What should I get to complete my gear?

[Guils]

Hi

I'm a sound person (sound mixer + boom op) who is still relatively new to the business (been doing that for 2-3 years now) and I was wondering what should I invest in to try to complete my gear.

Most of the time, I'm doing documentary, short films, TV shows (1 host + 1 or 2 "guests"), small TV ads, etc. Nothing really big for now but I want to be ready for anything when the phone starts to ring.

I already own a SD302 mixer, SD702T recorder, MKH416 shotgun mic, boom, suspension (Rycote Softie, I'm ordering the Rycote Windshield Kit4 when the next paycheck comes in...) and, well, that's it. What should be the next step?

I hesitate between buying :

- 1 hypercadioid mic (either Sennheiser MKH 50 or MKH 8050)
- 1 Lectrosonic wireless kit (with a good lav like Sanken COS11 or TRAM)
- 2 Sennheiser G3 wireless kits

So, in your opinion, what should be my priority? Hyper? Wireless kit? Something else?
BTW, I was looking to spend between 1500-2000$ (more or less) and I want something that's gonna last me for a while.

Thanks.

 

[gpforet]

Wireless...more and more directors are asking for multiple camera shots, or choosing only a wide, and the only way to get coverage is with lavs. I currently have 3 sennheiser g3 with Oscar Soundtech 801s and more and more lately I find my boom sitting against the wall while I mix multiple wireless lavs because the shot will not support a boom. I'm running a PSC Alphamix iso tracked into a tascam DR-680 and so far the directors and editors are happy. I do mostly indie shorts and a few low budget features. I also carry a boatload of sound blankets, stands, a Sennheiser ME-80/K3 in a Rycote Wind Protection system blimp with Lyre suspension as well as a Avantone CK-1 with hyper cap. More and more it's my wireless lavs that are getting the workout while my very nice sounding ME-80 and CK-1 sit idle. As much as I'd like to buy Lectros or Zaxcom, the G3s have been doing the trick and I plan on adding a few more channels for camera hop and IFB feeds.

 

[drapeama]

Wireless...more and more directors are asking for multiple camera shots, or choosing only a wide, and the only way to get coverage is with lavs.

Talking about lavs, you can always rely on external recorders: simple to sync and way cheaper to get more. Just a suggestion.

 

[ullanta]

No offense, but, why would you ask US? You've been doing this for years... you should know what you're lacking, and what your market needs. Are you turning down gigs 'cause you can't handle them? Get what it takes to handle them. Are you not being hired because of some lack? Address the lack. Have you gotten negative feedback? Are you displeased with your own results?

If you're doing this as a hobby, sure, ask away and get the semi-relevant deluge of answers and arguments you'll get here. But if you're trying to run a business, analyze your market and your current barriers to further success, and address those in the most effective manner you can. Never buy something just 'cause it's there (in business)... buy what advances your business plan only when you're sure it will generate more business.