Lav Shootout! RØDE Lavalier / Tram TR50 / Sanken COS11D / Sennheiser Me-2
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ค. 2024
- 00:00 Introductions
03:49 Comparisons
Hear the different characteristics of these four lavaliere mics and decide for yourself which one is best for you. Also you'll hear how well these lavs cut against the RØDE NTG-3 shotgun microphone.
Thank you to Guy Cochran and DveStore for providing the Rode Lav and an extra Sennheiser G3 wireless system to do the shootout with.
RØDE Lavalier: www.dvestore.com/products/RODE...
Sanken COS11D: www.dvestore.com/products/Sank...
Sennheiser G3 Wireless: www.dvestore.com/products/Senn...
Tram TR-50: www.dvestore.com/search.php?se...
RØDE NTG-3: www.dvestore.com/products/RODE...
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The quick cuts between the different mics are FANTASTIC for hearing the differences before you get used to them, good job with this video!
Wow. I just have to say the Sanken is like a mix of the low end of the Tram and the high end of the Me-2 but without the piercing sibilance of the Sennheisers. I can definitely tell why it's an industry standard.
CHAD!!! THANKS SO MUCH FOR POSTING THIS! It really helped to solidify my choice of still going with the RØDE Lavalier to go with my RØDE NTG-3.
Brilliant test! Thanks! Very helpful!
That was awesome. Thanks.
Excellent JOB!! I wonder how many people would go this far to bring us the
vital information like this. People like you make this world so beautiful.. Thank a ton again and again for your hard work.. God Bless!!
Lavin Morar Thanks a lot Lavin! Hey you have "Lav" in your name! You must be a good sound man.
Super helpful comparison 🤙🏽
Great work, thanks for your time in doing this for us that are looking for mics.
Extremely informative video and a pleasure to watch and listen, thankyou Chad.
Thanks Chad. I really appreciate your response.
Thank you soooo much for this super, super awesome comparison. Great job!! Helped me a lot.
Thanks! I'm going with the Rode Lav.
Quite impressed by Sanken COS11D results!
Thank you!! This was extremely helpful. Great review!!!
Great comparison. Thanks.
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
Thanks Chad... I have become frustrated in my frustrating hunt for that perfect mic. I will be creating computer training instructional videos for my subscription-based website... and want the sound of my voice to be perfectamente... thank you so much for taking the time to compare these mics... Am returning both of my Rode's and just ordered the Sanken COS11D... thanks for helping me make my training videos sound quality the best ever! Chip Rose
Computer Tutor TV Glad I cold help you make a decision!
Thanks for this video. My 1st choice if money was no object, is the Sanken COS11D. If I look at the cost then the Rode makes sense. Cheers from Australia :)
Still relevant and helpful 11 years later, thanks!
I’m still using the RØDE Lav mostly.
@@ChadWork1 amazing. Says a lot. I had no idea this rode lav mic version existed. I bought the Lav Go. I would have bought this if I knew. By the way, now that you're here, have you done a Rode Lav VS the Rode Lav Go?
@@blockbusterlatefees7713 no I haven’t. You might want to look into the Rode PinMic too. Sounds the same as the Lavaliere, but you pin it through clothes to hide the cable. That’s the one I use the most actually. I actually recorded a whole song using Rode lavs LOL. Search “PinMic Song” for a laugh.
@@ChadWork1 now that would be a video comparison I would love to see!
Oh nice I'll take a look
I agree about the COS11D harshness! I like the Rode best in this shootout.
Thanks for watching! Glad I could help.
Thanks for a very informative comparison!
Thanks a lot ! been wondering about those mics and couldn't pick up my mind on wich to use, the idea how it cuts with a boom is brilliant, Loved that !
going to subscribe hoping to get more good juice in the future :D
Hi Chad,
Your video was decisive to me! Thanks a lot!
I've made some tests again with the ATR-3350 and used a denoiser on post. It was "acceptable" if I intend to put some background music on the videos.
For sure, my next buy will be the Rode Lav. Thanks for all your time and help!!
Fantastic mic shootout! Subscribed!
