Another Sound Mixer on RAMPS yesterday posted regarding how much lighter a Wendt X5 5 channel Mixer and 5 411a wireless are than a Sound Devices 442 and 4 411a. This is true however I think the Sound Devices mixer sounds alot better. For me I carry around a 442, 4 wireless, zaxcom hop and IFB all day with a weight of 22lbs and have zero back pain. Sometimes I am alittle stiff in the morning for a few mins but zero pain. I do this by using the smallest bag possible which in this case is a PEGZ-1F. Which everything is crammed into but by keeping the bag small and close to your body I believe this keeps back strain down. I also have a PEGZ-2 which I can add a hard disk recorder to if needed, which is rare for me. Using a sound harness that is extremely tight to your body also helps cut down on back strain. The only days I am really hurting are the days after having to do alot of boom operating while wearing the bag it is rough very rough sometimes on my shoulder but as they say” No Pain No gain” If this kind of work was easy everyone would do it. Also I only using this package on jobs that require it. Most of the year I use a 302 Mixer 2 or 3 wireless and a boom pole. I would gladly take a hit on equipment rental and save my back any day of the week.
Tag: Location Sound Mixer Atlanta georgia
Reality Show Sound nothing else like it
I wish went I was in film school starting in 2001 someone would have just sat me down for 1 hour and told me all the things it took me 4 years to figure out on my own. I guest lecture at the local film school in Savannah (SCAD) a few times a year and will reality tv here to stay they are still not telling students what they really need to know. It bothers me that a school that charges close to $80,000 for a 4 year degree only teaches students how to work on feature films and high budget productions which we all know is not where they will start working. The program should focus on things like how to lav 5 people in 5 minutes while a producer is yelling at you or how to make sure you get paid correctly. Sometimes it makes me want to teach so I can do this but then I realize I would get frustrated dealing with green sound and film kids everyday.
Been Busy shooting
Sorry for the lack of posting I have been working on a new Reality show as the Head Sound Mixer We are 2 episodes into a full season of episodes. It is also nice that the whole show takes place in Savannah Ga so I can sleep in my own bed every night, which is great. The package that I have been using has also been working great as well. It consists of the following:
Sound Devices 442 4 Channel Mixer
(3) Lectrosonics 211 Wireless with 250 1/4 watt tx
(3) Countryman EMW Lav’s
Zaxcom Eng Wireless camera hop
Senneheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Microphone
Comtek IFB tx and 3 Receivers
Petrol PEZ-1 Bag
Overall the size and weight of this package has kept me fast and compact allowing me to get great audio. I will post more about the show and my approach later.
Zaxcom Hop Mounting Option
Someone sent me a email asking how to effectively mount a Zaxcom ENG Transmitter on a camera. It is a loaded question:
If your shooting on a fullsize camera (Beta, Digideta HD Cam) it is fairly easy:
You can either use a Bec Box, Saddle Bag or if the camera takes V-mount batteries you can just put V-mount plate on the Zaxcom Hop
If your shooting on a small format Camera (Hvx-200, Dvx-100) It is a bit harder:
If the shoot is mostly handheld or all handheld most operators use a shoulder mount rig of some type. These rigs usually have a mounting plate on the bag, which I usually mount the Zaxcom on sideways so that the operator doesn’t get poked in the head by antennas all day. The best way to mount it to the plate is velcro, and usually a small bit of gaffer tape to keep the excess cables and connects secure. It is simple and easy for battery changes you get about 6 hours if you use lithium AA.
If the operator is hand held with no rig. Then a waist/ fanny pack is the only other option. Most operators hate this method but you have to do it. So I hope this answers your questions.
New Audio Mixer
On the more Prosumer side there is a new small beachtek like audio product now available call “Juicedlink“. They offer a couple of different audio interfaces for video camera from a 2 channel passive unit for $173.00 to a 4 channel mixer for $569.00. They also have a demo video on there website that shows the different noise floors of beachtek products vs the juicedlink products. The juicedlink products out preform the beachtek products in these tests. So check out the Juicedlink website and check out there products they may offer a solution to your problems if you need a affordable easy to use interface for your camera. However hiring a Location Sound Mixer is always a better option
Pro Location Sound LLC 