14Mar Wireless boom mic transmitter under $200
This is just a quick test of the Wi Audiolink from Jangus digital. I’ve been using this little stereo transmitter for scratch audio and monitoring for quit sometime, but I never took the time to test it out with a the iRig pre or Rode VideoMic Pro. Turns out it could be perfect for a wireless boom mic style setup.
The first test was done with a Rode VideoMic Pro Set to +20db, this was then plugged into the Wi Audiolink wireless transmitter. The 5d mark III’s audio input level was set to one click above off. The mic was about arms length (ruffly 2 feet) away from my mouth and the Wi Audiolink was set to passive mode. No editing was done to the audio in post and I didn’t have much gear with me at the time I shot this test so I was unable to see what the audio levels looked like while filming. Audio levels ended up on the quiet side, but I could easily have turned up the audio just slightly on the 5d mark III or used a Juicedlink device to correct this.
The second test was done with a Audio Technica 4073 boom mic powered by the hacked iRig Pre (output turned all the way up) which was then fed directly into the Wi Audiolink wireless transmitter. Again the mic was about arms length (ruffly 2 feet) away from my mouth and the Wi Audiolink was set to passive mode. No editing was done to the audio in post. In this case the audio levels were just about right, maybe even a little on the hot side.
For a $185 stereo wireless transmitter the Wi Audiolink does a very good job. I’ll post a proper video on this soon, but for now the test gives you a very good idea of what the Wi Audiolink can do.
March 15th, 2013 at 11:28 am
Very cool. This would really come in handy when spaces are tight. How long do the batteries run? Also, did you notice a slight audio frame offset? Curious to know if it’s there or was just youtube. If it’s there – is it a consistent number of frames? Thanks!
March 15th, 2013 at 5:49 pm
I didn’t see anything while editing but I have done tests of the Latency on this unit, you can check them out here. The Latency is less then a frame of video at about 25ms.
March 15th, 2013 at 11:35 pm
I wonder if there is any way to modify this system to use the new RODE smartlav. I would love to use the smartlav if it sounds good.
March 16th, 2013 at 5:07 pm
You have to find something that would provide power to the Rode Smartlav.
March 17th, 2013 at 10:58 am
My Tascam DR-07 mkII will supply power out of the 3.5mini to power a regular lav, so maybe the SmartLav plug could just be rewired using a regular 3.5mini jack.
What is the purpose of the 4 extra connection on the SmartLav connector? I only ask because of the work you have done on the iRig Pre lately.
March 17th, 2013 at 12:46 pm
I’m not 100% sure, but if I had to guess, they are using the headphone power output to run the condenser mic and the microphone sleeve for audio into the phone. Not sure that it would work with your DR-07 with out some kind of adapter.
March 21st, 2013 at 6:53 pm
Is there a way to use 3.5mm + power on the iRigPre instead of the XLR connection? This would allow a lav + iRigPre + wireless device. This would be way cheaper than the Senhiser alternative. Even with a better lav mic.
Also do the wireless units auto channel select? Can you use more than one without causing interference on the other?
March 21st, 2013 at 8:00 pm
There are lav microphones with XLR adapters, I think Shure sells a few. You can use more then one of them with out any problems. I don’t know what the limit is, but I’ve used two on set with out any problems.
March 22nd, 2013 at 8:05 pm
Cool! So a Rode Lavalier with the micon5 XLR adaptor + the iRigPre modified + Jangus Wi wireless unit should work. Do you know if you can change wireless channels like on the Senheiser units (in case you encounter interference)? This would still be half of a Senheiser kit, and the pieces could be reconfigured for other purposes if needed.
March 22nd, 2013 at 9:27 pm
Sounds doable. The unit uses the 2.4Ghz band so I would guess it uses an IP based transmission system. You have to link the systems together first, so it’s probably linking address when you do that. I’ve used two at the same time, but I haven’t tried more then that.
March 22nd, 2013 at 6:46 pm
Hi DeeJay this is interesting. Could this be an affordable wireless microphone setup if a lavalier mic is connected?
Apart from the accessories, is there a difference between the Wi AudioLink and Wi AudioStream Wireless Microphone system?
I’ve been looking for an affordable wireless microphone solution for a while now, the Sennheiser G3 system is out of my price range and devices like the sony wcs-999 are just worthless when it comes to audio quality.
In your next test please could you possibly try attaching a wireless lavalier microphone like the Audio-Technica ATR3350 to see the results.
I have a Zoom H1 but I’m done syncing sound in post–would prefer to record audio into camera and be done with it.
March 22nd, 2013 at 7:13 pm
I think other then the included parts there isn’t any difference between the units. If you had a self powered lav mic you might be ok. As for syncing sound, a rode videomic pro with one of these would basically set you up with a nice wireless boom mic setup.
I’ll see if I can dig up a passive microphone to test out.
March 29th, 2013 at 11:17 am
Could you interpret the difference from the specs below & recommend the more suitable model for microphones (Shotgun, lavalier etc). I also have an iRig Pre mod. B&H Photo also sell the AudioStream without all the microphone accessories.
Thanks for the help.
These are the specs’ the AudioLink & AudioStream differ:-
****Power-up Modes:
AudioLink 3Vrms,
AudioStream 1Vrms
****Max input level–
AudioLink Three (3) power-up modes (Line-in/Active Guitars, Passive Guitars, Electric Acoustic)
AudioStream: Three (3) power-up modes (Stereo Line-in, Stereo Mic-in, Mono Mic-in)
****Input Impedance–
AudioLink 1M ohm,
AudioStream 3.5K ohm
March 29th, 2013 at 11:55 am
The unit used in this test was the “audiolink” set to passive guitar mode. The input impedance and “mic-in” mode would probably work better if you were trying to plug a lav into the unit. Out of the two of them it looks like the Audiostream would be better suited for that.
However with the iRig Pre attached, it provides enough gain to just about equal a Line level signal, or more then enough for a passive guitar signal. The unit I use is actually labeled with modes: passive guitar, Active guitar & mono line, and Stereo line in
Not sure if the Audiolink you’ve listed is the same, the companies labeling system seems to need some work. This unit here seems to imply that it supports powered condenser microphones. I’ve only tested the unit labeled “audioLink” so i’m not sure about the others.
March 29th, 2013 at 8:08 pm
I agree, their labelling is confusing, but from what I can garner, they’re trying to market the AudioLink for use with ‘Instruments’ and the AudioStream for ‘Microphones’.
Nevertheless, you’ve help me understand the technical side of things better. I’m going to go with the AudioStream.
Again, thanks for all your help.
March 29th, 2013 at 8:21 pm
If you get a chacne send me some photos and audio samples when you get the AudioStream. Also let me know if it works well with a lav. I’ll post it so everyone has a better idea of what’s what for lav use.
March 4th, 2014 at 6:45 pm
any news to report on the second test? it looks very promising for nat sound acquisition. Great idea!