Particularly in the home production sector, there has been an increasing number of product groups recently that were only available to professional providers not so long ago. While recently you had to struggle with the mostly rudimentary internal microphones during a personal camcorder session, a small lavalier helper is now part of the standard equipment, even for a semi-professional presentation.
In order to keep costs under control, these products cannot be purchased with radio transmission, but in most cases with cable support, which also increases the possibility of connecting to a standard camcorder. These are usually configured with a mini jack and usually accept a standard microphone. One such product is the ATR 3350 from Audio Technica, which unmistakably offers the user the advantages of this small tool with its slogan “Experience More Freedom”.
construction
Man, the prices for some products have almost fallen to the ground. Development costs, individual parts, put together in the Philippines, insured, shipped halfway around the world and then sold at a profit for the manufacturer, sales and retail for around €30. While the end customer is sure to be happy, it sometimes gives me a headache about the cents for which production is made these days...
Since adequate conversion according to the dynamic principle is hardly possible due to the very small microphone capsule, the ATR 3350 is a condenser microphone. The ATR 3350 is delivered in a small cardboard/plastic packaging which, in addition to the actual microphone capsule, contains a small cylinder (battery holder) with an on/off switch, a button cell, a clip, a tiny windscreen and a 6.3 mm jack adapter. The permanently mounted, slightly stiff microphone cable is 6 meters long. The stiffness of the cable may improve slightly with appropriate use, but when delivered, the cable loops caused a few waves, so that there was a significant risk of tripping depending on how the cable was routed.
There is a small strap clip on the side of the housing as a method of attaching the cylinder. The connecting cable between the microphone capsule and the cylinder is almost one meter long and can therefore be easily laid on or under any top part. Unfortunately, there is no LED to provide information about the operating status of the device, which will certainly lead to one or two unwanted battery discharges.
Practice
In the product description, the areas of aerobics, dance and sports are explicitly mentioned with regard to the area of application of the microphone. Detached from every user's ability to abstract, it should be clear to even the most amateur hobbyist that, for example, rotations around one's own body axis with a cable-supported system have a time-limited area of application.
In my opinion, the system can demonstrate its qualities much better in spatially rather static presentations such as video applications or the unspeakable Powerpoint presentations (a lot of effort has been put into it and half of the listeners are not interested, the other half don't get it). assert.
Apparently the manufacturer assumes that all users of the microphone will wear shirts. Why? Well, the microphone's clip can only be attached to the side of the button placket of a shirt, provided that the capsule opening should point towards the mouth. It is not possible to rotate the supplied clip. T-shirt? Pullover? A dress? None! Although the drop in level is not quite as massive as with a cardioid, for example, due to the omnidirectional characteristic, the cable that sticks out to the side alone looks like a bowl!
Well, after connecting the cable and activating the on/off switch, I initially thought that a cable was loose or that a mute switch had been accidentally activated because not a single sound could be heard from the speakers. Only after I increased the preamplifier to +50 dB did the first signals become apparent. For me, this was an unacceptably low value, especially since with such a high preamplification the background noise also increased to a large extent and severely limited the signal.
If you hold the microphone relatively close to your mouth, it impresses with a voluminous basic sound, although this area weakens very quickly as the distance from the sound source increases. Due to the omnidirectional characteristic and the low output level, you must also ensure that you use your back to protect the product from the speaker source in terms of feedback. If you have to position yourself with a view of the speakers for spatial or presentation reasons, feedback can occur at higher volumes.
Unfortunately, the on/off switch also makes a loud activation/deactivation click. Especially in view of the high pre-amplification level, these noises can be dangerous for a loudspeaker operating at the limit.
Conclusion
OK, €30 is really a very small amount for a clip-on microphone, I have to admit that, but with the ATR 3350 you also have to put up with some product weaknesses, which in my opinion were not solved optimally.
