23Feb Azden 330LT UHF Stereo Wireless system – First impressions
I normally use Sennheiser G series wireless units, but I’ve always been attracted to the idea of a dual channel receiver system. While I’m not as excited about the all plastic build of the Azden 330LT UHF system, it is really nice that the system only requires one dual channel receiver on camera instead of trying to find room for two Sennheiser mounts.
The Azden 330LT UHF receiver is a bit on the bulky side, but again you only have to deal with a single unit which makes setup very easy. Looking closer at the receiver it has the option to turn on/off either channel when not in use, this saves on battery power, which helps when running on 2 AA batteries. The Azden receiver can also be powered by a 6 volt barrel plug if you have a battery system and it’s nice that Azden gives you those kinds of options.
Azden’s 35BT transmitters are a pretty standard affair, plastic build, a little chunky, and the controls are only slightly easier to use than the Sennheiser G series units. The transmitters are powered by 2x AA batteries and volume adjustments are actually made with a plastic screwdriver which is a little wanky. Build quality overall is about the same as the Shure FP units that were released last year. It isn’t amazing but it isn’t horrible, just middle of the line thick plastic. I don’t think you’d have a problem with durability as long as they aren’t abused.
The included Lav mics are kind of junky and almost comically over sized. Early on I tried to use them, but honestly they kind of suck. While you can use them to record audio and they do work, the included Azden lav mics are something you’ll want to upgrade whenever your budget allows. There’s a reason you can buy these chunky lavs for $20, because that’s about what they are worth.
Azden does provide a nice case for the 330LT UHF system and plenty of connectors. The kit includes a 3.5mm to dual XLR adapter as well as a stereo cable so that you can plug it directly into your DSLR. The system is pretty handy for interviews and it’s nice that you don’t necessarily need an XLR adapter system to get this thing up and running. While I’m not a huge fan of the build quality, the dual channel capability of the 330LT UHF system make it pretty handy.
I’ve been using the 330LT UHF system for a number of jobs and I’ve been carrying it around in the provided case. You’ll notice there are no labels on the package and that’s because I took them off after the first shoot. While the box is great, have a big flag on the case that screams “dual channel wireless system” makes it an easy target for theft. I still have it, but the first project I took it on, someone got all the way to the parking lot before someone stopped them and asked them what they were up to. A black box is definitely more discreet than a brightly labeled box.
I’ll have some more on the 330LT UHF system once I have a chance to put together a full review. Spoiler, i’ve been using it for 6 months and I haven’t put it on ebay, so it’s not to bad.