Minimum requirement(s) for documentary project?

Thought I'd give a quick update to all those who gave advice. I got a bit more money budgeted for the project so went with suggestions on this board. Here's the sound combo for my documentary project:

Mics & Accessories
- Sanken CS-3e w/ foam windscreen - $1200 (ditched the ME66 at EVERYONE'S suggestion)
- Rycote Softie (18cm small hole) for outdoors - $110
- (2) Sennheiser G2 Evolution wireless mic systems - $400 each

Mixer & Accessories
- Sound Devices 302 Mixer - $1200
- 12' Audio Snake (Dual XLR Cable - Mixer to Camera) - included with mixer
- Petrol PSDMB-302 Mixer Bag - $135

Other Accessories
- Gitzo GB3560 12.5' Carbon Fiber Boompole - $270
- K-Tek KSM Shockmount w/ Ultra Soft Suspenders - $120
- Audio Technica 20' Right Angle XLR Cable - $20

That's it for now. I've really gotten into the sound aspect of filming (thanks to you all) and I can see how much of a difference it makes on the overall 'quality' of the picture. I'm hoping this equipment will last me and serve me well over these next 10 months.

I'll keep updating (and asking questions I'm sure) periodically. But don't worry, I'll use the 'Search' first...:grin:
 
Sounds like you got a good setup for now, my only suggestion would be better mics for the g2's. But it sounds like you've made some good long term investments. Have fun and keep us posted.
 
more like the next 10 years, not 10 months.

Great Job picking!!

Trew only sells the kssm with soft bands.

I second the call to replace the me2 stock g2 lavs with countryman emw as a minimum or countryman b6 or sanken cos11 if you can spring (wired for g2!).
 
replace the rycote for complete zeppeline from k-tek ,then you dont need suspention as it comes with
the petrol 302 is nice , but im quit sure you will like something bigger to place other stuff inside as well .
about lavaliers - replace the **** which comes with sennheiser , emw is the best choice ( shelved) for not expencive microphones.
12 feet snake is not enouth at least 5-6 meters , extention cable is also something to consider .
 
Very nice basic package. In addition to Mike and Oleg's points I would suggest a hyper mic (Oktava will suffice), a boom stand, some extra cables (these do go bad and nothing will ruin your day quicker then your production halted for lack of a $20 cable), a Pelican type case to carry your equipment, and make sure to have tons of batteries and misc expendables; mole skin, gaff tape, Topstick, etc.






Oh yeah, you might want a headphone or two :)
 
Thanks guys. Good suggestions. A couple answers:

replace the rycote for complete zeppeline from k-tek ,then you dont need suspention as it comes with
Click to expand...
Already got the Softie. I understand what you are saying though. Most of my work (90%) is indoors so it shouldn't matter much. But I will upgrade in the future that direction. I've already got the K-Tek Zeppelin on my list

the petrol 302 is nice , but im quit sure you will like something bigger to place other stuff inside as well
Click to expand...
I just plan on using the Petrol for the SD302, the shotgun, and the 2 wireless lav systems. I have other bags for camera gear. Hopefully, this will work.

about lavaliers - replace the shi* which comes with sennheiser , emw is the best choice ( shelved) for not expencive microphones
Click to expand...
This is next on my list of 'upgrades'. Just out of funds at the moment.

12 feet snake is not enouth at least 5-6 meters
Click to expand...
What's the best place to buy a 5-6 meter snake? I haven't seen one. I thought 12' sounded short.

extention cable is also something to consider.
Click to expand...
For connecting the XLR cable to the mic on a boom?

wabbit, got the headphones and the case, batteries, etc.
 
where is the best place to buy?- in Israel of course :-)- same what you pay locally , my friend does excellent job, i can check it for you , and you get another meter or 2 {canare cable , more for lighter German one)
extension cable - to extend the snake -usually if you work on drama you don't want drag after the camera on every shot
 
no problem , what kind of camera connector return you like
mini jack , mini jack + female mini ,rca outs
or mini jack+ additional rca to femail so you can get the direct rca returns and live the headphones out for camera man
 
Oleg 2 said:
no problem , what kind of camera connector return you like
mini jack , mini jack + female mini ,rca outs
or mini jack+ additional rca to femail so you can get the direct rca returns and live the headphones out for camera man
Click to expand...

Let me tell you what I've got and maybe you can help advise what is best:

1. Sony V1U camcorder - 2 XLR inputs with mini-jack headphone output
2. Sound Devices 302 mixer
3. (2) Sony MDR-7506 headphones with mini jack or phono plug

The mini jack + additional rca female adapter would allow BOTH the camera man AND the sound guy (the guy on the mixer & boom) to hear the actual sound from the camera, correct? If so, that would be best I think.

It's hard for me to picture the setups you describe, but hopefully you can understand what I'm saying.
 
does the v1 u have rca outs for audio or it as z-1 with the extar mini 4 pin ( incl video and audio)?, i didnt work with that one yet
 
ok its the mini like on z-1 , i will ask him if he does have the connector to make audio and video output short cable , so you can hook the return and video monitor
 
prices for canare snake cable
regular 5 meter + 25 cm tail no parallel headphone out - 175 usd
6.5 meter cable - 50 cm tail+ additional( parallel headphones out , curly right angle mini jack - 190usd
extension - 10 meter - 120 usd .
av audio plug - to 1 rca female ( live longer then bnc female on cable)+ 1 mini jack femail -15 usd ( free if you take the extention as well )
shipping - 25 usd for first kg , 8 usd for each
 
Oleg 2 said:
prices for canare snake cable
regular 5 meter + 25 cm tail no parallel headphone out - 175 usd
6.5 meter cable - 50 cm tail+ additional( parallel headphones out , curly right angle mini jack - 190usd
extension - 10 meter - 120 usd .
av audio plug - to 1 rca female ( live longer then bnc female on cable)+ 1 mini jack femail -15 usd ( free if you take the extention as well )
shipping - 25 usd for first kg , 8 usd for each
Click to expand...

Oleg,

Thanks for the quotes. I've got them saved. I just want to wait until the rest of my gear arrives to see what I REALLY need. The 6.5m cable combo looks very tempting though!

I'll be in touch soon with regards to this offer...

Thanks!
 
Oleg,

Just received the Sanken CS-3e. Haven't had much chance to test yet but I did want to ask your opinion on one thing.

Do always use the high pass filter on the mic? Or do you use it for specific situations only? I believe the default is ON, but I'm not sure.

Thanks.
 
I use it only if i don't have enough protection from the wind - otherwise off
the mic doesn't have proximity effect so you don't need it for low fq compensation as well .
if you use the mixer , cut the low on 80 hz for dialog
 
Oleg 2 said:
I use it only if i don't have enough protection from the wind - otherwise off
the mic doesn't have proximity effect so you don't need it for low fq compensation as well .
if you use the mixer , cut the low on 80 hz for dialog
Click to expand...

Thanks. That's what I was thinking. By the way, rest of my setup arrives today. I'll let you know soon on that camera snake. One question:

The 6.5 meter snake can be set up with a 'headphone return', correct? In other words, a cable that allows the boom op to hear the sound FROM the camera?
 
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