Introduction
The Audio-Technica ATR288W is a wireless microphone system perfect for those seeking quality sound without the hassle of cables. It’s a two-piece set containing a lavalier mic and a handheld mic, designed for various applications, from presentations to interviews.
Design and Build Quality
- Small and Strong: Both microphones are light and tough, great for using while moving around.
- Comfortable Design: The handheld mic feels good to hold, letting you use it for a long time without feeling tired.
- Easy to Use: Simple buttons make it easy to change settings fast, perfect for anyone, whether you’re new or experienced.
Performance
- Clear Sound: Gives sharp, clear sound without any fuzzy or unclear parts, making voices sound accurate and not weird.
- Strong Wireless Connection: Stays connected well within its range, reducing the chances of losing the signal suddenly.
- Adaptability: Works well in different places, making sure it performs consistently no matter where you use it.
Battery Life and Connectivity
- Long Battery Life: Extended usage time per charge, reducing interruptions during recordings or events.
- Wireless Freedom: Freedom of movement without being tethered to cables enhances convenience.
Pros:
- Clear and crisp sound quality
- Durable and ergonomic design
- Versatile use in different settings
- Long battery life for extended use
- Easy-to-use controls for hassle-free operation
Cons:
- Limited range may cause signal dropouts in larger venues
- Some users might prefer additional accessories for specific applications
Conclusion
The Audio–Technica ATR288W wireless microphone system gives really good sound and is strong and easy to use. It’s great for things like speeches, interviews, or events where you need a good wireless mic. However, in big places, it might not work as well. Overall, it’s a good choice for most people who want quality sound without cables.
Terry Ainsworth –
Works fine
J-F Grondin –
Nice and simple
Terry holt –
i actually bought this from another place nice mics had the set for 4 years now
Marc –
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If you are in the market for a wireless microphone setup for your video camera and like me, you don’t want to spend top dollar. You may like the budget friendly Audio Technica Pro 88W/T setup. Listen in to the sound quality and judge for yourself.
Comes with connectors that are compatible with most major cameras. 9v battery for the transmitter and receiver. I found no issues getting it to work with my Canon ZR-70. For practical purposes, the sound quality was as good as anything I’ve seen produced on the web where I know the audio equipment being used is of much higher caliber. This device seemed to hold its own and do a very good job providing close, crisp audio in a situation where it would be nice to roam free.
The distance was not tested. I did not go 300 yards out to see how far it would go. Most videos I’ve done are in close proximity to the camera but would be detrimental without some kind of on-person audio setup. Having a wireless option makes this possible and enhances the video without providing so many features that is otherwise overkill for the task at hand.
I’m positive on this review as I found the setup easy and the audio quality to be very good without any noticeablestatic or interference.
Audio-Technica ATR288W Wireless Microphone System (Includes ATR35s, ATR20)
cincinnatislim –
From 20 or 30′ away, as I used it in a conference room, it worked very well and improved the audio recording compared to the recording function of the camcorder (which picked up all the surrounding paper shuffling, etc). The downside to using this (or any lapel mike) was it doesn’t do as well as picking up surrounding conversations – such as questions during a face to face conference room training. In that case, I simply had to remind the key speaker to repeat the question and then answer it. There were some big advantages over the 20′ wired lapel mike I used – mostly the absence of the cable. There there was little difference in audio quality. I also did a brief test recording audio in separate rooms, with a closed door – and while my test was far from complete, the audio was still good. I think some of the concerns are the claims that this can work from 300 feet. I can’t say that it does or doesn’t. The 9V batteries lasted a good 8 hours each. It was unclear to me (probably because I didn’t real all the directions) if there was a warning to change the batteries or not (I’ll have to go back and check) but, for my basic needs, this worked fine and the audio quality was good. Never had to change channels.
ShopToronto –
For the price, this works great.
