When to Use What Wireless Microphone System
Wireless audio has never been easier, and consequently there have never been so many options. Most of the popular systems now make recording into the camera from one or two wireless mic transmitters relatively simple. They also offer built in microphones, so the transmitter itself can act as a mic without need for an additional lavalier mic and wires. 32 bit float audio recording, or at least a second safety track recorded at lower levels make it unnecessary to constantly monitor audio levels. Lastly the wireless range is exceptional compared to legacy devices with some going into the 500ft range.
If you don’t want to read through my notes below, here are my top 3 picks and reasons why:
Rode Wireless Pro — this is the most versatile system available on the market with the best pro level feature set. The reason it comes out on top comes down to timecode functionality, and the 3.5mm locking connector for wired lav mic use. Using the Rode app on your computer or mobile device adds another layer that is kind of annoying (some of this is to circumvent competing patents owned by Zaxcom), but the overall combination of features is simply the best.
DJI Wireless Mic 2 — a close second place in my mind, and some things are even better than the Rode. This is the best combination of features and ease of use on the market — period. The transmitter housing the built in mic is smaller, which is definitely appealing, and the haptic feedback on the buttons makes operation simple. I also like that you are able to extract audio recordings as standard audio file formats as if it were memory card. No need for an app. For most content creators this would be the number one pick.
Tentacle Sync Track E + Sync MK2 — If you need to simply sync a whole bunch of mics and different types of cameras without monitoring the sound while recording, this is the simplest and most effective way to do it. It is more expensive as a system than any of the others in this list, but it is provides a very specific use case for multi-camera/multi-microphone production. The ability to also jam sync with the Rode Wireless Pro is also a huge win.
Rode Wireless Pro
This is my pick for the best overall wireless audio system in 2024. The ability to record and transmit, combined with timecode synchronization, a locking audio connector, and Bluetooth connectivity makes this the most versatile system available on the market. Using the Rode app is a bit cumbersome for file transfer and setup, but it’s a small price to pay for the overall package that you get here.
Strengths: Ability to record 32 bit float audio, transmit audio to camera, and sync via timecode. A locking 3.5mm connector to connect a lavalier mic is a bonus pro feature. You are also able to connect via Bluetooth to smartphones for video recording. The built in microphone allows you to use the recorder without an additional lavalier mic to record audio. Ability to automatically start recording at power on. No need to press another button to start the recording. 260m encrypted transmission range is class leading.
When to use:
You need timecode synchronization
You want to record up to 2 speakers
You need to monitor sound while recording and also have a backup recording
You want to connect a lav to the recorder
Weaknesses: to sync more than one camera you will need a camera or timecode device that can be jam synced by BNC cable (Sony FX3, FX30, FX6 or other cameras with either a timecode connector, or timecode adaptor. You also need to extract audio files and do system setup tasks using the Rode App even on a computer.
Tentacle Sync Track E + Tentacle Sync MK2
I use the Tentacle Sync system a lot. While it doesn’t transmit audio, it does allow great flexibility and ease when it comes to synching multiple cameras and audio recorders. I’ll use this when sound monitoring is not essential, but I do need to synchronize a wide variety of devices. The ability to use a micro SD card to transfer files is also an added bonus.
Strengths: The ability to sync multiple audio recorders with multiple cameras. Ease of use.
When to use:
You need to sync multiple cameras with your audio sources, or you need to sync more than two audio recorders/mics with a camera or cameras
The Tentacle Sync is the best tool to synchronize audio with cameras of varying types including mirrorless, GoPro, etc.
Multi-camera documentary or reality type production
Weaknesses: You’re not able to monitor sound at the camera while recording. Canadian versions of the recorders allow for monitoring via headphones while recording, but these devices do not transmit
DJI Wireless Mic 2
This is such a simple system to use and in such a well designed small package. The haptic feedback for the power and recording buttons is a nice touch. In most situations this recorder would be a great choice. While there is no SD card, recorded files can be transferred by USB-C to your computer without an app in standard recording formats.
Strengths: This is one of the easiest wireless mic systems to use particularly when paired with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, or Osmo Action 4 cameras. The built in microphone allows you to use the recorder without an additional lavalier mic to record audio. The magnetic mounting is convenient and clever. 250m transmission range is plenty for most production situations.
When to use:
You want to record up to 2 speakers
You want an easy recording setup that connects easily by Bluetooth to smartphones or the DJI Osmo Pocket 3
You need to monitor sound and have a backup recording
Weaknesses: No timecode synchronization, no locking connectors
Sennheiser AVX
I have to admit that I have used this system less and less. Other systems have entered the market with greater versatility and functionality at half the cost. With that said, Sennheiser has always been a dependable audio system.
Strengths: Sennheiser dependability and wireless transmission quality. The build quality is also production grade, and more durable than many of the other options in this list.
When to use:
Live audio situations like broadcast and streaming
With broadcast style video cameras with XLR inputs
Weaknesses: Weak battery life for the receiver (4 hours), large and clunky transmitter, no recording ability, 30m range could be limiting
Sony ECM-W3
Sony’s wireless system has many features similar to the other microphones on this list, and while it may do some of those things better, it is probably not the most alluring system to buy into. That is unless you shoot in the Sony ecosystem. The MI (Multi-Interface shoe) allows for wireless integration of the receiver onto the camera body making for an easy way to record audio for vloggers and video creators that shoot Sony.
Strengths: Good weather resistance, Sony dependability, and MI smart shoe integration with Sony cameras. 3.5mm connector for traditional lavalier microphone input, and ability to use on other cameras also via the 3.5mm output on the receiver.
When to use:
You have a Sony mirrorless or cinema camera
You want to record up to 2 speakers
You need to monitor sound and have a backup recording
Weaknesses: Comparatively large in size compared to the Rode and DJI offerings. High price in relation to competition.
Tascam DR-10L Pro
I used the original Tascam DR-10L extensively when I realized the versatility of using a lav recorder instead of a wireless lav system. The ability to switch between cameras, continuously record audio, and sync with new plugins in the video editing systems opened up new doors in production. The DR-10L Pro continues the legacy of the original, but adds 32 bit float recording, add-on Bluetooth connectivity, and the ability to sync with timecode via the Atomos timecode system. I’ll be honest, this system has fallen behind the times, but the simplicity and durability of the Tascam is still appealing in many ways, but it is no longer the most useful or versatile device on this list.
Strengths:
When to use:
You need a simple and easy to use recorder and are not worried about syncing or monitoring audio.
Weaknesses: Requires additional add-ons for timecode and Bluetooth functionality. No ability to monitor recording at camera. No built in microphone.