I listened this video with ATH-M40X monitor headphones and it was hard to tell the difference between two systems. If anything Sony sounded a bit warmer.
If someone can't afford pro level wireless (i.e. a receiver such as the Wisycom MCR54 / Lectrosonics DSR4 / Sony DWR-S03D / Sound Devices A20-RX / Shure ADX5D / etc plus the appropriate matching receivers) then going instead with the fourth generation Sony UWP-D is no brainer decision! (although, I'd recommend 2x UWP-D21 over 1x UWP-D27) This choice is so easy it isn't even close, as the 2nd best choice comes a long long way behind Sony. Sony gives you: True diversity receiver (no other prosumer UHF wireless has this) Has a digital compander (avoiding the issues that say for instance the Sennheisers have with their analogue compander, giving you better quality audio from the Sonys. Essentially, the Sony wireless transmission behave more comparably to how Lectrosonics Digital Hybrids do, using the same mix of digital + analogue for transmission) A slot receiver (again, no other prosumer wireless does this! Although, sadly not unislot, you'd need to get the Sony DWR-S03D instead. Hopefully Sony will bring out a UWP-D receiver one day in the future with unislot compatibility) An option of using the smart shoe on Sony cameras to feed it audio directly, skipping doing another D/A conversion, along with numerous other benefits such as being able to add more audio channels than otherwise or being able to go cableless with the receiver or not needing to do battery changes either for the receiver (these are all features entirely unique to the Sony wireless) Sony UTX-P40 Wireless Plug-On Transmitter supplies phantom power. (the Sennheiser EW100 G4 plug-on transmitter does not) Headphone output (but yet again, the standard Sennheiser G4 doesn't have this) An option for a dual receiver (again, the Sennheiser G4 doesn't have this) An option for getting it in the 941 to 960 MHz frequency range (again, the Sennheiser G4 doesn't have this, Usually only pro wireless offers products in this frequency range) Backwards compatible with all past UWP products.
Just a few of these reasons would be enough to make a strongly compelling case to buy the Sony UWP-D21! (especially as Sony is priced similar to or cheaper than the Sennheiser competition) But add them all up together? Sony blows away all the competition. There are literally hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of options for lav mics for the Sony wireless just merely listed on the one B&H website alone: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/mini-microphones/ci/3779?filters=fct_compatible-with_744%3Asony%2Cfct_connector-type_745%3A3.5mm-mini-plug|3.5mm-mini-plug-locking There are zillions of accessories for the Sony UWP-D system, such as these (would you like for instance a battery pack for your Sony transmitter so that you can run it for over 24 hours? You can do that!!): www.hlaudio.de/sony-pro-audio/wireless-zubehoer/ Unfortunately when people hear "Sony" they think of "cameras", not audio. What most people don't realize is that Sony's name itself comes from the latin word for audio: "sonus"! Sony originally started out as purely an audio company, and has been making wireless since the 1950's.
if you are using an expensive production camera instead of a DSLR, would the Sennheiser's slight edge be equalized? i.e. Panasonic HPX-3700 or Sony FS7? Maybe Pany HPX-250? I shoot the Canon 5D M3 as well, so I know how you need the good off-camera dual system recording. Redundancy is the best in hi-end production. Going with a zoom or Tascam is yet another example of a complete circles the industry has as we were recording on a Nagra reel to reel tape deck while shooting 16mm reversal film!
The Audio is crystal clear. Are you just plugging the sennheiser into the dslr? I other words, what is the exact set up you have on this video? Also, did you alter the audio in your recording software?
FCC is forcing the change out of the 600 range so was wondering if I should go from G3's to the new G4's or to the Sony. Looks like its the G4's which is fortunate because I have a couple of countrymen e6s already geared to Senn. Also I can mail in the old G3s and get a $100 rebate on each one. TY for an excellent review and I predict in the next year (2018) your going to have many of new views.
