Zaxcom Stereo Wireless and Double System!

[Geosch]

Some have embraced the double-system DSLR thing, and others have tried to avoid the workflow... I work on documentary shoots a lot, and I've been able to avoid double-system up until recently (we usually send sound from the mixer straight to Varicam or similar camera). I finally had to cave in - but I didn't have to spend another $3K on gear I'll rarely use.

For DSLR shoots, I've actually been using my Zaxcom Stereo Wireless transmitter alone for timecode-based sound recording (with slate), and with the firmware that was released earlier this year, it's actually fully functional. If you have the Zaxcom and use it as a camera hop, you might be interested in checking out the entry I just posted:

http://www.boycottmedia.com/2011/08/zaxcom-double-system-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-almost-love-dslr

 

[manglerBMX]

have you had any drift issues with that movie slate app? i remember a couple of people showing +10/-15 drift tests. i use a similar setup. 552 with sb-3 tc generator with a bnc splitter to an ipod touch running the ambient tc ap(which is free).

 

[Geosch]

Yes, I have had some drift with Movie Slate. I've been using a Denecke TS-3 in general, and the iPhone is a backup. It can be left plugged in and velcroed to the front of my bag though. Camera can swing around and capture moving timecode in a pinch if necessary. The only problem then is if you actually "clap" Movie Slate, it has to be unplugged to hear it, since the cable goes into the headphone jack.

The plus side for me is being able to send time-of-day (or whatever) timecode to the Zaxcom with a phone, as I'd be starting at zero every day otherwise (which does have its benefits at times).

And, I'm excited to be able to record with gear I already own - that's the best part. Especially because in my world of work, I believe double system sound has a limited second life.