We've found some oddness in the audio quality of the wirelessly transmitted audio but the audio recorded to the transmitters is good. See this livestream where we dig into the details: th-cam.com/users/liveEFSJ4yjywyc?feature=shared
@@curtisjudd I just got this in last week, and while I do love it I was kind of surprised by noise when I use the USB to power the receiver. The batteries allow it to work fine, and it only occurs when there's a USB attached to power it. Even if I turn the gain all the way down I still get the buzzing is this because of a faulty product, not designed to be used with USB while recording, or unclean power? The power supply I am using is from a large traveling 12 volts 9-volt and USB brick I can get you more specifics and I already sent a message d e i t y via email so I'll hear from them in a month
Great pro review. I’m a retired film sound mixer. Sold all my gear years ago to my first who then went on to mix. I bought the Mix-pre 3ii just for fun and find I use it for all sorts of volunteer projects. Been looking for something similar but cheaper than Lectro just to add some wireless. This system (I live in Canada) sounds just about perfect for me. Thanks again for your review. I watch all your reviews! Once a mixer, always a mixer…!
Yo Curtis! Phenomenal video. Just a note, to sync the theos without the app, you must have one of the TC-1 set as master and the theos/other tc-1 set to auto. Then you put them on the same group like “A” and from the master, you can navigate to the TC option in the menu and press sync. It will sync any deity device set on the same group 🥹
Also an advantage of powering by usb is the RXs automatically power on when they detect usb power in. This makes bag use a little more convenient since they can remain in your bag indefinitely regardless of power status if you use a bds. Sidus app has a power off function.
I have been looking forward to this video since I saw the new system at NAB. Great to see @deity is working to deliver such great tools at affordable prices for creators and small production teams. Also it was fun to see you and Allen together lol.
Lack of limiters can probably be handled in firmware. With a 32FP signal, they can simply bring down the signal where needed without clipping internally. Pretty cool, thanks for the review.
Hi Curtis, I'm a production sound mixer from Phoenix, AZ and wanted to express my appreciation for your review on the new Deity Theos system! It was last year at the NAB show in Vegas that I had the chance to see what the new system looked like and everything seemed very impressive and like a step up from Deity's connect system. At the moment, I'm looking to upgrade from my connect system (2.4GHz) and use the Deity Theos UHF system. Thanks again for this video and for your expertise on location sound!
I can say I was engaged by Allen messing with you as you were trying to count off distance. I don’t immediately need to step up to this level of gear from my current 2.4ghz system but I’m happy to see improvements and competition in this slice of the market. I’m particularly happy to see time code becoming increasingly common in lower priced gear like this!
Great review Curtis. I'm listening to this on some Jabra Elite Active 75T bluetooth buds and in your range test am hearing quite a bit of noise in the high frequencies. Are you hearing this Curtis?
Great review Curtis. Thank you so much for doing it. I've been waiting for this review to go ahead with my purchase and you've confirmed that this will be a great fit for what I do. Feeling quite fortunate to be in Australia and not have to worry about the patent issue. Such a shame it's an issue there in the States. I also like the sound of the W.Lav Pro on the mic test - perhaps lacking some base compared to the Cos 11D - but pretty solid I thought. Thanks again Curtis. Looking forward to getting and using these.
Thank you so much for making and sharing this video. I foolishly bought the last generation from Diety with the BP TRX and deeply regretted it. I could tell within seconds of hearing the audio that Diety has a long way to go to get their transmitted audio to a professional quality. Thankfully they have figured out the features that we need with the app control. Maybe their third generation will be ready for professional use. Until then, thank you for everything you do!
Great review, as always. In my humble opinion, the one competitor of the Theos system is the Sennheiser AVX system. I work on a LOT of Indy films and I can wire-up a bunch of actors and be ready to shoot in minutes. No frequencies, no menus, just go. BUT I’ll still get the Theos system because it’s priced wonderfully.
I'm not sure if it is just me, but my ears seems to be picking up a slight digital modulation and drops throughout the video. My ears heard it most around the 09:00 to 09:10 region. I refreshed the page, listened to other TH-cam videos... Perhaps maybe an issue with the export? But, for me, I am hearing some kind of digital modulation. At the 09:14 mark, it is most noticeable when Curtis says "that's the."
Hi Curtis - Cujo from Atlanta Sound Guy here... Long time listener, first time caller. Great review, and hope you had fun with Allen. You should be able to sync the TC-1 and the TX/RX by making the TC-1 the master device and setting all the other devices to auto jam. From the Master TC-1, scroll to *sync* in the timecode menu, menu and engage it. All devices in range (30 feet-ish) will sync via bluetooth and it does not require the Sidus app.
Hello Curtis! Thank you so much for the review! I heard from one movie sound engineer that the system has slight artifacts and compresses the sound in the upper frequencies. And he also claimed that this digital system had more noise than the analog G4. His summary: good for bloggers, not for serious projects. This is an extremely interesting note, because I was just about to buy DEITY. Have you noticed similar phenomena in the operation of your system?
I would ask you to make that judgement based on the audio of this video which was recorded entirely with the THEOS system and included W.Lav Pro microphone. No, you’re not likely to see this system on a set of a big budget movie or narrative TV show, but it sounds good enough for most other pro and enthusiast projects to my ear.
Hi Curtis! I recently purchased 3 Theos kits and I've been having major issues: 1. In post production, when I insert the internal 32bit recording into my DAW the length doesn't match the live recording (wireless feed). There is noticeable drifting and it's different in each unit. 2. Audible distortions when the signal gets too hot (not clipping!) - while recording classical singers I've noticed that even without clipping and gain set to 0 (zero) I was able to hear distortions when the signal was hot. 3. Severe lack of headroom - when using the supplied lav mic I recorded classical singers and even at zero gain the meter of the transmitter unit was dangerously close to clipping on loud notes. The singer was not extremely loud nor the microphone was placed too close to the mouth. It seems that the ADC is having a hard time handling hot signals. When I use a lower output mic like that Sennheiser MKE2 the headroom issue is mostly resolved, but I still need to be at zero gain. The supplied lav mic is way too hot for the transmitter. Another minor issue: the phase of the wireless signal is inverted. The signal of the internal recording has the correct (standard) phase. No mention of that in the owner's manual. This becomes an issues when mixing the lav signal with room signals. All units have the latest firmware and I went over all the settings via the sidus app. Have you noticed those issues?
Some people say that I experienced number 2 in this video. But I haven’t experienced 1 or 3. Curious if you brought it up to DEITY support and what they say?
Wow 🤩 Deity really knocked it out of the park with this one! I just recently upgraded from 2.4 to Sonys UHF. Wishing I had held out a little longer for Theos! As always great video and delivery of all of this technical info! I live near a lot of radio and television studios and often run into RF when I use Deity mics. I wonder how Theos will hold up for me here…🤔
Great video, thanks Curtis. I got mine a couple of days ago and wow, Im really impressed. Tried out a few different lavs and the Deity is pretty darn good but I have a Micboosters EM272 based lav and that sounds absolutely amazing! Really full and lovely, worth checking out as its inexpensive. The only downsize is its slightly bigger then some.
Great review as usual! Can’t wait to see Allen’s review. I personally love this system and I saw it on TH-cam while I was doing research on UHF systems to invest into for myself earlier this year. My only gripe currently is that the app can be pretty slow or just won’t work when it comes to engaging the on board recorder during my tests. It wasn’t the end of the world because once I restarted the transmitter everything was working fine again.
Great video! I live in New Zealand now (moved from the US) and have used my Theos sets on 2 different jobs so far and the recording/transmitting together is so nice!
Thank you. This has been helpful. I thought I was taking a risk on this system but your review is reassuring. I like the sound quality of the Sanken and will get two of them (next year).
Excellent review as usual, thank you! There is a couple things I can't get info about: 1. Does the L output on RX work as stereo unbalanced output too? 2. Can it work as a headphone out too? WIth the right output impedance for headphones and an easy to reach hp level control? 3. If it can work like this, the hp out signal has the system's delay (6ms) or longer? - Thank you and regards!
