Zoom H1 "wireless" lav—pro solution or you-get-what-you-pay-for?

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ibhhvc

Active member
I know a lot of people use this DIY lav solution very nicely laid out here (where the lav is plugged into a Zoom H1 or other small recorder and placed on the talent, instead of using a wireless system).

I still can't tell if this leads to you-get-what-you-pay-for results (i.e. it's a nice workaround but doesn't compare to a Sennheiser G3, Sony UWP or better setup) or if the resulting audio quality is comparable and the workflow incurs comparable risks.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
 
I've used a setup like that with the H4N (don't know about the H1) with good results. Wireless has it's own issues, I've had times with good wireless systems I've gotten dropouts or poor quality audio due to the wireless basically being the "weakest link". You do, of course have to synch it up in post, but if you plan for that it's not so bad.
 
It's get-what-you-pay-for, and there are two reasons why:

- The pre-amps in the H1, or any of the small recorders, are not great. Some are cleaner than others, but the ones that offer only 1/8" input are, in my experience, some of the worst offenders. Zoom recorders in general do not have very good pre-amps. Expect noise. That's just the nature of the beast.
- You have absolutely no way to know what, or if, you've recorded until it's too late to do anything about it. I know people use this solution, and some swear by it, but with no constant headphone monitoring during recording you're simply asking for trouble. What happens if the talent bends or twists in just the right way and manages to disconnect the mic from the recorder? What happens if the recorder stops or malfunctions half-way through an important moment? How do you know that the mic hasn't slipped and become susceptible to fabric noise, or developed a short, or... ? You'll find out when it's all over and you're listening back.

Having to sync the files in post is the least worrisome challenge in this setup. I use non-sync, dual-system recording constantly and never have an issue getting the files matched up in post. I'm also recording through a bagged system (mixer, recorder) that allows me to monitor throughout production. Yes, wireless mic systems will fail at one point or another, but careful attention to tuning and setup for each and every shoot will minimize that risk. Plus, if a problem develops, something can be done at the moment it occurs.
 
I own both systems but use an Olympus LS-7 recorder instead of the Zoom H1. ( I actually own a H1 Zoom that I should sell because I never use it )

In terms of audio quality I don't find much difference between the Sennheiser G3 and using the Olympus LS-7 recorder, both systems work well, though I would pass on the XLR wired lav and get one with either a Sennheiser locking 3.5mm plug or a regular 3.5mm plug as the XLR conversion/power unit just adds extra bulk to the set-up.

The big difference between these two systems is being able to monitor audio from the G3 system, while using the LS-7 recorder as a body-pack means that I have no clue what's going on with it while recording.

Olympus has discontinued the LS-7 recorder, but the new DM-620 seems to have replaced it. ( all of the functions appear almost identical )
 
Alex and theDingo make great points that made me realize that I didn't make the very important point that I have NEVER let this be the sole source of audio for the reasons they mentioned. I have (and hate to) let the wireless be the sole source of audio at times, but again as they pointed out you can fix problems with that on the spot.
 
Nothing is as reliable as a bit of cable! Multiple "What is this interference?" RF topics on the go at the moment. If you want reliability, then no RF system is 100% perfect.
 
I would prefer a good wireless system to this solution. If you know what you are doing, the only problem you'll get with wireless is the batteries (unless you are in a very RF heavy environment) dying on you.

The first rule of audio recording is to monitor what you are recording. In this scenario, you can't do that, and therefore it isn't reliable. Sure, it may work for you several times, but then there will be one time it will fail, and you won't know until you go to import all your files into your editor. That is the WORST time to realize you have a problem, and it will make your clients very unhappy, and it is also very unprofessional.
 
I know guys do this type of thing, especially for weddings where you can slip something like the Zoom H1 or Roland R-05 into the pocket of the groom's jacket. My question is how does this work when these smaller units don't have phantom power? What mics are folks connecting to these portable recorders? It seems like you wouldn't be able to just plug an ME2 into the Roland and get sound, right?
 
Wow! Thanks for all the replies. I'm embarrassed to say I never got any notification emails and thought the thread died right after I posted.

In the meantime I grumbled for a few days and finally bit the bullet and bought the G3 system. It arrives tomorrow!

It seems like the clearest point here is that quality, unit to unit, is debatable, but the ability to monitor is more important than anything.

Thanks again for all the pro opinions. I can't wait to start working wirelessly.
 
Jim, the H1 has plugin power to its 3.5mm socket so it works with loads of lavs including the value for money Giant Squid ones (no need for their battery pack option) and the ones which come with the Sennheiser G3 kits. I'm not familiar with the Roland.

I prefer lavs with L-shaped plugs at the recorder end as the wire is far less likely to become detached when in a pocket.

And you don't necessarily want 3 x £250 lavs out at weddings where they might go home with the priest or get less than sympathetic handling by other participants. Plus the shooting conditions are seldom benign so expensive lavs don't necessarily contribute much.

I have two G3 sets but they don't see much wedding action :- )

Pete
 
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