Audio-Technica System 10 (ATW-1701 & ATW-1701/L) Review
Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Highlighted Customer Reviews
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Excellent low cost wireless system
Audio-Technica ATW-1701 System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Lavalier Microphone System with No Mic (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by Phila Fred on B&H Photo Video
To begin with, the quality of the audio is extremely clear and clean. Even though it is not touted as a professional grade wireless, I would have no issues with using the resultant audio on any Hollywood or broadcast production.Being up in the 2.4 GHz band is a major plus. At least for now, that part of the spectrum is very clean and usable, compared to the over-crowded UHF TV frequencies currently utilized by wireless mics (and soon to be shrunk yet again by our politically influenced FCC). The System 10 supports up to eight operating systems at once, and frequency coordination between multiple systems occurs automatically and seamlessly once each receiver/transmitter is paired with the press of a button. Trying to describe it makes it sound a lot more complicated than it really is.The literature boasts a 100 foot operating range. Not a huge distance, but more than enough for a soundstage and most exterior set-ups. I first tested my unit in my house, and had no problems transmitting through interior walls, around computers, WiFi, and operating kitchen appliances. Next, I placed the transmitter next to a TV located at the front of my kitchen which faces out to the street. I walked the receiver through a couple of rooms and to the rear of the house, out the backdoor, and as far deep into the yard as the fence would let me. Not a single drop-out! Seventy or eighty feet, and that was transmitting through walls.The signal did not max out; I simply ran out of lawn!For my next tests, I went out on the street. I walked past 2 houses, crossed the intersection diagonally, and continued a little ways further. I calculated the distance at around 75 paces, which for me works out at 125 to 140 feet. Not bad, and certainly better than the 1800 series usually performs.The receiver weighs only four ounces, which is featherweight compared to other units. No problem stacking three or four of these next to a four-track mixer/recorder for simple reality or docu production. The lightweight receiver is also perfect for mounting on cameras, even those balanced for SteadiCam or similar stabilizing gimbals.Out of the box, the receiver has a 3.5mm output jack that is switchable for either unbalanced dual mono or balanced TRS. In the unbalanced mode, you would use a simple 1/8 inch stereo male to 1/8 inch stereo male cable (included in the package) to send a dual mono signal (a stereo signal in which Left and Right are absolutely identical) to a DSLR or camcorder. I used it with my camcorder and everything sounded great.To use the System 10 with a more professional input, such as a balanced XLR, all you have to do is to slide the output switch on the receiver to the right, which is the BALANCED position. You will need to acquire a 3.5mm Tip-Ring-Sleeve male to XLR adapter cable. I still had one of the transformer balanced 1/8 inch mono plug to XLR adapter (CP8306) that was made for the Pro88. If you use one of these cables, use the unbalanced dual mono setting. I tried a CP8306 with my system into an ENG mixing panel and everything sounded good.The System 10 transmitter takes two AA batteries. Transmitter battery level is monitored on the receiver, for your convenience.The receiver uses an internal rechargeable battery that is rated for up to 12 hours of use. It recharges just like a phone, via a USB charging device. You can operate the receiver from available AC, using the supplied USB cable and USB power adapter. If you are nervous about the receiver battery not making it entirely through the shooting day, you could also just plug the USB cable into a small USB battery pack -- just as you would your smartphone. Rechargeable USB external battery packs are available all over the net. What is NOT included in the System 10 camera-mount package is the lavalier mic itself. I did my testing with my favorite lav, the AT899cW. That is the mic that I most use on film sets. I would also recommend the MT830cW which performs very closely to the AT899 but costs less. Of course, you could use any lavalier wired with the cW (hirose) connector. But I believe that it is always worth it to spend a little more and get a top quality lav rather than something only because it is cheaper.I tell my students that wireless mics is a misnomer -- they are really just wireless CABLES. The transmitter/receiver does not replace the mic element, only the