I asked a question on this board yesterday regarding a wireless mic suggestion, but the thread quickly devolved into an esoteric discussion of the finer details of XLR. So, let's try this again:

I'm pretty overwhelmed by the choices in Microphones out there. Neither the manufacturers nor the retailers do a very good job at explaining the difference between choices. They just throw a bunch of specs and model numbers at you.

Here's what I need:
2 Wireless lav mics, transmitters, receiver, (XLR input ok)

This setup would be used for a two person interview and possibly some event work (weddings, etc). I'd love to start by looking at the lowest cost option, then work my way up if necessary.

Suggestions?

Hi ThatRobGuy,

Have you considered renting to try out different brands?
A group I'm associated with tried the lowest cost option and
are now spending nearly the same amount to rent good equipment.
And it makes a difference.

I've not dealt with wireless out side of musical theater, but I
learned a lot from the pro that came in and set everything up.
I'd give a try at stopping by a rental place and talking to the
counter guys, they might even let you try some of the stuff
out in the store so you can see what it is you'd be renting...

Good luck,
jim cowan

Probably the lowest cost option without dipping into the crap area, and therefore a popular choice, is the Audio Technica Pro 88W, a VHF system at about $170. It will work beautifully most of the time, but there will be occasional situations where you pick up interference from competing signals. This is less likely with UHF, although UHF is not completely immune either. The most popular UHF set for amateurs and semi pros is the Sennheiser G2 series at about $500.

--
Fred

I would NOT buy a VHF wireless microphone today or ever. It may only work for 15 months. Starting in Feb 2009 that spectrum will be sold off by the FCC for other uses and nobody knows now just what it will be used for. VHF microphones occupy the same spectrum as TV channels 7 - 13. The FCC mandates that there cannot be 2 stations on adjacent channels in any one viewing area. So if you have a channel 7, you can't have a channel 8. In that case it is safe to buy a VHF microphone that uses channel 8 spectrum. After Feb. 2009 nothing is safe in the VHF spectrum. Only buy UHF wireless microphones if you want them to be useful in your area after Feb. 2009.

I haven't used wireless mic's for video but I have purchased at least 10 in the last 15 years for Churches where I am in charge of the PA systems. I like Audio Technica UHF systems. The better ones allow you to choose one of many frequencies, just by rotating selector switch's on the transmitter and receiver. You should be able to find several good frequencies in your area. The body pack transmitter has a socket that allows you to plug in many different kinds of AT microphones. They have a mic for almost any application and the mic's that plug into the body pack transmitter usually run around $75.

Dave

Good point, Dave.

XLR input to what and from what?

Ty Ford

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