08Feb More Monoprice 2.4Ghz wireless audio testing with the GH4
So here’s a quick test of the Monoprice 2.4Ghz lav system recorded directly into the Panasonic GH4. There’s no indication to tell you what the output level is on the Monoprice receiver, but I had to turn it down quite a bit before it stopped peaking out the camera inputs. I also turned off two of the WiFi networks in the studio so that there wasn’t any interference.
When youtube compresses the video, the noise is actually suppressed pretty well and you don’t really hear how noisy the audio actual is. I went ahead and rendered out the timeline audio so you can listen to what it sounds like before the youtube mystery compression happens.
The Aspen lav does make a noticeable difference in audio quality and with youtube compression the audio even sounds “acceptable”. If I were to run this through some noise removal in audition before uploading to youtube I think I could pass it off as usable audio.
Over all I think the Monoprice 2.4Ghz lav system does sound better than it’s closest priced competitor the audio technica 88w. WiFi congestion is a big concern with this guy, but I think if you are on a really tight budget, shooting at home, and are just upgrading from an on camera mic to your very first wireless audio system, this setup might be a decent stepping stone.
I don’t think I’ll be using it unless i’m in a pinch, but it was fun to test. Maybe it’ll be a giveaway on a future podcast.
February 8th, 2015 at 12:19 pm
Thanks for testing this unit. Hopefully wifi wireless audio will eventually bring down the price for wireless audio equipment but it seems were not quite there yet!
February 8th, 2015 at 1:04 pm
I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of these wifi units this year. Maybe there will be something good in the mix.
February 8th, 2015 at 12:38 pm
If Wifi congestion is a problem with this system, I wonder if Rode can surmount it with their about to be released Rodelink mic. That’s one product that I’ve had my eye on since it was announced, but it has to be decent enough
February 8th, 2015 at 1:06 pm
There might be some way to work around it but there is only so much spectrum in the wifi band and if it’s all being used by many devices it’s pretty unlikely that a pocket transmitter will beat out a router transmitter.
February 9th, 2015 at 2:49 am
Audio Technica also has a wi-fi version called System 10. It’s been out for a year or so. I think it’s about the same price as the upcoming Rode offering.
February 9th, 2015 at 4:53 am
Looks interesting. I’ll see if I can get a review model in.
February 9th, 2015 at 11:38 am
From what I’ve seen online, Audio Technica reps say they always express the working ranges very conservatively and on the lowest side for their wireless systems. But a couple of bloggers who tested it say they’ve reliably exceeded the 30 meter range. Look forward to seeing your big wireless review.
February 9th, 2015 at 12:39 pm
Have to get my hands on it first. In the mean time I’ve got this monoprice unit, who wants to make a deal.;)
February 18th, 2015 at 11:05 pm
Hey Deejay,
Weird question: I’ve been looking for a inexpensive Comtek (IFB) option. Could you use the Monorpice wireless system in that capacity? That is, could you use the transmitter hooked up to a mixers out (I’m using a Tascam DR-60, for example) and send an audio signal to the receiver and then plug headphones into that and listen to the audio feed in real time?