GEAR
AUDIO ESSENTIALS
WIRELESS
RODE DUAL WIRELESS ME £TBC/$199 rode.com Rode’s wireless range continues to grow with a dual- transmitter version of the Wireless Me – a compact wireless system that’s fast and easy to use. The set features two transmitters and one receiver, available in either black or white. The kit uses 2.4GHz digital transmission and universal compatibility with cameras, smartphones and computers, as well as Rode GainAssist technology. This employs intelligent algorithms to automatically control audio levels on the fly. This makes it simple to use, delivering professional sound quality with no set- up or tweaking required. It is also the only wireless microphone with a mic built into the receiver for recording audio from around the camera simultaneously, making it ideal for capturing interviews or voiceovers for video content. So the system can record two subjects simultaneously, or three when the built-in receiver mic is activated.
SENNHEISER XSW-D ENG £321/$429 sennheiser.com
Sennheiser has long been the master of wireless audio for filmmaking. Its XS Wireless Digital series produces professional- level audio quality in a kit that offers simple plug-and-play use and is relatively idiot-proof. At the middle of the system are the cylindrical wireless and transmitter packs that are much smaller than the many conventional wireless systems. The mic is plugged into the stereo input jack on the transmitter, and the receiver comes with a clip- on hotshoe mount which sits on top of the camera. This plugs into the mic socket with the included coiled lead. Both packs are turned on with the single button and they link automatically. It’s quick, simple and works on any camera with a standard mic jack. The kit comes with a good-quality lavalier mic and its wireless range is 75m/250ft in ideal conditions.
SHURE SLXD5 AND SLXD3 WIRELESS SLXD5 £377/$379, SLXD3 £333/$349 shure.com
With its SLX-D Portables, Shure claims it’s not necessary to adjust the gain setting on the transmitter, as 24-bit digital audio gives a dynamic range of more than 118dB. The system offers 32 channels per 44MHz band and 100m/330ft of transmission range. The SLXD5 receiver automatically scans for the best frequency and pairs to the transmitter with IR Sync. Both SLXD3 and SLXD5 feature a bright OLED screen to monitor battery life, meter audio and RF quality, as well as frequency tuning. Both are compatible with the full ecosystem of rechargeable Shure accessories, including the SB903 lithium battery and accompanying charging bays. Both SLXD5 and SLXD3 can be powered and charged via USB-C.
Shure’s SLX-D range now features the Portable system, including the SLXD5 Portable Digital Wireless Receiver and SLXD3 Plug-On Digital Wireless Transmitter. The SLX-D Portables deliver the scalability and high-quality wireless performance of the standard SLX-D in new and more compact sizes designed specifically for video industries. The SLXD5 Wireless Receiver can be installed on-camera through the provided coldshoe mount as well as in an audio bag used by a sound recordist. With IR Sync, it is easy to pair receivers to transmitters for instant single-channel configuration. The SLXD5 offers multi-mic mode, which facilitates management and monitoring of multiple sources from a single receiver.
The SLXD3 Plug-On Transmitter transforms any XLR source into a wireless one, including dynamic and condenser microphones. It provides phantom power and is ideal for wireless transmission from boom-mounted shotgun mics.
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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