FCP-L: [FCP-L] Re: [Avid-L2] OT: Rugged Lav Mics

Thursday, October 29, 2009

[FCP-L] Re: [Avid-L2] OT: Rugged Lav Mics

On 10/29/09 7:21 AM, "switthaus" <switthaus@mac.com> wrote:
>
> my week for OT posts...
>
> I am looking for a good rugged lavaliere microphone that can be used by the
> students at the school where I teach. Ideally these should have XLR
> connectors.
>
> I hope to buy about 18 of them, so a good low price is important. Thanks in
> advance.
>
> Scott

Alas, ³good,² ³rugged,² and ³low price² don¹t go together in the world of
lav mics. I do some work as a mixer. For me, a $200 lav has a low price. Not
bragging...I¹d rather spend less. I¹m as cheap as anyone, but I also want
my equipment to perform up to the standards I need. And I want it to last.

Tim suggested a hardwired Countryman EMW. A good suggestion. Note that many
years ago I worked at Countryman, and was friends with the family. But I
wouldn¹t use their mics if they didn¹t provide value for the dollar. The EMW
has a strong Kevlar-reinforced cable, is waterproof, sounds pretty good, and
is easy to mount. In my experience, it holds up better than a TRAM. $180ish
with XLR connector.

The Sony ECM-77 is a good mic, but expensive. Something like $350 with a XLR
power supply (maybe there¹s a cheaper configuration that¹ll work for you,
though).

For Audio-Technica, I¹m only familiar with their AT899. A nice lav, but not
my favorite. $200 with an XLR power supply.

Steve¹s Samson suggestion is interesting, though if you went with those I¹d
suggest buying a few extras. I assume they (and especially the cables) won¹t
last as long as better lavs. But the price might make it work for you...Good
find, Steve.

As for eBay, RadioShack, and the like...well, give it a shot...but don¹t
hope for too much.

Since you¹re buying a fair number of mics, I¹d think some dealers would give
you a price break. Perhaps VCU already has a preferred provider? Or you can
try for an educational discount? And what is your budget?

Jim ³does location sound...owns a dozen lavs, and one 635² Feeley

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