BLUESPIDER
DVXuser Ninja
If money wasn't an issue, what would be the ideal setup with out overkilling?
Another question is, what do the "big" boys use?
thanks
Another question is, what do the "big" boys use?
thanks
What would be the ultimate sound gear for film production location?
- Thread starter BLUESPIDER
- Start date
Dean Miller
New member
you need to give more perimeters.
we helped modify a well-known mixer's setup recently that i consider a pretty killer combo that accomplishes a lot. i'll leave out all the individual boom mics, lavs, boom poles, wireless etc. and just focus on the main stuff:
Primary recorder: Zaxcom Deva V
Arguably the best multi-track recorder out today and the only one with a color touch-screen interface which has very bright, visible metering (the geek in me loves that). Not very bag-friendly but perfect on a cart. Features 8 mic pre's, 8 channels of digital audio (on AES) providing a total of 16 simultaneous mix tracks and 10 record tracks. Optional built-in DVD-RAM burner for dumping off your dailies and external FireWire drive support for back up hard drive or external DVD-RAM drive. capable of 24bit/192kHz, writes broadcast wave files, 10-second pre-record buffer, DC powered, all the usuals. Now the 5.8 version comes with inbuilt Compact Flash drive, DVD-RAM comes standard, and price is reduced over $1,000. Not too shabby.
Mixer: Zaxcom Deva-12 (in addition to a RME ADI-4 DD dual format converter)
This is a high quality digital mixing interface specifically designed for the Deva IV or V (and eventually 5.8). It features a QWERTY keypad on the top corner for naming your Deva sessions and files, 3 band EQ, soft knee compressor and remote control of basic Deva functions such as record and stop. Connects via one cable to the Deva - eliminating the need for 6, 8 or even 10 analog connections. It also gives you 12 hardware faders to control 12 tracks on the Deva. Faders 1- 8 control analog inputs 1 - 8 on the Deva, and faders 9 - 12 control digital inputs 1 - 4 on the Deva (accessed through the D-Sub 15 pin AES connector on the left side of the machine) so you can actually utilize all 12 faders at once with a combination of analog and digital inputs and the appropriate software routing. Heck yes!
Back up recorder: Metacorder software running on a Mac Book Pro, via a RME FireFace 400
I love RME and have been praising their virtues for years and I'm excited to see the production audio industry catching on, now that things are getting more and more digital. Metacorder is capable of basically unlimited tracks, just depends on your hardware interface. The RME is capable of 54 channels of audio through a combination of XLR, 1/4", SPDIF and ADAT inputs. That makes for a very powerful backup recorder combination that can not only duplicate the Deva's 10 record tracks, but allow for extraneous recording such as ambience, sound FX etc. in fact I like this combination so much that I might even recommend it as the primary recorder, except for the fact it's not the most rugged or versatile setup in the world (the laptop is still the monkey wrench, but eventually I see this changing).
suffice to say the rest of his rig was top notch with a Lectro Venue system, off-road ATV, and Sennheiser boom mics. if you saw the show he mixed for two seasons, you'd understand why that ATV was completely necessary
Primary recorder: Zaxcom Deva V
Arguably the best multi-track recorder out today and the only one with a color touch-screen interface which has very bright, visible metering (the geek in me loves that). Not very bag-friendly but perfect on a cart. Features 8 mic pre's, 8 channels of digital audio (on AES) providing a total of 16 simultaneous mix tracks and 10 record tracks. Optional built-in DVD-RAM burner for dumping off your dailies and external FireWire drive support for back up hard drive or external DVD-RAM drive. capable of 24bit/192kHz, writes broadcast wave files, 10-second pre-record buffer, DC powered, all the usuals. Now the 5.8 version comes with inbuilt Compact Flash drive, DVD-RAM comes standard, and price is reduced over $1,000. Not too shabby.