Great video! I have had the Sennheiser EW 100 G2 (older model, not a type-o) for many years. I Learned a bit about how to use mine better with my Canon 70D too. I find that the Sennheiser G2 picks up way too much ambient noise. I'd be interested to see a comparison with these mics and a SURE wireless kit. At least with my SURE wired lav, I pick up virtually no room tone or other ambient noise. I noticed with your Sony and the Sennheiser G3 picked up a lot of room noise in your loft. I'm also looking forward to a review of the rode wireless mics when you can get your hands on one.
+Jared Polin I am looking to purchasing a wireless lav system soon. Which of the system would you recommend to a one man band and run and gun filmmaker?
Hey Jared Polin , I've been spending a ton on gear and am looking for a low(ish) cost option for audio. What model is your Sony xmitter/rcvr kit? And would it be worth it to buy one used or reconditioned? Also, do you know of any multi-channel receivers that will support more than 1 mic? It'd be nice to have an N-to-1 setup for interviews and small round table discussions and obviate the need for a mixer
Great run-down Jared. I have two thing to add, one of them a funny story. 1. With the Sennheiser G3 there's a very tiny problem that you will only experience after a few years and shoots. They don't really tell you this, nor help you avoid it. Inside both the receiver and transmitter, each one of the buttons is resting on a tactile platform made out of plastic and a tiny bubble that seems to be aluminum. I found that after a few months or even years of use, depending on the care you give to your machines, those tactile pieces tend to bend and sometimes you will loose the ability to dial your controls and settings. They become un-clickable. You CAN buy replacements online, but I found it rather obnoxious and it sucks if you don't live in the USA 2. Never let your talent take the transmitter to the bathroom! Never never. Be very careful, specially if they are un-experienced carrying 600$ devices on their hips. I learned it the rough way. Rescuing transmitters out of the toilet is not fun. If this happens, take out the batteries and let them dry for a day or two before turning them on again... they work! Follow me on Twitter if you love art and entrepreneurs. @ cro0w
Nice review. Thank you. That said to me.... To me the Sony sounded warmer and more pleasant. The Sennheiser sounds tinnier BUT BUT it I hadn't seen this video and listened side by side I don't think I could have noticed a difference.
i am not into microphones or recording devices by any mean !! .... and this video is the first video i watch for microphones but it is very good video and i find it very very interesting and grabbed my attention to complete watching it .. even i shared it despite i am not into that kind of stuff :D !! .... thanks to all people who made that GREAT video ^_^
Nice video Fro. I use the Sennheiser G3 with Tram TR50 - Omnidirectional Lavalier Condenser Microphone. The Trams are better and more durable mics than the mics that come with the Sennheiser. Its a SWEET combo!! An audio engineer friend of mine uses the Sennheiser G3 with the Sanken COS-11 Miniature Omnidirectional Lav, sweet package but too expensive lol
Jared Polin do you still have you UWP-v1s? If so, would you be interested in selling them? I desperately need new ones for a project and they are almost impossible to find.
Darryl Price notice how he didn't respond, he rarely ever does. If he responds to this it's only because I pushed his buttons. I've met him in real life, there's a fine line between being arrogant and just confident and he definitely is not the latter.
What do you think of that article/interview were Sony CEO states they are actively seeking to sell off various divisions of the company, including the Camera Division? Are Sony Cameras going to be a thing of the past, in the future? Supposedly Apple is interested in purchasing the Camera Division.
