Audio-Technica 898 lav

[RonH]

Got this because of the cardioid pattern; low cost (< $200 shipped), Phantom or 1.5v AAA (runs on 24v phantom, should extend the life of Zoom batteries v. using 48v). Tiny. (qualifier: it's not a Countryman B-6 or even a small Tram, more of a 3/4" long, 1/4" thick barrel on a thin wire.)

Not hard-wired into the power supply, comes with about 6 different lav attachment styles including viper and magnetic.
Really nice rejection of ambient noise, good for industrial or trade show type interview with lots of distracting noises off, which is why I got it. Even tapping my fingers on the table, snapping fingers and typing on the keyboard weren't interuptive. Played some school auditorium background noise (about 150 talking and moving people) through the speakers about 2 feet away, and my voice was very clearly audible and nicely separated from the sound... sounded like an interview nicely mic'ed in a very crowded room. Haven't tested it enough to tell how wide the pattern is, don't want a drop in the sound level too much if the talent turns her head very far.

Cable rustling is a bit louder than the Sony omni lav I've got (ECM-44B). Preliminary tests had me sounding a bit more midwestern white guy nasally (which is how I sound) than the Sony (not quite as mellow), but that was just into the Zoom in the basement. I've read there are some intricate settings to adjust before using a mic cabled to a Zoom H4n.