I’ve been using Rode wireless mics for many years and never expected to change. There’s even a blog post on why I have been completely loyal to Rode for so long.
But, for the past couple of weeks I’ve been using a new set of wireless mics from a company I didn’t know: Comica.
Features
The complete kit comes in a nice hard case, and offers all the expected features:
- 96-channels
- Auto scanning
- Real time monitoring
- AA batteries
- Lavalier mics included
Some other features stand out:
- Adjustable RF signal strength which can be lowered to reduce power consumption and increase battery time
- A working distance up to 394 feet (120 meters) in a open area
But there’s ONE feature that tipped the scale for me: two transmitters can be used with only one receiver.
Audio Workflow
In practical terms I need only one receiver connected to an audio recorder (like this or this or this) and can record two people simultaneously. As you can see below, as a safety net and to record high-quality scratch audio, I used a Rode shotgun mic on my camera. Later in post I simply duplicate the track, keep subject A on Channel Left and subject B on Channel Right, and sync the audio and footage manually in a few seconds using PluraEyes.
The 1 Person Crew Approach
This past weekend I shot at a wonderful winery in Alentejo, Portugal. I previously wrote how I found this amazing location.
I wanted to document my two main characters, one winemaker on the field collecting the grapes with a small group of people, and a second winemaker at the shop, receiving and pressing the grapes. They both were working at the same time at two different locations.
Do you shot on the field with the beautiful early morning light and miss an event that happens only once a year, OR do you document the grape crushing process and get b-roll later with super harsh mid-day light?
As a 1 person crew my options were very limited. I did run like crazy all day to get enough footage of both, but by having a wireless mic on each subject the whole time I was able to also capture wonderful moments. For example, the small group of farmers singing and joking while picking grapes, and at the same time one of the winemakers describing his winemaking philosophy, and why they choose to use ancient methods over modern ones.
Trying to record a long and formal interview on the most important and busiest day of the year for the subjects was out of the question. And if you have done any interviews before, you know it is extremely rare to get this kind of spontaneous sound bites.
Pros and Cons
I used this kit for about 5 hours straight on a single set of AA batteries per unit, which is very impressive. I always use and recommend Eneloop rechargeable batteries, they cost a bit more but last much longer.
I’ve seen some complaints on Amazon about the quality of the mics. I haven’t noticed any issues, but will test the wireless transmitters with other lavalier mics in case I’m missing something.
There are also a few complaints about the battery holders (aka cartridges). I agree with that one. The batteries are super tight, so I’d recommend getting three extra sets of battery holders to swap batteries much faster.
There you have it; how to record two people at two different locations with only one receiver and getting fantastic results. The 1 person crew approach.