Interesting and informative review as always, so thank you for that. Just a comment/question or two: I live in Canada, so I'm wondering if the THEOS hardware sold here will allow for simultaneous recording and transmitting. Based on your comments, it sounds like it might, although often times we get the same versions of electronics that you do in the States. Second, would you say the included lav mic with the system is a limiting factor in overall sound quality? Would upgrade to, say, the COS-11D be a noticeable improvement? Thank you!
Hello Curtis, thanks for the video and for testing the quality of the system, I was wondering if this is not a diversity system then what is the function of both antennas? And what would be the difference with a system of real diversity compared to this one?
This is an antenna diversity system. “True diversity” usually refers to systems which have a separate radio receiver for each antenna. Antenna diversity has a single radio receiver which can switch between antennae. In theory, and probably in practice, true diversity systems can switch with fewer dropouts or hits.
Thank you for your review Curtis! I think with the current patent situation the US and global version are two very different products. E.g. for our documentary work wiring up people and being able to listen while having the safety of 32bit recording at the same time is a real game changer. I wonder if the global version can still record and transmit at the same time when connected to the app while in the US.
According to Deity it cannot. It picks up GPS from the phone app and adjust the settings if in the US. I’m sure someone can find some kind of work around. Main reason I didn’t order
Thanks for your test, always very detailed and clear. On my system, I found that the signal recorded from the two receiver was delayed (6ms as you mentioned) and out of phase compared with my wired boom mic (Neumann KM 185).
Just for saying, they announced the DLTX 3 pin lemo for next year. The transmitter will be in lemo3 and can send 48V like for wireless boom. I hope they will do a sound bag version of RX, i think it is a question of time. Thanks for the video!
Curtis, if one is integrated into the Sony Ecosystem, would you recommend the UWP over the Theos? Seems like True Diversity, and integration with the Mi-Shoe edges out the Theos, albeit, no internal recording capability. Would love your thoughts and a possible side by side review if you ever have the time. As always, thanks for your wonderful, probative content!
Trivia thing - interesting the app is branded Sidus. Are they finally merging the Deity and Aputure brands or starting to more openly acknowledge they are the same company or two very closely affiliated entities? Always wondered why they aren't trying to leverage one brand versus sticking with Aputure/Amaran for lighting and Deity for audio?
Hello Curtis! I absolutely appreciate your last feedback. It really helped me. I’ve been trying to get deity’s support for sometime but there’s no reply till now and I’d be absolutely glad if you could help me with this. I recently got the deity theos and i have some unanswered questions and confirmations. I'd be glad if you could help me out. 1. In the Workstation menu in the app, i usually see one of my transmitters in a submenu called unallocated. Is that normal or i need to do something? 2. In the time code menu, the TC sync is grayed out till i change TC settings before i can sync, right? 3. Can the antennas on the receiver be repositioned by loosening the screw? 4. Lastly, I know that a change in frequency or some settings of the receiver would simultaneously affect the transmitters, but in my case, there’s sometimes a connection issue that I have to pair them again to sync settings. Is that also normal ? I have the global version in EU territory for more context. Thank you!
Great video; just one question. Can the receiver output timecode from one of its outputs? This would be really useful as a camera hop so I could send mono audio and TC from one box.
Great review! I am a videography and mostly shoot corporate, and this system is indeed perfect for me. I only hope they can add a digital limiter for peace of mind, but not a deal breaker, I always rec on safe levels anyway.
Fun to see sound speed on your video. FYI, on the TC-1 you may have to change the input/output to jam. I ran into this before. Once I understood it, its easy.
Hi Curtis, thanks for this review. I wonder about the side noise while you talked, especially when you begin a new sentence. At 3:27 for example. Did your cap produce this?
How did you get your audio so clear? I use the Theos Digital Wireless but I get hissing I can't seem to get rid of. Now, Granted I use a mirrorless camera, so maybe that's why. Do you do anything in post?@@curtisjudd
Thank you for this great review Curtis. My question is whether an additional Theos receiver can be mounted on a second camera so that 2 transmitters can be used to transmitter sound to two cameras?
Hey Curtis. Great review. I’m wondering what circumstance you’d choose to record on the body packs vs pumping it to the camera? Not being able to monitor threw me off and I just opted to have it go to camera.
1. Recordings on the transmitter is 32 bit float, the one sent to your camera is not. 2. In case the signal drops for whatever reason, or if the input jack to your cam got unplugged, you have a back up in the transmitter.
Great review, thanks. I'm confused about one thing. If you are recording on 32 bit float and transmitting wirelessly you can still clip? Even if your recorder has 32 bit float as well (like the zoom f8n pro)? Didn't realize it was only good if recording directly to the transmitter. Can you please confirm?
Confirmed - the wirelessly transmitted audio is converted back to analogue at the receiver and it can clip there before it gets to your 32-bit float recorder.
Hello Curtis ! First, thanks for all t he work you do on those - Your channel become my go-to place if I need to understand or review of somethink sound related. I have question about noise of those. My original setup is Zoom F4 and sony UWP-D21 set - I have also one really old UWP-2 . UWP-D21 have extremely low noise floor in comparison with Theos which suprised me. I have 15dB gain on TX's and -20dB on receiver outpu. I can here a big difference - If I set gain on F4 to max 75dB for both systems - Sony have ambient noise on -32dB , Theos on -18dB. Is this normal, Or I have something setup wrong? Thanks in advance.
It might be normal, I'm not sure which microphone you're using, which is the biggest factor in self-noise. (I assume you're talking about self-noise and not ambient noise)
Curtis thanks again for yet another fantastic review! Love this product and would really love to get it sometime later this year. I use a G4 for my boom and 4x Lectro SMVs + 411s for wireless, so this is a great upgrade path to 6 channels at a reasonable price. I just wish the screen was topside (why front-facing?!?!!) and that there was a kit for sale without the lavs, I love the W.Lav Pro and have two in my kit already but I only deploy them when I’m out of Sankens. Really hope Zaxcom don’t extend the patents - I and many mixers I know would love to have record+transmit functionality but I will not switch to Zaxcom for it, and these items are really not competing, it’s a totally different sector.
The range on the 411s is still unmatched, in my experience - but the size, weight, and narrow bands make them a bit difficult to work with compared to more modern stuff.
Excellent video, Curtis! Thank you for introducing me to this system. I was actually searching for a wireless transmitter/receiver setup for use with my MixPre 3 (original non-32-bit float version). I'm now wondering if the THEOS transmitter alone could completely replace the MixPre for non-timecode required applications where talent mobility via a discreet body pack would be needed. Especially since the THEOS has 32-bit float capability. Not sure if you have any thoughts on using the THEOS this way. Cheers!
Great review! Thank you. I’m thinking this year coming up buying two sets and making a very small light bag with my MixPre 10t for doc and corporate shoots.
I was so excited for this sytem, thinking it would allow remote monitoring. Diety said even if a user bought the units out of the US, they would change their functionality based on their location, disabling remote monitoring. I ended up going with Tentacle Sync.
Nice review! Curious why you call the Theos Prosumer and not Professional? In the Sony UWP review you called it Professional. I’d like to know what separates the two systems between Prosumer and Professional products. Thanks!
@curtisjudd did you notice the rf noise coming from the antenna system? (I may be wrong as far as the source of the noise but there seems to be some noise nonetheless, and I don’t think it’s the preamps or mic) but I noticed my Saramonic UHF wireless packs do the same thing (same noise) sometimes. It seemed to be noticeable throughout your video. I tried reading as many comments as I could to see if anyone mentioned this but no one did. Maybe it’s just common with UHF?
I could be wrong here, but this wireless set will do all the usual UHF frequencies for most international locations. I don't think Sony do this or Sennheiser?
Hey Curtis! Thanks for the video! Have you ever tried using the Theos reciever as an IFB? Trying to find a cam hop/IFB solution! Currently using Sennheiser to do this, but would find the modern features of this system worth the upgrade if it's suitable as both a cam hop and IFB!
