Wireless Audio setup for Wedding Videography

I assume the clipping was just a missed setting on the transmitter, but still worth noting. The size however is something that can't be ignored. For weddings I would assume smaller is better. That also generally brings that smaller is more expensive.
 
The Lectrosonic that I've worked with simply sound better and have a much more reliable RF system. Most are diversity receivers, and they offer a higher transmit power for (normally) fritz free operation in normal distances. I can't remember the different models to recommend, but they have been at the top for at least 10 years so hard to find one that doesn't work well.
 
Greg_E said:
The Lectrosonic that I've worked with simply sound better and have a much more reliable RF system. Most are diversity receivers, and they offer a higher transmit power for (normally) fritz free operation in normal distances. I can't remember the different models to recommend, but they have been at the top for at least 10 years so hard to find one that doesn't work well.
Click to expand...

As I've found out the hard way in the other thread I'm running the risk of bringing a gun to a knife fight.
And yes, I get that it makes me sound like a smug punk, rather than a relative newbie who's learning his craft.
It's not overkill in comparison to the Sennheiser's, is it?
I was also considering Sound Devices Portable Recorders but they also fall into the "is it too expensive with the improvements only minimal?" question.
 
Yes you could go top shelf gear for wedding shoots, but will you ever recover the costs you outlay, basic business stuff cost v return.
 
Word on the Rodelink system. I tested one over the weekend. Bought a set Monday.

The receiver is a tad wider than many receivers, but in general wasn't too much problem. Transmitter and receiver button requires a one second (roughly) push to turn on and off, so can't be accidentally switched off easily.

Its a 2.4Ghtz system, your mileage may vary in open field where the transmitter is placed over 5 metres away. In a place (since the OP is talking about weddings), like a hall / church its gold. The mic itself isn't far off a cos 11 in quality - I really liked the sound, the cos 11 design and quality also confirmed to me by a professional sound recordist. I have a little hands on review coming in the next couple of days.

If your interested in the system and are in Melbourne, give Ric Creaser a call at Lemac and tell him I sent you (no benefit to me whatsoever in doing this).
 
Noel Evans said:
Word on the Rodelink system. I tested one over the weekend. Bought a set Monday.

The receiver is a tad wider than many receivers, but in general wasn't too much problem. Transmitter and receiver button requires a one second (roughly) push to turn on and off, so can't be accidentally switched off easily.

Its a 2.4Ghtz system, your mileage may vary in open field where the transmitter is placed over 5 metres away. In a place (since the OP is talking about weddings), like a hall / church its gold. The mic itself isn't far off a cos 11 in quality - I really liked the sound, the cos 11 design and quality also confirmed to me by a professional sound recordist. I have a little hands on review coming in the next couple of days.

If your interested in the system and are in Melbourne, give Ric Creaser a call at Lemac and tell him I sent you (no benefit to me whatsoever in doing this).
Click to expand...

Thanks mate.
So you'd recommend it for my uses?
Also pity about Juddy.
As a West Coast supporter he was my favourite player.
 
Just received my RODELink set on Monday. I replaced my motley collection of lavs with four Rodes a few years ago (I appreciate the size, and the easy maintenance with user-replaceable cables), so the sound of the mic was familiar and totally usable. I've just tested it a little and the sound is good, noticeably quieter than my Sennheiser G2's, range is good, didn't encounter a speck of interference in my brief tests. (I'll take it to work on campus tomorrow, where the air is thick with WiFi.) I could only test to about 100 feet outdoors in my yard, but the quality remained solid at that distance. The system is faster and easier to set up than the G2's with all the fussing to find harmonically compatible free channels, and setting the audio levels at both transmitter and receiver. Battery life seems extraordinary (using low self discharge NiMH AA's), and you can monitor both TX and RX batteries from the receiver position, which could be a lifesaver sometime. If it really meets its 4 ms latency spec, that should be no problem (it's 1/4 of a frame at 60 fps, the same delay you'd get by sitting four feet farther from the screen). The only downside is the size of the transmitter (don't care too much about the receiver as long as it's not too heavy), which I could imagine being a minor challenge in a wedding situation. No dangling wire antenna is definitely a plus, though.

I'm pretty sure this will be my first choice for basic wireless setups going forward. It's a steal with what is essentially a $200 microphone included. I'm already thinking about whether I should order a second system.

- Greg
 
Last edited:
Greg Smith said:
I'm pretty sure this will be my first choice for basic wireless setups going forward. It's a steal with what is essentially a $200 microphone included. I'm already thinking about whether I should order a second system.
Click to expand...

