wireless microphones

1. nobody
   Member

   
   I'm planning to get the new Sony vx2100 camera and want to get a wireless microphone system to go with it with the purpose of videoing weddings. I've been reading alot about the azden mic's and can't really decide what to get that will do the job. Would anyone who is up on this please respond and also let me know if you have to have any thing else to connect it to the camera?

   Posted 7 years ago #

2. nobody
   Member

   
   My experience with weddings is limited. I have only done some 2nd camera work. However, I find many situations where wireless lavaler mics solve my audio problems. Generally I use Azden WR22-Pro wireless receiver with Azden WL/T Pro wireless Mics. I get good results. This is an unbalanced system, but it seems to be adequate for voice.
   
   An issue with weddings is how to mic the bride and groom. The Azden system supports two mics. Generally placing a black mic on a groom is not a problem. However, a black mic on a bride can be a problem. You can experiment with a mic only on the groom. I believe the Azden mics are omnidirectional. This might prove adequate. Sometimes the bride can hide a mic in her bouquet. The are white mics available, but not, I believe, that work with the Azden system.
   
   

   Posted 7 years ago #

3. FAV
   Member

   
   Azden mics have work well for me. Personnally, if I had it to do over again, I would have purchased the receiver which picks up two signals. I do a lot if interviews and if I did not have to deal with the hand held and just wire me and the interviewee, I could do a lot more interesting stuff.
   
   Anyway, with the omnidirectional mics in the "pro" sries, If possible mic the groom and the preacher. That will cover all angles of the audio.
   
   Hope this helps.
   
   Changed like Saul,
   
   Chris Folsom
   
   http://www.pbsermons.org
   
   

   Posted 7 years ago #

4. nobody
   Member

   
   Azden products are designed for the videographer. They are certainly not the best product available, but for us they are most suitable. Now you really have to think of not just your curent project, but also what else you may be doing in the future.
   
   Having a wireless system is a must have for anyone doing live action like a wedding. But don't limit yourself to a one mic system; you'll outgrow it after one movie. Now I know I'll probably get a lot of contrary comments on what I have to say, but you don't really need lavalier mics pinned upon the bride or groom. ANY directional mic (wired or wireless) placed near the alter or ceremonial spot will record every word spoken by bride, groom, and minister/priest/rabbi. I'm assuming an indoor ceremony. Think about it. This is a very precious time. Nothing else is going on. The crowd is hushed and the preacher is probably wired already. There should be no problem what-so-ever in picking up the entire ceremony with a nearby mic.
   
   Also, the bride and/or groom may just not want to wear a mic. From my limited experience (as I don't do weddings for a living), I have had absolutely no problem in getting good sound from a nearby mic.
   
   Placement and use of the cam(s) is a higher priority issue - like not allowed except for a stationary cam or from some far away position like the balcony.
   
   Bottom line is to get a two-mic system that can be used wired or wireless. It's what I have and it's from Azden,
   
   Phil

   Posted 7 years ago #

5. nobody
   Member

   
   Thanks for the responses to my question. I do like the idea of a 2 mic system with one being wireless and the other not. I guess my question now would be that if I started with one system, could I add to it later?

   Posted 7 years ago #

6. clover
   Member

   

   I have just purchased the Azden WR22 Pro two transmitter unit. I have to say that they look like cheap junk. I have been in the Pro Audio field for many years and this looks like someone crammed these units together in some 3rd world country sweat shop. I have seen a Sennhieser system that performs well, but is really expensive. To Azdens credit, I have not tried them out yet. I will and will report back. Looks usually aren't deceiving.

   Posted 3 years ago #

7. Kemper
   Member

   

   My first wireless mic purchase was the WMS-Pro combo set from Azden. First of all don't be misled by the term "dual mic". Yes it comes with two but you choose one or the other. It is not a dual receiver system, it just gives you the option between the wireless transmitter w/ lav or the wired handheld that plugs into the same transmitter. I have since purchased the Sennheiser G2 Evolution ENG kit and the difference is night and day. I have yet to upgrade from the Sennheiser lav mic but from what I understand the Countryman B2 that can be wired for the G2 will make another night/day difference. Clover is right about the feel of the unit. They are inexpensive and look like they are junk. Can they do the job? Yes, but at a cost. The mic itself is very weak and will cause you to pump up the levels on the camera. This causes a lot of extra noise or "hiss". It can be lowered in post but not really removed. The receiver is also weak so you will need to be fairly close with a good line of sight.  You mentioned you will be using the VX2100, which I also have. Keep in mind if you want to use more than one mic you will need a Beachtek adapter or something similar. The Beachtek I use (DXA-4) has one 3.5 mini jack input and two xlr inputs. When using the Azden it goes through the mini jack (right channel I think) leaving you space for one xlr cable input (Left). You can't use two of the WMS pro's on the same camera though. Maybe through some array of cable adapters ending with an XLR maybe but I have never tried.Bottom line is that this mic will work. It all depends on what market you want to appeal to. If you want to enter the mid to high end market, skip the Azden and at least get a few Sennheisers if not Lectros. The WMS pro got me through my first 6 months until I had enough to upgrade to a more solid system. I would only use it now if I absolutely had to. That’s my three cents, keep the change.

