Over the years Azden has created a variety of different audio products for users: everything from microphones and mixers to various wireless systems. One of the things it has been doing very well is supporting indie filmmakers by designing interchangeable products that are hassle free in terms of setup and use. The company has actually created six different wireless families to choose from, all offering a set of different features depending on your application. Azden has everything from its high-performance, broadcast spec–friendly UHF 2000 series to an infrared system perfect for classrooms. The company’s PRO series is one of its more successful lines and it is intended to meet the audio demand of DSLR cameras.
The PRO series operates in a low interference VHF band with all transmitters and receivers using the same two frequencies for coordination – 169.445MHz and 170.245MHz. This allows a user to mix and match series components with confidence. Azden offers the PRO series in eight different configurations, ranging from a simple transmitter/receiver with lav combo to add-ons like a shotgun mic or an additional transmitter. The one we specifically got to test out was the WDM-PRO, which combines a handheld with a traditional lav transmitter/receiver system. Let’s break down each piece.
WR32-PRO Receiver
The receiver is two-channel VHF with two 3″ antennas mounted on the top. It’s powered by two AA batteries and has a removable shoe mount on its bottom for easy attachment to a camera or an accessory arm. The unit itself is made from durable plastic, and on the right side features frequency on/off switches for F1 and F2. When frequencies are switched on, the corresponding light on top of the unit will illuminate red. When there’s a connection with the transmitter or handheld microphone they will turn green. Also on top, next to the frequency indicator lights are two 3.5mm connections, one for mic out and the other for headphones. Azden has included both a surveillance-style earphone headset and a 45″ 3.5mm stereo output cable with the package.
WM-PRO Transmitter
If you like a simple design, the WM-PRO body-pack transmitter can’t get any easier. The 3.25″ x 2.25″ rectangle box is made from the same plastic as its receiver counterpart and is powered from a single 9V battery you insert on its side. On the top of the unit is a switch to move the transmitter from off to its two frequency options, F1 or F2. When it’s powered, it will illuminate red. Next to the frequency switch is a 3.5mm mic input for the included lav. On its back is a plastic belt clip; be careful when mounting it to a pair of pants, as it is on the delicate side.
EX-503 Omni Lavalier Microphone
As you can tell by its name, the microphone is omnidirectional, which means it picks up sounds equally from all directions. The microphone cable actually doubles as an antenna for the transmitter, so Azden suggests extending the cable as much as you can. The microphone is covered with a windscreen, which is attached and comes with a nice detachable alligator clip.
WM/T-PRO Handheld Microphone
The handheld microphone is actually pretty cool. It’s extremely light and has a rubberized coating that’s not only nice to touch but helps reduce handling noise. The unit runs off a single AA battery for about ten hours and comes equipped with an on/off/standby switch. The handheld can transmit up to 100 feet away and when we broke out our measuring wheel, all held up from 150 feet away. Another nice design feature Azden added was a rubber octagon ring around the screen of the microphone, so when you set it down on a table it won’t roll away on you. The capsule is designed so it can’t be removed.
Field Testing
For our field testing, we recorded the audio from the WDM-PRO receiver directly into a DSLR camera to mimic a real world application. We recorded dialogue outside and none of the recordings were altered in post. The nice thing about the WDM-PRO kit is that you can use the lav and the handheld microphone at the same time with just one transmitter. But when using the lav and handheld at the same time, you have to be sure to keep them at least ten feet away from each other, or else there will be interference.
Also be sure to note that the handheld comes preset from the factory to F1. So if you’re using both the handheld and transmitter, it might be easier to use the transmitter in F2. If you need to change the handheld channel, just unscrew the middle where the battery compartment is and on the back there is a channel switch from one to two.
The PRO series does not have any input level or gain settings on the transmitters or receivers. You’ll have to do all your adjusting with mic placement or with your recording device, which can definitely become tricky in the signal to noise ratio game. For reference, the reception sensitivity of the transmitter is 2μV at S/N 40dB.
Test 1
Azden WDM-PRO transmitter/receiver with lav mic
Test 2
Azden WDM-PRO transmitter/receiver with handheld mic
Conclusion
The Azden WDM-PRO has a very inexpensive price point. If you’re budget conscious, it’s something worth considering. We do like how interchangeable the PRO series is, and it’s perfect for any novice or indie filmmaker creating a documentary, doing a web series, or a similar project. You can find the WDM-PRO kit for around $450 depending where you shop, and Azden offers kits in the PRO series starting around $220.