Which of these is the best Lavalier Microphone?

M

Mark080

Member
Hi Guys, I'm looking at getting a Lavalier Microphone for use with my Tascam DR-40. I've had some help deciding which one to get but unfortunately some are hard to get in the UK.

I'm looking at the following mics, can any one recommend which is best or a better one for the same money. Thank you in advance.

Audio Technica ATR 3350

Sony ECMCS10.CE7

Samsun QL5

Line6 LM4-4

Trantec LP-2

Azden EX-503

Sennheiser ME2 (would this work ok with just the DR-40)

Thanks again.
 
For the DR-40 you need a lav with a XLR Phantom power transformer or a XLR battery power module.
To name a few of the favorites: Countryman B3/B6, Oscar Soundtech-801/802, RØDE Lavalier, Sanken COS-11, Sennheiser MKE2, Tram TR50.
I'm not familiar with the mics you stated, except the ME2..... and that ain't among anyone's favorites AFAIK.
 
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Mark080 said:
Hi Guys, I'm looking at getting a Lavalier Microphone for use with my Tascam DR-40.

Sennheiser ME2 (would this work ok with just the DR-40)

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

Rick mentioned some great lavs, however, I'm guessing by the list that you provide that you would like to stay under $100. In the UK try calling a company called Pink Noise In the US I think Oscar sound tech and giant squid may have some options that sound good for a decent price. Or search for used kit using some of Rick's recommendations, I can tell you that you'll have trouble finding a brand new big name lav with a "full sound" at the under $100 level, so it boils down to how critical is your audience and is it worth gathering extra budget to get better sound.

The Sennheiser ME2 lavalier supplied with Evolution wireless is not a very good sounding lav at the $130 level. It also ships with the 3.5mm locking connector so it would not work with your DR-40. To get it to work with the Tascam DR-40's XLR inputs, you would need something like the Sennheiser MZA900 P adapter. It converts 3.5mm locking to XLR. At around $130 for the adapter, it would not really make sense that would be $260, heck for that price you can get the RODE lav it's probably the best value out there. Especially if you'll be going from a variety of recorders and wireless transmitters or just want to future proof your investment.

Here's how it sounds with a $99 Zoom H1:

 
Rick R said:
For the DR-40 you need a lav with a XLR Phantom power transformer or a XLR battery power module.
To name a few of the favorites: Countryman B3/B6, Oscar Soundtech-801/802, RØDE Lavalier, Sanken COS-11, Sennheiser MKE2, Tram TR50.
I'm not familiar with the mics you stated, except the ME2..... and that ain't among anyone's favorites AFAIK.
Click to expand...

Again thanks Rick for your help. I did not know that if I bought a basic Lavalier mic with the 3.5mm jack and put it into the line in on my Dr-40 it would not work. This is what I was going to do, so thanks for pointing that out. Would they be too quiet for the line in? I noticed my Dr40 has a mic and mic+phantom option on the Ext-in so I thought if I used a mic that didn't need power I would just use the mic only setting, but I now presume they are both options only for the XLR input?

I won't be using the Lavalier much, so I just wanted a cheap one, but it looks like it would be worth saving up to get a better one like the RODE.

Just out of interest, what would the cheap lavaliers that I mentioned be used with, a wireless system? And why do some take batteries? Do the ones with batteries boost the output to line in level?

Thanks again.
 
Thanks too Guy for your help, I will check out Pink Noise. And will do more research on Lavalier Microphones and how they work and what can be used properly with my DR-40. I feel daft for not knowing more.
 
Mark080 said:
Again thanks Rick for your help. I did not know that if I bought a basic Lavalier mic with the 3.5mm jack and put it into the line in on my Dr-40 it would not work. This is what I was going to do, so thanks for pointing that out. Would they be too quiet for the line in? I noticed my Dr40 has a mic and mic+phantom option on the Ext-in so I thought if I used a mic that didn't need power I would just use the mic only setting, but I now presume they are both options only for the XLR input?
I won't be using the Lavalier much, so I just wanted a cheap one, but it looks like it would be worth saving up to get a better one like the RODE.

Just out of interest, what would the cheap lavaliers that I mentioned be used with, a wireless system? And why do some take batteries? Do the ones with batteries boost the output to line in level?
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Most lavaliers require some kind of power. (bias current) It's usually very low voltage from a battery, "Plug-in power" on a 3.5mm jack, or from a Phantom Power transformer. If you had a recorder with a 3.5mm input, you likely would not need the XLR phantom power transformer as most portables with the 3.5mm mini-plug have "Plug-in power". If you use a dynamic mic or battery powered mic, they not not require any kind of external power.
For all intents and purposes, line in will not work at all with a mic, battery powered or dynamic. Line level is normally used for an external mixer or other line-in device.. like a CD or MP3 player.
The RODE or OST would probably be the most cost effective 'professional' mic. Others may have recommendations with other budget mics.
Cheers. Rick
 
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I have recently been using some low cost lav mics from e-bay you can hear two of them here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaATmT1OK34

They come with a 3.5mm jack plug and can be used direct with plug in power kit and sennheiser G2 radio mics, I have also modified six of them and added XLR connectors although I can only use them with 12v phantom but you should be able to get them modified for 48v power.

They are cheap as chips and well made with metal bodies and clips, they don't sound too bad for the money: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UltraDisk...ments_Microphones_MJ&var=&hash=item7dbd78d98e

They are also not too cardioid and work well upside down to cut down nasal blasts.
 
Mark080 said:
Again thanks Rick for your help. I did not know that if I bought a basic Lavalier mic with the 3.5mm jack and put it into the line in on my Dr-40 it would not work. This is what I was going to do, so thanks for pointing that out. Would they be too quiet for the line in? I noticed my Dr40 has a mic and mic+phantom option on the Ext-in so I thought if I used a mic that didn't need power I would just use the mic only setting, but I now presume they are both options only for the XLR input?

I won't be using the Lavalier much, so I just wanted a cheap one, but it looks like it would be worth saving up to get a better one like the RODE.

Just out of interest, what would the cheap lavaliers that I mentioned be used with, a wireless system? And why do some take batteries? Do the ones with batteries boost the output to line in level?

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

The small input on the bottom of the DR-40 is the Remote. Is that the one you mean? It's not 3.5mm for a mic input.

BTW, in my tests of the DR-40 I did get a chance to audition another inexpensive lav that you may be interested in. It's really noisy (hissy) but the price is right - it's the MXL 355 kit - comes with two lavs for under $100! The connectors are XLR - one mic is cardioid and the other is omni. Listen for yourself and decide if the quality is something that you can handle in your production. Keep in mind the limited frequency response too - these are not "full frequency" 20khz to 20hz and able to match a shotgun like many of the high quality mics that Rick mentioned. It's rather limited but hey, they may work for you.

 
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