Do you know if you can send a signal from two transmitters to one receiver to minimise the bulk at the recording end?
 
In the review Curtis Judd posted on YouTube, he mentions that each transmitter requires its own dedicated receiver. You can't use one receiver with two transmitters.
 
spinkscapes said:
At what model does that start being possible?
Click to expand...

None.

One transmitter to one receiver, not matter how much you spend. There are, however, some manufacturers offering dual receiver units. These are simply two receivers housed in a single chassis with separate outputs for each receiver (though there are some models that have a "mix" function to send both receiver outputs as a single signal to the mixer/recorder/camera... but this is generally not a good idea as it gives little option to fix issues in post).
 
Alex H. said:
None.

One transmitter to one receiver, not matter how much you spend. There are, however, some manufacturers offering dual receiver units. These are simply two receivers housed in a single chassis with separate outputs for each receiver (though there are some models that have a "mix" function to send both receiver outputs as a single signal to the mixer/recorder/camera... but this is generally not a good idea as it gives little option to fix issues in post).
Click to expand...

Will just have to go for the multiple hot shoe mount option.
1356930000000_851215.jpg
 
You only have 2 channels in you gh4, more than two systems and you should go outboard recorder with mix back to camera to help sync later. With the current Lectrosonic products, your are also paying for size, the transmitters are tiny, even some of the receivers are tiny.
 
Greg_E said:
You only have 2 channels in you gh4, more than two systems and you should go outboard recorder with mix back to camera to help sync later. With the current Lectrosonic products, your are also paying for size, the transmitters are tiny, even some of the receivers are tiny.
Click to expand...

Yep, no intention of sending them straight into the camera.
Just bought a Tascam DR70D so that will record from the RodeLink's (if that's the system I decide to buy).
I simply want my audio tech to be able to monitor the wireless system while he is shooting second camera.
Hence the Tascam under the GH4 and the triple hot shoe mount above.
 
On the G2/3 and other systems of that type, one can have one transmitter and multiple receivers on the the same frequency (for instance, feeding the same audio two or more cameras).
The new Rodelink and other GHz systems don't play that game. I certainly like the idea of not having to deal with scanners (frequency selection) and such to open channels.
 
That's a good point, having two cameras and two sets of receivers would allow the audio to be backed up. Lots more money, but good safety.

That would rule out any of the systems that need to be paired to themselves like the Rode system.
 
Most of my video work is weddings.

I was attracted to the new Rode units for future use ( I currently have three x Sennheiser G3's) until I watched the video from ZY that you linked to. I hadn't realised how big the Rode transmitters are, and for me that is a deal-breaker. The Sennys and smaller standalone audio recorders easily slip into trouser pockets and jacket breast pockets but the Rode's would not. You would likely experience resistance from your grooms and celebrants. You could use the less secure method of the belt clip in many circumstances; however often it is very convenient and safer to be able to store excess lav cable length in a pocket rather than wrap it around an "external" belt-clipped transmitter.

If you go the Sennheiser G3 route you are likely to be able to tune one of your receivers into the venue's / DJ's wireless mic system if they are using a compatible system. No chance of that with the Rode.

I'm not familiar with the frequency regulations for your area. It may be that you can get G3 units that can operate on the frequencies allowed in your area plus other frequencies required in other parts of Australia.

The G3's and suchlike are a substantial upfront expense but remember you are likely to get many years of use out of them plus they have a good resale value. I bought two of my units on ebay and only one brand new.

The bracket you linked to is similar to a setup I sometimes use - as I much prefer individual receivers rather than racks for my work. Sometimes I attach it to a tripod leg using a Manfrotto superclamp so that I have ready access. But if you fancy a more robust setup to include a recorder consider one of the many cages that are meant for holding dSLRs. These can take several receivers and a recorder and are solid to handle under fire. You can put the whole thing on a short lightstand or simply leave it on some furniture. The cage I have is from Photography and Cinema DOT com:

http://www.photographyandcinema.com.../products/gearbox-video-camera-accessory-cage

Strictly speaking you should have the receiver antenna upright to match the transmitter for best performance, and you can achieve this by mounting with ball sockets or orientating the entire cage. But for the distances involved in wedding work the diversity G3 units are no problem.

I would like to see more real world user experience of having the Rode units in venues with heavy 2.4 usage rather than simply unboxing and lab testing videos before relying on the Rode or any 2.4 units for that matter.

Pete
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top