Wireless Boom?

I've never heard of such a thing. Is the boom op not going to have a recorder slung around his neck? If anything, you can always get a transmitter that accepts any XLR input.
 
If you're even going to consider it, do NOT go cheap Go with the absolute best gear you can get your hands on. I don't think I'd even want to use a G2/G3 kit, I'd want to go Zax/Lectro or similar.

If you've only got one guy doing sound, you need to have an equally solid wireless hop and a headphone amp for the boom op to monitor with.

If you've got a sound mixer and a boom op, you can get a little Sound Devices preamp so the boom op can monitor his work and let the sound mixer monitor whatever is actually going to tape, avoiding the expense of the second wireless hop.
 
jaredgiese said:
I know it wont be "cheap" but what is the best way?
Click to expand...

Lectro 411 system. Either a Plug On transmitter
or a pack with a Sound Devices Preamp in front of it.
(i'd personally go with the Plug on transmitter)

Lectro IFB wireless return for monitoring and also so
the mixer can talk to the boom op.

---

Or use the new overpriced Zaxcom all in one.
Pretty much the same as the lectro system but all in one box.

(Personally I like the Lectro way)
 
jaredgiese said:
What is the best way to do a wireless boom? I know it wont be "cheap" but what is the best way?
Click to expand...

More and more sound mixers are going with wireless boom rigs for film and video drama. Most people I am aware of who do this use Lectrosonics 400 systems for wireless booms (either bodypack or plug-on transmitters). The Zaxcom system is also used, and arguably sounds better, but it is less common and more complex for newcomers.

The plugon transmitters have 48V phantom power available for the microphone. If using a bodypack transmitter, you will need a portable 48V phantom power supply in front of the transmitter input. Denecke makes these power supplies that are powered with a 9V battery (http://www.trewaudio.com/store/product.php?productid=317&cat=35&page=1).

Glen Trew
 
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I have used a Zaxcom Goldline body pack combined with a Sound Devices MM-1 (so the boom op can easily monitor and it provides the necessary phantom power). I'm actually switching to Lectro so I can use my Venue for wireless and my Zaxcom is for sale. It sounds great, btw. The Goldline isn't complex (responding to Glen's post) and sounds crystal clear.

And, it runs on AA's instead of 9V.

:-)

Phil
 
I have done this on the fairly cheap.

Sennheiser G2 system with XLR transmitter
Sennheiser MK-6 and ME-66 with battery for Phantom

I have used this in a solo situation with the Mic on a stand.

If you need a boom op to listen in you can use this awesome unit I bought when the headphone amp in my DVX100a died (I used the line out and suffered with the delay).

Rolls PM55 Personal Monitor Amp +

The Boom OP will have no level control and the camera Op will still need to monitor levels, but they can adjust the mic as needed and hear what is being sent (minus RF hits).

Not an exactly cheap solution but I already had the mics and G2 system as a lot of us do.
 
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