Pro Lavalier Microphones - My Impressions On Seven Pro Lavalier Mics

In today’s episode, I give you my impressions on seven different pro level lavalier microphones I’ve used, including the Sanken COS-11D, Voice Technologies VT500, Countryman B6, Shure TwinPlex TL-47, Shure TwinPlex TL-48, and the Sennheiser MKE2.

Index:
01:14 What's special about pro-level lavalier microphones
05:39 Sanken COS-11D
08:34 Voice Technologies VT500
10:53 Countryman B6
14:04 DPA 4160
15:51 Shure Twinplex (TL47 & TL48)
21:37 Which is the best? (spoiler - none. Each fit different situations)

#Microphone #Lavalier #Pro

You can find audio samples from these microphones here:

Copyright 2020, Curtis Judd

[youngrippa]

I was JUST looking at new lavalier's so big thanks for this video. I've bought a lot of my equipment based on your assessments

[XIGuyIX]

Hi Curtis, just want to say you're the man and you are an extremely underrated youtuber. You're the mature persons youtuber. There's no flashy gimmicks, no stupid 3D intros with loud obnoxious music and insincere hyperbolic yelling into the camera. We appreciate you Curtis! Thanks for all the great advice.

[sidehop]

It's honestly so hard to find good quality reviews that aren't biased (Google search is a perfect example of such awful results) so thank you for these! It's refreshing to hear from someone that's been in the field and is a professional for newbies like us to understand even new information lav mic's components and how and why they work with various attachments! And the more I look at your desk, I'm like is that a bamboo top?! 😅

[curtisjudd]

This is an overview of the lavalier microphones I have used - not meant to be comprehensive and not intentionally leaving out any options. There are just so many microphones I haven't had a chance to use just yet. Many have asked about the Tram TR50. Seems like a great mic, just haven't had a chance to use it. Same with many others. Index:
01:14 What's special about pro-level lavalier microphones
05:39 Sanken COS-11D
08:34 Voice Technologies VT500
10:53 Countryman B6
14:04 DPA 4160
15:51 Shure Twinplex (TL47 & TL48)
21:37 Which is the best? (spoiler - none. Each fit different situations)

[fakecubed]

I can tell from your attitude that you are a true professional and I appreciate your impressions, and the specifics you went into. As always, use the best tool for the job! I'll definitely be giving your other videos some views. Thanks for making this content.

[alexanderlyon]

Hi again, Curtis. Just bought the Sanken (to use straight into my Tascam DR10L) through the link in the description. I'm pumped, man. Thanks for all of your educational help over the past several years. I really love your channel and I'm happy to see your success.

[jaybcreighton]

Thanks, Mr. Judd, for your years of helpful videos. I'm in the market for a new professional level lavalier microphone system. Your video is very helpful. If you or one of your viewers/subscribers can point me to one of your videos in which you take time to show the novice/newbie (me!) the most common, effective settings to use when recording educational videos using a wireless lavalier system (with a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K-6K) in an airtight, indoor studio, I would be very appreciative. One of my difficulties in this area is knowing how to use the jargon of this industry to find the resources I need. But, I'll keep looking. Thanks again, Mr. Judd. Jay Creighton

[huyked]

An all-in-one resource. You rock, Curtis!
14:35 Oh, that is very sly. Nice! :D

[warrenkawamoto]

Sony's ECM-77B has been around for decades, and I'm still using those in 2020.

[KenRuan]

BEEN WAITING DECADES FOR THIS FROM YOU!

[NR-rvrz]

watching in Jan 2024. Do these reviews still count or are the new Lavaliere kids on the block?

[alantuttphotography]

You brought up a great point about non-actors being uncomfortable getting mic'd up sometimes. Most YouTube videos showing how to hide mics seem to focus on working with professional actors/actresses who know what to expect, and almost no one has addressed how to work with non-actors. Would be great if you could show us how you approach corporate people (men and women) who aren't always comfortable getting mic'd for a video.

[WoM]

Hi Curtis, I've been filming with a Giant Squid lav for years now as you can hear in my videos. I want to upgrade but I'm torn between a shotgun or better lavalier. My home studio is a basic apartment small bedroom and I use the Zoom H5. My dilemma has been that I don't have a deep/strong voice hence heavy post production. Previously I figured that for a smaller budget, a lav would be better since it's closer to my mouth, but now I'm looking for something still under $1k but that would be the best for my situation. Seems out of the Lavs here the countrymen would be best for me, but what would you recommend? Should I finally get a shotgun mic.? Thanks for all the info!

[nikkoarnado]

Hey Curtis your videos are a godsend! Thanks for always posting such useful videos. What would you say are the best higher-end lav mics for the Rode Wireless Go II???

[nathanksimpson]

I'd love to see some of the narrative projects you work on! The one you showed was a really great example of how you can tell a story with just two characters on a very low budget.

[djwaters]

How do you plug the mic into your camera? Do i need to purchase a box or something?

[RipRecords]

What about some good-quality lavaliers that we can hardwire into a Mix-Pre 10 II ??? Are there any other options than converting a 3.5mm on a Sennheiser MKE2 or ME2 to an XLR connector?? Or is that the only way to go if we wanted to stick with Sennheiser lavs??

[alisonjones]

Hey Curtis, As always, great video, very helpful. 1) I'm looking at the Sanken, would it be a good choice while standing in front of an electronic white board? IF not, any recommendations? 2) I'm recording with a Zoom H5 recorder, will the cable connect to the recorder? Will the Zoom H5 cause any problems? Thanks for providing this review.

[maxjoel]

Hi, what’s the best over the ear microphone for church

[Justin-orhe]

Curtis, I am looking for either a lav or shotgun mic to shoot my self-tape auditions. This will be in a small 5'x7' non-soundproofed room so I imagine it needs to be a dynamic mic? My budget is not too big maybe 100-200. I have a zoom F4, But would prefer to feed it straight into my DSLR which has a 3.5 mm port. Thank you!!

If that budget is not enough to make a difference versus the built in mic of my Canon RP or even my iPhone 13, then I will just use those.

I was on a major tv production recently and I believe they used a Sennheiser MKH 50, but that is a little too pricy.