Thanks Chad - helpful tips about mic concealment at the end too :)
Glad I could help. It's best if you don't have to remove noise in post. It always degrades the signal, and takes too much work. I loved your iPhone video! Way cool!
Thanks! I wanted to do this for that very reason. I wanted to be able to hear the actual differences between the lavs.
thanks a lot chad.... you have made things very easy for me....
Very well done and very useful, thanks.
The Sanken sounds like the Tram with a bit more top. I love them both!
Perfect review, very cool kind of presentation and comparison! Keep up the good work! :-)
Super good video. Very helpful
Thanks!
Great test! Thanks! =)
The Rode NTG-3 is so sweet!
Great review! So, I know this much, I don't like the Tram at all, and the Sanken was my favorite Lavalier, however, it looks like I'm now definitely interested in getting the Rode Shotgun Mic!
Thanks again Chad!
Awesome! Thank you very much!
Great post... I must have the terrible luck with Rode lavs... I love the mic but had to return two to amazon, first one just would not work, then the second one worked for 6months and just stopped (in between that the clip broke), thankfully I always carry a cheap backup. Am now wary of the Rode lav even though I really like it, I think I might go for the Tram (dont like the sound of the Sanken or Senheiser).
just bought 2 cos 11D couldn't be happier with the outcome. They require very little manipulation to sound good. I also use MKH-416 for mic but the NTG is a great Competitor and I own a NTG-2 which is good enough for most gigs and durable as all heck
I've settled on the Rode lav over the COS11D. I find the COS is a tad too bright, but that's good of you're mounting under clothes.
For me (in my recording studio with HR824 monitors) the winner for me is the Tram TR50.
All are not bad of course and all can be EQd to sound just fine.
My fave is the Rode Lav.
Yes, the DPA 4060 / 4061 is a great microphone! I use them all of the time (I own 10 of them), they are very natural sounding, extremely small (really a lot smaller then all microphones in this video) and cabling noise is minimal.
Thanks man! I have an Audio / Video Gear reviews playlist with lots of this sort of thing. Cheers!
COS-11D hands down
This has to be the easiest comparison I've seen.
I really liked the part where you switched channels from mic to mic at around 4 minutes into the video.
Great job. You are a pro.
Absolutely excellent comparison, where its not the quality of the preamps, but the quality of the microphones thats in focus. I'll be grabbing the Sennheiser, sounds best to my ears, with the Rode a close second. The Tram is way too dull and dead, and the Sanken is, apart from way too expensive, too hissy. Thanks!
Great video!!!! Thanks Chad!!!!
Thanks, Chad.
Thank you for this video. Ordered a Sennheiser ME-2. :)
Really? That's the worst mic. They give you the ME-2 for free when you buy the Sennheiser G3 wireless. You are supposed to realize how much better the real lavs sound compared to that. Do yourself a favor and get the Rode lav. Audio is 70% of video, and I encourage everyone to not cheap out on it.
Chad Johnson
From this video I liked the Sennheiser. If I absolutely don't like it when I finally have it, I will switch it for the Rode lavalier. I see that the Sennheiser is from 2000 and the Rode from 2010. Maybe that's why it's so much better.
One question, what audio device did you use to record the sound from the lavaliers? I want to plug it into my Sony Camcorder. Hopefully there's not too much backnoise or I have to buy a better audio recorder...
*****
I was using wireless devices to make this video. For your Information, the ME-2 has a connector for the Sennheiser wireless. It will not work with your camcorder. With the Rode Lav, you can my different "Micon" connectors for different devices. So for your camcorder you would get the 3.5mm "Micon2" connector. They go for about 18.00 US.
Chad Johnson
Thanks. Will switch the Sennheiser for the Rode then. No problem. :)
@@majormassenspektrometer I'm with you, the Sennheiser sounds seriously good. Far better than the Tram.
Very goooood video and test! :)
excellent video, thank you.
Great test, the Rode sounded great. I've actually got a Rode NT2 studio mic, which is awesome as an overhead mic for video -- gives that full motion picture sound. Getting back to the test, of course these mics will be different with female voices, which are the hardest to mix because of the high-mids.
Thanks a lot Digy!