Mixer: Zaxcom Deva-12 (in addition to a RME ADI-4 DD dual format converter)
This is a high quality digital mixing interface specifically designed for the Deva IV or V (and eventually 5.8). It features a QWERTY keypad on the top corner for naming your Deva sessions and files, 3 band EQ, soft knee compressor and remote control of basic Deva functions such as record and stop. Connects via one cable to the Deva - eliminating the need for 6, 8 or even 10 analog connections. It also gives you 12 hardware faders to control 12 tracks on the Deva. Faders 1- 8 control analog inputs 1 - 8 on the Deva, and faders 9 - 12 control digital inputs 1 - 4 on the Deva (accessed through the D-Sub 15 pin AES connector on the left side of the machine) so you can actually utilize all 12 faders at once with a combination of analog and digital inputs and the appropriate software routing. Heck yes!
Back up recorder: Metacorder software running on a Mac Book Pro, via a RME FireFace 400
I love RME and have been praising their virtues for years and I'm excited to see the production audio industry catching on, now that things are getting more and more digital. Metacorder is capable of basically unlimited tracks, just depends on your hardware interface. The RME is capable of 54 channels of audio through a combination of XLR, 1/4", SPDIF and ADAT inputs. That makes for a very powerful backup recorder combination that can not only duplicate the Deva's 10 record tracks, but allow for extraneous recording such as ambience, sound FX etc. in fact I like this combination so much that I might even recommend it as the primary recorder, except for the fact it's not the most rugged or versatile setup in the world (the laptop is still the monkey wrench, but eventually I see this changing).
suffice to say the rest of his rig was top notch with a Lectro Venue system, off-road ATV, and Sennheiser boom mics. if you saw the show he mixed for two seasons, you'd understand why that ATV was completely necessary
here's my dream setup:
Primary recorder: Zaxcom Deva 5.8
Mixer: Sonosax SX-ST8/8D (8 digital outs option - lovely combo w/ the Deva)
Backup recorder: Laptop / RME FireFace 400 / Metacorder
Wireless: Audio Ltd 2040's
Camera send: Zaxcom TRX900 w/ STA100 stereo adapter, RX900S stereo receiver
RF boosters: Zaxcom Passive Antenna (sharkfins) w/ 75ohm RG8 cable
Boom: VDB Large Pole
Boom Mics: Neumann KMR81, Neumann KMR82, Schoeps CMIT5U, Sennheiser MKH50, Sennheiser MKH816
Lav Mics: DPA 4063s and 4061s, Sennheiser MKE Platinums, Sanken COS-11s
Headphones: Ultrasone HFI-700
IFB: Comtek BST-75 & PR75s
Sound cart: what the above-mentioned mixer used
Primary recorder: Zaxcom Deva 5.8
Mixer: Sonosax SX-ST8/8D (8 digital outs option - lovely combo w/ the Deva)
Backup recorder: Laptop / RME FireFace 400 / Metacorder
Wireless: Audio Ltd 2040's
Camera send: Zaxcom TRX900 w/ STA100 stereo adapter, RX900S stereo receiver
RF boosters: Zaxcom Passive Antenna (sharkfins) w/ 75ohm RG8 cable
Boom: VDB Large Pole
Boom Mics: Neumann KMR81, Neumann KMR82, Schoeps CMIT5U, Sennheiser MKH50, Sennheiser MKH816
Lav Mics: DPA 4063s and 4061s, Sennheiser MKE Platinums, Sanken COS-11s
Headphones: Ultrasone HFI-700
IFB: Comtek BST-75 & PR75s
Sound cart: what the above-mentioned mixer used
Only a couple of changes to the above -
1. I would go with Boom Recorder rather than Metacorder (see my previous posts on why I prefer BR vs. Metacorder).
2. I'd add a Cantar recorder for bag work - I love the look and design of that recorder.
3. I would also add Countryman B6's into the lav mix - again my feelings are well documented on this mic.
Phil
1. I would go with Boom Recorder rather than Metacorder (see my previous posts on why I prefer BR vs. Metacorder).
2. I'd add a Cantar recorder for bag work - I love the look and design of that recorder.
3. I would also add Countryman B6's into the lav mix - again my feelings are well documented on this mic.
Phil
i really need to play around with Boom Recorder. i keep hearing of guys changing over to that. what's your favorite thing about it?
