New Gear Day // Audio Ltd A10 Digital Wireless (w/ DPA Core 4061 mics)

Excitement levels off the scale, I've just taken delivery (actually two weeks ago now) of my own first truly professional level wireless audio system.

The dual channel Audio Ltd A10 digital wireless system.

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I've been meaning to get off the Sennheiser G2/3 wagon for a while now, and have finally mustered the courage to splurge the balance of my credit card on a complete set of radios, plus mics.

Last month I added 2 sets of Sony UWP-D radios, with ECM-77 mics, to achieve better audio quality and better transmission strength. I was very happy with those, and continue to be; as I'll be using those as both radio camera links and as additional mic packs too. The Sony RX's have the advantage of having incredible integration with Sony cameras like the FS5 and FS7, when used in conjunction with their powered hot shoe adapter, and I just can't deny how popular those cameras are among owner operators, and their prolific use for corporate video and low/mid tier commercial projects.

Now with my work year picking up again, I'm preparing by getting the best of the best kit to help me deliver better sound to my clients! The Audio Ltd A10 system, which has been on my radar for a year or so now, should be just the ticket for delivering better, cleaner radio mic transmission.

It combines the immense audio quality associated with Audio Ltd products, with a lightweight pack low latency digital transmission and integrated recording for those out of range moments. Only Zaxcom, from the US, have a truly 1 for 1 competing product; Sennheiser and Sony also have digital systems, but without that integrated recorder.

From the two weeks I've now had using them on locations across Europe I must confess I'm impressed. Almost cable quality transmission of the DPA mics, with bluetooth control of key functions; gain, LCF, frequency, and that 48V phantom power adding the option of a wireless boom is a great addition to my toolset.

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I think it's fair to say my radio mic game will be lifted by this product!

Audio: Radio Lavalier Mic Shootout - Sennheiser vs Rode vs Sony

    I recently shot a video covering the sound quality of some lavalier microphones that I've been using on my video work for  the last year or so. The test I've done is a comparison between the various lavalier mics but also uses an industry standard boom mic for a reference point.
    The three lavalier mics I have at my disposal are the Sennheiser ME2, which is bundled with the G2 and G3 radio mic kits, the Sony ECM77, which I picked up cheap but has been used across the world as a professional broadcast lavalier and the newcomer in the Rode Lavalier. Which represents a middle ground in price terms but as with all Rode products it provides an extremely favourable performance to value ratio.
    The boom mic I've set up is the Sennheiser MKH60 which, in my humble view, is one of the finest shotgun microphones that money can buy.

    What we've set up is not a perfect test, but more an actual use case scenario. I've not plugged the lavaliers into a mic pre directly but have actually taken feeds from the radio system, as that's how I'd be using them on a location shoot anyway. Being as I wanted a fair comparison between the lavaliers they are all wired up identically to Sennheiser G2 radio transmitters with mains receivers. All three receivers are run into my computer audio interface; a RME Fireface UFX. The boom is also plugged into the UFX.
     Here's the video:

         

     The goal here is first, have a listen to the mics and see what you think of the quality. All three are in a good position for dialogue intelligibility, but not necessarily perfect positioning (as you typically get on set...). Secondly to help show that the use of a full size boom can really elevate the sound of the dialogue that you're recording. While radio lavalier mics are an excellent choice for difficult shots and for getting a tight perspective, correctly positioned boom mics will always give you a fuller and more appealing sound.

    Apologies if the presenting was a bit crap, it's my first time trying this so hopefully should get better as I go on.

Amazon Links:
Rode Lavalier Microphone
Sennheiser ME 2-US

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