Audio-Technica ATW-U101 UHF wireless system with MT830 lavaliere omni mic	day-rate

If renting this, also consider:

features - ATW-U101 transmitter/receiver:
o 100 channels
o True Diversity reduces dropouts
o UHF band operation
o rugged metal construction
o Balanced audio output with level control
o Receiver operates on two internal 9-volt batteries or external 12V DC
o Headphone jack with volume control

features - MT830 lavaliere mic:
o clean, accurate reproduction
o very flat frequency response
o wireless with ATW-U101 or hardwire with XLR adapter

All of our wireless and hardwired lavaliere mics use the AT MT830 for consistent, matching sound.

straight talk:
If you can get away with a hardwired mic, do so.  The MT830 mic can be used with a wireless system or hardwired with an XLR cable.  But, when your talent will simply be too mobile, or getting a hardwire mic in place is too difficult, then a wireless setup is an excellent choice.

Wireless mics are fairly straightforward to use but they do require a bit more attention than their wired counterparts.  Here are some general guidelines to ensure success:

o  ALWAYS SHUT POWER OFF before changing batteries or frequency settings.

o  Read the manual.

o  Replace batteries often.  The receiver goes through two 9-volt batteries in about an hour.  We have a rechargeable NiMH battery system that works very well and will save you a lot of money.

o  Maintain a line-of-sight with between transmitter and receiver.

o  Keep the transmitter at least 3 feet from receiver.

o  Keep the receiver at least 3 feet from floors, walls, and radio-reflective surfaces.

o  Keep antennas away from noise sources like computers, motors, and neon lights.

o  Keep the flexible transmitter antenna straight as possible for the best signal.

o  If using multiple systems, make sure they are on separate frequencies.  Keep their frequencies 1Mhz apart.  For the MT830, that means choose channels at least 8 positions apart.

o  If all else fails, have a hardwired option ready to go.

grip tips:

I used to make paper footballs in school by folding a strip of paper into a tight triangle.  A friend's fingers would serve as a goal-post for a quick, tabletop game.

Like paper footballs, fold two short lengths of 1" or 2" gaff-tape into "footballs" with the sticky side outward.  You should have two sticky triangles when done.

Sandwich the lavaliere mic between the footballs so the mic opening is outside the long edge and the cable passes through the opposite, right-angled point.

Stick the mic inside an actor's costume with the football.  The sticky surfaces both hold the mic in place and prevent clothing around the mic from sliding about.

further reading:

ATW-U101 manual (.pdf)
MT830 microphone specs (.pdf)

Audio-technica's Using Wireless Systems (offsite)
Audio-technica's Brief Guide to Microphones (offsite)