So, you would definitely recommend getting one Theos set in lieu of two more sets of G4s? I'm the only full-time audio guy within an hour and half radius of me. So, work is slim which is why I do not own Lectros or the A20s. I do have the MixPre6ii and trying to find a gently used 10ii. It is all a "Return on my Investment" situation here because mid-level productions only come through here a few times a year and only for a day or two. I was in that situation yesterday. 4 units each with 3 cam, 1 audio, 1 PA... two were rocking A20s, one guy had the Theos, and then me with my two G4s... I just felt like everyone had their slick Hotwheels and I was there with a Tonka truck you know. It worked out and they were cool with it but I just felt... I don't know.. lesser... as if I went to shoot a commercial with a Canon t5i and kit glass.
Hi Curtis! I was wandering what do you think about the mic that comes with the system and if its possible to connect other mics from different brands like the Sennheiser mke2. Thank you!!!
Thank you for an other great episode! I have two questions: - Can I timecode-sync my Sound Devices Mix Pre 6 II with the Theos system? - Can I connect a Deity W Lav Pro mic with a 3.5 jack to a Rode Wireless Go II? Thank you for you ongoing support! Peter
Hi Curtis, thanks for the super informative video! Have you tried using the Sennheiser MKE2 Gold Lag mic with the system? Are the Sennheiser MKE2 Gold lab mics compatible with the Deity Transmitters? Reason I ask is I currently have the Sennheiser G4 units with Sennheiser MKE2 Gold lavs and I love the way they sound and I want to still be able to use the lavs on the deity system.
Thanks for the nice video! I bought the kit one week ago, really nice, but I have noticeably more noise than my AVX system. And there is really no noise at all when I hear the recording. What are your thoughts about that?
Hi Chris, Deity released the PR-2 audio recorder in China this week. I am interested in buying it and using with my existing mic setup. Question, have you had a chance to get your hands on this and if so when does your review come. You are our got for all stuff audio. Thanks in advance.😊
Hi Curtis, Thanks for the review ! Did you test the unit with Sanken COS-11D microphones ? That's what I work with and I have to put the TX gain to the max (+30db) to get the level I need on the RX... Would love to have your input on that. Also when using the Theos with a Sony camera (FX3/FX6/A7S3), the "line" level of the Theos is too weak (have to put the Sony K3M to +10db on the wheel, which is not possible in a real world shooting). When using "mic" level, a lot of self noise comes out of the RX. Would love to have your input on this aswell.
Thanks so much for this . Really like the system at a great price and have been waiting for your review for so long !! I am gonna buy this next Spring unless Sennheiser up there game . The 32 bit back up is a key upgrade for me from the G4’s and great for me in Europe. I am also looking to buy two TC from Deity to complement the system
Thanks for being a trusted source, i really appreciate your channel! I will definitely get this, though I'm considering getting a relative to buy it in Canada and ship it to me in the States. I'm aware I won't be able to record/transmit in the States, but if i have the global version I'll be able to do so when the patent runs out....I think 😂. Is that a bad idea?
This system looks and sounds great. I'm glad for Deity to bring some competition to Sennheiser. Had this Deity system already been out I think Sennheiser would have tried a bit harder on the EW-DP. Hopefully Sennheiser will scramble to add some enhanced software features to avoid the EW-DP being made irrelevant for a lot of people. The price has dropped a lot so they must not be doing very well with it or losing to Deity/Sony. When Deity comes out with bag unit and the record/TX issues resolves I'll be adding theos to my personal kit. Would also like them to say clearly that the current US versions are future proofed and will be able to firmware enable record/TX. Thanks for the high quality video review.
It looks great for what it is an actual prosumer system by Deity! If I was starting out now this would be amazing. But reality for where I am that 470-549 range is essential since losing the ability to use up to 663. Usually 470-495 and around 590 are the cleanest here. I haven't used the 940 band much since I only have one Wisycom transmitter that can operate there, it's come out fairly usable in my tests here but still not meant for unlicensed use. So some trade off. Would love to see a test with your antennas, I saw the Raycom walk test with the Theos and they did ok with external antennas on the bag but obviously nowhere as great as pro wireless. Thanks for your review Curtis, looking forward to your future thoughts!
My first movie I had 8 talent that needed to be mic'ed up when I was using G3 so this would have saved me a lot of bag space and having a crazy number of antennas to try to distance. It was also insane to coordinate all that, I'd be interested to see how multiple Theos work together and how their rf scans compare to other systems.
Have you heard about the hissing sound complaint these units are receiving online ? Couldn’t that be user error? What should gain be set at in the Mixpre6 ii when using this system ?
Hi, thanks for the review. If I may , I would like to understand if the 32bit recording is available only on the transmitter internal memory, or if the transmitter can also send 32bit data to the reciever so that 32bit can be recorded on a sounddevices mixpre II for example..?
Nice review. How does the sound quality compare with the the SONY UWP-D27? I don't need all the bells and whistles. Just looking to do a studio shoot, and need excellent sound, and clean silence.
You can pull up our review of the Sony system in another browser tab and play them back to back to compare: th-cam.com/video/3tFZfhUyihQ/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
I want to upgrade my G3s, but the next step up is expensive. Is Theos the system I've been waiting for? I want reduced dropouts/increased range. I've seen G3s do 110 yards under similar conditions to your outdoor test, even though they have less output power. Should I just SMA-mod my G3s and get sharkfins? I hope you will address such questions in your next Theos video. I'd love it if you repeated your outdoor test with sharkfins. Thanks for your great videos!
I, personally, wouldn't SMA mod the G3s. There's a lot that goes into the design of the antennae that most DIYers can't account for. I've generally found the RF Venue Diversity Fin antenna that I have to extend range by 15 or 20 meters outdoors and also a bit more when needing to penetrate walls. It isn't a night and day difference, but it helps, mainly because you can position the antenna up higher.
Hi, great review. I wanted to know if you ended up testing the range with external/shark fin/butterfly (or other) antennas? In the video, you only test the included whip antennas, but I would love to know if the Theos works better (and by how much) with other antennas. Thanks. :)
@@curtisjudd Yeah that makes sense. It would still be great to see an actual test and comparison when you can. Thank you very much and have a Happy New Year!
Thank you for this fantastic review! Do I need to have a TC-1 to sync time codes via the app or is it enough to just have the Theos system connected to the app? From Deity's website it seems like a TC-1 is not needed but since I'm looking to buy my first recording system I'm not really familiar with all the technicalities. Thanks! 🙏🏻
Great review, thanks Curtis. Question: Would there be an difference in therm of quality between recording 32 bit float internally on the theos or on my MixPre-3 II? Would the MixPre-3 II do a better job when it comes to noise floor or quality?
If you transmitt wirelessly, that part of the signal chain will be 24-bit. So no, you won't gain anything or hurt anything by recording from the THEOS to the MixPre.
Hi Curtis! When using only 1 transmitter I get a clean signal, but when I try using both simultaneously I get interference and dropouts. I tried all different frequency ranges in my tests with the same result. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
This is such an interesting value. I work on largely narratives, and I use Lectrosonics wireless. I’ve been eyeing the Theos as a “crossgrade” trading some of the Lectro reliability for the QOL of the Theos system. I’d love to jump ship to proper digital, but A20s are decently out of my price range for the moment.
Hey Curtis! Thank you for a great review! I wnated to know if the receiver can be set to send a mono signal out from one of the 3.5mm ports? I want to downsize my rig and was wondering if this could work with a zoom f3 to achieve 3 possible inputs. Thanks again for your review!
@@curtisjudd Can the receiver send a combined line out of both the channels through one of the 3.5mm outs? To connect to a camera for e.g. or do I need to combine the cables with an xlr Y cable?
I'm wondering why I'm able to record and transmit audio with an older Røde Go II system but not with Deity. Does this mean that I will not have a back-up copy recorded in the Deity transmitters? Thanks!
