Lav mic comparison

[Michael Panfeld]

Hi: notwithstanding form factor/size differences, how would you rate the following lavs in terms of overall sound quality and in ability to mix with a boom or shotgun mic (obviously lavs and boom/shotguns are different animals to begin with). They all are being used in tv/film by pros. All are uber expensive, something talent doesn't realize when they nonchalently attempt to un-mike themselves (grrrhhh!).

Sanken COS-11
DPA 4071
Sennheiser MKE2
Countryman B6
Sonotrim

Thanks

[Dave Blackham]

Tram mics need adding to that list, they match they well to Sennheiser MKH series mics.

[Erich Roland]

yes Trams.

I have no clue and probably couldnt tell the diff myself, but I do pay attention to what the recordist pro's use and more often then any other brand I see them using Tram.

[Michael Panfeld]

@Elsi: Thanks, but this is purely about sound quality. Money is irrelevant in my question.

@Erich and Dave: Sonotrim is Tram. The Sonotrim is the Tram lav model specifically designed for film dialog.

[Dave Blackham]

There are a number of reasons for Trams. One is they are easy to rig due to the form factor the another is they match Sennheiser MKH and also Schoeps well too, Ive never had one fail in heat cold very wet or humidity, quite neutral in character, I've never had any reason to question head room or noise so couldnt even tell you what the figures are except its not an issue. I realise this doesnt answer the questions about the list of mics above. Some like Sanken COS-11 though and some Sonotrims but there are not as in as wide use.

[soren k jensen]

I use mkh 416, dpa 4017 shotgun and dpa 4071 lavs. cannot compare shotguns to lavs. I find myself using the 416 whenever I can because of its bite. 4017 when I want neutral, and the dpa 4071 lavs when I need to. the 4071 is a very good lav mic, and when I can I use it wired. Works fine, but shotgun always sounds better. Only used countryman for music, prefer the dpa's.

[Stephen Pruitt]

I own the B6, the Sonotrim, and the COS-11. I've also used the Tram and the Lectrosonics M-150.

The skinny:

1. The B6 is valuable primarily for its incredibly small size. It sounds very good, but is so darn easy to hide that in practice it can actually sound better than the other lavs, because it is often easier to place "in plain view." We actually like to mount the B6 in an actress's hair (if she has dark hair), and, up on top, you almost never have any worries about ruined takes from clothing noise.

2. The COS-11 is much larger than the B6, and sounds a little bit better to my ears, but it is a bit harder to hide, as well.

3. The Sonotrim sounds flat-out amazing, MUCH better than the Tram. BUT, it is also harder to place vis-a-vis the B6 or COS-11. This mic, well-placed, cuts incredibly well with the Schoeps CMC6/5/441 hyper cardioid microphones. In a quiet setting, I prefer the Schoeps booms. In a not so quite setting, the Sonotrim is definitely the better choice. In general, I try to lav every actor every time. . . just in case.

Of course, YMMV.

Stephen

[Kim Frank]

Here you can read and hear a comparison of all popular Lav Mics...
http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/lavs_brockett.html
To my ears the Sanken COS-11 sounds best even underneath Wardrobe

[Dave Blackham]

Thats a really useful link, thanks.

Im not so sure I agree a Sonotrim sounds better than a Tram TR50 just different. They are not the same mic though but clearly similar.

Soren makes a good point. Lav's should not be regarded as a principle mic. A super cardiod or cardiod mic is always going to be prefered when it can be place in an optimal position. If it can resort to a LAV which is for 95% of the time always in the wrong position plus all the other issues that go with it such as clothing noise, wind and so on. Sennheiser MKH40/50/60 and Schoeps CMIT and CCM mics rule here.

[Tim Duran]

Dave, it is my understanding that lavs come in different pick up patterns as well. If so, is there a commonly used pattern? When would you use something else?