Bad mistake! The latest new Sony UWP-D11 is easily preferable over the old Sennheiser G3! (heck, I own 5x Sony UWP-D11! Plus 5x Lectrosonics, plus 5 more other wireless) But why do people keep on strangely recommending the inferior Sennheiser G3?? It is because people at the low end (the UWP-D11/G3 price region) don't really hard core known all the options, and tend to just rely upon recommendations from others who are also not sound experts! They're cameramen, or directors, or producers. Not dedicated soundies. And *if* you do ask a dedicated soundie, they're not going to be wasting their time researching low end gear, why would they? It isn't what they'd use! Their range of experience is deep, but narrow, focused on the high end (quite irrelevant to you, as it is way out of your price range!). Thus they default to recommending the common suggestion (or likely what they used themselves, many many years ago, when they were starting out. Which is now outdated knowledge!), rather than the *best* suggestion (which is Sony UWP-D11!).
Unless I got a bunk system, the noise floor (moreso an in-system hiss than ambient noise) on the Sony UWP-D11s are pretty bad out of the box compared to my Sennhesier G3s out the box. I have to do a great deal of noise reduction in post, which ends up taking away from the faithfulness of my voice; it begins sounding off-kilter and tinny. I'm only thinking they're a bunk system because I've been viewing some reviews on RUclips about them and they sound great, which is the reason I've decided to try them out. I've tried different attenuation levels, different output gain levels, and sticking with a very low audio level (1 notch) on my camera's pre-amp (Sony A7R3). And there isn't an auto gain control on this camera either. No matter which setting or frequency / channel I use, the hiss is still constant and I personally would consider NEAR unusable, unless doing a great deal of NR in post. Even when the unit is muted and the mic is unplugged, it is still emitting a decent amount of hiss. I'm kind of disappointed because I love Sony, so hopefully it's a bad transmitter or something. I'd rather have that be the case than knowing that's how all UWP-D11s perform.
Sound Speed! Honestly even in this example the G3 seems to have a noticeably lower noise floor. (Or is he reviewing a different model?) Edit: Alright when he plugged the mic into the Zoom the noise floor difference wasn't as apparent.
I'm upgrading from my Sennheiser G2 system and spent hours in reviews. What I could not determine about the new Sony's is what the working range was. I even called Sony Pro support and their response was, 'we don't have any information on that.' So I bought the new G3, we'll see how it goes.
Thanks for the info... And thank you for teaching kelby about better audio... They have good shows but audio is always their weak point. Keep up the great work.
It was one long real life situation. This is how I use the mics. What situation did you have in mind? These get used with people talking just like I did in the video.
A tru fro does not require mousse or freeze gel. I wasn't being offensive when I said it was coarse. Most people who can rock a fro would not get offended by the word coarse.
![Run Away - Tzuyu(TWICE) ツウィ 쯔위 [Music Bank] | KBS WORLD TV 240906](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KnHNNyAYiu0/mqdefault.jpg)
The comparison makes sense only if you use the same mic capsules.
HI, i just wondered why you couldn't review the Sony UWP-D vs the G3?? Doesn't make sense to show the old Sony UWP system ...
I listened this video with ATH-M40X monitor headphones and it was hard to tell the difference between two systems. If anything Sony sounded a bit warmer.
I liked the Sony better. I was able to tell the difference without looking. Although sometimes it was hard to tell.
The Sony is warmer but I'd do the Sennheiser for its options and layout....
Hi! Sony UWP-D11 or Sennheiser G3/G4! And why?
If someone can't afford pro level wireless (i.e. a receiver such as the Wisycom MCR54 / Lectrosonics DSR4 / Sony DWR-S03D / Sound Devices A20-RX / Shure ADX5D / etc plus the appropriate matching receivers) then going instead with the fourth generation Sony UWP-D is no brainer decision! (although, I'd recommend 2x UWP-D21 over 1x UWP-D27) This choice is so easy it isn't even close, as the 2nd best choice comes a long long way behind Sony.