The reason is that a company called Zaxcom has a series of patents that are VERY specifically focused on the ability to transmit and record to REMOVABLE media in the same device. RODE and others have NON-REMOVABLE media. And, in an interesting twist, it is my understanding the Zaxcom sued RODE for this very issue. We'll see what happens.
@@curtisjudd Fascinating! Thanks, Curtis. It kind of defeats the whole 32 bit recording feature for many of us monitoring with field recorders. I guess I should focus on obtaining the best transmission quality.
Did you try connecting the D2RX to your 8-series recorder via USB? Per the block diagram of the 8-series, 2 channels of USB audio are available as inputs, and the product manual for the D2RX says that the USB-C connector provides USB audio out for the received audio. It's not AES, but seems like a decent alternative. (If you tried this and mentioned it in the video, I apologize for missing it.)
@@curtisjudd I got this back from Deity Support this afternoon: The D2RX USB-C port has a digital signal output function, as long as the recorder's USB port supports audio signal input.
@@curtisjuddyour assessment is correct. I tested such a configuration, and both show up as USB audio inputs to a host computer, but since each one is waiting for a host USB device to initiate communication, they don’t “see” each other. On the plus side, you can power the D2RX from the 8-series USB-A port (or any other USB power source). The 8-series USB-C port, however, doesn’t provide power.
On that last note, I wonder how Rode Go II is able to get away with recording on the transmitters while also sending audio wirelessly. I didn’t want to be loud about it in case someone that’s happy to start a legal case would notice, but I’ve never been able to figure out how they’re able to break that patent while all of my preferred choices for wireless stick to the letter of the law and don’t have that functionality.
I hear that Zaxcom has filed a suit against RODE. Also the patents are very, very specific and I believe one of several nuances is whether the transmitter records to removable or non-removable media.
@@curtisjudd thanks for the reply, I hope Rode wins the lawsuit because it’s such a huge relief being able to retrieve files from the transmitters after I experience audio drop outs. The Rode Go II is a great kit for a beginner videographer, but I’m definitely going to upgrade to the Deity Theos soon. Rode has had many issues, from batteries suddenly dying, corrupted recordings and terrible range.
@@curtisjuddAfter 3 moths use would you still recommend these Theos for a setup of indoor interview live streams to an audio console with no post processing over the Sony UWP21-27 or Senn G4 as far as audio quality, latency etc ?
The power distribution product is interesting, but it doesn't appear to support USB PD. I feel that kit manufacturers should start supporting USB-C PD on all products. Decent quality power bricks (like Anker) are more than capable of supplying the required power, up to 48V. And out in the field, it's much easier to find a power brick in an emergency than a smart battery. What we need is a power brick that can output multiple voltages out of multiple independent USB-C PD sockets, to power an entire bag of kit, all via USB-C PD. And going via USB, you can also have communication between devices.
The real question I have is: how certain are we that Diety will make the simultaneous record & transmit available on already-purchased US Theos units as soon as some of those patents expire in 2025? Any chance they’ll say, oh yea we can offer that now, but you’ll need to buy Theos v2.0?
As they disable the feature for Non-US units when you open the app in the US it would be rude not to disable this check when the patent runs out. For US bought units that might be a different thing, but my expectation is that it is only in software.
In my testing if you want to USB power the RXs with the deity BDS and hirose to usb-c you must use balanced out or you will get a ground loop hum. If you just use a power bank it seemed fine.
It’s very slight so maybe tolerable. It appears that I am kind of picky when it comes to noise floor. Ensure that you use the proper input settings on your mixer-recorder 3.5mm input.
Hi Curtis, looks as if this might just prove to be an excellent choice for those minded to invest in robust pro systems utilising UHF (rather than 2.4 Mhz). I'm tempted to buy one. I had their Connect system but sold it as I felt it may not be supported in future and also thought it noisier than expected. What chance do you think there is that they might quite quickly do a new improved mkii version with even better self noise and/or other tweaks? Probably impossible for you to answer as it's just conjecture. I currently have a Sony two channel system and a DJI Mike kit for when I might need more than 2 channels. I was contemplating getting this so I could do up to 4 channels UHF and support timecode too (I already have a trio kit of TC-1 boxes for use with 2 cams and a MixPre 6ii).
We've found some oddness in the audio quality of the wirelessly transmitted audio but the audio recorded to the transmitters is good. See this livestream where we dig into the details: th-cam.com/users/liveEFSJ4yjywyc?feature=shared
Do you know if a firmware update has fixed this? There’s a slight crackle in all my audio? If I can’t find a solution I’ll have to go back to my g4’s
@@daviddobson217 I don't know - Best to contact DEITY support.
I always like the pacing of the text at the beginning- we're smart, we know how to pause. You know your audience. Thanks for making quality videos.
Thanks! 👍
This is so true, the fact that he writes that shows how much he respects us and encourage me to watch all the videos.
@@curtisjudd I just got this in last week, and while I do love it I was kind of surprised by noise when I use the USB to power the receiver. The batteries allow it to work fine, and it only occurs when there's a USB attached to power it. Even if I turn the gain all the way down I still get the buzzing is this because of a faulty product, not designed to be used with USB while recording, or unclean power? The power supply I am using is from a large traveling 12 volts 9-volt and USB brick I can get you more specifics and I already sent a message d e i t y via email so I'll hear from them in a month
Absolutely - Time = Money , but money can't buy us more time ...
If Curtis was a fast food restaurant he would be Chick-fil-A
Great pro review. I’m a retired film sound mixer. Sold all my gear years ago to my first who then went on to mix. I bought the Mix-pre 3ii just for fun and find I use it for all sorts of volunteer projects. Been looking for something similar but cheaper than Lectro just to add some wireless. This system (I live in Canada) sounds just about perfect for me. Thanks again for your review. I watch all your reviews! Once a mixer, always a mixer…!
🎙️🎧
Yo Curtis! Phenomenal video. Just a note, to sync the theos without the app, you must have one of the TC-1 set as master and the theos/other tc-1 set to auto. Then you put them on the same group like “A” and from the master, you can navigate to the TC option in the menu and press sync. It will sync any deity device set on the same group 🥹
Awesome, thanks for that!
Good to know cheers!
Hi. Do you know how you can do this with tentacle syncs?
Also an advantage of powering by usb is the RXs automatically power on when they detect usb power in. This makes bag use a little more convenient since they can remain in your bag indefinitely regardless of power status if you use a bds. Sidus app has a power off function.
Good point, thanks for that.
I have been looking forward to this video since I saw the new system at NAB. Great to see @deity is working to deliver such great tools at affordable prices for creators and small production teams. Also it was fun to see you and Allen together lol.
Thanks Jake. Happy holidays and hope you keep warm up there!
Lack of limiters can probably be handled in firmware. With a 32FP signal, they can simply bring down the signal where needed without clipping internally. Pretty cool, thanks for the review.
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Hi Curtis, I'm a production sound mixer from Phoenix, AZ and wanted to express my appreciation for your review on the new Deity Theos system! It was last year at the NAB show in Vegas that I had the chance to see what the new system looked like and everything seemed very impressive and like a step up from Deity's connect system. At the moment, I'm looking to upgrade from my connect system (2.4GHz) and use the Deity Theos UHF system.
Thanks again for this video and for your expertise on location sound!
Thanks Jeffrey. Happy recording!
I can say I was engaged by Allen messing with you as you were trying to count off distance. I don’t immediately need to step up to this level of gear from my current 2.4ghz system but I’m happy to see improvements and competition in this slice of the market. I’m particularly happy to see time code becoming increasingly common in lower priced gear like this!
😉
Great review Curtis. I'm listening to this on some Jabra Elite Active 75T bluetooth buds and in your range test am hearing quite a bit of noise in the high frequencies. Are you hearing this Curtis?
Awesome review, Curtis! I’ve been tempted to pick a set of these up since your initial thoughts stream and I think you’ve sold me on them here.
Thanks! Happy recording!
