Microphone Audio Systems FAQ's Section
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Q: Hi Andrew, are Azden wireless microphones compatible with the Sony VX2100 camcorder? If so which do you recommend? We currently have used the Sony WCS-999 wireless microphone system and they are monaural, have only three channels and we have had problems with interference.
A: Hi Elisabeth, I have not used Azden microphones but it's my understanding that they cater for the budget end of the market. Likewise with the Sony WCS-999 microphone. For serious work, it's essential to invest in a professional quality system such as the Sony UWP-C1 system or the Sennheiser EW100 G2 - each of these systems are UHF (not VHF) and cost around $499. Cheaper systems will almost certainly give you a lot of problems. Personally, I would rather not use a wireless mic than to use a cheap one, it's just not worth it. All wireless mics are mono by the way, that's standard.
--Andrew Lock
Q: Hi Andrew, I've been reading your Tech tips and answers for years and I've learned a lot from you. I remember a while back you wrote something about using minidisc recorders as an additional audio recording tool for event videography such as wedding videography. Its been a while and new devices are available since you wrote that article. How about the MP3 recorders like the "IRiver". I have a videographer friend who used the "IRiver IFP-780" and he loves it. But I think it only records for about 2.5 hrs. That doesn't seem sufficient. One thing that it offers though is an external mic/line in (switchable in the menu), adjustable record level, and USB2 output. These details are critical to me but are difficult to find out about the various MP3 recorders as they usually don't include them in their product details. I also wonder if there is a Flash recorder that has removable memory (that is inexpensive and compatible with common flash card readers) so I can have a few cards in rotation with my editor and one for my personal use. Maybe I should still be looking at minidisc recorders. Is there a device that you recommend? Or a different solution all together?
A: Hi Tim, I'm glad you asked this question because times have definitely changed and I now recommend the M-Audio Microtrack. It's more expensive, but it records directly to a compact flash card, which means that the data is already in a digital format and can easily be transferred to a computer as an existing file. It records WAV and MP3 files, and with a 1GB card you can record multiple days of audio in high quality mp3 mode (great for seminars). Input options are microphone, line RCA's or 1/4" jacks, so you are also well covered from that point of view.
--Andrew Lock
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