Justin Opinion –
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The Audio-Technica 88W wireless microphone system provides near-professional quality audio for those of us on an amateur budget. The product is actually labeled “PRO”, although I think that is a rather generous label. But compare this mic system at around $120 (as of my purchase) with similar systems costing $500, $600, and more. Yes, you generally get what you pay for – and I may upgrade one day to a more expensive mic system. But so far, I am very impressed with the PRO 88W set.
I have uploaded a video review that is hopefully more informative and demonstrative of this system and its performance. Please take a look at it if you have the time, it might help you with your purchase decision.
I plan to use this system indoors and outdoors – and sometimes in harsh environments. I may do some updates to this review over time, to note (good or bad) how it performs over time and different projects.
Product information says to expect an average of 8 hours for the battery life. The use of the system requires two 9-volt batteries (one each in the receiver and the transmitter).
Alejandro –
In terms of sound quality, it sounded pretty decent. I tested it recording directly to my Canon 5D Mark III and the sound quality was pretty decent. Not a whole lot of output gain on this and no way to adjust it so had to turn up the preamp on the camera a bit. If you have used the preamp on Canon you pretty much know how bad it is so I did get a bit of hiss (nothing too bad that can’t be cleaned up with denoiser in Premiere).
Construction was not optimal. Mostly plastic and I guess that is to be expected at this price point. Getting the battery door open was a bit difficult on the unit I received. Almost felt like I was going to break it trying to get it opened. When I finally got it opened I realized I need to go buy some batteries since it uses 9v batteries. For some reason I was expecting AA’s but its my fault for not reading the description properly. So for anyone thinking of buying this make sure you are aware of the battery type. I believe it claims about 8 hr battery life. I did not test this out myself. Most likely that number will be when using 9v alkaline or lithium. If you are using rechargeable you will likely get less. I ended up purchasing 2 energizer rechargeable 9v Batteries rated at 175mAh and with the devices running at 50mA would potentially get me a little over 3hrs at optimal settings. (This probably would have been fine for my purposes)
It comes with a cold shoe adapter to attach to my camera and a belt clip for the transmitter. There is an antenna on the receiver but none on the transmitter as it uses the wire in the microphone as the antenna.
Having said all that, I have returned mine for a refund due to electrical/rf interference I was experiencing. I work part time as a videographer recording behind the scenes footage of photo shoots and tutorial videos for a photographer. I wanted to use this mic for when I’m doing the tutorial part since I would typically only need to record one person’s audio during those takes. A lav system would be ideal to get cleaner audio over my other stereo mic I use for pretty much everything else. During many of the tutorial videos I or the photographer I work with are often moving around and that’s what drove me to finding a wireless lav system for those situations. When testing, I found that if the camera (where the receiver is stationed) and speaker are stationary, the audio was great. However, as I or the speaker moved around there would be areas in my environment that were prone for interference. By this I mean mostly loud hissing/static sounds and occasional popping. Because of this I opted to return the product for a refund.
Now, I’ve read through a lot of the reviews and I’ve seen that lots of people are getting better results and that’s great. I wish I could say the same. It’s likely just my area or the environment I was using it in. (Studio environment with studio flash and other electrical equipment, located in Orange County California). For this I only gave it 3 stars. When I didn’t get any static/interference the sound was great. However, I need something that will be consistent. Can’t afford to have a shot ruined by audio interference. I’m recording things as they happen live so there are no retakes. Ultimately I only have myself to blame for trying to cheap out with a VHF system, but hey I’m still just starting out in videography (started as an intern, and now getting paid). My production value started out ok since I had a nice camera and its definitely improving. Now its just time to invest in a better microphone that I can trust to be consistent. I’m looking at the http://www.amazon.com/Samson-Mountable-Wireless-Lavalier-Microphone/dp/B0063GJINU/ref=sr_1_5?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1389757842&sr=1-5&keywords=samson+airline+micro
for my next attempt. I will likely be ordering that on my next paycheck and will review that once I get my hands on it. Hope this helps anyone looking at this. The one I bought was shipped and sold by Amazon (prime) and so I was able to return it for a full refund no problem. If you are on a budget, this may end up working out ok for you and if not Amazon’s return policy if great.