I have used at least a dozen wireless lapel microphones at different speaking engagements I've made across the country. Many of them have had frequency interference problems or sensitivity issues, as well as a few other problems. I eventually did a considerable amount of research, and purchased my own. I tried to strike a balance between cost effectiveness and quality, eventually settling on the Audio-Technica 700 Series Unipak Frequency-agile Diversity Uhf Wireless Systems microphone. I've used it once since I purchased it, and was very satisfied with the results it gave me. There were no frequency interference problems, the sound had exceptional clarity, and I didn't notice a drop in volume when I turned my head to signal to the presentation screen behind me. A particular lady with moderate to severe hearing impairment said she could hear very well. No adverse issues yet. Overall, a great value.
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The wireless mic and reciever are perfect. Nothing but praise from the listeners. They tend to be a bit critical, so this means something. The whole system is easily tweaked to cancel all the hot spots, everything has a pod for adjusting.
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I use this regularly to shoot video. It lets me be wire free and that is a big help when doing simple instructional videos. Less to fuss over.
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Disclaimer: This may be more of a review of wireless systems in general. Obviously the more expensive systems probably work great in any location. And even this system worked great while testing it at home.
Both times I have used this system in the field... at a wedding near a zoo, and in a doctor's office... It picked up every wireless signal but the transmitter no matter what frequency I used. I don't know about you, but when I'm trying to film a time-critical wedding or an interview at a doctor's office I don't want to have to screw with finding a frequency that Isn't being used. The backup cheap Radio Shack wired lavalier that I had connected to my cheap Sony digital voice recorder worked great in the doctors office. Unfortunately, I had it on me and had the wireless system on the doc since the wireless mic quality tested better at home.
DON'T BOTHER BUYING A CHEAP WIRELESS SYSTEM:
I recommend buying the following wired lavaliers instead: Audio-Technica ATR-35s or ATR-3550 or a $32 wired lavalier from Radio Shack
Add to that a Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder or a high-rated Sony Digital Voice Recorder.
No wireless signal issues and you can simply press record, put the device on Hold/Lock so it doesn't accidentally get turned off and drop in in a pocket or attach it just like you would a wireless transmitter. And even with the more expensive ATR-35s and the Zoom H1 you'll still save about $40.
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In recent years more manufacturers have been aiming for the entry-level market with low cost wireless systems, most of them assembled in Asia. It's now possible to find complete systems well under $100, but these are mainly for folks whose needs are minimal. In the $150-300 range you start to find usable performance, though how durable and reliable these mid-low units are remains to be seen.
In this range the ATW-701 faces such recognized names as Sennheiser, AKG, and even Shure. The ATW-701 is made in China, but its build quality and performance seem decent for entry-level gear. Note, though, that there are currently some refurbs out there in the market, which may suggest a significant DOA percentage and return rate.
I'm using the ATW-701 in a line of sight situation in a church sanctuary at about 100 ft with no reception problems. The receiver identified a clear channel as described in the manual. Alas, when I snapped the tiny channel adjustment screwdriver out of its slot inside the transmitter to change its frequency to match, the screwdriver flew across the sanctuary and vanished. A jeweler's screwdriver does stand-in, but needs its own separate storage. Be careful.
Fidelity is entirely adequate for speech and the noise floor seems reasonable, though I haven't measured it.
Now and then when the speaker gets a little over-enthusiastic the audio clips, so I may have to drop the transmitter level a bit. This may be in part because I'm feeding it with an AT829CW cardioid, not the omni bundled with some versions of the system; I don't know how they compare in output. Fortunately level tweaking on the transmitter is easy to do.
I don't know what's going on with the reviewer who complained of poor battery life. I use Eneloop rechargeable cells and charge them after each use, so battery life hasn't been an issue for me. So far I've had no problems with the battery clips, either, but I'm pretty gentle with them. One downside to the unit is that opening the battery compartment is a mildly awkward two-handed operation.
