wireless mic packs for on the go

[BeachCast]

Any of you have experience with a good wireless mic kit? I want to record two people on remote and having them wired is not so good.

Back in my pro audio days we used ones like the Sony UWP series (www.proaudiosuperstore.com/Sony-UWPC1.html) or other ENG kits. But that is a bit pricey for volunteer charity work at ~$500.

With all the camcorders out there, I am sure there are decent body pack wireless systems.

There seem to be some good cheap ones from Audio Technica, Nady, etc. along with portable mixers on this site.
http://www.goelectronic.com/Merchant2/4.12/00000001/catalog/c90.html

I am leaning toward the Sony WCS-999 since it looks pretty good and has an additional mic in at the receiver.

Any opinions?

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[Craig]

No experience personally but if you search the newsgroups at http://groups-beta.google.com you should turn up plenty of opinions. That's the first place I look when I'm trying to figure out what's good and what isn't.

Craig

[Filmosity]

Wireless mics are used a lot in video production, so you might want to check out some user forums. Try creativecow.net or 2-pop.com.

-chris

[BeachCast]

I went and listened to one of the Sony WCS-999 systems. I sounded pretty good so I picked it up. Once I have tried it out, I will let you all know how it works.

[BeachCast]

I have had a chance to play with the Sony WCS-999 mic. Here is some initial impressions after a few recording sessions use.

It is a bare bones wireless rig as you would expect for the $120. The the pieces feel a little low end plastic. The receiver and transmitter both require a single AA battery.

The Good:
1. It works and the sound quality is good. Small amount of white noise bed on one of the channels but the other two are clear.
2. Size is good. Both pieces are very portable and easy to stash.
3. Extra mic input on receiver allows for two mic mixing without a mixer.
4. Receiver microphone can be removed and replaced with a better mic via a standard mini jack.
5. Comes with removable single ear bud headphone through earphone out jack..
6. Simple to use. On switch on both pieces with a 3 channel selection for freq.

The Bad.
1. Mic is a bit cheap. Lav comes with built in clip that swivels but a removable alligator would have been better. No wind foam. Luckily I can switch in a better mic.
2. No gain control or 2nd mic mix control. No way to adjust balance between levels or adjust overall gain. That was something I couldn't determine from the web or box but thought it would have.

Overall, I like the unit for the price. I really would have liked a mix level control and some gain. I do like the second mic in and the earphone out. I haven't seen anything better in this camcorder-class equip. The pro stuff is much better but several hundred more. I will keep on the watch for something better though. Anyone else see something they like, let me know.

Samples of recording with it up this weekend or so.

[Craig]

Thanks for the review. FWIW, Radio Shack has a 4-pack of windscreens for lavs (not a potty product for the UK) for $2.29:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=33-4006

Craig