Just read it in the Gotham Gazette:
Lectrosonics Update
Lectrosonics Reblocked
Wireless frequencies are about to undergo some necessary shuffling,
due to the FCC auction of the spectrum above 700 mHz, which will take
effect February 2009. Lectrosonics is no exception, making Block 27,
28, and 29 no longer available except by special order in 2008 and
entirely unavailable thereafter.
To compensate, Lectro will be expanding the blocks available on the
lower end of the spectrum. Blocks 19 and 20, pending FCC approval,
will roll out first quarter 2008, with a possibility of further
expansion later. In addition, more products will be added using block
944.
K-tek K-Zep Wind System
Someone emailed me yesterday asking if the K-Zep was a good lower cost alternative to the industry standard Rycote Zeppelin. If your unfamiliar with this product check it out HERE. I have owned one for about a year and use it regularly. It is well built and is $300.00 less than the Rycote one. It also is easy to take apart and is much more durable because it isn’t made of 100 percent plastic like the rycote one. I also like that its end caps are foam so they are quickly and easily removed and transported. I find the K-zep and Rycote both provide the same amount of wind protection as well. So check one out if you need a lower cost wind protection system.
The Reliability of the Tascam HD-P2 Hard Disk Recorder
A Fellow Sound Mixer recently had a major failure while recording which appears to be caused by the Compact Flash Card failing. You can view his posting HERE. It is important to realize that media failures are a major concern and often happen without warning. In this case the CF card failed not the unit. I always try and use high grade CF cards like Sandisk Ultra II cards. While they are a little more expensive I think they are worth the money but others may disagree. I have never had my Tascam Recorder fail on me in any situation and for the price of $700.00 it is tough to beat. SO if your looking for a recorder at this price point buy the tascam hd-p2 it will serve you well.
Importance of back up equipment
Your only as good as your last job and your equipment. Not having your equipment in proper working order and not having back up equipment is a quick way to get yourself in trouble. Even though the equipment of today is reliable things still break and need to be repaired. In an ideal world we would have two of everything we own, however this is cost prohibitive. So my way of having back up equipment is never to sell anything when I upgrade so within five years I now have 3 mixers, 5 wireless and 3 boom poles. This has also allowed me to rent gear as well, which creates a nice stream of extra income. So have back up gear it is a solid investment
Cheaper Lav Clip Options
During my last job I lost a few black lav tie clips. So I called Trew Audio to order some and was shocked that a single black Countryman EMW tie clip was $15.34 which is over priced so I found these at BH Video LINK at $3.00 each they appear to be the exact same as the $15.34 ones I hope they are as well.
Pro Location Sound LLC 