re: cantar - the cantar is a beautiful machine featuring great components. i love the look of it on a cart with the cabling on top. and i've been impressed with the audio quality - near Nagra level. but i have to voice my distaste over a couple things (of course!)... i really find the metering to be counter-intuitive, removing and/or formatting the hard drive is a pain in the butt, and i'm not a fan of proprietary batteries. that said... it probably is the best multi-track recorder available for bag work. every machine you buy is a compromise in some way, right?
i never liked the Countryman B6 sound quality, but its versatility is pretty much unmatched right now. when Countryman has a B6-sized capsule with a wireless transmitters built in, then they may have a convert on their hands
(actually on a side note... one manufacturer springs to mind who was developing a true wireless lav... we might see that within the next couple of years)
re: cantar - the cantar is a beautiful machine featuring great components. i love the look of it on a cart with the cabling on top. and i've been impressed with the audio quality - near Nagra level. but i have to voice my distaste over a couple things (of course!)... i really find the metering to be counter-intuitive, removing and/or formatting the hard drive is a pain in the butt, and i'm not a fan of proprietary batteries. that said... it probably is the best multi-track recorder available for bag work. every machine you buy is a compromise in some way, right?
i never liked the Countryman B6 sound quality, but its versatility is pretty much unmatched right now. when Countryman has a B6-sized capsule with a wireless transmitters built in, then they may have a convert on their hands
(actually on a side note... one manufacturer springs to mind who was developing a true wireless lav... we might see that within the next couple of years)
saneproductions
Veteran
I would like to address the question:
"what would be the ideal setup with out overkilling? "
For me the answer is
SD302 or SD442 Mixer
SD744 or 722 Recorder
Remote Audio Snake and XLRs
Schoeps CMC6U w/ MK41 Super Capsule or AKG ULS w/CK63 hyper capsule (+BBG, Jammer and K-Tek KSSM)
Schoeps CMIT Shotgun or Sanken CS3e Shotgun (+ Zepplin, K-Tek KSM and softie)
K-Tek Graphite pole
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro Phones
Lectrosonics 400 series wireless
Sanken COS11 Lavs and Countryman B6 lavs (wired or wireless)
"what would be the ideal setup with out overkilling? "
For me the answer is
SD302 or SD442 Mixer
SD744 or 722 Recorder
Remote Audio Snake and XLRs
Schoeps CMC6U w/ MK41 Super Capsule or AKG ULS w/CK63 hyper capsule (+BBG, Jammer and K-Tek KSSM)
Schoeps CMIT Shotgun or Sanken CS3e Shotgun (+ Zepplin, K-Tek KSM and softie)
K-Tek Graphite pole
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro Phones
Lectrosonics 400 series wireless
Sanken COS11 Lavs and Countryman B6 lavs (wired or wireless)
i am pretty damn happy with my current setup...
mixer - sd 442
recorder - sd 744t
slate - denecke tc-3 illuminated red led timecode with indiglow type backlighting
mics
schoeps cmc6/mk41/cut1, schoeps cmit5u, sanken cs3e, sanken cub-01
wireless
lectrosonics 411a receivers and sm transmitters
wireless mics - a bunch of sanken cos-11's and i just got my first countryman b6 wired for sm only and i haven't had a chance to really try it out.
i have my cub-01 wired for lectro and xlr.
cabling besides the obvious...breakaway cable to camera (i had gotham modify it so i have a breakaway on both the camera end and the mixer end)
i have a duplex cable (from psc) with a nice blue box on the end so the boom op can plug the boom feed into the box and his/her headphones into the box.