Sony gives you:
True diversity receiver (no other prosumer UHF wireless has this)
Has a digital compander (avoiding the issues that say for instance the Sennheisers have with their analogue compander, giving you better quality audio from the Sonys. Essentially, the Sony wireless transmission behave more comparably to how Lectrosonics Digital Hybrids do, using the same mix of digital + analogue for transmission)
A slot receiver (again, no other prosumer wireless does this! Although, sadly not unislot, you'd need to get the Sony DWR-S03D instead. Hopefully Sony will bring out a UWP-D receiver one day in the future with unislot compatibility)
An option of using the smart shoe on Sony cameras to feed it audio directly, skipping doing another D/A conversion, along with numerous other benefits such as being able to add more audio channels than otherwise or being able to go cableless with the receiver or not needing to do battery changes either for the receiver (these are all features entirely unique to the Sony wireless)
Sony UTX-P40 Wireless Plug-On Transmitter supplies phantom power. (the Sennheiser EW100 G4 plug-on transmitter does not)
Headphone output (but yet again, the standard Sennheiser G4 doesn't have this)
An option for a dual receiver (again, the Sennheiser G4 doesn't have this)
An option for getting it in the 941 to 960 MHz frequency range (again, the Sennheiser G4 doesn't have this, Usually only pro wireless offers products in this frequency range)
Backwards compatible with all past UWP products.
Just a few of these reasons would be enough to make a strongly compelling case to buy the Sony UWP-D21! (especially as Sony is priced similar to or cheaper than the Sennheiser competition) But add them all up together? Sony blows away all the competition.
There are literally hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of options for lav mics for the Sony wireless just merely listed on the one B&H website alone:
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/mini-microphones/ci/3779?filters=fct_compatible-with_744%3Asony%2Cfct_connector-type_745%3A3.5mm-mini-plug|3.5mm-mini-plug-locking
There are zillions of accessories for the Sony UWP-D system, such as these (would you like for instance a battery pack for your Sony transmitter so that you can run it for over 24 hours? You can do that!!): www.hlaudio.de/sony-pro-audio/wireless-zubehoer/
Unfortunately when people hear "Sony" they think of "cameras", not audio. What most people don't realize is that Sony's name itself comes from the latin word for audio: "sonus"! Sony originally started out as purely an audio company, and has been making wireless since the 1950's.
if you are using an expensive production camera instead of a DSLR, would the Sennheiser's slight edge be equalized?
i.e. Panasonic HPX-3700 or Sony FS7? Maybe Pany HPX-250? I shoot the Canon 5D M3 as well, so I know how you need the good off-camera dual system recording. Redundancy is the best in hi-end production. Going with a zoom or Tascam is yet another example of a complete circles the industry has as we were recording on a Nagra reel to reel tape deck while shooting 16mm reversal film!
The Audio is crystal clear. Are you just plugging the sennheiser into the dslr?
I other words, what is the exact set up you have on this video?
Also, did you alter the audio in your recording software?
FCC is forcing the change out of the 600 range so was wondering if I should go from G3's to the new G4's or to the Sony. Looks like its the G4's which is fortunate because I have a couple of countrymen e6s already geared to Senn. Also I can mail in the old G3s and get a $100 rebate on each one. TY for an excellent review and I predict in the next year (2018) your going to have many of new views.
Awesome review. Were you able to test this out hooked into the Nikon D750? I've been hearing a lot of bad things about the D750 mic input.
Great video! I have had the Sennheiser EW 100 G2 (older model, not a type-o) for many years. I Learned a bit about how to use mine better with my Canon 70D too. I find that the Sennheiser G2 picks up way too much ambient noise. I'd be interested to see a comparison with these mics and a SURE wireless kit. At least with my SURE wired lav, I pick up virtually no room tone or other ambient noise. I noticed with your Sony and the Sennheiser G3 picked up a lot of room noise in your loft. I'm also looking forward to a review of the rode wireless mics when you can get your hands on one.
Well done, in depth review.
***** Thanks Eric.
+Jared Polin I am looking to purchasing a wireless lav system soon. Which of the system would you recommend to a one man band and run and gun filmmaker?
Can you do a newer review of a shotgun mic? I know you did one a while ago but I'm sure everything is better and updated. Thanks!
