Microphone Review: Azden 320ULX UHF Wireless System (page 2)

The system has drawbacks: the inability to monitor signal strength independently from the camera is the worst. On the upside, it offers two independent mic channels in one ultra-small package, and you won't have a problem finding clean airwaves, even in large cities with big media markets. For professionals who don't always have the need for a dual receiver, the system can add two mics to provide the assurance of an immediate backup, should one of the microphones go down. At $800 (not including the second microphone), the Azden 320 series is meaty, easy to use and compact, and it delivered two clear transmissions over reasonable distances in our tests.

329UPR RECEIVER
Frequency Range: UHF 240 selectable frequencies(794-805.950MHz)
Type of Reception: Dual-channel receiver
Oscillator: PLL synthesized
RF Squelch Level: 13dBmV
Frequency Response: 50Hz - 15kHz
Signal/Noise Ratio: >70dB "A" weighted
Audio Out: MIC level - unbalanced - 3.5mm mini-jack
Batteries: 2 "AA" alkaline (2 x 1.5V) 3-4 hours runtime, 2 "AA" rechargeable Ni-MH or Ni-Cd (2 x 1.2V)
External Power: 6VDC @ 0.5A
Dimensions: 2.87"W x 4.45"H x 1.59"D (73 x 113 x 40.5mm)
Weight: Approx. 9.17oz (260g) w/batteries

30BT Bodypack Transmitter
Frequency Range: UHF 240 selectable frequencies (794-805.950MHz)
Oscillator: PLL synthesized
RF Power: 15mW
Frequency Response: 50Hz - 15kHz
Max. Deviation: +/-40kHz @ 1kHz modulation, MIC Input - 11dBm
Batteries; 2 "AA" alkaline (2 x 1.5V) 8-10 hours runtime, 2 "AA" rechargeable Ni-MH or Ni-Cd (2 x 1.2V)
Dimensions: 2.52"W x 3.94"H x 1.06"D (64 x 100 x 28mm)
Weight: Approx. 4.54oz (160g) w/batteries

30XT Plug-in Transmitter
Frequency Range: UHF 240 selectable frequencies (794-805.950MHz)
Antenna: Internal
Max. Input level: -7dBm
RF Power: 15mW
Input Impedance: 6k ohms
Audio Adjust. Range: -63dBm to 18dBm
Battery: 1 9V alkaline - 6-8 hours runtime
Dimensions: 1.57"W x 1.57"H x 3.9"L (40 x 40 x 99mm)
Weight: Approx. 6.4oz (181.4g) w/battery

EX-503L Lavalier Microphone
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
Frequency Response: 50Hz - 18kHz
Max Input Sound Level: Approx. 93dB
Power Requirements: None, dynamic microphone element requires no phantom or battery power
Output Impedance: 250 ohms
Output Connectors: 1/8" (3.5mm) mini-jack connector
Pad: None
Low-Frequency Roll-Off: None

• Good sound quality
• Plenty of channels
• Compact and lightweight
• Good range

• No significant weaknesses

The Azden 320 series is a dual channel wireless system that works great in the field and won't cost you an arm and a leg.

Jeanne Rawlings is an Emmy Award-winning sound recordist and documentary producer. Her former clients include the National Geographic Society, ABC and Discovery Pictures.

Azden Corp.
147 New Hyde Park Road
Franklin Square, NY 11010
www.azdencorp.com

$1,075

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