I just got kicked out for using the wrong mics. What did I do wrong?

And on the flip/side of the coin...

Jarred, not that this is the case, but maybe the client saw some of your other postings on forums asking questions about which mics you should buy and other basic audio questions, and figured maybe you were too green for their level of production?

Remember clients read these forums too.

Good Luck!

Dave
 
You don't specify what tools a plumber has. If they Googled an antique Neumann or STC, as in Alan Parsons standard kit for miking up drums, would they sack him for using an older mic?

Contracts sometimes specify equipment, but if they don't, then you did nothing wrong, and if you are up to it - I'd sue them for breaking the contract.

You chose the 416 as the most appropriate microphone. Any competent lawyer will cite the major broadcasters and movie makers to show that new and expensive does not mean 'best'.

Total jerks!
 
mustangranch99 said:
Since the contract didn't stipulate specifics microphones, they're saying it was our obligation to bring the best and we're at fault.
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This is hilarious, he's either just an ass, or rather most likely an ass, and/or has zero concept of contracts. contracts only cover what's IN the contract, not what isn't. if something isn't clear or nonspecific in a contract, it's not part of the contract, and in this case from what you're saying there wasn't anything in the contract about what kind of equipment at all was being brought, so this whole obligation thing is frankly incompetent.

im leaning as well towards they found a better price or whatnot. Your lawyer should give them a breach of contract fee if they really want to hire someone else.

and i wouldn't worry about it, sounds like your boss is the cucumber here and sees the BS for what it is. you could ask him what he thinks of the whole situation and if he doesn't know about microphones you could mention it's one of the most widely used mics in modern history.

And there is another way to have dealt with this initially to call BS on them; since they decided to make this all about the microphone... just say fine: we'll bring the mic that you requested, and just rent it. if they say it should have already been done, remind them that you told the office which mic you were bringing, and you can of course only make accommodations if notified in advance.

but chances are they'd still just keep screaming and whatnot. this is why it's also a good idea to know about rental houses in the area, so when this director first starts complaining, you can just look at him and say: there's a rental company X miles from here, if you really want that specific mic, i'll go get it and it'll take X minutes to do so. but keep in mind that if i were to have you listen to a handful of recordings by both of these mics side by side, you will NOT be able to pick which is which.
 
As a semi-corollary, I did once have a small-budget niche market client start flipping out when I began setting up a GH2 for an interview shoot. I simply referenced him to the national interview spot with the Hall-of-Fame linebacker on the reel he reviewed to hire me, shot with the very same gear... "equipment is getting smaller and more capable every day." A teachable moment, as they say.
 
The good news is you not working with this bozo. He is completely full of BS.

Having worked with some of the crazies in the world, I can tell you that it doesn't get better. Once you see they are crazy you need to run, not walk, to the nearest exit and not look back. Since the bozo breached the contract you get to depart with out having to work with them at all.
 
Yeah... I use the 416 all the time (but I'm old). When you're ready to get rid of them for the newer 'industry standard', I'll gladly take them off your hands.
$50.00 a piece should be good....right? :beer:

No, really, that guy is cracked. The 416 is a GREAT mic and has been for many years. Don't beat yourself up over this.
FYI...MANY voice over artist still swear by this mic (I personally know a few).
 
May I ask the op what type of project this was? eg. was it a high end full post production shoot going into a Dolby certified mixing suite etc. Where exactly did the clients latest and greatest "requirement" hit his own budget wall? If you can show him to be inconsistent..you have a decent argument.
 
Noiz2 said:
The good news is you not working with this bozo. He is completely full of BS.

Having worked with some of the crazies in the world, I can tell you that it doesn't get better. Once you see they are crazy you need to run, not walk, to the nearest exit and not look back. Since the bozo breached the contract you get to depart with out having to work with them at all.
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This post is just full to the brim with wisdom.

The moment you identify anyone as toxic, crazy, etc., GET AWAY FROM THEM. And don't look back. Noiz2 hit the nail on the head.
 
I totally agree. The client's ego is totally out of control and the mistake is **absolutely** on their end. Maybe he should ask his secretary to run audio.

Too bad you can't post their name so we can flame him --- who was that guy who recently pranked Twitter with an imaginary exchange with a temperamental airline passenger?
 
I completely agree with John and Noiz The 416 is still a current "standard" mic used by many professionals all over the world.

It's a good thing you aren't on the project because then you'd have to work with this person, but you should be compensated in some way. What if you had turned down other gigs for this job and then this happens? I'm no lawyer, but I would imagine something could be done. Too bad you can't sue people for being complete jerks.
 
On "another forum" they have a "members only" section where you can post client rants and sensitive things like that and only site members can see those posts. Also those posts are somehow "immune" to coming up in google searches. Maybe dvxuser could implement something like that for more sensitive material you wouldnt want publicly visible?

on topic, yeah this is what i refer to as "craigslist-level" bullshit and makes me reconsider my life decisions and getting into this industry when these types if things happen to me.
 
Wow, this sounds very familiar - I've dealt with "esteemed clients" like that several times. Many people have already said this but it bears repeating - you're actually lucky to not have to work with this guy. The 416 is still an amazing sounding mic and unlike cameras, mics don't change that much.

But, I will add one piece of advice that I haven't seen - make sure your deal memos and contracts specify exactly what equipment you will bring to the shoot so there can be no ambiguity. I've been on shoots where the contract didn't include any wireless, and then I show up and they want to know where the wireless mics are, or monitors, or whatever it might be. I make sure they know what they are paying for and what they are not up front. Had you done this, when he started ranting you could have very calmly looked at him and asked, "Did you read the contract you signed?" :-)
 
I see people getting good sound out of old, inexpensive, and sometimes cheap equipment when they dedicate a lot to it. Sounds like that guy wanted any excuse to change things around. I wouldn't worry and just keep trucking along. The best sound person I ever met told me it's not what you use it's how you use it. Sure enough he always ha good sound no matter what he used.
 
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