BUYERS’ GUIDE GEAR
“Spatial diversity uses dual antennae on both the receiver and transmitter to reduce interference”
The Audio-Technica System 10 Camera- Mount is a traditional-style, high-fidelity digital wireless audio that supports lavalier, handheld and bodypack transmitter configurations. It doesn’t come with a mic, though, so you’ll need to budget separately for a lav or reporter mic. The ATW-1701 kit features a bodypack transmitter with a four-pin locking connector. Operating in the 2.4GHz band, System 10 avoids the crowded UHF TV broadcast frequencies for reliable and interference- free transmission in any region. Audio is transmitted and received in 24-bit, 48kHz digital resolution, maintaining complete bandwidth clarity with low latency and minimal signal degradation. A key strength is its triple-diversity tech, meaning frequency, time and spatial components work together to reduce dropouts and maintain signal integrity. Frequency diversity sends the signal on two dynamically assigned frequencies, time diversity sends it at different time intervals and spatial diversity uses dual antennae on the receiver and transmitter to reduce interference. The ultra-compact receiver offers balanced or unbalanced output, headphone monitoring with independent volume control and a built-in rechargeable battery giving up to 12 hours of runtime. It also features auto frequency selection, instant pairing and support for up to eight simultaneous transmitter links per receiver. AUDIO-TECHNICA SYSTEM 10 CAMERA-MOUNT £337/$439 audio-technica.com
Shure’s SLX-D Digital Wireless range is powered by the SLXD5 single-channel portable digital wireless receiver at £429/$419. This is a compact, camera- mountable unit that pairs with the SLXD1 bodypack transmitter at £275/$252, but you might also want the SLXD3 plug- on transmitter for £379/$389, which enables wireless connectivity for any XLR microphone, including condenser mics, thanks to built-in phantom power. It’s ideal for wireless transmission from boom-mounted, XLR-fit shotgun mics. The SLXD5 receiver attaches to a camera via the included coldshoe mount, and features IR sync for fast pairing with transmitters. Its Multi-Mic Mode allows users to monitor and manage multiple transmitters from a single receiver. Both the SLXD5 and SLXD3 offer bright OLED displays for readouts of RF quality, audio metering and battery life. Operating in the 24-bit domain, the system has a dynamic range over 118dB, up to 32 channels per 44MHz band and works at a 100m/330ft distance. Power is from USB-C or Shure’s SB903 rechargeable batteries. Plus, the new Wireless Workbench Mobile app offers management of Shure wireless systems on the move, from an Android device or iPhone. Tools available on the free app include guided alerts and mobile frequency coordination to help troubleshoot any issues. SHURE SLX-D BODYPACK AND RECEIVER £704/$671 shure.com
HOLLYLAND LARK M2S £139/$139 hollyland.com
Hollyland’s new Lark M2S is the sixth generation of its super-compact wireless microphone series built to record high- quality audio with maximum discretion. It has an ultra-compact, logo-free design and weighs just 7g, allowing it to be fixed to clothing for super-stealthy use. The transmitters aren’t much bigger than a standard lav mic. Despite the tiny size, the M2S operates on the 2.4GHz band with a range of up to 300 metres, and features a high- resolution, 24-bit, 48kHz sampling rate with 70dB signal-to-noise ratio for clear and nuanced vocal capture. Hollyland’s Environmental Noise Cancellation helps isolate the speaker’s voice too, even when recording in busy environments. Each transmitter lasts up to nine hours at a time, and can be recharged on the go using the included portable charging case, which extends total battery life to 30 hours. A titanium alloy clip keeps the unit securely in place during movement, with the charging case that houses two transmitters and two receivers, one for a camera and another with USB-C for use on smartphones or computers. Furry windshields for blustery days are also included. The Lark Sound app allows for real-time monitoring and control of audio settings, gain and noise reduction. offering durability without bulk. The Lark M2S Combo kit comes
Pros: Unique triple-diversity technology Cons: No mics included
Pros: High quality for pro results Cons: No lav mic included or 32-bit float
Pros: Truly tiny transmitters Cons: No 32-bit float recording
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