Hey Jared Polin , I've been spending a ton on gear and am looking for a low(ish) cost option for audio. What model is your Sony xmitter/rcvr kit? And would it be worth it to buy one used or reconditioned? Also, do you know of any multi-channel receivers that will support more than 1 mic? It'd be nice to have an N-to-1 setup for interviews and small round table discussions and obviate the need for a mixer
Audio sounds great being that it is recorded directly into the camera, thought it would of been connected to a Zoom
A bit over 6000 views? Jared you deserve way more because this review is bloody good
Say what?
Great video. The headphone input and better preamp were great feature differences to point out. Great job to you and your team.
Are the Röde Link Filmmaker Kit some thing you might consider testing as well?
Great run-down Jared. I have two thing to add, one of them a funny story.
1. With the Sennheiser G3 there's a very tiny problem that you will only experience after a few years and shoots. They don't really tell you this, nor help you avoid it.
Inside both the receiver and transmitter, each one of the buttons is resting on a tactile platform made out of plastic and a tiny bubble that seems to be aluminum. I found that after a few months or even years of use, depending on the care you give to your machines, those tactile pieces tend to bend and sometimes you will loose the ability to dial your controls and settings. They become un-clickable.
You CAN buy replacements online, but I found it rather obnoxious and it sucks if you don't live in the USA
2. Never let your talent take the transmitter to the bathroom! Never never. Be very careful, specially if they are un-experienced carrying 600$ devices on their hips. I learned it the rough way. Rescuing transmitters out of the toilet is not fun. If this happens, take out the batteries and let them dry for a day or two before turning them on again... they work!
Follow me on Twitter if you love art and entrepreneurs. @ cro0w
I would like to know how I set up this SONY UWP microphone
Thanks for sharing!! Ill pick sony...i really need the headphones output
Nice review. Thank you. That said to me.... To me the Sony sounded warmer and more pleasant. The Sennheiser sounds tinnier BUT BUT it I hadn't seen this video and listened side by side I don't think I could have noticed a difference.
What is your thought on shotgun mics like the Rode Ntg Series or such
I get really nervous when people tuck in their sweaters in their pants, and you my friend did it with a hoodie. You win!
They both do seem to be great products.
Thank you for doing the review.
What level did you have the Sanheiser receiver levels set to?
14:!5 - I thought those thugs in the background were trying to catch a J slipping!
Good review, im going for the Sennheiser.
good luck & nice hair man!
i am not into microphones or recording devices by any mean !! .... and this video is the first video i watch for microphones but it is very good video and i find it very very interesting and grabbed my attention to complete watching it .. even i shared it despite i am not into that kind of stuff :D !! .... thanks to all people who made that GREAT video ^_^
Nice video Fro. I use the Sennheiser G3 with Tram TR50 - Omnidirectional Lavalier Condenser Microphone. The Trams are better and more durable mics than the mics that come with the Sennheiser. Its a SWEET combo!! An audio engineer friend of mine uses the Sennheiser G3 with the Sanken COS-11 Miniature Omnidirectional Lav, sweet package but too expensive lol
Jared Polin do you still have you UWP-v1s? If so, would you be interested in selling them? I desperately need new ones for a project and they are almost impossible to find.
Darryl Price notice how he didn't respond, he rarely ever does. If he responds to this it's only because I pushed his buttons. I've met him in real life, there's a fine line between being arrogant and just confident and he definitely is not the latter.
What do you think of that article/interview were Sony CEO states they are actively seeking to sell off various divisions of the company, including the Camera Division? Are Sony Cameras going to be a thing of the past, in the future? Supposedly Apple is interested in purchasing the Camera Division.
What are you thinking of the sony a6000?
Thank's for the info, it will help my video production.
