Tools For The Hyperlocal Blogger | My Review Of The Audio Technica Pro 88W Wireless Microphone System

by Steve Sherron on June 30, 2009

As a hyperlocal blogger, it’s necessary to carry a few items around with you for those “just in case” moments. My hyperlocal blog is heavy in community videos so it’s an absolute must that I carry the proper equipment with me. I get e-mails from time to time asking specific questions about some of the equipment I use. I’ve been asked more than once about wireless microphones. Unless all of your videos are shot pretty close to the camera, you will soon find that you need to add a wireless microphone system to your hyperlocal blogging tools. Your viewers will usually forgive you for less than great video quality but if your audio sucks, they are going to leave your site.

I’ve had too many situations where I’ve shot some pretty good video only to find out once I started to edit, that the audio was so poor that I couldn’t even use the video. Do that once or twice and you will be purchasing a wireless microphone system very quickly. I have 2 set ups. I have an expensive set up that is more professional in quality that I use when the situation calls for it. I also have the Audio Technica Pro 88W that is economical and produces excellent audio for my videos. Unless you are shooting professional type video, you will find that this wireless microphone system that I’m reviewing today will meet your needs 99% of the time.

If you decide to add a wireless mic system to your video equipment, make sure that the video camera you are using has a microphone input. Most of the time I’m close enough to the camera that I could easily just use the built in microphone supplied by the camera. What you will find however, that once you start using a wireless system, you will use it a lot because of the high quality audio it produces.

I go in to depth a little on this review of the Audio Technica Pro 88W and show you it’s capabilities and features. I also have a little fun on the video also. I hope you enjoy it and it helps you make an informed decision if you decide to add this to your arsenal of video equipment.


Audio Technica Pro 88W Wireless Microphone Review Video


Here is the direct link to the Pro 88W on Amazon. I use and recommend Amazon for your online purchases. Amazon’s return policies are unmatched. AUDIO TECHNICA PRO88W-R35 Microphone from Amazon

By the way, while I was on the front porch doing the demo, I got stung twice when I disturbed a wasp nest under our little table. OUCH! I can promise that I was not able to use the audio I produced when that happened. Just want to let you know what I’m willing to go through for my readers here on BloggerLens!

If you are considering starting a hyperlocal blog, don’t forget my free offer to help you.

Copyright 2009 bloggerlens.com Hyperlocal Blogs & Citizen Journalism

Tagged as: Audio Equipment, Audio Technica, Audio Technica Lavalier microphone, audio technica mic, Audio Technica Microphones, Audio Technica Pro, Audio Technica Pro 88W, Audio Technica Wireless, Audio Technica Wireless Microphones, hyperlocal media, hyperlocal video, Lapel Mic, Lavalier Microphone, Wireless Microphone, Wireless Microphone Review, Wireless Microphone System

Article by Steve Sherron

Hi, I'm usually busy publishing a small network of community news websites (hyperlocal) in my local community near Charlotte, NC. Here on BloggerLens, I like to write about things I do, projects I'm involved in and the technology I use. To get a better idea of some of my current projects, go here, stevesherron.com.

Steve has written 91 awesome articles.

  • Robertsterlingowen
    Hi Steve-

    How does the Pro88W compare to the Azden WMS Pro, or the Sony WCS 999? They all fall in the same price range. Do you have a favorite? Which has the farthest range and the smallest amount of hiss in the background? Thanks!
  • Steve
    Hi Robert, sorry for the late reply. I do not have any experience with the brands you mentioned. Only the Audio Technica. I will say that you can try the Sennheiser brand as most everything they make is outstanding.
  • Hi Steve,

    I really like the review. This will work well with my new Kodak Zi8 which has mic input. The only thing is where to put the transmitter pack since the Kodak has no room to clip it on. Anyway, awesome review and extremely helpful. Well done,
    Dale
  • ssherron
    @Dale. Thanks. I saw one of those the other day at Best Buy but didn't have time to look at it. I'm glad they have a mic input, that's awesome.
  • Medic
    I'll be getting busy soon. My camera came in today!!! So did my final cut 4. I didn't expect them for a few more days. Quick shipping. The gorilla tripod is pretty cool,too. That'll come in hand for training in the ambulance.
  • ssherron
    @Medic No, I was just messing around. I didn't call him for real, I was just acting. He better take my call if I call him or I'll write him up here on this blog. LOL!

    I am looking forward to seeing one of your videos. You never know, it may just end up here in a story on Bloggerlens. Now get busy!!
  • Medic
    @Steve-That is funny. I thought you were just messing around about Allyn not taking your call. I didn't know he really didn't answer. And both you and Allyn's videos are very engaging. Once I get used to doing video, if I can do half the job you two do, I'll consider it a success.
  • yeah, but your long vids keep me engaged and THAT is what I like about them.
    I am sending you an email here in a minute.
  • ssherron
    @Allyn I knew you would get a kick out of that. When my wife watched and started laughing, I knew it was ok. I struggle on these reviews as far as the length. I hate to make them too long, but I really want to be thorough for my viewers who are considering dropping the bucks.

    I'm learning by watching you. I enjoy your videos no matter how long because you engage me and give me solid info for the entire video. The way I edit my videos is this: Once you start editing, cut out everything you say and do that can be cut and not affect your message. Then, do it again. Take a break and do it again. What you have left is the message you are trying to convey.

    As always, Thanks. We got to do the Skype soon! Time for a new video from you isn't it?
  • oh, BTW--the 5 ft, 20 ft, 60 ft, 100ft fades were really cool too.
    You are making me re-think my whole vid blogging idea. I need to quit toying with the mini cams exclusively and go ahead and invest in a REAL HD cam. Time to break out the Visa. LOL
  • ROFLMAO!!!! That is hilarious man...earlier today I didn't know what you were talking about and I thought that maybe you actually called my cell..., also, your feet hanging out from under the truck was great. You really have a Bob Newhart type humor about you Steve. (that's a complement BTW). I have to be honest and tell you that I never watch vids that go longer than 2 minutes, but yours keep my glued bro.
    I really mean it when I say you come across like Bob Newhart on your vids.
    AL
  • ssherron
    @Allyn. I'm not going to tell you, so I guess you'll have to watch the video to find out. LOL!

    I'm still shocked that you wouldn't take my call and the proof is on the video.
  • I can't see the vids cuz I am at work. what phone call did I refuse?
  • ssherron
    @Medic. The Zi6 does not have an external Mic plug. It's just a run & gun video camera. It does produce very good audio but your subject needs to be fairly close to the Zi6. You can tweek up the audio from the Zi6 if you edit in Final Cut Express and I imagine other editing programs.

    I was really surprised that Allyn would not take my call also.
  • Medic
    I enjoyed the review. Question: Does the Zi6 have a plug in for a mic? I can use my Olympus voice recorder for audio interviews, just figuring out video options.

    Nice bit with the Allyn phone call. He was probably too busy drinking his own Blue Moon to take your call. ;-)
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