Hi Ben, I recommend the Rode lav. You can by different Micon adapters for whatever wireless unit you use, or 3.5mm for small recorders, or an XLR too. They are even coming out with a Micon that allows you to use the lav with your iPhone. Also for 60.00 they now have the SmartLav which is designed to use with an iPhone, so you can just put an iPhone in the groom's pocket, and after Christmas they, I believe, will have adapters to use that mic with other gear.
PS< the Rode Lav is very sensitive, which is good for signal to noise ratio. Also you can buy a 3.5mm "Micon" connector for that recorder, or an XLR connector for going into professional gear.
Mark I think you will really be happy with the Rode Lavalier. It's worth a little extra. Also you can guy a connector for anything, Sennheiser, 3.5mm, XLR, about any kind of wireless. You may not be able to appreciate the difference yet, but it IS a better mic and more versatile.
Hi, I was going through wireless units and into my MoTu Traveler audio interface, and recording into Cubase. I had to do it that way because that's the only way I could record 4 inputs at the same time using the same methods. I have an EX1 camea and recording straight into that is a dream. I suggest a Sennheiser G3 wireless unit. They sound great and can boost your gain if your camera has a crappy preamp. You won't tell the difference between direct and wireless, and they can go into anything.
and let me apologise for not applauding the video you have made.. it’s truly a great video... thanks a lot
Thanks! They are "Rycote Undercovers" they are only so so, but cheap so try them.
Hi Chad , Great video , but im having trouble choosing between the Que DA04 and Rode Lav , which one do you recommend ?
Both are great lavs! But keep in mind that the DA04 is much less sensitive than the Rode. The DA04 is good for things like stage performances where the speakers are talking and projecting loudly, or singing. The Rode Lav is more sensitive and better for people speaking in a normal speaking level. That being said, you can increase the gain of your wireless for the DA04. On my channel, search "DA04" and "PnMic" to hear more on the individual mics. The Rode PinMic sounds exactly the same as the Rode Lav.
ک@@ChadWork1
@@user-pm6if5vb4y ???
I first got the COS11D for 400.00, then the Rode Lav at 230.00. I use the Rode Lav and now the Rode PinMic the most. They both sound exactly the same. The COS11D is nice but a little too bright for me. The Rode sounds nice and balanced to my ears. I have a "PinMic Review" on my Audio / Video Gear reviews playlist. Also a whole "PinMic Song" recorded only with Rode lavs.
Yes a little EQ goes a long way!
There is a method of wrapping mole skin around the mic to prevent it from making sound from clothes. I haven't done it, but you can find out about it in forums, maybe a YT video. Then you put a loop (using tape) in the wire near the mic to decouple it from handling noise in the cable. Also try to have the person wear cotton rather than silk or some other unnatural fiber.
Dear Chad,
Great job. I have one suggestion when doing a shootout. It would be good to use the same spoken phrase for each mike and use a phrase that combines sibilance, "P"s, "K"s, etc. That way we would hear the same test phrase through each mike.
Keep up the good work!
***** Normally I do that, but this one was so fast paced that I needed to not play the same clip for each mic. Still, there's no other lav shootout that illustrates the color of each lav in relation of the others as clearly. Any audio person should be able to hear the difference regardless of the phrase, or consonant I would think.
Like I said, it was a good job but I missed the sibilance comparisons. That is what I notice lacking in lavaliere mikes in general and a defining feature when comparing mikes of any type. It gives them "life". Your inclusion of the shotgun overhead emphasizes the point I am making regarding lav mikes in general - they lack the sibilance and ambience of any number of mikes with bigger diaphragms. This is notwithstanding the unnatural placement of lavalieres on the chest. People just don't listen to each other talk that way...
I really liked that you hung all 4 of them from your shirt in basically the same place and cut between them. That was inspired.
Great Video...!!!!! I wasn't shure which one to get... now I know!!..... I wish someone show me how to reduce noise in post production.
Yeah buddy I'm the 400th Like lol Good job man I'm def getting the Sanken thanks for your time.
Dantay Westwood OMG you are number 400 likes! You get a free Sanken! Man this is almost my first shootout video. Hard to believe it's been 5 years. Glad I could help you choose.
