Audio Technica Pro 88W Wireless Microphone Review
by: Andrew Duncan
Great Video Requires Great Audio!
Probably the only thing more annoying than trying to watch a video and getting nothing but buffering….buffering…buffering is trying to watch a video with bad audio. Everything you hear sounds like the voice of the muffled teacher from Charlie Brown, “Wah, wah, wah, wah.” To keep your audience’s full attention and to keep them engaged requires clear audio so they can understand what is happening and can hear the story you are trying to tell them.
A cost effective way to accomplish clear audio is with a wireless microphone. As a full time educator, I understand the importance of finding gear that fits my budget. The Audio Technica Pro 88W fits the bill perfectly. At around $150 it comes with everything needed to capture quality audio. Included in the box are a bodypack transmitter, camera mountable receiver, MT830mW omnidirectional lavalier microphone, windscreen, monitor earphone, audio cable, belt clip, and camera shoe adapter. Best of all, the system is extremely user friendly.In order to use the microphone, make sure your camera has a mini-plug/mic input.
First, simply plug the transmitter cable into this plug and attach the pack to your camera via the camera shoe adapter. Next mic up your subject and attach the lavalier clip somewhere on the shirt; a few inches below the chin seems to achieve best results. I usually have the person who has the mic place the bodypack in a back pocket or use the belt clip to keep it out of the way and to keep the subject hands free. Finally, make sure both the bodypack and transmitter are switched on and set to the same channel (ex: both on A or both on B). The mic has two channels to help eliminate any feedback or interference you might receive.
I have never had a problem with the range of this microphone, and Audio Techina states the approximate working range is 100’ (normal): 300’ (Optimum). I did have some interference/signal break up once while filming a goose hunt when I had a slight hill between me and the person wearing the microphone. As a camera man, I am usually filming behind whoever is wearing the mic, but that was the only problem I have ever had. The camera runs off 9 volt batteries, and run time per Audio Technica says 8 hours, but, honestly, battery life has never been an issue. I do, usually, have a few extra on hand just in case, as better safe than sorry. These units also seem to be very durable and have held up well over my three years of using them. According to the microphone’s online product description, “Both transmitter and receiver feature durable metal construction, able to withstand the rigors of use on location or on the road.” I can be hard on my equipment at times, but this microphone has kept up with the pace.
Overall ergonomics is good as well, as the bodypack and transmitter are neither extra bulky nor heavy. Exact dimensions are (HxWxD) 4.09” x 2.44” x 0.94,” and each pack weighs 2.8oz. A few things to keep in mind while storing or using the mic are that the alligator clip, which holds the mic in place, and the microphone itself can become disconnected as the microphone only snaps in place. Be sure to always check before putting them back into the camera bag or when taking the mic off the subject to ensure you do not lose your clip or windscreen. A drop of super glue to permanently attach the windscreen to the mic isn’t a bad idea either. I also do not care for the monitor earphone that comes in the package and recommend a good pair of headphones. What’s the point of using a wireless microphone if you can’t properly monitor your audio while filming?
You won’t be disappointed with the purchase of this wireless microphone system as it doesn’t break the bank, is user friendly, and provides quality audio. Most importantly, you won’t be left wondering, “Can you hear me now?”
Check Out The Audio Technica Pro88w at Campbell Cameras!
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