wired lav mic?

[ergalthema]

Would this Countryman EMW work as a wired mic, if plugged directly into XLR with phantom power?

Also, would you say that a lav mic would help the sound in a rectangle room that has lots of reverb? (opposed to just spending $200-300 on acoustic treatment?)

 

[Alex H.]

Would this Countryman EMW work as a wired mic, if plugged directly into XLR with phantom power?

Yes, that's what it's wired for.

Also, would you say that a lav mic would help the sound in a rectangle room that has lots of reverb? (opposed to just spending $200-300 on acoustic treatment?)

For what purpose/application? Are you talking about recording occasional interviews in offices and living rooms, or are you talking about your own work space for recording?

If it's a one-off, and you're recording an interview in someone's office with little control over the situation, the lav will be okay. If you're talking about using the lav to record VO and other regular work, nothing will ever compensate for a poor acoustic environment.

 

[ergalthema]

For what purpose/application? Are you talking about recording occasional interviews in offices and living rooms, or are you talking about your own work space for recording?

Thanks!

The purpose is more of a news-style host/maybe interview situation for YouTube videos. Sounds like lav would be significantly better at reducing room sound than a directional mic. If the show happened to be successful, we would look into good acoustic treatment (and a better room). Any other tips would be appreciated!

 

[Alex H.]

There are lots of things you can do for the acoustics in the room. Truth is, if you're doing a news-magazine spot, visiting a local business, and interviewing someone in a less-than-ideal acoustic environment, that's one thing. But if you're wanting to do a seated, regular talking head/newscaster setup, you really need to tame the room.

Hardwood floors? Add a throw-rug. Use absorbant furniture and wall hangings as background scenery/set pieces. Hang some sound blankets outside of the camera's frame. Anything you can put in the room that absorbs or diffuses sound - if it's pretty use it on camera, if it's ugly keep it out of frame - will help. Otherwise, you'll have just another cheap YouTube "newscast" that sounds like it was recorded in a bathroom... lav or no lav.

 

[Terry_Lasater]

Would this Countryman EMW work as a wired mic, if plugged directly into XLR with phantom power?

Also, would you say that a lav mic would help the sound in a rectangle room that has lots of reverb? (opposed to just spending $200-300 on acoustic treatment?)

Yes, that's what it's wired for.



For what purpose/application? Are you talking about recording occasional interviews in offices and living rooms, or are you talking about your own work space for recording?

If it's a one-off, and you're recording an interview in someone's office with little control over the situation, the lav will be okay. If you're talking about using the lav to record VO and other regular work, nothing will ever compensate for a poor acoustic environment.

The specs on that mic say it is with "Peak Frequency Response".

Apparently, those Countryman lavs come in "Peak Frequency Response", "Flat Frequency Response", and "Shelved Frequency Response".

What is the purpose for each and which is best for the OP's stated use?

 

[Richard Crowley]

The Countryman data sheet says...

The EMW Lavalier is available in three frequency responses, all of which deliver audio quality with exceptional warmth and smoothness.
• “F” Response: the flattest possible curve for uncolored reproduction of audio sources such as musical instruments or room ambient sounds.
• “S” Response: provides a smooth 6 dB “shelved up” curve between 2 kHz and 15 kHz to compensate for lost facial reflections when the mic is used on the exterior of the body, as in the typical lapel or tie-clip position. This is the standard “lavalier” frequency response.
• “P” Response: provides a sharp 12 dB “peaked” curve at 12 kHz to preserve sibilance and intelligibility when the mic is hidden under clothing.

Although I would prefer to use an "earset" mic (as Countryman calls them)

Ref: http://www.countryman.com/download/EMW Lavalier datasheet.pdf