Well, the ME-2 comes free when you buy the Sennheider G3 systems, and it's OK, not noisy, just cheap sounding. he Rode is very quiet and IMO the winner of this shootout.
Thanks!
@ChadWork1 Hey Chad - yeah, i did it at 720p, but i figured that the ME-2 isn't compatible with the Zoom H1 which i'm planning on using, so im jumping on the Rode wagon instead. It just got in stock in Denmark, where i live, so i'm off to purchase a whole lot of nice audio gear. Thanks for the shootout!
The Sanken wins hands-down. The Tram is a close second. The ME2 and the Røde have exaggerated, artificial sounding high end. I've been using Trams and Sankens for many years. Thanks for the shootout. Glad to know I made the right choice.
I think the Sanken has a hyped high end. That's why it's a good choice for putting under clothes. Out in the open I think the Rode has a more flat response.
It's crazy how sound is so subjective. I actually felt the Sanken sounded horrible. The Rode had a nice bassy tone to the sound but had a lot of self-noise. The Tram felt muffled so it's not in consideration. The Sanken sounded horrible imho as it picks up a lot of the reverb in the room. The ME2 actually sounded the best and it sounds comparable even to the NTG3 shotgun mic.
I have had no problems with the G3 wireless. It's the best solution for 600.00, and beats a lot of more expensive systems. Make sure you test everything out and practice with it before going to a job.
thank you so much, keep the good work ;)
Hi Chad,
Thanks for putting together a review. It's very nice of you.
I read some older comments of you at your vimeo front, favoring the Sanken. Has that change? And if so what's the main reason if you don't mind sharing?
Cheers,
Stergios
No, I actually mean the old NT-2, which I've had in my kit since the 90s. I'm an old live soundo who breaks all the rules. I started using this mic for choirs some years ago -- of course you have to be very accurate on your third-octave graphics to avoid feedback. So I tried it just out-of-shot mounted on a mic stand for a couple of videos that featured cafe type scenes, with it switched to cardioid pattern. Only good for indoors, of course.
Great video, thanks. I've used Trams for over 10 years now, connected to Audio Ltd 2020s. I'm having to change my radios due to the changeover from CH69 to CH38 and was wondering about microphones.
I think the COS11 is far too bright and I don't think it's as easily disguised under clothing as the Tram. The Rhode sounds nice. The ME2 - well I don't think you can complain considering the price.
I think someone should design a mic capsule from material that doesn't rub against clothing.
RODE dominated that comparison :)
It is a popular mic, and when I've used it it sounded ok. I just suffers from comparison to these others!
thank you!
I have found that I just grab the Rode mics more now. I think the Sanken can be harsh, but it's great for hiding under clothes because it cuts through. The Rode is more balanced I think. Natural sounding.
Thanks! I have an "Audio & Video Gear Reviews" playlist with lots of cool stuff. I also have a lot of Aerial Video stuff - my new passion. Cheers!
great video and sweet studo
Thanks!
@ChadWork1 nice to read all the different opinions and preferences when choosing a microphone. I like the Rode as a good second to the Sanken COS11D. Also because used under clothes the Sanken will be best, so that will be my choice. The next step is a good portable recording system. What do you recommend? A Zoom, Tascam or a Sony digital audio recorder? Or something totally different? I first wanted a Zoom H2N, then perhaps(?) the H4N, but ..now.. I don't know anymore because of this review :p
Very good and fair comparison. Even though the mics vary in sensitivity you took care to equalize the RESULTS--and that gives a better basis for making some judgement.
IMO the Rode sounds very good and compares quite well. Maybe it's loved, but the Sanken COS11D is bright and somewhat shallow and harsh to my ears. Love the sound and warmth of the TR50, and the ME-2 has a pleasing quality and good depth. If the Rode shotgun is considered to be the best sound the mic I would judge to be the worst and furthest from the Rode shotgun would definitely be the COS11D. The closest? Probably the TR50. Did I say the Rode lav acquits itself quite well?
I agree. It's 9 years later, and I still use the Rode lav or Pinmic on most shoots, unless I'm doing something for Netflix docs where they request a hidden Sanken COS11D hidden under the clothes.
@@ChadWork1 Oh, yes, I forgot to say I've been listening to a lot of lav tests and IMO your videos are the best of the bunch. Thanks so much!!
