Today’s camcorders and DSLR cameras are capable of producing tack-sharp and velvety smooth video footage. But it’s not just the camera body alone that’s responsible for this. A whole arsenal of advanced tools is added to the rig to enhance its wireless recording capabilities and output quality. Doing so saves you an enormous amount of time and effort when editing your project.
However, not all camera accessories are convenient to lug around, especially if you’re shooting outdoors and on-the-go, or in a remote location. You’d want to keep your rig as light as possible without compromising on quality.
One technique is to replace your wired shotgun mics and boom poles with a wireless microphone system. This type of gear lets you record pro audio with your DSLR camera or camcorder, minus the hassle and extra weight.
One of the top pro audio companies that has perfected this technology is Sennheiser. The company has introduced two cutting-edge wireless mic systems, namely the evolution wireless (EW) and AVX, each with its own set of remarkable qualities. But if it comes down to choosing just one, which wireless microphone for video recording kit should you get?
What Is a Wireless Microphone System?
Before we get down to business, let’s first discuss the basics of wireless microphone systems. Ever notice those cordless mics used by performers or news reporters? These mics connect to the sound system via radio signals sent from a transmitter to a receiver. They eliminate the cable, giving users the freedom to move around.
In filmmaking and videography, a variety of wireless mic systems are used to capture sound with a level of quality that DSLR cameras and camcorders cannot achieve. Input devices could range from lapel mics for documentary interviews to on-camera lobar mics for film dialogue in controlled settings.
While the microphone’s pickup pattern, build, and frequency response greatly influence the quality of the sound you produce, it is the transmitter and receiver that ensures the signal is spotless.
Sennheiser Evolution Wireless G4
Sennheiser’s fourth generation evolution wireless series offers a simple, flexible, and reliable wireless camera microphone system for video professionals and filmmakers. The EW 112P G4 and EW 100 ENG G4, in particular, make for rugged companions when shooting video in the elements.
The EW 100 ENG G4 bodypack transmitter and camera-mount receiver combo is a portable and flexible solution for your video sound and field recording needs. Used with the ME 2-II clip-on omnidirectional microphone, you can record broadcast-quality interviews. If you prefer a dynamic microphone, simply remove the cord and attach the plug-on transmitter SKP 100 and go wireless in seconds. The EW 112P G4, on the other hand, includes all the goodies of the EW 100 ENG but also comes with a camera mount for a fast and easy pro audio/video setup.
Check out Sennheiser’s video introduction to the ew 100 G4 series for more info:
Sennheiser AVX
Videographers, journalists, and DPs frequently travel to remote corners of the world. The last thing they need is gear weighing them down. Sennheiser’s AVX fulfills its promise of letting you “relax” as you capture great images. Its plug-and-play setup lets you focus on your creative vision and think less about audio and more on capturing stunning footage.
Audio has always been on the back burner for many video and film professionals. A chunk of their time and attention go to the mise-en-scène, the story, and the aesthetics of the image. Sound and audio usually come in during post-production. The AVX is Sennheiser’s solution for that. It’s a run-and-gun audio system specially designed for one-man projects and small production crews.
- Sennheiser AVX Camera Mountable Combo Wireless Set –
- Sennheiser AVX-835 Camera Handheld Wireless Set –
Watch the video below to see the AVX in action:
SENNHEISER AVX 15 – 1 from Sennheiser electronic on Vimeo.
So What’s the Difference?
Both the Sennheiser evolution wireless and AVX are impressive wireless microphone systems, but how do they compare? If you’re torn between these two kits, allow us to help you make an informed, confident choice:
Form Factor
AVX: Really compact and guarantees a lightweight rig. Both the transmitter and receiver are slim, small, and sleek. The AVX receiver’s antenna is just a small stub compared to the floppy ones that are common in most receivers. The handheld wireless mic is standard in size but is definitely more convenient than a wired one.
Evolution wireless: The ew 100 G4 is slightly bulkier than the AVX, but still falls on the lightweight end of the spectrum. The transmitter and receiver combined weigh approximately 0.15 kg. The plug-on transmitter will add some weight and length to your wireless, handheld mic, but overall, the kit is still portable.
Build Quality
AVX: This Sennheiser wireless system is pretty solid and robust. While these units are slim and small, they don’t feel delicate at all. The casings are made of metal and plastic with no signs of flexing or creaking.
Evolution wireless: Sennheiser flaunts the ew G4 series as a robust, all-in-one solution, and rightfully so. Both the bodypack transmitter and camera-mount receiver feature a rugged construction, with all casings made of metal, making them ideal for extended use on the field.
Power & Charging Options
AVX: To cut down on bulk and weight, the AVX is powered by a Li-ION battery that will charge via USB and last up to four hours for the receiver and about 15 hours for the transmitter and microphone. When the batteries die, you’ll need to pop them on the charger and wait for a few hours or have extras or an external battery pack on hand. While this is less convenient than AA batteries, Sennheiser makes up for it by allowing the receiver to detect the 48V from the camera and automatically shut off and on with your camera, saving battery usage.
Evolution wireless: The kit comes with two AA alkaline batteries that can last up to eight hours and are also less expensive than Li-ION batteries. You also have the option to buy a rechargeable Sennheiser Accupack for a more cost-efficient substitute.
Setup & Ease of Use
AVX: You can plug the receiver in a camera’s 3.5mm TRS audio or mount it directly on your camera’s hot or cold shoe mount in a cage. With the click of two buttons, you’re ready to shoot with great audio in seconds. There’s no need for channel selection or manual linking — it’s that simple. It boasts the innovative Link Protection feature, which automatically selects and hops to the cleanest channel before any interference becomes audible.
Evolution Wireless: The ew 100 G4 kit is relatively simple to set up and use. It comes with a frequency scan function which automatically scans the cleanest frequency in your location. But there’s an added option to manually select channels and change your settings via a user-friendly menu.
Audio Performance
AVX: The system works in the permit-free 1.9GHz range. But the best thing about it is that you don’t need to worry about frequencies. All you need to do is set the output level once for your device and let your AVX do the rest. The system also has the ability to compensate for inconsistent levels. For instance, when an interviewee whispers, the unit will increase the volume, and when that person yells, it will decrease the volume without distortion. The unit’s range is about half that of the G3 series, about 100-150 feet, which may not be a problem for most shooters but a downside for audiophiles.
Evolution wireless: The series comes with a diversity camera-mount receiver, one of the few technologies on the market that achieves true diversity transmission. This means you won’t have any issues when using multiple systems. Transmission is pretty much reliable within a 330-feet radius. It also boasts a 42 MHz bandwidth with 1680 tunable UHF frequencies for interference-free reception. With greater frequency reception comes more flexibility and creative freedom.
Overall
The AVX and ew 100 G4 series are two of Sennheiser’s best contenders in the budget-friendly, professional range. If you don’t have a sound engineer and need a fool-proof unit for your field recordings, both are dependable options. The AVX is a bit pricier, but mostly because of its intelligent, automatic features and slick setup. The ew 100 ENG and ew 112P, on the other hand, are equally impressive, while less expensive, and come with a significant learning curve. Either way, you’ll enjoy impressive audio that will take your narrative to the next level.
Feature image via Sennheiser