   Cole

   Posted 3 years ago #

8. fmind
   Member

   

    Nob,

   As Production Director for a company in Virginia that films about 30 weddings a year,  Kemper is "spot-on"!  We use the G2s and you will have a hard time finding a better mic for the money (yes, there are better systems, but.......$$$$$).  They are metal cases, and the lav mics plug in to the transmitter so they can be changed to upgrade to a better mic (or you can have a spare in case a cable shorts out or is damaged).  On the receive end, you can get them with an 1/8" plug (to fit the 2100, which we also use) or with a balanced XLR plug to fit higher end cameras (like the PD-170, which we also use!). I think the systems we have came with both as standard.

   BTW-I also own an audio production company, and we have 6 Evolution series hand mic systems and two lavaliers we use for PA work.(even the hand mics use a metal body, unlike my $1200 Shure UCs!)  Can't be beat for the price!

   kfox

   F.M. Industries/AATR Video

   Virginia

   Posted 3 years ago #

9. cybor462
   Member

   

   After a few recommendations online I ordered this unit. Are you saying this can only use one line at a time? I was off base it seems.

   • Details & Specs

    The 325 Series is a high quality dual-channel UHF camera-mount wireless system that features 188 User-Selectable frequencies displayed on an LCD screen to assure you of always finding a "free" channel. The series consists of the 325UPR dual-channel On-Camera receiver, the 35BT Belt-Pack transmitter, the 35HT Handheld microphone/transmitter and the 35XT Plug-In transmitter. The 325ULH System comes with a 35BT/EX-503L body-pack, a 35HT handheld mic and the 325UPR Receiver, cables and a carry case. • Discrete 2-channel Camera-mount UHF Receiver
   • 188 User-Selectable UHF Frequencies (566.125-589.875 MHz)
   • New, Pivoting High-Gain Antenna
   • Digital LCD Display w/Multifunction Readout
   • Mini-Jack Out w/Supplied Mini and XLR Cables
   • Headphone Output on Receiver
   • Attached/Removable Shoe-Mount
   • Powered by 2 “AA” Batteries (not included) Specifications Receiver:
   Frequency Range UHF 188 Selectable Frequencies (566.125-589.875MHz)
   Type of Reception FM
   Oscillator PLL Synthesized
   RF Squelch Level -95dBm
   Frequency Response 50Hz – 15kHz
   S/N Ratio >57dB (±5kHz) “A” Weighted
   Audio Out MIC Level – Balanced – 3.5mm Mini-Jack
   -64 dBm – 600 ohms @ ± 5kHz deviation
   -28 dBm – 600 ohms @ ± 40kHz deviation
   Batteries 2 “AA” Alkaline (2 x 1.5V) – 5-6 hours runtime
   2 “AA” rechargeable Ni-MH (2 x 1.2V)
   Dimensions 2.87"W x 4.45"H x 1.59"D (73 x 113 x 40.5 mm)
   Weight Approx. 10.2 oz (290g) w/batteries Specification Body-pack Transmitter:
   Frequency Range UHF 188 Selectable Frequencies (566.125-589.875MHz)
   Oscillator PLL Synthesized
   RF Power 25mW
   Frequency Response 50Hz – 15kHz
   Max. Deviation ±40kHz @ 1kHz Modulation, MIC Input – 11dBm
   Batteries 2 “AA” Alkaline (2 x 1.5V) – 6-8 hours runtime
   2 “AA” rechargeable Ni-MH(2 x 1.2V)
   Dimensions 2.52"W x 3.93"H x 1.16"D (64 x 100 x 27 mm)
   Weight Approx. 6oz (170g) w/batteries Specifications Handheld Microphone/Transmitter:
   Frequency Range UHF 188 Selectable Frequencies (566.125-589.875MHz)
   Oscillator PLL Synthesized
   RF Power 25mW
   Frequency Response 50Hz – 15kHz
   Max. Deviation ±40kHz @ 1kHz Modulation, MIC Input – 65dBm (dev ±5kHz)
   Batteries 2 “AA” Alkaline (2 x 1.5V) – 6-8 hours runtime
   2 “AA” rechargeable Ni-MH (2 x 1.2V)
   Dimensions Φ1.89" x 9.2"L (48 x 234.5 mm)
   Weight Approx. 9.5oz (270g) w/batteries

   Posted 2 years ago #

10. Kemper
    Member

    

    No, you are correct. We were discussing a different unit. The WMS Pro system is a dual mic system that comes with a receiver, body pack transmitter, a lav mic and a handheld mic. I was clarifying that with this unit you have to pick one of the mics to use, not both. Your system appears to be a dual channel that comes with two body packs and a dual channel receiver so I assume both can be used at the same time. The WMS was in the $150 price range, yours around $700 which means a big difference in performance and features.

    Cole

    Posted 2 years ago #

11. cybor462
    Member

    

    I just got the Azden and it does allow two mics to be used at the same time. Yes it is a bit more $$$ actually I paid $830

    Hope it is worth the price. Time will tell.

    Jim

    Posted 2 years ago #

12. oregondean
    Member

    

    Cybor462 ... how is the Azden 325ULT working out for you ... sound quality, ease of use, quality of constructions, etc. Is the system fragile?

     

    Dean

    Posted 2 years ago #

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