New To Audio? - Read This First Please

However, there seem to be several kits available, and I just want to know how many channels the receiver handles. I would really like a pair of lapels and a wireless handheld, but will the receiver handle it? And about the butt plugs, will they work on a dynamic mic?
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The Senn G2 kits come in 3 different frequency bands. Each frequency band has more than enough frequencies to switch to so you can find a free one to transmit on.

But what I think you are asking is how many different sources can be received by a given receiver at any one time. The answer is ONE. So you can have one lapel (lavaliere/lav) mic or one dynamic mic hooked up to the "butt plug" transmitter. If you want to use a condensor mic (that needs phantom power), you need to upgrade to the 500 series "butt plug" plug on transmitter, or use a separate mic preamplifier or phantom power box between the mic and the transmitter.

There are wireless receivers that will receive two channels, but they cost a LOT more.
 
Hi, I have a quick question.

I've currently set myself up with the #1 Kit you're talking about (Audio Technica AT55 Shotgun Microphone, Painters Pole, 1/8" to 1/4" converter, 1/4" to XLR converter) Everything works fine but the problem is that I recieve a low audio signal. I have to turn the input volume all the way up on my DVX100A. Is the DB level low because of all the converting going on? or is there another problem?
 
Thanks Joe, I was beginning to feel like I should have known the obvious answer about channels, but couldn't find anything to verify it. Yes, I am looking at being able to use more than one mic. Can you toss me a few models/ball park prices on receivers I should be looking at? And while you are being ever so helpful, how about manufacturer/model for a mic preamp? I wouldn't know what one was if it bit me on the @$$...
 
Hmm.. I can honestly say I'm not sure I know what you're talking about.. att switched on?? Is this an actual little switch or a setting within one of the menus.. if so, where? any information would be appreciated...
 
In terms of stereo wireless receivers, one that is often mentioned is the Zaxcom

http://www.trewaudio.com/store/home.php?cat=119

As you can see, it is a little pricey, at $3775. Needless to say, I've never used one, but I hear they're great. You might just consider having two wireless receivers.

As to pre-amps, you can either
a) use the built in ones on the DVX. They're not as good as separate pre-amps, but they're not all that bad either (for dialogue),

b) Get a decent mixer, like a Sound Devices 302
http://www.trewaudio.com/store/home.php?cat=49
The pre-amps in there are pretty good.

c) Get a single channel pre-amp, like the Sound Devices MM-1
http://sounddevices.com/products/mm1master.htm
Less expensive than a 302, but only one channel. Very useful for a boom operator, as it also has a headphone jack on it.
 
Thanks Jeremy, this info was incredibly helpful, but I do have two questions...

1. Where can I buy this stuff (specifically Kits 3&6)? I've looked online but I haven't found it anywhere.

2. I am also a documentary filmmaker- what is a good lav to buy that won't break the bank?

Thanks!!
 
SweetSiren,

Regarding lavs, there are two ways to answer the question you've posted - literally, and, based on intuition, the real question - which is more to do with wireless.

Lavs (wired and/or wireless), in order of MY preference:

1. Countryman B6
2. Countryman B3
3. Sanken COS-11
4. Countryman EMW
5. Sennheiser MKE2 (not the ME2 or ME4 that come with the G2, these are crap)
6. DPA (not sure the model number on this one)

A lot will depend on your usage. If you need to hide a lav in plain site, you can't do better than the B6. The B3 is the slightly larger, lower-priced cousin to the B6 and is THE standard for theatrical micing (usually over an ear or in the middle of the forehead, and usually in plain site). Many arguments have been had over the difference between the COS11 and the B6 in terms of quality - usually with a slight nod towards the COS11 in terms of audio quality, but it is slightly larger and harder to hide.

If you search, there is a thread where I posted A/B comparisons of the B6, the EMW and the ME2. The EMW is generally considered the lowest cost lav with acceptable performance, but it is larger and not as easily hidden.

