Consumer vs Pro Wireless Microphone Systems

Why do professional level wireless microphone systems cost so much? Do they just have audio quality that is that much better? Or are there other features that pros need that enthusiast filmmakers don’t need? What am I missing if I go for one of the consumer/prosumer wireless systems?

In this episode we explore these questions by talking about 3 wireless microphone systems I use: RODELink, Sennheiser G3 (and now G4), and the Audio Limited A10 system. We clarify the important differences so you can understand when a consumer grade wireless system is everything you need for your projects and when it might make sense to rent or buy a pro-level wireless system.

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses at https://school.learnlightandsound.com

Links to gear discussed and used to shoot this episode:
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RODELink Filmmaker Kit

Amazon (US, UK, DE, FR): http://geni.us/5K2R

B&H: https://bhpho.to/2ibeQad

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Sennheiser G4 112P (If you buy this, be sure to choose the block that is legal to use in your locality. Buy through a dealer that can help you if you’re not sure. Also, it does not appear that the older G3 is retailing for less at this point. I’d go for the G4. The technical differences are negligible):

B&H: https://bhpho.to/2KVINUk

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Audio Limited A10 Dual Channel Receiver

Gotham Sound: https://bit.ly/2IPmTFu

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Audio Limited A10 Transmitter (version for bag use)

Gotham Sound: https://bit.ly/2KXppGG

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Sennheiser MKH 8050 Microphone - used to record this entire episode

Amazon (US, UK, DE, FR): http://geni.us/mUcDk
B&H: https://bhpho.to/2zozur3

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Viviana Strap (waist band transmitter concealer)

Gotham Sound: https://www.gothamsound.com/product/waist-strap-medium

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Aputure COB 120t - This is the light I used as a key in the talking head clips

Amazon: http://geni.us/lHTcfa
B&H: https://bhpho.to/2yUWD4z

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Aputure Light Dome Soft Box - Used to soften the key light

Amazon: http://geni.us/74in

B&H: https://bhpho.to/2z9bRSw

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Lupo DayLED Fresnel Light with Barn Doors - Used for the “rim/hair” light

650, 1000, & 2000 in daylight, tungsten, or bi-color
B&H: https://bhpho.to/2DtVJhQ

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Blackmagic design Ursa Mini Pro Cinema Camera - used for the talking head shots in this episode

B&H: https://bhpho.to/2AKJOcN

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Sigma ART 24-70mm f/2.8 OS Lens (Canon EF Mount)

B&H: http://geni.us/4JE8j2w

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Panasonic GH5 - Used for some of the product shots

Amazon: http://geni.us/Efb6r

B&H: https://bhpho.to/2BcorBk

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Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS Lens - incredibly versatile lens that is on the GH5 most of the time

Amazon: http://geni.us/uMsKam

B&H: https://bhpho.to/2i6s2gv

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Copyright 2018 by Curtis Judd

Music - MzA by Cary Judd, used with permission

Ethics statement: Some of the links above are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links.