Best solution for camcorder wireless microphone with 2 users?

[RedRider]

I keep searching and reading previous threads. Some of them are very helpful, but I still haven't found a solution for my situation. So guys and gals, I am begging here... can you help me find a wireless microphone that fits most if not all the criteria below...

I am looking for a wireless microphone to use on an old Sony Mini DV video camera-sorry dont know the model #. I volunteer at a non profit so our budget is cheap... like less than $150. I found the Azden WMS PRO in that range, and would like to know if it is going to match our needs....

The organization is a therapeutic horse riding center for the disabled. Nearly 99 percent of the use of microphone use would be inside a covered arena, out in the country. The arena is large and has no 'ill sounding audio effects' like being inside an large empty room. Our main goal is to record better vocal audio than our camcorder's internal mic.
We will be recording interviews from about 15 feet or less (no movements but will have a horse in the background).

OPTIONAL: It would be nice to mic up a second person to capture audio from an instructor and client. Instructor would be on the ground, client on the horse, BOTH client and instructor would be moving at a walking pace. Distances could vary from say 10-60 feet of the video camera.

Does the addition of a 2nd wireless lapel mic rule out the Azden WMS PRO? Do I need to start thinking about alternatives such as getting a mixer?

TO THROW A WRENCH IN TO THE WORKS... The organization already has a Nady DKW-1 wireless mic. This was used at a horse training seminar-in the same arena mentioned above. Basically the horse trainer, wore this wireless mic, the receiver was plugged into an amplifier. I was not there but I was told this worked perfectly for that situation. Granted, they were just amplifying the speakers sound, but could parts of this be used in conjunction with a mixer to get multiple users mic'd up and record audio?

We are not looking for professional quality here. I just want to spend the organizations money wisely, and would like to get some suggestions from other members of this forum.

Many many thanks in advance for your help!!!

[edDV]

That Azden WMS Pro is familiar. I got one back in the 90's. It works well but for only one Mic at a time. So you would need two systems for two people. They would need to operate on separate frequencies. The WMS has two frequency selections so that should work.

A consumer MiniDV camcorder usually has a single stereo mini mic jack. Some have a mono jack and some have no jack at all. If yours has a stereo jack you will need an adapter to use two mics. One for left and one for right. You do the mix levels during editing.

Here is the adapter cable



The second mic could be the Nady DKW-1. I haven't used one but try it. It sure is cheap at $40. If the current one works, get another but make sure it has selectable frequencies.
http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--NDYDKW1H

You can Velcro the receiver units to the camcorder. The WMS Pro has an accessory shoe mount. You may need to separate the two receiver units to prevent interference. Test them.


I have a good story on the WMS Pro. I was shooting an auto show at Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco and had an interviewer talking over the WMS with the hand Mic. I was monitoring his sound from the camcorder speaker but I heard a strange echo while we were shooting the first interview. Turns out the central PA was picking up our VHF frequency and we were being heard throughout the hall


PS: I don't see a frequency selector in the Nady DKW-1 Manual. The second Mic will need a selector for a second frequency.

[RedRider]

Many thanks for the detailed reply edDV! I appreciate it. Oddly only one post came up when I searched for Azden wmspro and it was yours! Most of the topics about wireless mic's suggest going for more expensive units, which is not possible in this case. The idea of putting together a poor mans wireless mic system is intriguing and also overwhelming at times.

Anyway, yes, our camcorder has a single mini mic jack! I've honestly never thought of using the adapter you mentioned to use both wireless mic's (the azden and the nady)! I thought I would have to look into getting a mixer. Wow, sometimes the simplest solutions are the easiest.

Thanks again for your help!

PS.. the link you had for the Nady DKW-1 did not show the lapel and body pack transmitter that we got with our purchase. I hope that doesnt change anything... the concept should still be the same.

PS2: Can you comment on the differences between the WLXPRO and the WMSPRO. I think the only difference is the microphone. If so, can the microphone be turned off or unplugged if not being used? Thanks again.

[edDV]

Many thanks for the detailed reply edDV! I appreciate it. Oddly only one post came up when I searched for Azden wmspro and it was yours! Most of the topics about wireless mic's suggest going for more expensive units, which is not possible in this case. The idea of putting together a poor mans wireless mic system is intriguing and also overwhelming at times.

Anyway, yes, our camcorder has a single mini mic jack! I've honestly never thought of using the adapter you mentioned to use both wireless mic's (the azden and the nady)! I thought I would have to look into getting a mixer. Wow, sometimes the simplest solutions are the easiest.

Thanks again for your help!

PS.. the link you had for the Nady DKW-1 did not show the lapel and body pack transmitter that we got with our purchase. I hope that doesn't change anything... the concept should still be the same.

PS2: Can you comment on the differences between the WLXPRO and the WMSPRO. I think the only difference is the microphone. If so, can the microphone be turned off or unplugged if not being used? Thanks again.

You were asking for a cheap but workable solution and that is what these mics are. I was "forced" into doing a wedding video back in the late 90's so decided to buy the Azden to use with my Sony CCD-V5000 and keep it for small projects. It worked out well enough but I rent Shure units for anything serious. I wouldn't consider buying a $1,000 system because my needs are infrequent and rentals are cheap.

This class of lapel mic can work in a quiet room but maybe not at a live event. You need to test. The hand held mics work well if you train the "interviewer" in mic technique. I've used the Azden's at rock concerts and weddings where background noise and music blocked all voices to the cam mic. A properly held Azden mic gets the voice. Mic training is crucial. The interviewer needs to move the mic from ~ 8 inches from his/her mouth to inside a foot for the interviewee in a noisy room. You will be monitoring the raw audio from the camcorder headphones.

When "forced" to to do a gratis wedding for family/friends I require a person be "assigned to volunteer" for interviewer duty. Then I train and rehearse that person. Best to work with the mother of the bride to find the best person. Same goes for charity events. You want the clout of the event organizer backing you up.

Charity events are all about raw power plays.

I'll look into "differences between the WLXPRO and the WMSPRO" later. I don't know.