Feature Quality: Lav Mic

[Marc Wielage]

Some very good advice above, especially from Mr. Winokur.

If you're going into wet areas, I would recommend the Lectrosonics WM series waterproof transmitters:

http://www.lectrosonics.com/Transmitters/wm.html

The Countryman B6 mic is one of the few out there that's water-resistant, but I also find they're a little more susceptible to wind noise, which could be a problem outdoors.

This won't solve the problem of receiving the transmissions when you're getting wet, but at least if the subjects of your shoot are getting wet, you have a chance of the equipment surviving. (Note that on some harrowing documentary projects, like Deadliest Catch, they routinely throw out and replace all the sound gear and a lot of the camera gear due to sea water getting into the circuits.)

I also think you can't overlook the need for a boom. And you're going to need a dedicated sound person to keep on top of all the tracks, check the batteries, check the levels, and handle the boom -- if not a dedicated boom person as well (which I generally recommend).

I would also recommend doing some test runs to make sure all the gear works and to test your workflow, to make sure it all comes together correctly in the edit bay.

 

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Can they take a light rain or be used if submerged in water for short periods?

If you want to submerge microphones in water, then get hydrophones. Sennheiser microphones work well in high moisture situations.

 

[Dave Blackham]

Dont bother with the Sennheiser or Sony TX/RX kit.

It depends which continent your on on mainstream preference for the transmitter and receivers. US follow so far as I know Zaxcom and Lectro, else where Audio Limited or Micron. micron tend to be more robust physicaly but Audio Limited 2040 rule for RF robustness and sonic quality.

There are some feature sets for Letro and Zaxcom for internal recorders and integrated systems etc.

As for mic's Tram's match both Sennheiser MKH range and Shoeps well for boom mics. Countryman as have been mention in the thread are water resistant. DPA's are fine also.

My guess is if your unsure and working on a feature then you need to get a Sound guy on board.