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  • Lavalier sound issues

    Posted by Derek Churchyard on August 30, 2018 at 1:58 pm

    I’m having some sound issues that I can’t seem to resolve with my setup. Here is what I have:

    *Comica Audio CVM-WM100
    *Polsen ULW-16
    *Azden EX-503 Lavalier Microphone. The original mics went bad so I recently bought the Azden Lavs

    *Tascam DR-70D
    *Canon 80D
    We’re doing instructional videos in a warehouse/manufacturing scenario. It’s not terribly loud but certainly has background noise. The new azden mics seem to pick up more background noise than the stock mics that we were using. Not only that but also getting the occasional hiss. I try to minimise all this with Adode Audition but only helps to a degree.

    I’m willing to update any equipment to improve this scenario but just don’t know what and how much will help this.

    Any help would be appreciated.

    Derek Churchyard replied 7 years, 11 months ago 3 Members · 5 Replies
  • 5 Replies
  • Eric Toline

    August 31, 2018 at 11:58 am

    The Azden is an omni directional lav mic so it hears equally in all directions. It could be that your previous lav was a cardioid or directional pattern mic that didn’t hear equally in all directions. There could be other factors involved but omni-vs-cardioid seems to be the most obvious reason.

    \”I push the RECORD button and hope for the best\”

  • Richard Crowley

    August 31, 2018 at 12:15 pm

    Mr. Toline has made the primary point about directionality.

    In addition, note that if you are working in an unfriendly acoustic environment, you can likely improve performance by getting the microphone closer to the presenter’s mouth. In modern times, using a headset microphone is becoming quite common. There are examples that are so small they are virtually invisible except for extreme close-up shots.

    Note also that some microphones have higher self-noise. Azden is not generally regarded as one of the better brands of audio gear. Although some of their newer gear seems to be improving.

    ———————————————————————————
    Recording audio without metering and monitoring is exactly like framing and focusing without looking at the viewfinder.

  • Derek Churchyard

    August 31, 2018 at 7:21 pm

    Thanks for the responses. I’ve considered the headset direction and curious how well they work. I will take a look.

    If I was to upgrade from the Azden, what budget and brands would I be looking at?

    Thanks

  • Richard Crowley

    September 1, 2018 at 5:29 am

    My favorite best-bang-for-the-buck is Oscar Sound Tech.
    They make the two basic types of lav mics, and a nice headset mic.
    And they will custom terminate the mic of your choice with whatever connector you need.
    Whether for a wireless belt-pack transmitter or for direct-wired XLR, etc.

    Good quality mics. Sensibly priced. Small company with personal customer service.
    Recommended.

    https://www.oscarsoundtech.com/

    ———————————————————————————
    Recording audio without metering and monitoring is exactly like framing and focusing without looking at the viewfinder.

  • Derek Churchyard

    September 1, 2018 at 3:34 pm

    Thanks Richard, i will give their headset option a look.

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