Even though I am aware that a cardioid polar pattern on a lavalier microphone is a difficult undertaking due to the movements of the actor and the associated risk of slipping, the omnidirectional solution seems rather suboptimal to me. A speaker primarily wants to amplify his or her own voice, while an omni characteristic only generates real advantages in an interview situation. In return, the risk of feedback and amplifying unwanted sound sources increases. In addition, the very low output level of the microphone makes it difficult to handle the product, which requires high preamplification and thus further increases the risk of feedback.
I was only able to achieve satisfactory sound results if I placed the microphone on the top shirt collar with maximum contact to the mouth area; here the microphone was able to produce its good basic sound. Unfortunately, the placement on the button placket of a shirt, which is often used in practice, could not be solved in a practical way due to the low level. Ultimately, the inflexible clip also creates an sometimes unfavorable angle to the mouth area.
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Additional Informations:
Audio-Technica, established in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita in Tokyo, Japan, has emerged as a formidable entity in the audio equipment domain, recognized for its extensive array of products encompassing microphones, headphones, turntables, and an assortment of audio peripherals. The inception of Audio-Technica was marked by a profound dedication to audio engineering excellence, reflected in its inaugural product, the AT-1 phonograph cartridge, which was engineered to elevate the acoustic fidelity of vinyl records. This product underscored the company's foundational ethos: to blend sophisticated audio technology with affordability.
### Inception and Technological Trajectory
Audio-Technica's genesis from a modest apartment room workshop to an influential brand was driven by Matsushita's deep-rooted passion for audio technology and music. The AT-1's launch was a pivotal moment, showcasing the company's prowess in precision engineering and acoustic enhancement.
### Diversification and Engineering Milestones
In the 1970s, the company ventured into global markets, notably Europe and the United States, thus expanding its product range and consumer reach.
1. **Microphones**: Audio-Technica’s microphones, particularly the AT2020 and AT4040, are benchmarks in the industry, leveraging advanced diaphragm design and innovative sound capture technology for clear and reliable audio reproduction in broadcast and live sound settings.
2. **Headphones**: The M-series headphones, especially the ATH-M50x, are lauded for their meticulous driver engineering, providing exceptional sound quality and structural resilience, making them a top choice among audio professionals and enthusiasts.
3. **Turntables**: In the realm of turntables, products like the AT-LP120XUSB have gained prominence due to their superior construction and acoustic performance, catering to both DJ professionals and vinyl connoisseurs.
4. **Wireless Systems**: The company has also made significant strides in wireless audio technology, developing a range of headphones and microphone systems with advanced RF (radio frequency) and digital signal processing capabilities.
### Pioneering Technologies and Contributions to Audio Science
Audio-Technica’s journey is marked by several key technological advancements and contributions:
- **Phonograph Cartridge Innovation**: The company has maintained its reputation in this sector through continuous refinement of cartridge design, enhancing stylus shape, and cantilever materials for improved trackability and nuanced audio reproduction.
- **Microphone Technological Advances**: Audio-Technica has been at the forefront of developing sophisticated ribbon and condenser microphone technologies, including the implementation of unique polar patterns and advanced circuitry for enhanced sound capture.
- **Headphone Acoustic Engineering**: The company's proprietary driver technology in headphones is notable for its precision in sound reproduction and noise-cancellation effectiveness, utilizing advanced materials and acoustical engineering principles.
### Industry Accolades and Recognition
Audio-Technica's commitment to engineering excellence has been acknowledged through numerous awards, underscoring its standing as an innovator and leader in the audio technology sector. These accolades are a testament to the company's enduring pursuit of acoustic precision and innovation.
### Commitment to Environmental Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
The company emphasizes sustainable practices in its manufacturing processes, focusing on minimizing environmental impact through the judicious selection of materials and the design of long-lasting products. Additionally, Audio-Technica engages in various social responsibility endeavors, demonstrating its commitment to societal well-being.