Great review Curtis. Thank you so much for doing it. I've been waiting for this review to go ahead with my purchase and you've confirmed that this will be a great fit for what I do. Feeling quite fortunate to be in Australia and not have to worry about the patent issue. Such a shame it's an issue there in the States. I also like the sound of the W.Lav Pro on the mic test - perhaps lacking some base compared to the Cos 11D - but pretty solid I thought. Thanks again Curtis. Looking forward to getting and using these.
Thanks and happy recording!
Thank you so much for making and sharing this video. I foolishly bought the last generation from Diety with the BP TRX and deeply regretted it. I could tell within seconds of hearing the audio that Diety has a long way to go to get their transmitted audio to a professional quality. Thankfully they have figured out the features that we need with the app control. Maybe their third generation will be ready for professional use. Until then, thank you for everything you do!
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Great review, as always. In my humble opinion, the one competitor of the Theos system is the Sennheiser AVX system. I work on a LOT of Indy films and I can wire-up a bunch of actors and be ready to shoot in minutes. No frequencies, no menus, just go. BUT I’ll still get the Theos system because it’s priced wonderfully.
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I'm not sure if it is just me, but my ears seems to be picking up a slight digital modulation and drops throughout the video. My ears heard it most around the 09:00 to 09:10 region. I refreshed the page, listened to other TH-cam videos... Perhaps maybe an issue with the export? But, for me, I am hearing some kind of digital modulation. At the 09:14 mark, it is most noticeable when Curtis says "that's the."
Good ear. Not sure whether that's digital modulation, the mic, my voice, or something else, but there is a little something there.
One of the best review channels for filmmakers! Long time viewer, thanks so much! Keep up the great work :)
Thanks Sasha!
Hi Curtis - Cujo from Atlanta Sound Guy here... Long time listener, first time caller. Great review, and hope you had fun with Allen.
You should be able to sync the TC-1 and the TX/RX by making the TC-1 the master device and setting all the other devices to auto jam.
From the Master TC-1, scroll to *sync* in the timecode menu, menu and engage it. All devices in range (30 feet-ish) will sync via bluetooth and it does not require the Sidus app.
Nice, thanks Cujo!
Hello Curtis!
Thank you so much for the review!
I heard from one movie sound engineer that the system has slight artifacts and compresses the sound in the upper frequencies. And he also claimed that this digital system had more noise than the analog G4.
His summary: good for bloggers, not for serious projects.
This is an extremely interesting note, because I was just about to buy DEITY. Have you noticed similar phenomena in the operation of your system?
I would ask you to make that judgement based on the audio of this video which was recorded entirely with the THEOS system and included W.Lav Pro microphone. No, you’re not likely to see this system on a set of a big budget movie or narrative TV show, but it sounds good enough for most other pro and enthusiast projects to my ear.
@@curtisjudd Quite clear. Thank you.
Hi Curtis! I recently purchased 3 Theos kits and I've been having major issues:
1. In post production, when I insert the internal 32bit recording into my DAW the length doesn't match the live recording (wireless feed). There is noticeable drifting and it's different in each unit.
2. Audible distortions when the signal gets too hot (not clipping!) - while recording classical singers I've noticed that even without clipping and gain set to 0 (zero) I was able to hear distortions when the signal was hot.
3. Severe lack of headroom - when using the supplied lav mic I recorded classical singers and even at zero gain the meter of the transmitter unit was dangerously close to clipping on loud notes. The singer was not extremely loud nor the microphone was placed too close to the mouth. It seems that the ADC is having a hard time handling hot signals. When I use a lower output mic like that Sennheiser MKE2 the headroom issue is mostly resolved, but I still need to be at zero gain. The supplied lav mic is way too hot for the transmitter.
Another minor issue: the phase of the wireless signal is inverted. The signal of the internal recording has the correct (standard) phase. No mention of that in the owner's manual. This becomes an issues when mixing the lav signal with room signals.
All units have the latest firmware and I went over all the settings via the sidus app. Have you noticed those issues?
Some people say that I experienced number 2 in this video. But I haven’t experienced 1 or 3. Curious if you brought it up to DEITY support and what they say?
What! Having the mic in the hat makes that great of a sound? Impressive
One of the best places to hide a lavalier in my experience 👍
I did sound on an indie that I put a cos-11 in his hat and it picked him up and the person he was talking to next to him really good.
Wow 🤩 Deity really knocked it out of the park with this one! I just recently upgraded from 2.4 to Sonys UHF. Wishing I had held out a little longer for Theos! As always great video and delivery of all of this technical info! I live near a lot of radio and television studios and often run into RF when I use Deity mics. I wonder how Theos will hold up for me here…🤔
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Great video, thanks Curtis. I got mine a couple of days ago and wow, Im really impressed. Tried out a few different lavs and the Deity is pretty darn good but I have a Micboosters EM272 based lav and that sounds absolutely amazing! Really full and lovely, worth checking out as its inexpensive. The only downsize is its slightly bigger then some.
👍 glad it’s working well for you!
Great review as usual! Can’t wait to see Allen’s review. I personally love this system and I saw it on TH-cam while I was doing research on UHF systems to invest into for myself earlier this year. My only gripe currently is that the app can be pretty slow or just won’t work when it comes to engaging the on board recorder during my tests. It wasn’t the end of the world because once I restarted the transmitter everything was working fine again.
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Great video! I live in New Zealand now (moved from the US) and have used my Theos sets on 2 different jobs so far and the recording/transmitting together is so nice!
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Thank you. This has been helpful. I thought I was taking a risk on this system but your review is reassuring. I like the sound quality of the Sanken and will get two of them (next year).
👍 Happy recording!
Excellent review as usual, thank you! There is a couple things I can't get info about: 1. Does the L output on RX work as stereo unbalanced output too? 2. Can it work as a headphone out too? WIth the right output impedance for headphones and an easy to reach hp level control? 3. If it can work like this, the hp out signal has the system's delay (6ms) or longer? - Thank you and regards!
Interesting and informative review as always, so thank you for that. Just a comment/question or two:
I live in Canada, so I'm wondering if the THEOS hardware sold here will allow for simultaneous recording and transmitting. Based on your comments, it sounds like it might, although often times we get the same versions of electronics that you do in the States.
Second, would you say the included lav mic with the system is a limiting factor in overall sound quality? Would upgrade to, say, the COS-11D be a noticeable improvement?
Thank you!
Hello Curtis, thanks for the video and for testing the quality of the system, I was wondering if this is not a diversity system then what is the function of both antennas? And what would be the difference with a system of real diversity compared to this one?
This is an antenna diversity system. “True diversity” usually refers to systems which have a separate radio receiver for each antenna. Antenna diversity has a single radio receiver which can switch between antennae. In theory, and probably in practice, true diversity systems can switch with fewer dropouts or hits.
Thank you for your review Curtis! I think with the current patent situation the US and global version are two very different products. E.g. for our documentary work wiring up people and being able to listen while having the safety of 32bit recording at the same time is a real game changer. I wonder if the global version can still record and transmit at the same time when connected to the app while in the US.
I don’t know. I have the US version.
According to Deity it cannot. It picks up GPS from the phone app and adjust the settings if in the US. I’m sure someone can find some kind of work around. Main reason I didn’t order
Hi Curtis, Would you recommend these for a wireless hop IFB to camera? I've used Sennys G3/4 in the past.
Yes.
Been waiting for this review from you :) Sanken 11D and this Lav system sounds like a dream plus 32bit float recording.
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Thanks for your test, always very detailed and clear. On my system, I found that the signal recorded from the two receiver was delayed (6ms as you mentioned) and out of phase compared with my wired boom mic (Neumann KM 185).
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Just for saying, they announced the DLTX 3 pin lemo for next year. The transmitter will be in lemo3 and can send 48V like for wireless boom. I hope they will do a sound bag version of RX, i think it is a question of time.
Thanks for the video!
Thanks 👍
Curtis, if one is integrated into the Sony Ecosystem, would you recommend the UWP over the Theos? Seems like True Diversity, and integration with the Mi-Shoe edges out the Theos, albeit, no internal recording capability. Would love your thoughts and a possible side by side review if you ever have the time. As always, thanks for your wonderful, probative content!
