Wireless LAV Mics and Epic / Dragon - How?

[Nick Pujic]

Hey guys,

In the 2 years I've been shooting on Red, I've never shot sound on it. Mostly because I'm typically running in VS mode at a high frame rate. That said, it's time I started doing at least scratch audio on them.

So...my questions is.... is it possible to connect a Senhuiser or Shure wireless lav system to the Epic / Dragon without the pro I/O module? I tried using the out on the mic receiver with an XLR / stereo mini adapter and got nothing. I know the camera doesn't do phantom power, but the wireless lavs shouldn't need it.

Any advice / suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thank you, as always!

Nick

 

[Blair S. Paulsen]

A standard stereo mini (1/8") is a mismatch to RED's unique implementation on Epic. In order to handle unbalanced, balanced and +48V phantom power on a mini connector they re-assigned tip-ring-sleeve wiring protocol. In the RED store you can order an XLR > mini cable that will allow you to properly interface with virtually any pro XLR source. Works a treat with my LectroSonics wireless.

Cheers - #19

 

[D Fuller]

Hey guys,

In the 2 years I've been shooting on Red, I've never shot sound on it. Mostly because I'm typically running in VS mode at a high frame rate. That said, it's time I started doing at least scratch audio on them.

So...my questions is.... is it possible to connect a Senhuiser or Shure wireless lav system to the Epic / Dragon without the pro I/O module? I tried using the out on the mic receiver with an XLR / stereo mini adapter and got nothing. I know the camera doesn't do phantom power, but the wireless lavs shouldn't need it.

Any advice / suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thank you, as always!

Nick

All RED cameras provide +48v phantom power. You just have to switch in on in the menu and use a properly-wired cable.

The camrera input is mic level, so you need to be sure that your wireless is providing that or attenuate it. The camera accepts balanced or unbalanced inputs.

The cable Blair talks about is here: XLR Microphone cable At 20" it's a little long for my taste, so you may want to look around for other options or have one made. If you are coming from a mic with something other than an XLR out, you'll have to look around a bit or have one made. The wiring diagram is in the manual, but it's also here: These cables work (and why) The Hosa cables mentioned in the post aren't the best, but they do work, and the wiring diagrams show you how any cable you use needs to be wired.

 

[Wil Wong]

Hi Nick, You can order cables at BH Photo/video for really cheap (like around $25). Or you can get an A-box or Action Products xlr adapters too. Lectrosonics seems to be the main standard brand for Film sound but Sennheisers are way cheaper. If you're just looking for scratch audio, the cables and a Rodes or Sennheiser might be fine.

 

[David Adamic]

I use sennheiser G2's for wireless hops all the time. You can either get Red's 1/8" to xlr adapter then use sennheisers 1/8" to xlr. I had a custom cable made that goes from sennheiser's 1/8" threaded connector to the red 1/8". Made the guys at Performance Audio in SLC research the correct pin in/outs for both. No need for phantom power when doing that.

 

[Nick Pujic]

Thank you guys. I appreciate it. I'm going to get the proper cables from RED and be ready for shooting sound!
One again, can't say enough about the great community here at Reduser!

 

[Russell Houghten]

I occasionally use sennheiser G3 Lavaliers directly on my epic using a cheap stereo to mono adapter.

 

[Robert Gustafsson]

I occasionally use sennheiser G3 Lavaliers directly on my epic using a cheap stereo to mono adapter.

Me too, but I use the Sennheiser G3's together with Actionproducts XLR plate.

 

[Nick Pujic]

Thanks Robert. Just ordered the Actionproducts XLR plate to use with our G3s. Much appreciated!