i saw a nice box from remote audio at coffey the other day that looks like it does the same thing except it pulls off the signal from the boom mic and then has a headphone amp built into it...
i haven't tried this new box but in principle i really prefer that the boom signal goes unmolested from the boom mic to the mixer and then feed the boom-op their signal. i know it is another wire run or a fancier cable and all that but i don't want anything steping on the signal from the boom mic or any extraneous connections that i can avoid...
wireless antenna gear...i have the simple passive sna600 with the lectro one in two out passive splitter.
when i get enough 411a's i'll either get the rack mount kit they have or i'll sell the 411a's and get the new bag mountable venue setup.
boom poles
k-tek 152-ccr (right handed xlr exit so you can set down the boom)
gitzo non-wired carbon pole (my first pole and i keep it around. works great to hold the wireless antenna if i don't have a c-stand handy)
power for bag or cart...
BDSv2 power system - i have the np-1 battery cup going into the bds v2 and i have it feeding both the sd 442 and the sd 744t, plus the lectro 411a's with the two way splitter model, i also have one to feed my sd hx-3 headphone amp.
i also have a nice remote audio digital voltmeter and an led light on a gooseneck...plus a friend made me two custom things for the bds...one is a usb A female jack and the other is a plain old 12v female jack.
i have a deva V but i don't use it. i really prefer the 744t...
if i had the deva 5.8 and/or the mix-12 i might use the deva a lot more.
i'm going to the zaxcom bbq at coffey so maybe i'll get a chance to play with the mix 12 and fall in love with it. i keep meaning to get a board mixer.
matthew
mixer - sd 442
recorder - sd 744t
slate - denecke tc-3 illuminated red led timecode with indiglow type backlighting
mics
schoeps cmc6/mk41/cut1, schoeps cmit5u, sanken cs3e, sanken cub-01
wireless
lectrosonics 411a receivers and sm transmitters
wireless mics - a bunch of sanken cos-11's and i just got my first countryman b6 wired for sm only and i haven't had a chance to really try it out.
i have my cub-01 wired for lectro and xlr.
cabling besides the obvious...breakaway cable to camera (i had gotham modify it so i have a breakaway on both the camera end and the mixer end)
i have a duplex cable (from psc) with a nice blue box on the end so the boom op can plug the boom feed into the box and his/her headphones into the box.
i saw a nice box from remote audio at coffey the other day that looks like it does the same thing except it pulls off the signal from the boom mic and then has a headphone amp built into it...
i haven't tried this new box but in principle i really prefer that the boom signal goes unmolested from the boom mic to the mixer and then feed the boom-op their signal. i know it is another wire run or a fancier cable and all that but i don't want anything steping on the signal from the boom mic or any extraneous connections that i can avoid...
wireless antenna gear...i have the simple passive sna600 with the lectro one in two out passive splitter.
when i get enough 411a's i'll either get the rack mount kit they have or i'll sell the 411a's and get the new bag mountable venue setup.
boom poles
k-tek 152-ccr (right handed xlr exit so you can set down the boom)
gitzo non-wired carbon pole (my first pole and i keep it around. works great to hold the wireless antenna if i don't have a c-stand handy)
power for bag or cart...
BDSv2 power system - i have the np-1 battery cup going into the bds v2 and i have it feeding both the sd 442 and the sd 744t, plus the lectro 411a's with the two way splitter model, i also have one to feed my sd hx-3 headphone amp.
i also have a nice remote audio digital voltmeter and an led light on a gooseneck...plus a friend made me two custom things for the bds...one is a usb A female jack and the other is a plain old 12v female jack.
i have a deva V but i don't use it. i really prefer the 744t...
if i had the deva 5.8 and/or the mix-12 i might use the deva a lot more.
i'm going to the zaxcom bbq at coffey so maybe i'll get a chance to play with the mix 12 and fall in love with it. i keep meaning to get a board mixer.
matthew