Basic wireless lavalier for talking head videos

[sdsumike619]

I did some searches on the forum, found some older threads so I figured I'd post a new one since technology keeps changing. I shoot in a controlled studio environment, simple talking head type videos of a guitar player talking and playing. I have a PreSonus Bluetube and a ZED10-FX mixer in the rack. I'm looking for a simple wireless lavalier mic system without any unneeded bells and whistles. Past experience with wired lavalier mics wasn't good so I want to go wireless this time. My only concern is that the guitar will be separately mic'd, so if possible, I'd like for the lavalier to pick up just voice, or at least minimize the other. What should I be looking for?

[julitomg]

You´ll probably need a wireless lavalier system with a cardioid or unidirectional mic capsule. Most are omnidirectional though.

[sdsumike619]

Thank you, that's the terminology I was looking for to start my search. Hopefully I can find something that will work well for my needs.

[sdsumike619]

After thinking about the reason we didn't like the wired lavalier, it occurred to me that perhaps I just had a cheap one and maybe a better version wouldn't have the same issue. The issue I'm speaking of is the rubbing sound of the wire under the speaker's shirt, it was extremely annoying. So the question - are there budget lavaliers that don't have the issue of the rubbing sound of the wire?

[dphirschler]

I've had good luck with the Sennheiser wireless packs/receivers using the Galaxy headset lav. The packs are compact, durable, take two AA batteries which are easy to swap out. The batteries last forever. Oh, and the pack (and receiver) show the battery levels. That's a nice extra. And the Galaxy headsets are comfortable, secure, nearly invisible, and durable (for what they are).

Let me know if you need model numbers and/or links. I'll have to look them up tomorrow.


Darryl

[sdsumike619]

Definitely not looking for a headset style, only lapel clip on type.. can't be messin up the hair

[dphirschler]

It doesn't mess up the hair. It goes over each ear, and around the back of the head. The mic extends from the base of your ear toward the corner of your mouth. It's close to invisible. And when you put the mic this close to the mouth, you don't have to gain it as much, which gives a fuller, less echoey sound and reduces the chance for feedback.

http://www.galaxyaudio.com/HS3headset.php



Darryl

[julitomg]

are there budget lavaliers that don't have the issue of the rubbing sound of the wire?

It´s more likely that budget (if you mean inexpensive) lavaliers will have thin cables (with thin insulation) which ´ll make them more prone to produce noise when moved or when rubbing against clothes, therefore you need to be more careful when you attach them and according to your shooting conditions, find a good compromise where the cable is not too stretched or too loose, clothes material also count, syntetic fabrics will probably be noiser than for example cotton but there aer other variables (like how much will the guitar player move when playing or talking)
Search among other simmilar threads, you might find some interesting tips. For example:
https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/301046-Optimizing-audio-using-a-Canon-Vixia-HF100-w...h-external-mic

[sdsumike619]

It doesn't mess up the hair. It goes over each ear, and around the back of the head. The mic extends from the base of your ear toward the corner of your mouth. It's close to invisible. And when you put the mic this close to the mouth, you don't have to gain it as much, which gives a fuller, less echoey sound and reduces the chance for feedback.
http://www.galaxyaudio.com/HS3headset.php
Darryl

Darryl, is there a wire connected to the headset? When I say budget, I don't mean $20.. Can I get something decent for $100-$150? Do all the "wireless" lavaliers have transmitters that they have to be wired to? Or is there anything available like a bluetooth style that has no wires at all?

[sdsumike619]

Thanks for the replies everyone, but we decided to continue using the overhead shotgun mic instead of the lavalier..