GH2 Seeking recommendations for a cheap wired lavalier to connect directly to the camera

[GrahamH]

I'm not sure of the specs of the GH2's 2.5mm audio port so I need some advice on which wired lav to buy.

An existing unpowered condenser lav that I had lying around records a signal via a 3.5mm-to-2.5mm adapter, so clearly the GH2's port supplies power to the mic. But that lav's signal was way too hot even at the lowest recording level.

So I've just tried out an Audio-Technica ATR-3350 and the results were not good - I kept getting regular bursts of static and a high noise floor. That mic supplies its own power so I'm wondering if the two power supplies are conflicting? Or perhaps I received a faulty unit? (I'm confident the camera, 2.5mm adapter and port are all OK as my Audio-Technica AT822 stereo mic works great.)

Anyway, what do people think of this SoundProfessionals lav as the next one I try - this model takes it's power from the port. Or does anyone have a better recommendation, preferably under $100? http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/MS-LAV-1

Thanks.

 

[gg1969]

TBH I'd record externally and resync (as my daily job is an audio mixer!) try COS 11 for personal mic - lovely, hide-able and great sound and the Senheiser mics MKH (in my experience) > AKG 416 etc on location, but horses for courses - in the end the mixer has to match any post sync (personals - ugh for drama) with what you've captured, in the end a good pole op and guy on location>> than 6 people rustly on personals! Being selfish as I have to fix it after!

 

[GrahamH]

Thanks for the suggestions - I will check those out. I realize external recording will be better, and I do have a R-09 for that usually .... the motivation for a wired lav was as something I could stuff in the pocket of an ultra-compact travel kit.

After mulling mostly-glowing reviews for the ATR-3350, I went ahead and returned the first one for a replacement. The new one does not have the static bursts that the first one did, so that first one was either faulty or I managed to damage it somehow.

I wish the GH2 had the option to disable plugin power, like my R-09 does.