Bad mistake! The latest new Sony UWP-D11 is easily preferable over the old Sennheiser G3! (heck, I own 5x Sony UWP-D11! Plus 5x Lectrosonics, plus 5 more other wireless)
But why do people keep on strangely recommending the inferior Sennheiser G3?? It is because people at the low end (the UWP-D11/G3 price region) don't really hard core known all the options, and tend to just rely upon recommendations from others who are also not sound experts! They're cameramen, or directors, or producers. Not dedicated soundies.
And *if* you do ask a dedicated soundie, they're not going to be wasting their time researching low end gear, why would they? It isn't what they'd use! Their range of experience is deep, but narrow, focused on the high end (quite irrelevant to you, as it is way out of your price range!). Thus they default to recommending the common suggestion (or likely what they used themselves, many many years ago, when they were starting out. Which is now outdated knowledge!), rather than the *best* suggestion (which is Sony UWP-D11!).
Unless I got a bunk system, the noise floor (moreso an in-system hiss than ambient noise) on the Sony UWP-D11s are pretty bad out of the box compared to my Sennhesier G3s out the box. I have to do a great deal of noise reduction in post, which ends up taking away from the faithfulness of my voice; it begins sounding off-kilter and tinny.
I'm only thinking they're a bunk system because I've been viewing some reviews on RUclips about them and they sound great, which is the reason I've decided to try them out. I've tried different attenuation levels, different output gain levels, and sticking with a very low audio level (1 notch) on my camera's pre-amp (Sony A7R3). And there isn't an auto gain control on this camera either. No matter which setting or frequency / channel I use, the hiss is still constant and I personally would consider NEAR unusable, unless doing a great deal of NR in post.
Even when the unit is muted and the mic is unplugged, it is still emitting a decent amount of hiss. I'm kind of disappointed because I love Sony, so hopefully it's a bad transmitter or something. I'd rather have that be the case than knowing that's how all UWP-D11s perform.
Absolutely definitely sounds like you got a broken set, I'd complain to the seller!
It's alright! Returned them and bought another pair of Sennheiser G3s. Can't go wrong with those.
Got G3 instead?! Sigh....
Sound Speed! Honestly even in this example the G3 seems to have a noticeably lower noise floor. (Or is he reviewing a different model?)
Edit: Alright when he plugged the mic into the Zoom the noise floor difference wasn't as apparent.
I'm upgrading from my Sennheiser G2 system and spent hours in reviews. What I could not determine about the new Sony's is what the working range was. I even called Sony Pro support and their response was, 'we don't have any information on that.' So I bought the new G3, we'll see how it goes.
Thanks for the info... And thank you for teaching kelby about better audio... They have good shows but audio is always their weak point. Keep up the great work.
Jason Stopcznyski thanks Jason.
Alex Fahl Here you go.
Great work!
Very, very useful video. Nice one.
I like it when jarid don't throw bullshit like other youtubers.
They both sound damn near identical. Not worth the upgrade unless they're easier to manage through your work flow.
to me the sony sound a little bit more clear
Nice review... Could have been even longer with more "real-life" tests (different situations etc.)
It was one long real life situation. This is how I use the mics. What situation did you have in mind? These get used with people talking just like I did in the video.
Well I guess you are right, you covered most of the situations... I was trying to say that I wouldn´t mind a longer video... :-)
So is this what is tested?
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/618739-REG/Sennheiser_EW_112P_G3_A_EW112_p_G3_Camera_Mount.html
The “battle” for quality lav work is occurring at a higher price point
Never heard so much nonsense about an FM transmission. Sorry but you explain the RF and Audio section complete wrong.
Sorry to tell you this, but THAT is not a FRO. SMH. It's coarse hair picked out with straight ends. That is all.
A tru fro does not require mousse or freeze gel. I wasn't being offensive when I said it was coarse. Most people who can rock a fro would not get offended by the word coarse.
Dude is on drugs in the background hahah
Jeepers Jared, I can't stop learning from you?
Frisör!