long cable linking talent to the mixing board! Good audio still demands a good performing microphone (lav) to capture the raw sound.Another application of this portable wireless is for public speaking. I travel a lot, speaking to large groups of students or professionals, instructing them on Production Sound Recording. With my own System 10, all that I have to do is just unplug the existing mic from the podium and replace it with my self powered receiver using an XLR output cable. Then I am free to wear my own transmitter, equipped with a headworn mic, and not have to worry about moving around on stage, or demo'ing equipment with both hands. Since the System 10 is 2.4 GHz and hops around any used frequencies -- I do not have to worry about any nearby wireless or TV transmitters.In conclusion, the new Audio Technica System 10 Camera Mount Wireless is a winner. Not only would I have zero hesitation to deploy these wireless on a professional shoot -- I look forward to it. ... More
Link to video by Fred Ginsburg CAS
Audio-Technica ATW-1701 System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Lavalier Microphone System with No Mic (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by Phila Fred on B&H Photo Video
Here is the link to the YouTube video that I just posted with 3 of the walk tests that I did with the System 10 wireless. The unit achieves better than expected range; easily delivering the advertised 100 feet. On multiple occasions, I was getting 150 to over 200 feet. (View and hear the video at http://youtu.be/SnudYcodS0U ) Again, bear in mind that these are low cost systems and not intended to compete against the high quality wireless that we use on major shoots. But for an inexpensive unit, they perform surprisingly well. I brought the system with me to the Cinema TV Arts Dept at California State University Northridge in order to shoot some more tests. CSUN has a soundstage for the film program that is approx 50 ft by 75 feet. Camera and the System 10 stayed in the rear corner, while I moved around the entire space. Even while hovering near a laptop and the lighting dimmer board -- the System 10 performed flawlessly. And, yes, there is WiFi in the stage. We went into the main corridor of the film/TV building (Manzanita Hall), which is dotted with electronic RFI emitters and WiFi routers (according to the department's Chief Video Engineer). The System 10 transmitted perfectly the entire length (approx 150 feet). Heading outside onto campus, on multiple tests we achieved 150 to 250 feet. Although we did encounter the occasional minor dropout on one or two of our footpaths, the unit was always reliable up to 125 feet; and depending on the pathway, sometimes good past 200 feet. I included one of those walk tests, where we made it 220 feet before the signal began to cut out. The aforementioned Video Engineer was curious about transmitting through walls, so I stayed inside thecorridor while he went outside and roamed around the exterior of the building. Signal held up nicely passing through just one exterior wall, but did drop out when he turned (still outside the building) 90 degrees from the corridor and thus placed multiple interior rooms in our signal path. ... More
Disappointing
Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by JH on B&H Photo Video
I normally rely on a Sony UWP-D11 wireless system, which performs for me flawlessly. But I wanted an additional camera mount system and B&H had this at a good price, so I took a chance. My mistake. It's obviously not fair to compare this product to one that costs maybe 30% more, and for the price I could have lived with some of Audio Technica's downsides: The ATW-1701 is awkward and bulky compared to the Sony, and the build quality is plastic instead of metal. The fact that the receiver does not have replaceable batteries (while the transmitter does), so it requires recharging instead of a new set of AAs, is another disadvantage. But what I couldn't live with was the sound: in several test recordings made in different rooms, I kept hearing a low-level sound like somebody was faintly crumbling Saran Wrap in the background. The manual warns that the receiver is vulnerable to interference from routers and WI-IF systems and should always be 30 feet away -- maybe that was the issue, maybe not. It's possible that I could have experimented further and found a way to at least reduce the noise, but it didn't seem worth the hassle given my reservations overall. The supplied MT830cW mic is also in the budget category, and sounded like it. Usable, not terrible. I would have spent the money to replace it with something better, if it wasn't for all the ATW-1701's other issues. The other reviews suggest this system might be an appropriate choice for a lot of folks -- you might not have the interference issue. Or if you do, you might not notice it, particularly if you're using it in a environment where there's some background noise away. I actually didn't hear it at first, listening in a quiet, acoustically treated studio though monitors. But through headphones, the noise was unacceptable. I sent the AT-1701 back for a refund. ... More
