It is never a bad idea to record a backup when doing single system work directly to camera. Having a high quality direct copy available for post can sometimes save productions. It is always higher quality because I am recording at 24 bit 48khz and the preamps in a sound devices, deva or fostex recorder are and will always be much higher quality. Some people may question why record at 24/48 instead of 16/44.1 if this is only a backup. Well with my new 702T and a 32gb Compact Flash (CF) card I have about 31 hours of record time so I don’t have to worry about running out oof space. I usually copy the CF card every 2 days at night while sleeping. Since I have a 500gb drive I just keep the back ups until the drive is full and then replace older back ups. If a client ever wants a back up I charge them to copy it over and then sent it. It has only happened once but I am always ready if it happens again. On commercials and non reality jobs I usually mirror to the dvd-ram drive and provide the client with the back up everyday, which is standard practice. I firmly believe whenever possible it is my job to safe guard the audio and make sure we have all of it. Doing a back up recording ensures this.
New Equipment Now in my Kit
To better serve my clients and there productions: I have added a Sound Devices 702T to my kit This powerful 2 channel 24bit 96k recorder with timecode capibilites for all HD and SD formats including the New RED Camera. Will allow me to better serve all my clients
Comtek IFB or Lectrosonics IFB?
The ability for a client to listen is very important to them (Not so much to me). Keeping track of multiple producer IFB and having to deal with them all day is a real pain. I currently own Comtek IFB though I have used and prefer Lectrosonics IFB. However for the reality shows I do the Comteks work well and due to the abuse they take. I feel like they hold up the best. If I was doing Feature Film work I would definately upgrade to lectrosonics IFB in a heart beat.
Not Every Boompole is created equal
For a Eng/ Reality/ News/ Corporate mixer I own quite a few boompoles but each one has a different purpose:
Firstly I only own Ktek boompoles and despite what other mixers may say I think they make the highest quality boompoles at the best price point. I am considering adding a Loon Audio boompole ( A newer Company) which has some interesting innovations and designs. But that will be a 2009 addition to my kit. The following are the poles I own:
Ktek 79cc- It is my smallest boompole it will fit in a 1510 pelican case and is great for shows, Which I don’t use my boompole very much it is easy to clip onto my bag. Due to its small size it is great except it only extend about 7 feet
Ktek Avalon News pole extend to about 10 feet great for most of my Reality and news gigs
Ktek Carbon Fiber Stage pole- Extends to almost 17 feet. By far my favorite pole. It is like driving a BMW or other high end car. The others are more like driving a Honda do a good job very robust but not pretty. I don’t use this pole much anymore since it doesn’t collapse down past 3 feet and is over $600.00 dollars. But it is so smooth and easy to use. The other day I had to a scene in a swimming pole alot of wide shots and movement. So I used this pole it made my life so much easier and made me glad I didn’t sell this pole last year when someone wanted to buy it!!!
I personally don’t like VDB poles as they are plastic and find the locking collars less than satisfactory and haven’t used any other brand poles. So this is just my 2cent. The avalon news pole cabled is less than $200.00 well worth the $$$$$
Kit Recommendations
Been to busy will try to write more. Someone emailed me for advice on a basic starter kit. Don’t buy anything really cheap or crappy it will fail you. Especially when trying to get your foot in the door you only get one shot to do a good job so don’t risk it with bad or substandard gear here is my take:
Sound Devices 302 with mixer bag
(2) Senneheiser G2 wireless ( buy one system with plug on tx)
(2) Countryman EMW lav microphones (Cheap good upgrade to provided lav)
Ktek Avalon boompole internally cabled
At 8415 Shockmount
Rode NTG2 Shotgun microphone with Rycote Softee
Cables, adapters etc…..
Under $5000.00
Don’t go any cheaper than this!!!!
Pro Location Sound LLC 