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Review of ATR288W Wireless Lavaliere Microphone

As a video aficionado, I am always on the lookout for video related products that will improve video quality and be affordable for the consumer. I recently tested out the Audio-Technica ATR288W Wireless Lavaliere Microphone. Having clear, robust sound for your video will significantly improve its caliber and give it a more professional look. This can be obtained by using an external microphone with your video camera instead of relying on its internal microphone. Wireless lavaliere microphones allow freedom of movement from the video camera, decrease ambient noise, and focus on the talent’s voice. If your talent is walking around, the sound quality will be consistent when moving and even when facing away from the camera.

ATR288W Features
The Audio-Technica ATR288W works on a VHF radio channel and you have the choice of using either channel A or B. The microphone system has several components; the receiver, the clip-on omni-directional lavalier microphone, the receiver with positional antennae and an additional hand held microphone. The receiver and transmitter are each powered by 9-volt batteries. There is a power light on each unit, but no battery strength indicator. Audio-Technica states that the microphone range is 100 feet and in optimal conditions, 300 feet. Both the receiver and the transmitter have belt clips and the receiver has an optional camera mount adapter. There is an earphone included to attach to your camera so you can hear the sound quality coming from your video.

Outdoor Test
I did several video tests using my Kodak Zi8; my first test was done outdoors on channel A. I set up my video camera on a tripod attached to the receiver, I clipped on my lavaliere microphone and strapped on the transmitter pack. I filmed myself walking and talking, gradually moving away from the camera. My voice was clear until I was 15 feet away from the camera; there was a mild buzz and mild interference. At 30-40 feet the interference got worse and by the time I was at 80 feet the interference was constant. I changed to channel B and the interference was just slightly decreased and not adequate for filming.
I decided to move in a different direction to make sure there was no wind to add as a variable. In this new position the interference decreased greatly, but there was still a slight underlying buzz. I would not want to use this area for filming. A bit discouraged I set out in the opposite direction. I was happily surprised to get crisp, clear sound up to 60 feet away with no interference, even while moving.

Indoor Test
When I filmed in my house during my test run I was near 4 computers, printers, fax machines, etc. These most likely caused the slight buzz I encountered in certain areas. The farthest I was from the receiver and video camera was about 15 feet. There was occasional buzzing in certain areas, but on the average, the sound was clear even with movement. I used the ATR288W on another on-site shoot at a tile showroom and the sound quality was good except when the talent moved under some fluorescent lights.

Radio Interference
As the Audio-Technica ATR288W works on 169.505 MHz & 170.305 MHz FM radio frequencies and the transmission of these signals work on a modulation of electromagnetic waves, then any electrical interference will affect the sound. This can include anything electrical or competing signals on the same radio frequency. Knowing this I was perplexed; when I was filming outdoors I was in the middle of my very large backyard, our electric lines are buried underground and I was not near any electrical towers. Then I remembered that my neighbor has an electric fence for her dog and when I was filming out front away from the fence there was no interference.

Best Results & Advice
My advice when using the ATR288W wireless lavaliere microphone is to do careful planning prior to any shoot to find the “sweet spot” or the spot where it is interference-free. Perform a dry run if you are going to be moving around with the microphone to make sure you maintain sound quality. Your cameraman should wear headphones to monitor sound. Have extra 9-volt batteries handy, as you will not be able to monitor low battery levels. You’ll find out when to replace your batteries when your unit stops working.

The transmitter and receivers are easy to use and set up. They are lightweight and clip firmly to a belt or pocket for stability and portability. The antennae unscrews from the receiver for quick stowing. The additional handheld microphone works well for video interviews and singing.

For the price, the ATR288W is a good buy if you know the unit’s strengths and weaknesses. Prices on the web range from $120 to $180, depending where you shop. If you use video to promote yourself, your business or your cause, having a wireless lavaliere microphone is a must-have video accessory. It will add a polished feel to your videos that can only be attained with vibrant sound.