Fantastic sound quality
Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by Ramp Media on B&H Photo Video
I recently attended a trade show where I had to film multiple interviews for my client. I stuck the Audio Technica System 10 on my camera and took off. After using it for a couple of days in indoor and outdoor settings, I can say that I am a big fan - with one complaint (more on that in a second). NO INTERFERENCE: The System 10 was very easy to set up and use. It's basically plug it in and go. I used it on my dslr and the sound was great. In the past, I have rented the sennheiser microphones and while the sound quality was good, every show I worked had interference. Not one time did that become an issue with this system. It worked well in a windy situation. While there was some noise, it was no more than I would have anticipated. I didn't use it at long range, so I can't speak to that. BUILD QUALITY: The build quality is good, but not great. It is a lot of plastic and it is a little bulkier than other systems, but I can handle that at the price point. ONE NEGATIVE: My one big complaint is that the receiver has a rechargeable battery system. That sounds good at first, but the draw back is that if you are doing a long day of filming and it dies, you have to plug it in and wait for it before you can continue. I would have much preferred to have batters in it that I could replace when they die. Overall, it was a good system. For someone starting out and with limited audio knowledge, it does the hard work for you and just works! ... More
Excellent affordable wireless system, with battery caveat
Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by rakoczyphoto on B&H Photo Video
So far, I've found this to be n excellent system at this price point. I was hesitant at first about adopting a 2.4GHz system, but it has performed well in the RF-congested lower Hudson Valley and in central CT. My only two nits: I typically don't like omni lavs, so I would recommend the Audio Technica AT898cW cardioid lav to go along with it (the clip kit that comes with the AT898 is fantastic, but that's another review). And, while it's cool that the RX can be USB powered, I do find it odd that the TX takes AA batteries and the RX has a non-field-replaceable internal rechargable. I would prefer, for longer days, to be able to swap in a freshly charged battery. The system should come with an external charger and option to buy a spare battery. Finding a portable USB supply and adding another wire to an already complex rig is a pain, and stopping a production to charge the RX is unacceptable. Otherwise, although plastic shells, the units feel good, don't weight you down, and the sound is very good. No compander pumping, low noise floor, good sensitivity, nice to have separate line and headphone outputs. Overall, I'm very pleased with the unit. ... More
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Great piece of kit for the money, but...
Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by Garan F. on B&H Photo Video
I bought a pair of these so I could lav up actors for an indie film I was working on. Overall, they're great and quite easy to work with. The included mics are a bit difficult to hide regarding clothing noise (the element faces front, not up, and also I'm new to hiding lavs), but if no-one is moving or if you don't need to hide them they work great. As far as usable transmission distance, as long as you have line-of-sight, these reach up the block. And now the but. While you can use these anywhere in the world due to them transmitting on the WiFi frequency, you will get dropouts if cars pass between the transmitters and receivers. Using them for an outdoor shoot, the camera operator and I were across the street from the talent, and every time a car passed between us I got cutouts. I wasn't using the dual-band transmission option at the time, so maybe that would've helped, but consider your surroundings carefully when using these. ... More
Very good system with some flaws
Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by Ariel on B&H Photo Video