If you’re invested in UWP, filming with Sony, and getting the results you need, I’d stick with it.
PS - UWP-D is antenna diversity as is THEOS.
Trivia thing - interesting the app is branded Sidus. Are they finally merging the Deity and Aputure brands or starting to more openly acknowledge they are the same company or two very closely affiliated entities? Always wondered why they aren't trying to leverage one brand versus sticking with Aputure/Amaran for lighting and Deity for audio?
They tried making microphones under the Aputure brand but found that nobody took them seriously so spun the audio gear off into DEITY.
Hello Curtis!
I absolutely appreciate your last feedback. It really helped me. I’ve been trying to get deity’s support for sometime but there’s no reply till now and I’d be absolutely glad if you could help me with this.
I recently got the deity theos and i have some unanswered questions and confirmations. I'd be glad if you could help me out.
1. In the Workstation menu in the app, i usually see one of my transmitters in a submenu called unallocated. Is that normal or i need to do something?
2. In the time code menu, the TC sync is grayed out till i change TC settings before i can sync, right?
3. Can the antennas on the receiver be repositioned by loosening the screw?
4. Lastly, I know that a change in frequency or some settings of the receiver would simultaneously affect the transmitters, but in my case, there’s sometimes a connection issue that I have to pair them again to sync settings. Is that also normal ? I have the global version in EU territory for more context.
Thank you!
Great review… may I know your setting? Is it thru line or mic level in your sound devices? And how about the gain setting? Tq
So far the most intensive review of Deity Theos. What's your opinion on Panasonic Eneloop Pro batteries? Are they good to use instead of IKEA battery?
I find the IKEA to last longest.
Great video; just one question. Can the receiver output timecode from one of its outputs? This would be really useful as a camera hop so I could send mono audio and TC from one box.
Yes, I believe so
Great review! I am a videography and mostly shoot corporate, and this system is indeed perfect for me. I only hope they can add a digital limiter for peace of mind, but not a deal breaker, I always rec on safe levels anyway.
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THANK YOU CURTIS!!!! I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS REVIEW!!!
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Fun to see sound speed on your video. FYI, on the TC-1 you may have to change the input/output to jam. I ran into this before. Once I understood it, its easy.
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Hi Curtis, thanks for this review. I wonder about the side noise while you talked, especially when you begin a new sentence. At 3:27 for example. Did your cap produce this?
Not my hat, more likely my multiple layers of clothing.
Wow, it's hard to find channels like this one. This video was excellent!
Thanks
How did you get your audio so clear? I use the Theos Digital Wireless but I get hissing I can't seem to get rid of. Now, Granted I use a mirrorless camera, so maybe that's why. Do you do anything in post?@@curtisjudd
I love this system so far
Me too
Thank you for this great review Curtis.
My question is whether an additional Theos receiver can be mounted on a second camera so that 2 transmitters can be used to transmitter sound to two cameras?
Yes
Hey Curtis. Great review. I’m wondering what circumstance you’d choose to record on the body packs vs pumping it to the camera? Not being able to monitor threw me off and I just opted to have it go to camera.
1. Recordings on the transmitter is 32 bit float, the one sent to your camera is not.
2. In case the signal drops for whatever reason, or if the input jack to your cam got unplugged, you have a back up in the transmitter.
Great review, thanks. I'm confused about one thing. If you are recording on 32 bit float and transmitting wirelessly you can still clip? Even if your recorder has 32 bit float as well (like the zoom f8n pro)? Didn't realize it was only good if recording directly to the transmitter. Can you please confirm?
Confirmed - the wirelessly transmitted audio is converted back to analogue at the receiver and it can clip there before it gets to your 32-bit float recorder.
@@curtisjudd Thank you!
Hello Curtis ! First, thanks for all t he work you do on those - Your channel become my go-to place if I need to understand or review of somethink sound related. I have question about noise of those. My original setup is Zoom F4 and sony UWP-D21 set - I have also one really old UWP-2 . UWP-D21 have extremely low noise floor in comparison with Theos which suprised me. I have 15dB gain on TX's and -20dB on receiver outpu. I can here a big difference - If I set gain on F4 to max 75dB for both systems - Sony have ambient noise on -32dB , Theos on -18dB. Is this normal, Or I have something setup wrong? Thanks in advance.
It might be normal, I'm not sure which microphone you're using, which is the biggest factor in self-noise. (I assume you're talking about self-noise and not ambient noise)
Curtis thanks again for yet another fantastic review! Love this product and would really love to get it sometime later this year. I use a G4 for my boom and 4x Lectro SMVs + 411s for wireless, so this is a great upgrade path to 6 channels at a reasonable price. I just wish the screen was topside (why front-facing?!?!!) and that there was a kit for sale without the lavs, I love the W.Lav Pro and have two in my kit already but I only deploy them when I’m out of Sankens. Really hope Zaxcom don’t extend the patents - I and many mixers I know would love to have record+transmit functionality but I will not switch to Zaxcom for it, and these items are really not competing, it’s a totally different sector.
Thanks. I might hold on to those lectros.
The range on the 411s is still unmatched, in my experience - but the size, weight, and narrow bands make them a bit difficult to work with compared to more modern stuff.
Excellent video, Curtis! Thank you for introducing me to this system. I was actually searching for a wireless transmitter/receiver setup for use with my MixPre 3 (original non-32-bit float version). I'm now wondering if the THEOS transmitter alone could completely replace the MixPre for non-timecode required applications where talent mobility via a discreet body pack would be needed. Especially since the THEOS has 32-bit float capability. Not sure if you have any thoughts on using the THEOS this way. Cheers!
Yes, this is designed to use that way. I would consider the preamps and converters of the MixPre are far superior.
Great review! Thank you. I’m thinking this year coming up buying two sets and making a very small light bag with my MixPre 10t for doc and corporate shoots.
That’ll be a nice kit 👍
@@curtisjudd well as long as your confident it would work good for that purpose?
@@fiercesound2138 Based on my testing so far, seems like a good option, yes.
I was so excited for this sytem, thinking it would allow remote monitoring. Diety said even if a user bought the units out of the US, they would change their functionality based on their location, disabling remote monitoring. I ended up going with Tentacle Sync.
👍Happy recording!
Nice review! Curious why you call the Theos Prosumer and not Professional? In the Sony UWP review you called it Professional. I’d like to know what separates the two systems between Prosumer and Professional products. Thanks!
The sound quality, for one. THEOS sounds good on its internal recordings but the transmitted audio doesn’t sound as good.
Great video Curtis. I think this kit looks great and look forward to adding it to my kit soon.
Hope you enjoy it!
@curtisjudd did you notice the rf noise coming from the antenna system? (I may be wrong as far as the source of the noise but there seems to be some noise nonetheless, and I don’t think it’s the preamps or mic) but I noticed my Saramonic UHF wireless packs do the same thing (same noise) sometimes. It seemed to be noticeable throughout your video. I tried reading as many comments as I could to see if anyone mentioned this but no one did. Maybe it’s just common with UHF?
No, I noticed weird high frequency response in a few spots.
Thanks for reviewing! Do you have a follow up on this?
Yes: th-cam.com/users/liveEFSJ4yjywyc?feature=shared
I could be wrong here, but this wireless set will do all the usual UHF frequencies for most international locations. I don't think Sony do this or Sennheiser?
Correct
Fantastic review! Any idea if the recording can be stereo? Only mono?
Only mono.
Curtis, great review. Quick question, can one monitor audio via the Receiver while internally recording (US Model)?
No, because that would require transmitting from the recording transmitter to the receiver, unfortunately.
Hey Curtis! Thanks for the video! Have you ever tried using the Theos reciever as an IFB? Trying to find a cam hop/IFB solution! Currently using Sennheiser to do this, but would find the modern features of this system worth the upgrade if it's suitable as both a cam hop and IFB!
I haven't but you can use it if the plan is to get scratch audio to the camera.
