What are some quality wireless lavs?

[jbeattie]

We desperately need to replace our wireless Lav mics/systems. We shoot on Sony HDCAMS, and currently use Sony wireless systems. Almost all of our shooting happens outdoors, so the equipment gets pretty beat up. I'm looking at Shure and Sennheiser right now, and would appreciate any input you may have on durable high sound quality wireless lav systems with XLR output for portable mixer or cam. Thanks

[Mikeren]

I like/use the Lectrosonics UCR series with Tram lavs. Very good quality and range. Output is minijack, but the kits come with a mini to XLR cable. They are all metal units and well built.

MR

[tINY]

There's nothing wrong with the Sony UWP series.



-tINY

[Led]

Sanken Lavs are good.

[soundbarnfool]

Lectrosonics,Sennhieser. Sennheiser makes some pretty darn good UHF wireless mics that are tunable and under 1K. They are slightly "consumerish" in materials, though. I wouldn't rent them out to anyone...

[Nu-tra]

I like Sankens the best. They are rugged and hide well. I have been using them for 7 years now no problems. Stay away from the Countrymen B6. They are thin ass cables but they are too sensitive to clothing noise. My second choice are Sennheiser MKII Golds.

[Jim vanBergen]

I think you should specify whether you want to choose a new lav element or a new entire RF system for camera mounting, just 'cause to me, it's not clear as to your intent.

On the lav side: I like Sanken elements too, but they are not as good (accurate) sounding as DPA 4061 or Sennheiser MKE-2 golds to my ears. The DPA is phenomenal but very expensive. The MKE-2 is the standard.

Countryman, Sony, and Shure brand elements are good "value" units but do not come close to the sonics of the above. Trams are the best for under-clothing (hidden) miking, that's all I'd use them for.

To the best of my knowledge, around 80% of what you hear on newscasters in the USA are Sennheiser MKE-2. The rest is proportional.

As far as camera-mounted systems, the best ones I have seen and used are Lectrosonics and Sennheiser, with Sony's dedicated camera system coming in third at BEST. They don't sound great, but for most of the work they do (commentary, location work) they do sound just fine. I'd prefer one of the higher end (Lectro or Senn) but Sony will work.

Hope this helps!

JvB

[yoink]

Another vote for Lectrosonics... we've used them in many productions, in our case we plug the XLR block transmitter into a field mixer so the boom/sound operator doesn't have to be tethered to the camera.

[RoundBadge]

I use Sanken Cos -11's[& occasionally trams] with Lectro UM400a/RMa transmiters and VR field reciever[and 411's for run and gun/eng].
good stuff

[Sound Sorcerer]

Yep, Sanken / Lectrosonics combo is the best for field production. I currently own a Lectro VRF with VRT modules & 4 UM400 transmitters. Also love my older Lectro 211's systems though...