### Future Prospects in a Dynamic Industry Landscape
In an industry characterized by rapid technological evolution and intense market competition, Audio-Technica continues to invest in research and development, adapting to shifts in consumer behavior and technological advancements. The burgeoning digital streaming sector, the vinyl record renaissance, and the escalating demand for high-quality portable audio solutions represent key areas for the company's ongoing innovation and market strategy.
### Conclusion
Audio-Technica's evolution from a Tokyo apartment to an internationally acclaimed brand epitomizes its unwavering commitment to audio engineering excellence. With a legacy enriched by pioneering technology and a forward-thinking approach, Audio-Technica is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of the audio equipment industry, consistently meeting the dynamic needs of both audio professionals and aficionados.
Lavalier microphones, colloquially known as "lav mics" or "lapel mics," are small, discreet microphones commonly used in television, theater, and public speaking settings to allow for hands-free operation. Their design and functionality cater to the need for mobility and unobtrusiveness, making them ideal for various applications where larger, more conspicuous microphones would be impractical.
### Historical Context and Development
The lavalier microphone has its roots in the early 20th century. Initially, "lavalier" referred to a style of necklace, and the term was later adopted for microphones that could be worn around the neck. Over time, the design evolved into the compact, clip-on style commonly seen today.
### Design and Working Principle
Lavalier microphones are small, typically ranging from 5 to 10 millimeters in diameter. They can be clipped onto clothing, usually near the speaker's mouth, to ensure clear audio pickup. The primary types of lav mics are:
1. **Omnidirectional**: These capture sound from all directions, making them less sensitive to how they are positioned. They're ideal for general use but can be more prone to background noise.
2. **Cardioid (Directional)**: These are more focused on picking up sound from the front, making them better at isolating the speaker's voice from background noise.
Lavalier mics function on either dynamic or condenser microphone principles. Most modern lav mics are condenser type, requiring a power source (battery or phantom power) and offering higher sensitivity and broader frequency response compared to dynamic mics.
### Connectivity Options
Lavalier mics can be wired or wireless. Wired models provide a direct connection to a recording or amplification system, ensuring stable and consistent sound quality but limiting mobility. Wireless systems offer more freedom of movement and involve a transmitter (attached to the mic) and a receiver (connected to the sound system). These systems operate over specific frequency ranges and can vary in range, quality, and price.
### Applications and Usage
1. **Television and Film**: Lav mics are widely used in TV and film due to their small size, which allows them to be hidden on the actor's body or clothing, minimizing visual distraction while capturing clear dialogue.
2. **Theater**: In live theater productions, lavalier mics enable actors to move freely without handheld mics, with the mic often hidden in costumes or wigs.
3. **Public Speaking and Conferences**: Lavalier mics are a popular choice for public speakers, lecturers, and presenters, as they allow the speaker to use their hands freely while maintaining consistent vocal audio.
4. **Broadcast Journalism**: Reporters and news anchors often use lavalier mics for their inconspicuous nature and ease of use in various on-location settings.
### Technical Considerations
When selecting a lavalier microphone, several technical aspects should be considered:
- **Frequency Response**: This determines the range of sound frequencies the mic can pick up. A broader frequency response is generally better for capturing a natural sound.
- **Sensitivity**: Higher sensitivity means the mic can pick up quieter sounds, but this also makes it more susceptible to background noise.
- **Wireless Range and Reliability**: For wireless systems, the operational range and interference susceptibility are critical, especially in environments with many electronic devices.
- **Durability and Battery Life**: Especially important for wireless models, as they rely on battery power for operation.
### Conclusion
Lavalier microphones represent a fusion of audio technology and practical design, offering a blend of discretion, mobility, and sound quality. Their evolution and widespread adoption across various domains, from theater to broadcast journalism, underscore their significance in professional audio settings. Whether wired or wireless, omni-directional or cardioid, the selection of a lavalier microphone depends on the specific needs of the application, balancing factors like audio quality, durability, and operational flexibility. As technology advances, lavalier microphones continue to adapt, providing ever more sophisticated solutions for hands-free audio capture.
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