There are many things to like about this system. The sound quality is very good (I dont agree with the G3 fanboys... ), You have some flexibility when it comes to levels (like a sensitivity knob in the transmitter) and I also like the fact its an RF 2.4Ghz which makes the sound-men I work with on concerts very happy (since it doesnt interfere with their wireless equipment). Oh yes, the price is pretty decent (not to mention I bought it on a daily deal ...) . So, whats not to like - First and most important is the fact that the receiver has a built in battery. I wouldnt mind it because it lasts for hours , well, I do mind it since it lastED for hours, after about 3 years of use It drains in 2 hours and I cant trust it know and replacing that battery appears to be a pretty hard task. Second thing is the lavalier mic clip- its really bad. Not all black and doesnt hold the mic properly . shame. All in all Im happy with that purchase and it was awesome for 3 years, but I still think I might order the G4 now instead of trying to get this battery replaced. ... More
Great system for the money
Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I bought this system to go with my Sony A7ii for video productions. Unlike an Electrosonic that I use for news that cost thousand of dollars, I wanted a personal wireless that was cost effective that had good performance. Having had a wireless that the FCC took away because of block sell to Verizon, I wanted a secure frequency. The 2.4ghz wireless is good bet over the UHF/VHF wireless. The System 10 wireless was easy to set up right out of the box. While the instructions lack certain details, I have enough audio experience to get a good signal and audio level. The sound was a lot better than I expected. The mic itself is of pretty good quality. It reminds me of a Tram mic. The wind screen for the mic has a lot to be desire. It is just a stick-on piece of foam. The connector is a lot more secure than you will find on most mics at this price point. I wish they would include an extra cable to connect an XLR to the transmitter. Not sure about the internal battery, but hope in the future when needed the company will replace it. ... More
I recommend strongly
Audio-Technica ATW-1701 System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Lavalier Microphone System with No Mic (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by Mike on B&H Photo Video
When I got these I was super excited to try them out. like a kid on Xmas I got right into the box and started checking it all out and to my dismay there was no lav mic. I didn't realize it's sold separately. When the mic came and I got to try it out I was impressed. The sound quality was great easy set up and no interference. I would recommend these but remember mic is sold separately
Pristine digital audio at an analog price
Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by Island Singer on B&H Photo Video
I own a small video production company and we do a lot of interviews. Was using a wireless consumer grade lavalier but the results were unreliable. Not any more! The System 10 by Audio-Technica is a godsend! I run the signal out to a ZOOM H4N recorder and the signal is so strong I had to turn the record level down! That's a first! Once I imported the files into my editing suite I was impressed with how clear and clean the voices were with no perceptible hiss like I got with my old rig. I was even able to clip it to someone who talked while they did their job working at a retail store! The System 10 performed flawlessly. As far as I'm concerned, this system outshines any other in this price range, especially due to it's digital output. I couldn't be happier. Well, I could be happier if the battery on the receiver was swappable but I just have to remember to charge it up before a shoot. I highly recommend this product!! ... More
Couldn't wait for this product
Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by Gotfredsen on B&H Photo Video
We got two sets of rack mount receivers, plus a on camera receiver, so 5 receivers in total. We got two handheld and two lavalier mics with transmitters, plus a headset mic for one of the transmitters. The two rack mount unit connects together to a perfect 1U unit. The user-friendlyness of this system is fantastic. No channel choice, just plug and play. You pair each transmitter and receiver like it was a wireless keyboard. If you only buy on system, they are paired out of the box. The power button doubles as mute button and keeps the RF alive, but mutes the sound, giving the user the ability to control the sound, without worrying the sound guy if the unit is on and working. The on-camera receiver, both outputs balanced and un-balanced signal, allowing us to use it both on our Sony A7s and on our Sony PXW-Z100, without conversion cables. The on-camera receiver is also rechargeable via standard USB cable. Remember to get the CP8306 Adapter Cable if you need XLR output or Rode SC7 if you need to use it with iPhone/FilmIC Best of all, and most importantly: Sound is spot on! ... More
Best DSLR audio solution available!
Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by Javier C. on B&H Photo Video
Like most of you who may be looking for a wireless solution I stumbled upon the System 10. I have tried both the Sennheiser G3 and Sony UWP and they lack the features the system 10 has. G3 doesn't have a way for you to monitor the audio going into the camera unless you are feeding your audio to a recorder but that would defeat the purpose of going away from double system recording. The Sony didn't impress me too much and I had trouble with the gain. Those two units are also several hundred dollars more. When I received the system 10 it took less that 3 minutes to hook everything up and the audio is crystal clear and professional quality. For those of you using Canon, go into your audio settings and choose Manual. Once in manual mode lower the volume all the way down and then bump it up one click. Exit the menu and your audio levels will be distortion and hiss free. ... More
5 Star Performance for DSLR Videography
Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by NC Angel on B&H Photo Video
I had been researching for weeks and had actually tried several microphones with my SONY A58 DSLR. Unfortunately, the automatic gain control is a problem for shotgun mics and since most of my work is interview type situations I decided to give this a try. B&H THANK YOU for having this in stock. You're one of the few companies that did. I have had this setup in the field for a short time but it is a stellar performer. The system is easy to setup and use and the sound quality is great even without post-production work. Love the versatility of the unit. Very impressive for my use at an affordable price. ... More
Simply Wonderful
Audio-Technica ATW-1701 System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Lavalier Microphone System with No Mic (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by Timbo on B&H Photo Video
I use this primarily for lecture videos but I have used this for field recording as well. I have been as close as 20' from the receiver and as far away as 120' from the receiver and there has been no deviation in the sound. Also the lavalier mic that comes with this unit is awesome. It's omnidirectional and it gives a great sound. No need to tweak the sound in post. Overall, I am very happy with this wireless system and for the price, it simply can't be beat!
Good Mic overall
Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by Jacob on B&H Photo Video
This mic gives you fairly good audio. The biggest problem is the chargeable internal battery on the receiver. It only lasts about 7 hours and not 12 as they claim. If you shoot all day that is a problem. I would much rather have them run on AA so I can shoot as long as I need. The mute button is very easily hit by the talent when they adjust the transmitter but it you power it and hit the pair button it disables the mute function. Overall for the price it isn't too bad, I would buy this again as a backup to the current one I have when the receiver dies. ... More
An elegant and cost-effective solution
Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by Phil Neri on B&H Photo Video
Having used until now UHF remote microphones in the $500+ price bracket, this solution is both more cost-effective and has some benefits. We cover events on many continents and authorized UHF frequencies are not the same across borders. There is also talk of the FCC selling some of the frequencies for other uses. The AT solution of using the Wi-Fi 2.4 band cuts though all that, and works well. The receiver is also intelligently equipped with both an audio-out connector to feed the sound into your DLSR, and a headphone socket to monitor the recording. If you have a Canon 70D or 6D, neither of which has a headphone output during recording, this is a real plus. ... More
Perfomed well
Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by Video4454 on B&H Photo Video
With with my HD Sony video camera to record a wedding. The microphone was very sensitive and picked up everyone within a 10 foot circle with no problems. The transmitter worked very well through walls and at long distances with line of site. Two small complaints with the product. The first is that the receiver does not fit into the hot shoe of the Sony camcorder. I need to check with B&H to see if they have a smaller mount for camcorders as it is a pain to use as a mobile unit. The other is that the microphone that is provided with the unit does not have a wide dynamic range. I will be contacting B&H to upgrade the lapel mic as well. Overall a great value. ... More
I would definitely buy this product again.
Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by Lisa on B&H Photo Video
I love this product. The mic is small enough that it is easily hidden. The mic will pick up even when placed lower on your shirt. The only downside is that both the transmitter and receiver are not rechargeable. The transmitter still needs batteries - although we could probably just use rechargeable ones. At least it takes AA instead of 9V. Our old mics kept breaking wires when we would take out the 9V battery.
GREAT product for the money!
Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by ANDREW on B&H Photo Video
I was very pleasantly surprised at how well this product worked. I bought it because of its small size, and because the receiver mounts to the top of the camera. It performed on par with the $2K Lectrosonics system i had been using before, but was much easier to travel with (size) and use (shoe mount). I am extremely happy. The product worked as advertised and exceeded my expectations.
Very nice wireless mic set
Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz)
Reviewed by DaCoolness on B&H Photo Video
The system works pretty much as advertised. It worked through several walls at a distance of around 50 feet with no problem. I did notice a high pitch noise at first, probably interference since I was standing next to a Wi-Fi router, but cleared up within a minute once the system found a clean signal to use. The mic it comes with has a crisp sound to it, without much bass. Overall, this is a great wireless system for anyone looking for a balance between price and value.
