Discover the Best Wireless Lavalier Microphones & Systems
1. Sennheiser EW 112P G4
Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (A1: 470 to 516 MHz)
Finally, something that just works
Reviewed by Br. Lawrence on B&H Photo Video
I've been looking for a wireless or client-worn solution for some time now. I tried the Zoom F1 as soon as it came out, since I've been very happy with the Zoom products I already have (the H6 and F8n), but the self-noise and generally tinny sound made it unusable for me. I then tried the Rode Wireless Go, as soon as I saw some of the ecstatic reviews, but I use an external lav mic which caused interference, a wide-latitude whine which couldn't be targeted with filters. I suppose I could have bought another lav, but, hey, I already have a couple of good ones (Tram TR50's), right? Then I saw the price drop on this, with another bonus incentive, and grabbed it. It was what I was looking for all along. The sound on this is rich and crystal clear, with a low noise floor, and seems to have really good transmission capabilities. I walked around in the office space here, and went behind a concrete wall, and there was no problem. And it works flawlessly with the lavs I already have (as I say, two Tram Tr50's which fortunately have a battery option, since the 112p system has no phantom power). I did a test on the battery life, transmitting dialogue and recording - I set a movie on a loop - and the units ran and ran on two rechargeable AA batteries. They finally conked out somewhere between 9 and 11 hours. I don't have anything to say about the ME2-II microphone, as I haven't used it and don't intend to. I've seen enough online reviews to know that it won't give us the sound we need. So far, I have no criticisms at all about this unit. It works as well as wiring the mics directly into the F8n. You can tell that these are professional units, built to be reliable. ... More
Dependable & A Bargain
Reviewed by Terry on B&H Photo Video
Let me start by saying at the time of writing this review BNH was offering $120 gift card with the purchase of this unit. Before I purchase this unit I was looking into other units such as tentacle sync and tascam. However after discussing it with a few friends who owned both I decided this was the best value for my money especially with the gift card that was being offered. However, I was unsure which frequency to purchase. SenHeiser did not have their frequency information available on their website at this time and so I ended up calling BNH and talking to representative. They advise me on purchasing this unit because it was the most recent block of frequencies that had been released by the company and that I would have my best bet of getting as many channels as possible with this unit. This is absolutely correct as the first time I used it was at a huge conference and I had no issues with 12 channels available. The microphone while bigger than the earlier microphones was still very good and picked up even by standards that were talking with my client. A failed H for zoom recording made this a huge win for me as I was still able to pick up usable audio from interviews. I can't recommend this unit enough and it's the perfect time to buy especially if the gift card is still being offered. ... More
2. Rode RODELink Filmmaker Kit
Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
I was skeptical before. Now I'm a believer.
Reviewed by Eric on B&H Photo Video
I'll admit, I was skeptical when these were launched. It was almost too good to be true. The perfect product at a great price point, digital signal, the whole nine yards. They're bulkier than other lavaliers, but not by much. And the kit conveniently comes with an adapter on the receiver to connect to the hot shoe of your camera for single person shooting. Interestingly, when I went to test out this product at a local store, they tried to discourage me. They said that it was mainly designed for DSLR shooters, since the kit does NOT include an XLR cable to connect the receiver to the camera. It must be purchased separately. And it does come included with a mini to mini jack. So sure, that claim is believable. From my perspective however, and experiences on various shoots at this point, it is ideal for both. This gives this wireless kit unique versatility in small crews moving quickly. Also, in the tests we did at the facility we found that not all XLR adapters worked properly with the unit, some would not work pushed all the way in to the receiver, and had to be slightly out of the socket in order to function. I found one however that worked perfectly fine, and locked into place. Since then, it's been the cleanest sounding lavalier I've used for the price point. The body is made out of plastic, which bothers some people. Unless you're strapping it to the general before a battle however, I really think it's a non issue. You aren't exactly smashing them on the ground, and the plastic is strong and well constructed. Some people are also bothered by the size. Yes, they are bigger than your average wireless system, but I have never had a situation where I thought that the size interfered with performance or logistics of getting a shot. At the end of the day, the most important quality of a lavalier mic is the quality. This kit has fantastic range, a crystal clear signal, and is fantastic. It's easy to use, and immediately syncs upon being turned on. The T and R each take two double a batteries that last about 4-5 hours. If you're on the fence about this, don't be. It's a worthwhile investment. For a long time I was a naysayer of Rode. I never cared for their videomic pro. Then I tried the NTG3, which I loved. This rode wireless lavalier kit has the added advantage of matching really well with other rode products that you happen to own. ... More
I chose this over the more expensive models used
Reviewed by Peterinhi on B&H Photo Video
