Wireless mic advice

[mojovideo]

Hey all-
Im looking for a wireless mic, and found the Sony WCS-999 wireless mic on the b&h website. (no, evs does not carr it. It is just under 100 bucks, which is great, but does it suck? Does anyone have one, or have any suggestions regarding buying one? I understand most wireless mics run about 400 bucks. Im on a budget, so if this mic comes recommended, it would fit the bill. Suggestions?
Thanks
brian

 

[HartStudio]

Yes it will suck! Stick with a wired lav if you don't have the budget for one of the $400 ones at least. The problem is that most cheap wireless mics run in VHF and have virtually no dynamic range or signal range and tend to sound like your talking thru a telephone (with a little static here and there). I prefer a UHF system but they are generally a lot more expensive than VHF.

But, Here is something to ponder....

UHF vs. VHF
Again, this is another misunderstood area of wireless systems. It’s generally accepted that UHF has greater range due to higher power output, and is less susceptible to television interference. Again, there is truth to this but there are other factors to consider.

Power Output
For example, in the VHF spectrum from 174 to 216 MHz the maximum allowable transmitter output power is 50mW. In the UHF band maximum allowable transmitter power is 250mW. Higher output power from the transmitter helps overcome drop out problems and increases operating range, but the sacrifice is shorter battery life. The actual effective radiated power is heavily affected by the individual transmitter’s antenna, so a higher output power does not necessarily mean greater operating range. Most high quality VHF transmitters produce the allowed 50mW, for reliable operating range and reasonable battery life. UHF transmitter output power varies much more widely from one brand to another than VHF units. The maximum allowance of 250mW in the UHF spectrum is useful when maximum operating range is the prime concern. The trade-off is shorter battery life. 100mW is commonly chosen for UHF transmitters as a good balance between operating range and battery life.

VHF & UHF
Wireless mic systems generally operate in several bands from 150MHz to 216MHz, which includes the VHF TV channels 7 through 13, or in the 470MHz to 806MHz UHF band (TV channels 14 through 69). TV channels 60 to 69 (746 to 806MHz) are being re-allocated, as of the date of this writing, for other applications. In addition, the band from 470 to about 516MHz is also being re-allocated for public safety applications. The demand for more spectrum usage is increasing while the available spectrum for wireless microphones is decreasing. Above the TV band is another part of the UHF spectrum from 902 to 928MHz. This upper UHF band is a "general purpose" band being used by a multitude of different applications ranging from garage door openers and amateur radio, to home-use cordless telephones. Generally speaking, the 902 to 928Mhz band is not a good choice for wireless microphone systems, especially for professional use in traveling applications. Interference is virtually guaranteed in this band. So again, it is unreasonable to assume that UHF is better by default.


Also different states have a working "or at least will work better" frequency band that the wireless mic should be using. Usually you will be asked what STATE you are going to operate the wireless mic so that they can send you the correct Band.


Everyones Ear is different and may prefer a different sound, so if you can test the microphone before you buy at a music store or camera store, that would be the best bet.

I use wireless systems all the time and generally don't have that many problems. I am using the Audio Technica 3000 series units and the portable Audio Technica U100 camera mount system and I love them. They sound great and have excellent range. Sometimes I might get a little static from interference but nothing that a little quick repositioning can't take care of.

Hope this helps...

 

[TimeKoder13]

Damn playa, you really answer a question. Yeah what he said. $400 and up. WELL worth it. Sound is most important.

 

[Rush]

The lowest cost multi-frequency UHF introductory kit I know of is the Azden 100LT, and the most popular UHF kit we have EVER sold has always been the Sennheiser EW100ENG (Now in the G2 series) :thumbsup: