“Used in Anger” Episode 1: Lavalier Mics in 2022 (RODE vs.DJI vs. Zoom vs. Sony)

Your description says a Fujifilm camera was used, but you mention you're using a A7IV. WHich one is it? Which lens?

Nicely said! I've heard so many people say that the 2.4GHz systems have never failed them. My experience has been different and I'd much prefer to use a UHF system like the SONY UWP-D where I can scan the filming location. Also, 100% agree that having SOMEONE monitor audio and camera through critical filming sessions is a must, not a nice-to-have.

Great video!

I've been fortunate to only use Sennheiser and Sony wireless packs for professional gigs. But every once in a while, I get a little brave and start thinking it's time to give one of these prosumer packs a chance. Thanks for nudging me back to reality. Especially when doing one man band, the last thing you want to do is to come back to the office with unusable audio.

Yeah the Rode, DJI and Zoom are more prosumer level equipment. Like maybe ok if you film yourself and you’re ok with doing it over. For pro work I go Sennheiser but have had good results with Sony too. Sennheiser avx to zoom h6 is my go to atm

Hugh, thanks for sharing. Your story was a catalyst to my spending £1200+ (I'm in the UK) on the latest Sony lav mike kit to replace my Deity (effectively now obsolete) Interview kit. It seemed like a bargain when I bought it and has many nice qualities but self-noise and interference free transmission in tricky situations are known weaknesses. An example perhaps of buying cheap then buying twice?

As a relatively wealthy amateur hobbyist, most of my gear mistakes over the years involved trying to save money buying less than mid/high-end kit only to then upgrade later to better kit.

It's easy to be wise after the event. In truth over 30 years in photography, sound and now video. Most of the stuff I use and trust is the more expensive, better built, properly designed, reliable pro-grade kit.

If I could go back and talk to my younger self it would be to advise in doing careful research, never buying in haste, be wary of clearance sales (cheaper for a reason) and save for better grade when possible.

Hugh, thanks for your excellent advice. I'm on the 'nursery slopes' of sound engineering and as mostly a 'one man solo operator appreciate your learnings and insights.

I guess it's a case of getting what you pay for. The higher cost of better build quality, reliability and ease of use really come into their own when a second take isn't a realistic possibility. It also points up the value of monitoring whenever possible.

I had bought into a Deity's interview kit and was dismayed to learn they stopped making it and successor BP-TRX packs and so it's soon going to be effectively obsolete (when it breaks or service/repair is impossible). So, I need to budget for, then invest in better pro-grade sound kit and redundancy strategies asap. Thus hopefully minimizing risk of future sound problems.

I also take out the idea that a Zoom F2 is a relatively affordable redundancy option for when things go wrong in future, despite utilising high-end sound kit (ie when the going gets tough and the sound gods aka 'sods law' are against you).

This is like listening to my brain at the moment as well. I have the rode. F2’s and dji systems and thinking of switching to the sonys with the fx3. The range issues with dji, the quality control issues and battery drop outs with rode. I just want a one man band solid system 🤦‍♂️

My guy, this is the best video reviewing these microphones. Presenting the information through the framework of your own user experience on the job is BRILLIANT! I love this. THANK YOU

In past years I had sworn off wireless labs because when using them “in anger” I’d been burned. But, I also have had near misses when a subject started to walk away from a wired system. Using a single channel pro level Sony wireless lav - great reliability, but…AA batteries (hate hate hate them). Recently got the Rode Wireless Go II…good sound, but I hate seeing those squares on shirts, and not a fan of using an app. PicoStream dual channel wireless mic has performed flawlessly for me (and are absolutely the least intrusive mics), with great battery life and sound…but no recording. Old Zoom F1 works well, but is a bit bulky for the talent. Just got the DJI dual mic system…again, those big transmitters to hide, but I love the redundancy of backup recordings (without using an app to access). But I need to use them in anger…not sold yet on their tone.

Thanks for your thoughts

Thay sounds like an audio disaster day! You were over prepared and things still didn't fully work. I'm still considering Dji as a stepping stone for my audio needs right now. My current level of work is nowhere near professional enough to need more that what thay system offers. But in the future, the professional level audio equipment is definitely a must.

Wonderful content! Thanks for sharing your insight. For now I am using the RODE 2... ZOOM audio quality I think beats the DJI ? What would you suggest?

Three reviews I’ve watched, 2 broke the hot shoe.

I wish Sony would upgrade their Alpha cameras to 24-bit audio (can only do with XLR-K3M, not with the UWP wireless or compact microphones). Their wireless lavalier system is (much) better than these other prosumer products, but it doesn't reach full potential unless paired with an FX6/FX9. Lumix and Fuji have <$2000 cameras with this feature.

While I haven't had quite your experiences, I do agree that this is an area where you get what you pay for. As cool and accessible as these new lavalier systems are, they are lacking in consistency and noise performance (especially when leaving the home and working in busy urban areas). Part of Sony's advantage is keeping it to one A->D conversion (the prosumer stuff can get around this with internal recording, but still have inferior A/D converters in my experience).

Always get the exended warranty and Bestbuy has the best one in industry

Thanks for this

I recently got the Sony UWP system, and it is fantastic. While the Rode and DJI systems work most of the time, they always seem to go wrong when it really counts.

Holy gee whiz! I should have watched this last week. Now, just as I'm getting ready to do my first one-man-production interview, I realize how much more I need to know. Help! And I do not have your very best secret weapon.