I have the Rode that came with the filmmaker kit, and a Sennheiser ME-2 (like the depth and warmth--though it doesn't seem as hot as the kit Rode lav).
After listening to your tests and a few others over and over...I've also ordered a Tram TR50...very warm, inviting sound. I hope I won't be disappointed.
Grrreat!
ME 2 is the best mic and a lot people Asked me what i used , answer is ME2 becouse is a beast
Another good audio review Chad. How's the noise level on the Sennheiser Me-2? For e.g. the Audio-Technica ATR3350 is ok for the price, but has too much noise/hiss for my liking. I'm looking into this category for better results.
I think the Rode takes it!
@ChadWork1 Thanks for the quick reply Chad. I have a Sennheiser ME66 that I'll be running into a Zoom H4N as main audio. I'm setting up a lavalier into the Zoom H1 as backup on an actor. Looking for the cheapest option for a usable lavalier and having some trouble. The cheap ATR3350 sounds unusable to me with the hissing sound. The ME2 sounds better than the Rode to me here though and the price is better for the lav alone. I really like the hat tip. Very useful test.
oh thanks a lot chad,.... will do the same.... thanks
Hi Chad, Great review. I have a Rode NTG4+ and need to get a Lav that will cut with it. I need the mic primarily for narrative work. Would you go Sank or Rod Lav?
If you are hiding the lav under clothes, then I suppose the Sanken would be better, as it's so bright, most likely designed to cut through clothes. Having said that, I prefer the sound of the Rode Lav and PinMic. I have both Sanken and Rode and the Sanken rarely gets used, though hiding the mic isn't as imperative in the work I do. The PinMic hides well enough for the kind of sit-down interviews I often do.
I own all these mics, and the COS11D, a 400.00 mic, sits in the bag. I always use the Rode. It is the best all around, and has a low self noise. All lavs are going to have more noise that a full sized shotgun, just because they are so small. To hear more, search my channel for my "PinMic Review" or "PinMic Song". The PinMic sounds exactly the same, it's just a different form factor. I recommend getting a Lavaliere first before a PinMic, as the pinmic can't be used on everything.
Great test! Thanks for posting it, it's very helpful.
Do you know if the Sennheiser ME2 can be plugged directly into a Zoom H1?
I like the way sennheiser sounded. Bright real high end compared to lower bright high of Sanken COS-11D, Rode came lower hi than sennheiser but acheive low end better than sennheiser.
Hi Chad,
Thanks for the shootout!
I've bought a ATR3350 and it's useless. Too much hiss.
I loved your comparison. After my wrong choice, i'm seeking for a more sensitive mic, as I will connect into a Zoom H2, in a first moment.
You said Rode Lav was the winner, but It seemed to me the most noisier in high frequencies. Am I wrong?
@Chadfish thanks for your input on the Zoom, Tascam and Sony recorders. I was under the impression XLR is the standard for high quality recording setups. How come the Sony doesn’t come with XLR inputs if they are better than the Zoom or Tascam?
Wow great shoot out! I'm looking for lavs that will work off plug in power. Is the Rode the only mic here that will do this? How have you found that it works with the small recorders like the h1? I can't seem to find many high end mics that claim will work with an 1/8" and plug in power. Got any other suggestions?
Rode Lavalier sounded the most rounded and warm yet present enough to my ears (DT770 Pro 250Oohm / RME converters). The Sennheiser ME2 and Sanken Cos-11 sounded really bright, but between these two the ME2 sounded better out of a mids-forward iPhone 12 Pro Max speaker (you always have to make that test if you wanna simulate how most public will hear your content on a mobile device before they plug in their headphones) while the Sanken Cos-11 sounded like it had a weird dip somewhere in the mid frequencies. Also on the phone's speaker the Rode Lav sounded best. I guess they got it right in the mid frequencies. The Tram TR50 sounded muddy indeed, as if it belongs to the film era of 3-4 decades ago. It has that vintage vibe going on.
HI Chad, did you find the Sanken to have a lot of cable noise. I use the Sanken on the zoom H6 with the Sony UWP-d11 and been having issues with cable noise.