )
 
If you're interested in hearing the artifact, jangle some keys, or crumple a plastic bag.
That said, the G series' companding should not be an issue recording dialog with either the 801 of 802.
Enjoy the mics.
 
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