I'm a professional videographer (I get paid for doing videos full-time) and was looking for another wireless lavalier but didn't choose to spend more than necessary. I used other products in the $ to $ range (not naming names, but the cheap ones start with an A and the two expensive ones both start with S) but the cheaper wireless systems didn't provide the range and sound I needed and the expensive systems were simply, expensive.I researched the Rodelink Filmmaker Kit extensively by watching review videos and reading numerous reviews. What I like about it is that it is comparable to or possibly exceeds the features of the expensive S-brand models. It has the same clarity and range, however, being digital like cellular phones, when the signal starts degrading, the sound stops abruptly and doesn't crackle and fade like the high end analog systems. Just think of what happens on a cell phone call when you go into an elevator.Moreover, the Rodelink pairing is quick. Just a few seconds. There's no fiddling with channel frequencies, just a few buttons to press to get the receiver and transmitter to connect. And once connected and paired, the next time they're turned on, they work instantly.I also like that you can see the battery level of the transmitter on the receiver. And of course you can see the receiver's power level as well. I've been on jobs where we would have to check the transmitter's battery power midway through the event. I've even had the transmitter die without me noticing (I was on a one-man multi-cam gig) because those expensive models don't show the transmitter's power.Yet the feature I like the most is the mute switch. While the transmitter can mute itself like those expensive models, the Rodelink receiver can override the transmitter's mute and make it live again. I had jobs where the speaker/host accidentally muted their transmitter (they didn't know it happened) and I was left with dead silence on that feed and couldn't interrupt the event to check the mute switch. However, I always have multiple backups going but they weren't as good as the muted transmitter.With all the great features I like about the Rodelink, I would say that it is kinda big. Because Rode placed built-in antennas into the Rodelink, there are no protruding antennas sticking out. I like this in that I've had broken antennas on those expensive S-models. Yet those built-in antennas would need a material to transmit through. Hence the plasticky nature of Rodelink. It is not as thin and tiny as the other models but about the same weight. Hopefully Rode can solve this size challenge in the future and make a more compact model.All in all, I'm totally satisfied with the Rodelink Filmmaker Kit. I'm planning on purchasing another Filmmaker in addition to purchasing the yet-to-be-release Newsshooter Kit. Forget those other S models out there as the Rodelink is more than a match at a price point that won't break the bank.FYI, I purchased the Rodelink outright from B&H as I'm not a compensated endorser, just a regular hardworking video guy. I already have the VideoMic Pro and also plan to purchase the Stereo VideoMic Pro. But if Rode were to give me one, I'd be super happy and appreciate! Thanks Rode and B&H! ... More
3. Shure BLX14 (CVL,B98,SM31,P31)
Wireless Microphone System
Reliable, not too expensive, easy to use, clear and crisp!
Reviewed by Minicop on Guitar Center
This had no reviews when I bought it. I was scared. I had just returned a line 6 G30 that was cutting in and out on me every 10 seconds. I had a Sure set up back in 2000, but WiFi and a bajillion cell phones were not too prevalent back then. In my band's practice area, there are 2 WiFi routers and 4 cell phones. This BLX 14 has had 0 issues in a 3 hour practice this far under those circumstances whereas the Line 6 couldn't function. The Sure name is reliable, even under the weight of all the interference these days. So glad I got this instead!!! ... More
great upgrade from my single antenna shure
Reviewed by ac on Guitar Center
just picked one up and used it this weekend at a venue for a show. worked great, clear sound and good range. i like all the channel options and battery life has been good, too.
4. Sennheiser AVX-ME2 SET
Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Review Followup - Transmission delay
Reviewed by Gregg on B&H Photo Video
I wrote up a review of the AVX system a few weeks ago. At the time I really liked it and I still do. Great system, simple to operate, great signal. However there is one important thing I think a potential buyer should be aware of. There is a 19ms delay from AVX transmitter signal input to output on the AVX receiver. I assume this delay is for the A-D conversion, encryption, transmission, decryption, D-A conversion of the signal. I confirmed the delay by doing some test clips simultaneously recording the AVX signal and a Sennheiser G3 wireless lav paired together. Sure enough, 19ms difference. 19ms is about 1/2 of a frame at 24fps, or 1.14 frames at 60fps. From what I can see the 19ms delay is not observable in dialog video playback at either 24 or 60 fps. I would caution that if you simultaneously record AVX audio along with a boom mic or any other analog system (for example standard wireless lav) on the same recording device, the tracks will be out of synch by 19ms and blending the tracks together will create an echo until you compensate for the AVX delay. This is the only drawback I see in the system, but it does not effect my high overall opinion of the system. Just thought a buyer should be aware of it and plan accordingly when recording a combination of analog and digital audio sources. Obviously recording the AVX signal externally and synching in post is a good solution, or just plan on bumping the AVX audio forward 19ms to have prefect timing. Regardless, still a great system, just need to be careful when mixing digital and analog audio sources together. ... More
Finally an advance in wireless mics!
