No More Bs - Here Is What You Need!!!

I've been lurking on these boards for several weeks now and after reviewing I don't know how many threads, I think I may have an under $1000 sound package that will work for me. If anyone is interested in taking a look at it and letting me know if I'm missing something crucial, I would very much appreciate it. One note, I will be plugging my mic directly into my DVX100A for the time being, so I won't be buying a mixer. Anyway, here's my list. Flame away if you must, but any constructive criticism would be great. One more note, I'll be filming mostly indoors, short narrative films.

(1) Oktava MK012 Hypercardiod Mic
(1) Gitzo 557C Boom Pole
(1) Rycote Baby Ball Gag 20mm
(1) Rycote Windjammer for Baby Ball Gag
(1) K-Tek K-SSM with soft bands
(1) Sony MDR-7506 Headphones
(1) Audio Technica Shoe Mount
(1) Canara 25' XLR Cable
(1) Shure A15HP High Pass Filter
 
I like your list. If anything I'd consider either the K-Tek KE-110cc boom or the Gitzo g7680c boom. That depends on what is more important to you... the convenience of internal coil cable or the extra length of the Gitzo. For actual quality of construction I think the K-Tek is best anyway... so if you must spend the least possible and 9' is enough then I'd get the Aluminum K-Tek without the cable in that length.

That's the only thing I can find to criticise on that list... it looks good to me.
 
Not to disagree with Matt, but I really think that your list is missing a shotgun mic. I know you said that you would be primarily shooting short films in doors, but it is for those occassions that you are not shooting in doors that I would recommend investing in a shotgun just to have that tool in your case. You could add something like the Rode or the AT897 for $300 and save yourself a world of hurt later on. For an indoors kit, it looks good though.
 
I think he's asking if this is a good kit to start with... and not an "end all audio solution". Since he's wanting to stay under $1K I figured I was pushing it even suggesting the boom upgrade... but I didn't even mention shotguns because we're already at it on $.

Lot's of times I like to encourage good choices even though it's not a complete list... a package like that will make this guy fall in love with sound. He'll then commit more to a shotgun, and probably a wireless, later. Once he hears how good the sound is that he gets with that list he'll probably choose a better shotgun then he would have bought as part of that package now.

It's like fishing... and I like to see a package that I think will get somebody hooked.
 
I'm not disagreeing with you Matt, but in my opinion with $1000 to spend, I would go about things a little differently. If I had just $1000 to work with to start out I would most likely get the: SE300b, CK93, CK98 (we're at $650), the Gitzo pole ($200), one of your cables ($50), actually, scratch that... I've done the math... For $1000 that is a nice package that, as Matt said before I openned my big mouth, should get you set up nicely.

If you have $1500 then I'll chime in, otherwise, yeah, this should work well...
 
The reason I like that package so much is because there isn't anything he's missing to make that mic work really well. I see so many people saving money on the windscreen or shockmount that I like seeing this guy prioritizing that stuff. Unless you break it, that mount and windprotection will never be outdated... and neither will the mic for that matter... even when we're all using an HVX.

There is always an urge to put the bulk of your budget into the mic itself... to me that is like a hunter spending every penny on a gun and not having money left for the scope, or buying a really cool looking used car that needs a lot of work, or buying a big house that you can't afford to furnish, or... well, you get the idea.

He can get a 4073a later... or AKG for that matter.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys. Matt, I may end up going with the Gitzo 7680c. I had originally picked that one but wasn't certain if I needed that much length. Also, a good shotgun mic and lav package is definitely on my list in the near future. I'm thinking about an AT-4073A and a Countryman B3.

The only thing that ticks me off is why don't Adorama, B&H, EVS and Trew have those Walmart-style super-holiday discounts!
 
$219 for the G7680c is pretty cheap. Somebody on these boards mentioned getting a KE-110cc for $196... and that's dirt cheap also. After you use a real pole for just ONE day you'll think the price was a bargain. It's the convenience and speed of adjustment, portability, feel of both the pole and collars, effectiveness of the tool, and the overall look of quality. I love both my K-Tek and Gitzo poles... It's one of those things that seems expensive when you have your wallet open, but makes you smile with satisfaction every time you use it.
 
Equipment for low budget

Equipment for low budget

Hi guys

I have been doing sound for over 30 years and I have all the pro equipment.

That being said I know that some people have to start somewhere.

A good resource about low budget equipment and info is Equipment Emporium in Mission Hills CA.

http://www.equipmentemporium.com/
 
i think that dvx user archive is much better place to start, since you can get negative feed backs as well :-)
 
MattinSTL said:
$219 for the G7680c is pretty cheap. Somebody on these boards mentioned getting a KE-110cc for $196... and that's dirt cheap also.
Click to expand...

Get the Ktek 110cc here for 195.00, shipping is real cheap as well.

http://www.enggadgets.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.2249/it.A/id.3446/.f

Ktek KSSM shockmount - 98.00 - Location Sound

For later

AT-4073A - 499.00
Rycote softie (when you buy your AT4073A) - 97.00
Both at Location sound in North Hollywood

Sennheiser EW112PG2 - 419.00 - northernsound.net
Sennheiser SK500G2 Plug on transmitter w/phantom power - 360.00 - northernsound.net
Sound Devices 302 mixer - 1150.00 at cascademedia.net
 
I've had fantastic service at Location Sound every time I've bought from them... I had no idea their prices were that good on those items.

I bought a Lectro system from them a couple years ago and the shipping was delayed by something like 3 extra days... some mistake with filing my order... they called me and appologized for the mistake, let me know the order was on the way... and sent me a BIG box of 9v ProCells at no charge. That's service. Then I crossed my fingers that they'd have another problem next time, but they always handled my orders perfectly from then on.
 
For Location Sound, you need to ask for those prices. You may be able to get it lower than above. You will be surprised how much you can save if you just ask. What's the maxim, "It never hurts to ask"
 
My best kit that wont give trouble down the line, and will handle ANY small scale (ie TV field work/short film) situation:

Sound Devices 302 Mixer /w Return Cable
Ultrasone HFI500 Headphones
Canford Audio Cables Throughout

Audio Technica AT4073a Short Rifle with Rycote Softy and Pistol Grip
Oktava M012 Hyper with Baby Ball Gag and Shock Mount

Lectrosonics wireless (guys whats the best entry level but still pro lectro kit - two transmitters, and receiver/s?)
2 Countryman EMW Shelved Mics for the Lectro Kit
1 Audio Technica AT899 Cabled as a backup/Alternative Lav

1 RE50 in matte black for handheld interviews

1 Internally cabled boom - your preference, based on length and weight.

And thats what I'm aiming for at the moment. I have most of it, but the rest, like the Lectros, I still need. As a relatively new hand at location sound, and working in a rental driven industry here in SA, this gear is what I have found will cost the least, and not ever have you wanting to replace it. When I say cost least, I know its expensive, but not at expensive as working your way up from cr@ppy gear to this stuff.
 
you can pick demo r-400 ( exacly as ucr400a) but for rack ( working 12 v dc as well0with lm tx for 1000$- less then g2 500 :-)
 
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