So, you would definitely recommend getting one Theos set in lieu of two more sets of G4s? I'm the only full-time audio guy within an hour and half radius of me. So, work is slim which is why I do not own Lectros or the A20s. I do have the MixPre6ii and trying to find a gently used 10ii. It is all a "Return on my Investment" situation here because mid-level productions only come through here a few times a year and only for a day or two. I was in that situation yesterday. 4 units each with 3 cam, 1 audio, 1 PA... two were rocking A20s, one guy had the Theos, and then me with my two G4s... I just felt like everyone had their slick Hotwheels and I was there with a Tonka truck you know. It worked out and they were cool with it but I just felt... I don't know.. lesser... as if I went to shoot a commercial with a Canon t5i and kit glass.
I’m not sure DEITY THEOS is necessarily going to get you street cred for bigger commercial jobs over Sennheisers, but maybe.
Hi Curtis! I was wandering what do you think about the mic that comes with the system and if its possible to connect other mics from different brands like the Sennheiser mke2. Thank you!!!
The included mics are good. You can use others as well.
Curtis, would you purchase the DeityTheos over a used Lectrosonics LR/LT system?
No, I’d buy the lectro.
Thank you for an other great episode!
I have two questions:
- Can I timecode-sync my Sound Devices Mix Pre 6 II with the Theos system?
- Can I connect a Deity W Lav Pro mic with a 3.5 jack to a Rode Wireless Go II?
Thank you for you ongoing support!
Peter
Hi Peter, 1) yes, with an additional DEITY TC-1 and 2) yes. Happy recording!
Thank you and happy holiday!@@curtisjudd
Great review.
Theos has great features, but just in terms od sound quality, how it stands compared with sennheiser ew 100 g4?
I don’t have a G4 on hand to do a head to head comparison, unfortunately.
Hi Curtis, thanks for the super informative video! Have you tried using the Sennheiser MKE2 Gold Lag mic with the system? Are the Sennheiser MKE2 Gold lab mics compatible with the Deity Transmitters? Reason I ask is I currently have the Sennheiser G4 units with Sennheiser MKE2 Gold lavs and I love the way they sound and I want to still be able to use the lavs on the deity system.
I don’t have one to test, but they should work with THEOS.
@@curtisjudd Thanks ,I was worried the low voltage of 5V might damage my mics!
Thanks for the nice video! I bought the kit one week ago, really nice, but I have noticeably more noise than my AVX system. And there is really no noise at all when I hear the recording. What are your thoughts about that?
Would need to hear samples.
Hi Chris,
Deity released the PR-2 audio recorder in China this week. I am interested in buying it and using with my existing mic setup. Question, have you had a chance to get your hands on this and if so when does your review come. You are our got for all stuff audio. Thanks in advance.😊
No hands-on with it yet. Hoping to try it out once available here in the US.
Great review. Definitely interested in these - but it'll have to wait till I get more gigs.
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Hi Curtis,
Thanks for the review ! Did you test the unit with Sanken COS-11D microphones ? That's what I work with and I have to put the TX gain to the max (+30db) to get the level I need on the RX... Would love to have your input on that. Also when using the Theos with a Sony camera (FX3/FX6/A7S3), the "line" level of the Theos is too weak (have to put the Sony K3M to +10db on the wheel, which is not possible in a real world shooting). When using "mic" level, a lot of self noise comes out of the RX. Would love to have your input on this aswell.
Yes, in fact, half of the raw audio samples were with the COS-11D near the start of the video. 😀
Thanks so much for this . Really like the system at a great price and have been waiting for your review for so long !!
I am gonna buy this next Spring unless Sennheiser up there game . The 32 bit back up is a key upgrade for me from the G4’s and great for me in Europe.
I am also looking to buy two TC from Deity to complement the system
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Thanks for being a trusted source, i really appreciate your channel! I will definitely get this, though I'm considering getting a relative to buy it in Canada and ship it to me in the States. I'm aware I won't be able to record/transmit in the States, but if i have the global version I'll be able to do so when the patent runs out....I think 😂. Is that a bad idea?
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This system looks and sounds great. I'm glad for Deity to bring some competition to Sennheiser. Had this Deity system already been out I think Sennheiser would have tried a bit harder on the EW-DP. Hopefully Sennheiser will scramble to add some enhanced software features to avoid the EW-DP being made irrelevant for a lot of people. The price has dropped a lot so they must not be doing very well with it or losing to Deity/Sony. When Deity comes out with bag unit and the record/TX issues resolves I'll be adding theos to my personal kit. Would also like them to say clearly that the current US versions are future proofed and will be able to firmware enable record/TX. Thanks for the high quality video review.
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It looks great for what it is an actual prosumer system by Deity! If I was starting out now this would be amazing. But reality for where I am that 470-549 range is essential since losing the ability to use up to 663. Usually 470-495 and around 590 are the cleanest here.
I haven't used the 940 band much since I only have one Wisycom transmitter that can operate there, it's come out fairly usable in my tests here but still not meant for unlicensed use. So some trade off. Would love to see a test with your antennas, I saw the Raycom walk test with the Theos and they did ok with external antennas on the bag but obviously nowhere as great as pro wireless.
Thanks for your review Curtis, looking forward to your future thoughts!
My first movie I had 8 talent that needed to be mic'ed up when I was using G3 so this would have saved me a lot of bag space and having a crazy number of antennas to try to distance. It was also insane to coordinate all that, I'd be interested to see how multiple Theos work together and how their rf scans compare to other systems.
I only have one kit but I’m told that the app will coordinate for multiple receivers, accounting for intermodulation.
@@curtisjudd That's pretty good, even a step up for even the apps for pro systems if it functions well.
Have you heard about the hissing sound complaint these units are receiving online ? Couldn’t that be user error? What should gain be set at in the Mixpre6 ii when using this system ?
Hi, thanks for the review.
If I may , I would like to understand if the 32bit recording is available only on the transmitter internal memory, or if the transmitter can also send 32bit data to the reciever so that 32bit can be recorded on a sounddevices mixpre II for example..?
Just in the transmitter. The wireless signal is NOT 32-bit float.
Nice review. How does the sound quality compare with the the SONY UWP-D27? I don't need all the bells and whistles. Just looking to do a studio shoot, and need excellent sound, and clean silence.
You can pull up our review of the Sony system in another browser tab and play them back to back to compare: th-cam.com/video/3tFZfhUyihQ/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
I want to upgrade my G3s, but the next step up is expensive. Is Theos the system I've been waiting for? I want reduced dropouts/increased range. I've seen G3s do 110 yards under similar conditions to your outdoor test, even though they have less output power. Should I just SMA-mod my G3s and get sharkfins? I hope you will address such questions in your next Theos video. I'd love it if you repeated your outdoor test with sharkfins. Thanks for your great videos!
I, personally, wouldn't SMA mod the G3s. There's a lot that goes into the design of the antennae that most DIYers can't account for. I've generally found the RF Venue Diversity Fin antenna that I have to extend range by 15 or 20 meters outdoors and also a bit more when needing to penetrate walls. It isn't a night and day difference, but it helps, mainly because you can position the antenna up higher.
Hi, great review. I wanted to know if you ended up testing the range with external/shark fin/butterfly (or other) antennas? In the video, you only test the included whip antennas, but I would love to know if the Theos works better (and by how much) with other antennas. Thanks. :)
Not yet. But the fact that I can position the shark fin higher alone should improve distance.
@@curtisjudd Yeah that makes sense. It would still be great to see an actual test and comparison when you can. Thank you very much and have a Happy New Year!
@@RandomRichard2022 Thank YOU and happy new year to you!
Thank you for this fantastic review! Do I need to have a TC-1 to sync time codes via the app or is it enough to just have the Theos system connected to the app? From Deity's website it seems like a TC-1 is not needed but since I'm looking to buy my first recording system I'm not really familiar with all the technicalities. Thanks! 🙏🏻
You'd want a TC-1 anyway so your camera has timecode sync too.
@@andrewjones9498 True, makes sense. I didn't even think about the camera. Thanks!