Reviewed by RobW on B&H Photo Video
We've been using the Sennheiser Evolution wireless lavalier mics for many years, both the G2 and G3 models. We do wedding videos and on occasions we would get RF interference that we just couldn't do anything about. If we were lucky, we would catch it before the wedding would begin and find another channel that might work. When unlucky, the problem wouldn't occur until after the wedding started, at which point we could do nothing about it. Problems would range from inconsistent signal to total loss of signal. We did our best to deal with it, but when a friend suggested changing to Sony system I looked into it as they had the diversity signal and a little better system to find a clean channel. I was ready to try it when I saw the availability of this system, the Sennheiser AVX. The more I read about it the more I realized they had finally made a giant move forward in improving the technology to get around any issues of interference. My only hesitation was this is rather new technology, and I was not so eager to spend more money on something that might not yet be proven. If it works, it's all great, but if it's just a good idea that in practice doesn't work the way it should, then a lot of money can be spent to get you no where. So far, after having used this just once, I've found nothing to hesitate recommending this unit. Right out of the box, it worked just as I had hoped. I tested it out, just plugged it in and turned it on, everything lit up green and ready to go. I walked outside and tested it, signal remained locked and strong. We did a wedding with it yesterday, and everything remained working as expected. We probably didn't encounter a very challenging situation for RF interference at this point, so time will tell if we ever have a situation that it can't handle. But just in it's basic functioning, it seems very solid and reliable. The build quality is also excellent, as you would expect with Sennheiser products. I like that the antennae isn't a wire like the older Evolution units, and the way the receiver plugs into the XLR input on a camcorder is excellent. The controls it has seem just what are needed and not much more to get in the way of using them. This is a plug and play unit, if what you want it lot's of control of the unit input/output, etc., then this isn't ideal. The output of the receiver does have a 4-stage setting, but that should generally be fine as the recording device will probably have it's own adjustments that can be made. Over all, I can't imagine an easier to use, foolproof system. In the coming months or years, we'll see if it continues to perform as trouble free and it seems to. But for now, I have no complaints. ... More
5. Sennheiser XSW-D
LAVALIER SET Digital Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System
Great deal for easy to use, quality system
Reviewed by Steve on B&H Photo Video
I purchased the XSW-D kit for capturing the preachers voices at a church I am helping out. I regularly use high end wireless kits as a stagehand at work, and hoped to avoid the noise and static that might come with a cheap kit. I had noticed that I could finally enjoy bluetooth wireless audio on gear using the APT-X codecs, which this system uses. I went ahead and bought these, as Sennheiser has always seemed to provide quality audio gear. So far our audio people really like the sound provided by the included lavalier, other than a little clothing rustle. I did find that if you want to use a different microphone, like a headset, that it must have a T-R-S connector, as the transmitter does not provide T-S style plug-in power. Rather than the complexity of setting up a typical pro wireless kit, this system has just one button per device. It is so easy to sync them that I am sure the church crew will be able to use them when I am not around. It promises 5 hour run time on a charge. This is the smallest transmitter and receiver I have come across so far, which makes it easier to hang on a person. Tiny though it is, this is no toy. And, knock on wood, we have not experienced any interference issues at all, using it right downtown. Give it a try, you will be surprised. ... More
Amazing for the price
Reviewed by Stan on B&H Photo Video
I've been used to using the more expensive Sennheiser EW series lavalier system, so I was initially skeptical of how this cheaper line was going to perform. Turns out, it's everything it advertises. Easy to use, clear signal. Sounds like it should. It's worth mentioning the limitations, though. There is another reviewer on here who mentioned that it's no good for weddings, because when the groom leaves the room it disconnects. And I can see that happening. There's a lot of smarts happening under the hood on these things, so I can see how the receiver might turn itself off to save battery if it detects no transmitter. So if you're doing weddings or documentary style work, then upgrading to a real wireless lav system is probably the way to go for you. But if you're just in a situation where everything's relatively contained and you're looking to remove a cable from the situation, this little set is pretty dope. ... More