If you're looking for a wireless comparison - please do a search. Quick summary is that the G2 is considered the lowest cost acceptable wireless option - but Lectrosonics 2xx and 4xx series are really the standard, and Zaxcom is the best (but, for example, the Zaxcom will set you back $4000 for the Tx and the Rx, and this does not even include a microphone).

HTH,

Phil
 
Alrighty, here's my own little custom package. What I'm asking is for the kindest soul here to prove it by telling me what I'm missing, what I've got mismatched and where I can get what I have listed and whatever I'm missing cheaper with exact links [as finding the right measurements for accessories has just been a headache consuming far too much time]. I can offer little other than a picture of me smiling in return.

AT4073 Mic Kit - AT4073; SM3 Shock Mount; 1.5' angled XLR cable - $569.95
AKG Blue Line Series Mic Kit - SE300B power module; CK93 hypercardioid capsule - $478.00
Rycote 12cm medium hole softie [for 4073] - $110.00
Canare Star-Quad (L-4E6S) black microphone cable with 3-PIN XLR male to 3-pin XLR female neutrik black/gold connectors - 25' - $39.95

total [with S&H]: $1,210.30
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I know a boom pole is missing; I will be borrowing a friend's until I can afford one myself around February or so. It also seems everyone here recommends a good BBG for the CK93 but I was unable to figure out which size I needed, so I need help there.

I will be needing everything I need other than a boom pole. So much thanks in advance from 1 of 50,367,895 audio newbies. I've been learning an entirely new language since Friday when I found this site. It took me two days to figure out what BBG stood for.
 
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Just noticed this posting. Sorry Jason, people don't pay much attention to to recent postings on stickies.

Your kit is missing a shock mount and I would get the Ktek full zeppelin instead of the softie. Lastly, I would buy it from Coffey, Gotham, or Trew instead of B&H.

Cheers
 
Hi and welcome Jason. Stumbled on this - as Wabbit mentioned, posts to older threads often get missed. Congratulations, you've listed a very nice kit.

We use the AKG blue line series mics and are very happy with them. You'll want the 20mm BBG for your ck93. And to save you a little pain - the two hemispheres of the BBG twist apart to open - it's about 1/16th turn CCW with a very slight push. Really simple once you've done it once, just about everyone swears they're going to break it the first time <g>.

Next you'll wonder how the $#@ some little plastic gizmo like this can cost so much. Use it a few times and you'll understand it's because it's been coated with magic fairy dust that performs amazing feats.

Oh, and Mattin's cables are the best! (I need to order more...)

As for the rest, I wound up buying a lot of stuff from B&H (like the BBG) 'cause no one else had it listed on their website. Big mistake. Understand that all the other providers recommended in the forum have websites that suck. It's a real pain but call them anyway. Usually equal or better pricing and Waaay more knowledgable. There are also a LOT of really unscrupulous sellers out there. Best to ask here first.

Looking forward to seeing (and hearing) your work :beer:
 
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wabbit said:
Just noticed this posting. Sorry Jason, people don't pay much attention to to recent postings on stickies.

Your kit is missing a shock mount and I would get the Ktek full zeppelin instead of the softie. Lastly, I would buy it from Coffey, Gotham, or Trew instead of B&H.

Cheers
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The 4073 comes with a shockmount. Do I need to get another for the ck93? What kind?
 
Jason,

What shock mount does it come with? Probably not one that will work in a blimp situation. You might be able to use it for the ck93.

I use the AT 8415 shockmount with my Octava, with the k-tek rubbers rather than the stupid rubber band system the mount comes with. It works great and is super lightweight.

Phil
 
Oh, and 25' of cable is no where near enough. Order at least 100' in various lengths (maybe a 50' and 2 25' lengths). I find that I never have enough cables. There is always some additional use for them.

Phil
 
ptalsky said:
What shock mount does it come with? Probably not one that will work in a blimp situation. You might be able to use it for the ck93.
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SM3 Shock Mount


Also, where's the best place to get these Ktek Zeppelins?
 
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