The Azden PRO-XR is a 2.4 GHz digital wireless microphone. It was announced at NAB earlier this year, but we didn’t get to cover it. The PRO-XR looks to be a very versatile and affordable radio mic solution.
The PRO-XR uses several new technologies. It avoids line-of-sight dependency and congestion problems that plague traditional 2.4 GHz wireless, which Azden claims make it a very reliable wireless microphone.
The system is compact and lightweight and it could be used no matter whether you are shooting with a mirrorless camera, cinema camera or mobile device.
Features
Key features
- For digital cameras and mobile devices
- Proprietary digital technologies avoid 2.4 GHz interference
- Adjustable transmitter output power
- External antenna design
- Up to 500’ range
- Includes high-quality lavalier microphone
- Includes smartphone mount
- Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
- Runtime up to 20 hours on RX and 14 hours on TX
- Six-step adjustable output gain
- Headphone and microphone outputs / Line-in auxiliary input
- 2-year warranty with online registration
The built-in, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries provide up to 20 hours of run time on the receiver and 14 hours on the transmitter. The system comes with a dual-USB charging cable and AC adapter.
The receiver includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack for monitoring and a 6-step adjustable output gain control for optimizing audio levels with your camera.
A professional-grade, omni-directional lavalier microphone is included that captures the full frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The angled 3.5 mm TRS plug allows compatibility with many other wireless systems and recorders.
For extra flexibility, the transmitter allows for the connection of line-level audio devices via the 3.5 mm auxiliary input. This input can be connected to the output of an audio mixer, digital recorder or any other line-level source.
Mobile Video Compatible
The PRO-XR is compatible with smartphones and tablets. You can mount the PRO-XR receiver to your smartphone with the included Smartphone Mount. A Lightning-to-headphone adapter cable is included for connection to iOS devices. A TRRS output cable is included for other devices with headphone jacks. No special apps are required to use the PRO-XR’s audio when shooting video on your mobile device.
Frequency Spectrum Auto-Scan
Once powered on, the PRO-XR automatically scans the 2.4 GHz frequency spectrum and selects the best available frequencies to use for its connection.
Automatic Interference Avoidance
The activity of 2.4 GHz devices in a given area can change frequently and rapidly. That is why the PRO-XR constantly monitors this range and automatically and seamlessly changes its transmission to use different frequencies when it detects the possibility of interference.
Signal Redundancy Technology
The PRO-XR employs Azden’s proprietary Signal Redundancy Technology, in which the transmitter sends two copies of its signal to the receiver at all times, each on a different frequency. If the system predicts interference of the primary signal, it will instantly switch to using the secondary signal without any interruptions.
External Antenna Design
While many other digital wireless systems are starting to use internal antennas, the PRO-XR system employs a more reliable external antenna design and comes with two interchangeable antenna options for the transmitter: a flexible antenna for comfortable and inconspicuous wearing of the transmitter, and a high-gain antenna for increased performance especially at long distances and with line-of-sight obstruction.
Adjustable Transmission Power
You can change the transmission output power of the transmitter to adapt to challenging environments. The default 20 mW setting is for optimal battery life and excellent performance in most situations. You also have the option to increase the output power to 50 mW or 100 mW for better performance at extreme distances or to overcome line-of-sight obstructions and over-crowded Wi-Fi environments. Combining the 100 mW output with the use of the included high-gain transmitter antenna can extend the range of the system up to 500 feet.
Price
The Azden PRO-XR starts at $249 USD for a basic system with one transmitter, one receiver, and a lavalier microphone.
This makes it considerably cheaper than the Rode RODELink Filmmaker Kit Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System $379.99 USD.
You can also get the following:
- Azden PRO-XR Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Microphone System with Manfrotto Mini Tripod Kit $267.48 USD
- Azden PRO-XR Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Microphone System with Omni Lavalier and Earset Kit $313.95 USD
- Azden PRO-XR 2-Person Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System Kit $449.95 USD