Ditto what Andrew said. 👍
Fascinating kit! How the self noise and latendy compare to EW-DP? 6ms vs 1.6ms is it noticeable?
Self noise in the same range. 6ms latency is not generally a problem, depending on your workflow.
Great review, thanks Curtis. Question: Would there be an difference in therm of quality between recording 32 bit float internally on the theos or on my MixPre-3 II? Would the MixPre-3 II do a better job when it comes to noise floor or quality?
If you transmitt wirelessly, that part of the signal chain will be 24-bit. So no, you won't gain anything or hurt anything by recording from the THEOS to the MixPre.
@@curtisjudd thanks for getting back to me. Does that mean clipped audio can still be recovered in post in the 32bit mixpre file?
@@vividmotion66it is NOT 100%, no. If the audio is above 0dB FS at the output of the receiver, the MixPre cannot save that.
Hi Curtis! When using only 1 transmitter I get a clean signal, but when I try using both simultaneously I get interference and dropouts. I tried all different frequency ranges in my tests with the same result. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
This is such an interesting value. I work on largely narratives, and I use Lectrosonics wireless. I’ve been eyeing the Theos as a “crossgrade” trading some of the Lectro reliability for the QOL of the Theos system. I’d love to jump ship to proper digital, but A20s are decently out of my price range for the moment.
Yes, it would be a trade off. And if clients are still happy, may be worth it.
Hey Curtis! Thank you for a great review! I wnated to know if the receiver can be set to send a mono signal out from one of the 3.5mm ports? I want to downsize my rig and was wondering if this could work with a zoom f3 to achieve 3 possible inputs. Thanks again for your review!
Sorry, I don’t understand.
@@curtisjudd Can the receiver send a combined line out of both the channels through one of the 3.5mm outs? To connect to a camera for e.g. or do I need to combine the cables with an xlr Y cable?
Just in time! Awesome review as always
👍
I'm wondering why I'm able to record and transmit audio with an older Røde Go II system but not with Deity. Does this mean that I will not have a back-up copy recorded in the Deity transmitters? Thanks!
The reason is that a company called Zaxcom has a series of patents that are VERY specifically focused on the ability to transmit and record to REMOVABLE media in the same device. RODE and others have NON-REMOVABLE media. And, in an interesting twist, it is my understanding the Zaxcom sued RODE for this very issue. We'll see what happens.
@@curtisjudd Fascinating! Thanks, Curtis. It kind of defeats the whole 32 bit recording feature for many of us monitoring with field recorders. I guess I should focus on obtaining the best transmission quality.
Did you try connecting the D2RX to your 8-series recorder via USB? Per the block diagram of the 8-series, 2 channels of USB audio are available as inputs, and the product manual for the D2RX says that the USB-C connector provides USB audio out for the received audio. It's not AES, but seems like a decent alternative. (If you tried this and mentioned it in the video, I apologize for missing it.)
I haven’t tried that. I believe they each need to plug into a USB host and these are both essentially USB peripherals but worth a try.
@@curtisjudd I got this back from Deity Support this afternoon:
The D2RX USB-C port has a digital signal output function, as long as the recorder's USB port supports audio signal input.
@@curtisjuddyour assessment is correct. I tested such a configuration, and both show up as USB audio inputs to a host computer, but since each one is waiting for a host USB device to initiate communication, they don’t “see” each other.
On the plus side, you can power the D2RX from the 8-series USB-A port (or any other USB power source). The 8-series USB-C port, however, doesn’t provide power.
@@TimTheFoolMan Thanks for confirming! 👍
Please note that the W.Lav Pro mics included with the Theos appear to be a variant that have permanent 3.5mm terminations instead of microdot.
Thanks for the note 👍
On that last note, I wonder how Rode Go II is able to get away with recording on the transmitters while also sending audio wirelessly. I didn’t want to be loud about it in case someone that’s happy to start a legal case would notice, but I’ve never been able to figure out how they’re able to break that patent while all of my preferred choices for wireless stick to the letter of the law and don’t have that functionality.
I hear that Zaxcom has filed a suit against RODE.
Also the patents are very, very specific and I believe one of several nuances is whether the transmitter records to removable or non-removable media.
@@curtisjudd thanks for the reply, I hope Rode wins the lawsuit because it’s such a huge relief being able to retrieve files from the transmitters after I experience audio drop outs. The Rode Go II is a great kit for a beginner videographer, but I’m definitely going to upgrade to the Deity Theos soon. Rode has had many issues, from batteries suddenly dying, corrupted recordings and terrible range.
@@ErikPelyukhno I think the suit has more to do with the timecode built into the Wireless PRO than recording on the transmitters.
Great review Curtis, like always!
For a Sony-user, do you recommend Deity Theos over Sony UWP-d27?
I’d look at the UWD-P first: th-cam.com/video/3tFZfhUyihQ/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
Thanks! And 3 months later, are you still pleased with the Theos? Or have you notice something bad with the kit?
@@johanneshillstrom1336 it does some odd things with dialogue sometimes - a few artifacts.
@@curtisjuddAfter 3 moths use would you still recommend these Theos for a setup of indoor interview live streams to an audio console with no post processing over the Sony UWP21-27 or Senn G4 as far as audio quality, latency etc ?
@@EvanFotis in terms of pure audio quality, probably the Sony or Sennheiser (G4 500 series).
The power distribution product is interesting, but it doesn't appear to support USB PD. I feel that kit manufacturers should start supporting USB-C PD on all products. Decent quality power bricks (like Anker) are more than capable of supplying the required power, up to 48V. And out in the field, it's much easier to find a power brick in an emergency than a smart battery.
What we need is a power brick that can output multiple voltages out of multiple independent USB-C PD sockets, to power an entire bag of kit, all via USB-C PD. And going via USB, you can also have communication between devices.
That’d be nice!
The real question I have is: how certain are we that Diety will make the simultaneous record & transmit available on already-purchased US Theos units as soon as some of those patents expire in 2025? Any chance they’ll say, oh yea we can offer that now, but you’ll need to buy Theos v2.0?
As they disable the feature for Non-US units when you open the app in the US it would be rude not to disable this check when the patent runs out. For US bought units that might be a different thing, but my expectation is that it is only in software.
They licensed this ability on their previous generation wireless after release and offered it via free firmware update if I recall correctly.
@@curtisjuddGreat to know! Looks like I’m going to start seeing a lot of Theos units on projects these days.
Hi Curtis, does they provide a good -pro sound quality , if i compare it to lectrosonics or wisycom?
Not that good, no.
❤@@curtisjudd
Excellent Review , It was already on my buying list .
👍
In my testing if you want to USB power the RXs with the deity BDS and hirose to usb-c you must use balanced out or you will get a ground loop hum. If you just use a power bank it seemed fine.
Good to know, thanks.
It’s very slight so maybe tolerable. It appears that I am kind of picky when it comes to noise floor. Ensure that you use the proper input settings on your mixer-recorder 3.5mm input.
Great review and congratulations on your Telly! 🎉
🙏
Awesome Review , these are making me consider selling all of my AVX MKE2 Mics
Are they not working well for you?
They work great, i mainly shoot weddings and timecode is a huge thing for me. Its hard to beat the compact form factor of the AVX though.
@@curtisjudd
Hi Curtis, looks as if this might just prove to be an excellent choice for those minded to invest in robust pro systems utilising UHF (rather than 2.4 Mhz). I'm tempted to buy one. I had their Connect system but sold it as I felt it may not be supported in future and also thought it noisier than expected. What chance do you think there is that they might quite quickly do a new improved mkii version with even better self noise and/or other tweaks? Probably impossible for you to answer as it's just conjecture.
I currently have a Sony two channel system and a DJI Mike kit for when I might need more than 2 channels. I was contemplating getting this so I could do up to 4 channels UHF and support timecode too (I already have a trio kit of TC-1 boxes for use with 2 cams and a MixPre 6ii).
Thanks! I would not expect a mkII in less than 2 years. More likely they’ll add additional types of transmitters (XLR plug-on or smaller body pack).