Wireless / Lav mics for primary sound

A

armadillo

Well-known member
Hello to all.

I am considering relying primarily on wireless lav mics for sound in a 60 minute film.

I am primarily interested in what model any experts would choose for such a project (primarily indoors shooting in rooms approx 12x18').

I also wanted to know if you would suggest any drawbacks here besides the obvious risks of brushing the mic, etc. One reason I am willing to work this way is to give the actors freedom and because we are not fearful of doing ADR if necessary...

Thanks to all.
 
The Sennheiser G2 series will work just as well as the more expensive options in a close environment. The only thing to consider might be a better mic. The Sanken or the Countryman may be your preference; however, I have had excellent performance from the standard Sennheiser ME2.

There are many web sites (including Shure) that have advise on how to install or shield the lavs from noise.
 
Please do a search on wireless - this topic has been discussed extensively and repeatedly.

BTW, while Indywannabe's experience with the ME2 may have been satisfactory, the general consensus here is that it needs to be replaced before you use the G2's.

In the previous discussions you will also find information on why wireless is not the best choice for primary audio - it's more than just clothing noise on the mic.

Phil
 
You know the day is going to come that I am an expert in these areas and when that day comes, I will just give people a quick answer with what I know when I come across a specific question that can be answered with something like "I like ___ model ___ for that situation."
 
Armadillo,

Sorry, but I need to address your post. When you do a search, you will see that every one of the "experts" has answered that question exactly as you stated, and in the case of wireless, has done it many many times.

So, here is my "expert" answer. I like the Zaxcom stereoline models for that situation. They're bullet proof. They are also $4000 for a Tx/Rx combo. Not including a lavaliere.

See, the archives will show you a range of options, based on your budget, which you did not mention in your original post. And, why and when wireless is or is not best suited for your primary audio solution is also a very long answer, not just a one sentence, one size fits all answer.

Phil
 
Had to respond too!

Had to respond too!

ptalsky said:
Armadillo,

Sorry, but I need to address your post. When you do a search, you will see that every one of the "experts" has answered that question exactly as you stated, and in the case of wireless, has done it many many times.

So, here is my "expert" answer. I like the Zaxcom stereoline models for that situation. They're bullet proof. They are also $4000 for a Tx/Rx combo. Not including a lavaliere.

See, the archives will show you a range of options, based on your budget, which you did not mention in your original post. And, why and when wireless is or is not best suited for your primary audio solution is also a very long answer, not just a one sentence, one size fits all answer.

Phil
Click to expand...

Phil,
I'm glad you responded to this. I've been on this forum only a few months but its been enough time to see how generous you are with your time and expertise. I've also seen how many times the same questions are asked over and over. This in spite of the stickies at the top of the page that address many of these repeat questions. I've done audio for 30 years and I've become addicted to this and other forums because I enjoy learning something new from people with more or less experience than I have.
Armadillo I'm sorry you felt put off by Phil's answer but he is right. You will get more detailed answers to your questions and learn a lot more generally, by doing a search and/or reading the stickies. I think it actually takes less time and effort to do that than to type out a question and wait for answers.
Regards,
Bernie
 
Thanks for the answers. I have been researching the matter and was not just popping up and throwing out questions because I'm lazy. The answers may be out there already. I have asked questions before after doing the research and gotten the "do some research" reply before. Anyway, it can be daunting and time can be a factor as well with deadlines so I just wanted to say that not everyone who asks what may appear to be a novice or repetitive question is necessarily lazy or stupid.

Anyway, thanks to everyone who takes time to respond.
 
By the way, to ptalsky... Much like I don't think I'm responsible for your cumulative displeasure to this point with people who ask repetitive questions, you are not entirely responsible for my grievance with people who can help but choose to spend the time that could be spent typing a helpful answer by telling people to conduct a generic search and not even pointing in the right direction for the search.

So anyway, thanks for the actual answer and it's appreciated.

And yes, I did unintelligently neglect to include my budget in my original posting. To anyone who is interested, $2,000 US for the entire setup (not the camera, but the lav mic and accessories to make them functional).
 
posting. To anyone who is interested, $2,000 US for the entire setup (not the camera, but the lav mic and accessories to make them functional).[/quote]

i guess you have 1 actor then :-)

hweck the wite house you will be able to heare allot of 2000-3000usd sytems on that show while steadycam wak and talk shots
and ys make better search for that as the lavaliers mics isues where covered handreds time on that board
by the way - from sound perspective - you are not tottaly wrong but you are :-)
 
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