Oscar SoundTech 801 or TL-40?

I

IronFilm

Veteran
I'm looking to upgrade the stock Sony UWP-D11 lav mic, my uses will be usually under clothing, from my research so far it seems Oscar SoundTech offers amazing value for money. With a price way below the other mainstream high quality lavs, but delivering performance at a near enough level to them.

But I'm stuck on which of the OST-801 or TL-40 would make the most sense for me? I guess the TL-40 is smaller and easier to hide, but the 801 would sound a bit better underneath clothing? Hoping somebody here could enlighten me more as to the pros and cons of each for which might suit me :) Thank you in advance.
 
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For that low price get all three. The 801 is preferred for under clothing usage and is of the flat, side-fire (Tram) design. The 802 has less of a presence peak for open air usage. The TL40 is an end-fire design and has a flatter, more neutral frequency response. It sounds very good worn externally or when hidden under a button, in a tie, collar or flap of a shirt with the element end exposed to air. It has a lower max SPL level (115 dBSP) than the 801/802, so if dealing with loud sources, the 801/802 would be a better choice.
With either, the Phantom Power supply/adapter is cost effective for using hardwired. OST's customer service is exceptional as well. Made in USA. (NJ)
 
IronFilm said:
I'm looking to upgrade the stock Sony UWP-D11 lav mic, my uses will be usually under clothing...

But I'm stuck on which of the OST-801 or TL-40 would make the most sense for me? I guess the TL-40 is smaller and easier to hide, but the 801 would sound a bit better underneath clothing?
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Use the 801. The TL-40 is smaller and easier to hide, but at the cost of some sound quality apparently. I'm using 802s (over clothing, visible to the camera) and the level of sound quality I get is quite good indeed. Unless you need the smaller size, go for the 801.

Just a note on usage -- the OST mic cables transmit handling noise. No big surprise there. When I use them, I always make a strain relief loop just below the mic and tape that to something -- a layer of clothing, skin, etc. This eliminates all the handling noise for me in my applications. If you're going to be using it under clothes, get some 3M micropore medical tape. If you're taping to skin, your talent will thank you.
 
Oscar mics are amazing, especially for the price point. Got two 801, since I never use visible mics.
Can't recommend OST enough.
 
I have never tried the TL40 but I have three of the 801s and two of the 802s. Such an amazing value. I have never encountered any RF noise from any OST mic so
the rejection must be pretty good. I use them with the Tascam DR-10, The Deity Connect, the Røde Video Wireless and have used them with a friends Sennheiser G4s.
Excellent and half the cost of competing mics. I'm a big fan.

I agree with Rick, get all three.
 
I got the Oscar 802 with the 3.5mm terminal. Just be aware that the 802 is not the most sensitive mic (at least with the Tascam DR-10L) but otherwise great sound for the price...
 
Been using the OST lavs now for a while as one of my (many!) mics, and yes, they're great value lavs!

The new kid on the block, Deity has their low priced lavs too, that's going to be next on the list to see how OST compare up against Deity lavs.
 
Well based on Rick's sage opinion, I ordered a couple of TL40's a few weeks ago and got them this week and put them to work. I own a few 801's which replaced my Trams as they either clogged up or gave way at the mic meets cable point. First I was very impressed with the size of of the TL40, very small and after using them equally impressed with the quality of sound. So thanks Rick and kudos to Oscar Sound for putting out another great product for a very affordable price. Another bonus is supporting a small business in my neighbour country.
 
I wish I could answer that Paul, but I am not qualified. What I can say, is in both situations that I used the TL-40, one mounted in clear sight with a tie clip and the other, hidden in the knot of necktie. In both cases, there was nothing in the path of the microphone and it sounded great. I do mostly talking heads, and if it is more complicated, I hire someone to join the team who can answer questions like yours. Being an old school person and despite being for most of the time a "one man band" I am a big believer in using a pro audio person when the gig calls for it.
But I will do a side by side comparison tomorrow with my mixer and post my opinion.
Brian
 
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Paul F said:
How does the TL-40 compare to the 801 regarding self noise?
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Your preamp and wireless system noise will likely be much more of a factor than the mic's inherent noise (not to mention environmental noise). I never had a noise issue with any of them.
 
I find the TL-40 noise to be objectionable. What am I doing wrong? Please check the audio file I posted on JW.
 
I have never noticed an obvious difference. A lavaliere's presence peak is usually accomplished though physical alterations which likely is within the capsule. The element is the same AFAIK. Why not email Dave at OST for a definitive answer.
 
If you occasionally hide the mic under clothing (like taping it), the 801 is the better choice.

If not, the 802 is for everyday interviews, etc.
 
scorsesefan said:
Does anyone know if the 801 is more sensitive than the 802?
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All you have to do is look at the frequency response. 801 has a slight boost in the highs to high mids. 802 doesn't, but has a VERY slightly higher boost in the mids.
This difference in mid levels likely would not be perceptible at all.

Basically...

Hide your lav = 801
Visible lav = 802

Screen Shot 2021-03-01 at 10.15.01 AM March 1.jpg
 
Thanks. I'm looking for a lav that I don't have to drive the gain up too much, as I do with the 802 on my dr-10l and now the Rode WG II. My ME2s and the Tentacle lav are more sensitive but the acoustics aren't nearly as good as the Oscar mics. Any suggestions? With the e recorder the 802 works well because of the 32 bit float...
 
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