Wireless Lav vs Privacy?

Bern Caughey

Bern Caughey

Veteran
If we use wirelss lavs are we in danger of having anyone with a scanner listen in? We sometimes work with people who are literally risking their lives for speaking their mind & there is a real possibility of security services snooping about.

I imagine a wired lav would be fine but what to do if filming in the field? If we need to lav, & put a recorder on the subject, what would be the best option? We're willing to rent or buy.

This is an urgent need as we depart again soon.

Thanks,
Bern
 
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Bern Caughey said:
If we use wirelss lavs are we in danger of having anyone with a scanner listen in? We sometimes work with people who are literally risking their lives for speaking their mind & there is a real possibility of security services snooping about.

I imagine a wired lav would be fine but what to do if filming in the field? If we need to lav, & put a recorder on the subject, what would be the best option? We're willing to rent or buy.

This is an urgent need as we depart again soon.

Thanks,
Bern
Click to expand...


If you are worried about this, use wired connections. While even that could be 'overheard', unless one is a Faraday Cage... it puts the listening device in another class.

The only secret that is totally secure, is one that is never spoken.
 
AFAIK, all the high end digital systems are encrypted (Lectro, Zaxcom, Sennheiser, Shure), so ordinary scanners would not help, even if someone was interested in eavesdropping. If that's not secure enough, use a cable.
 
Rick R said:
AFAIK, all the high end digital systems are encrypted (Lectro, Zaxcom, Sennheiser, Shure), so ordinary scanners would not help, even if someone was interested in eavesdropping. If that's not secure enough, use a cable.
Click to expand...

Interesting. Was just reading...

"Digital radio microphones are inherently more difficult for the casual 'scanner' listener to intercept because conventional "scanning receivers" are generally only capable of de-modulating conventional analogue modulation schemes such as FM and AM. However, some digital wireless microphone systems additionally offer encryption technology in an attempt to prevent more serious 'eavesdropping' which may be of concern for corporate users and those using radio microphones in security sensitive situations.

Manufacturers currently offering digital wireless microphone systems include AKG-Acoustics, Audio-Technica, Lectrosonics, Line 6, MIPRO, Shure, Sony, Sennheiser and Zaxcom. All are using different digital modulation schemes from each other".

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_microphone

Thanks everyone!
 
Any recommendations for the 2nd question, "If we need to lav, & put a recorder on the subject, what would be the best option? We're willing to rent or buy".

Looking for something not too bulky but reliable.
 
Rick R said:
AFAIK, all the high end digital systems are encrypted (Lectro, Zaxcom, Sennheiser, Shure), so ordinary scanners would not help, even if someone was interested in eavesdropping. If that's not secure enough, use a cable.
Click to expand...
The older lectro 700 series and a couple other new lectro systems are encrypted but the digital hybrid systems out there.. 411, 401, SMB etc
are not, which are the most commonly used.

I still remember a few years ago when I owned Comtek 216's (I moved over to lectro IFBs for awhile now) and batman (dark knight rises) was in town shooting.
I happened to be working about 2 blocks away on a different job. I decided to just see if I could tune in and within 60 seconds of clicking from channel to channel..boom.
Heard everything that was going on, on set.
100's of people were watching everyday, I wonder how much I could have rented out headsets to fans per hour ;)
Point of the story is even on the biggest of productions where privacy is hugely important it's just too easy to listen in.

I know quite a few major actors don't just turn off their wireless when off set but physically unplug the mic from the pack to ensure their privacy remains in tact.
 
Bern Caughey said:
Any recommendations for the 2nd question, "If we need to lav, & put a recorder on the subject, what would be the best option? We're willing to rent or buy".

Looking for something not too bulky but reliable.
Click to expand...
The best option?
A Zaxcom transmitter that has built in recording capabilities.
 
Thanks Rippie!

Used Zaxcoms awhile ago but didn't try shutting down the wireless function. Will explore adding them to the kit.
 
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