Field Audio – help with next upgrade

[Will Salley]

I think most sound guys are faced with the same dilemma, I know I am constantly buying and upgrading equipment to suit different needs. Judging from your current list you have a fairly good ENG package. What I did was to make an primary ENG package and a Cinema-style package. Both of them share several wireless mics and some batteries. Other than that, I try and keep them separate because the ENG work is very hard on equipment and I prefer not to subject most of the new stuff to such abuse.

If I were in your shoes, I would hold on to the gear you have now and use it to build an ENG kit. You can use the wireless you have and share it for use with a more cinema-based package. The next thing would be to add a few channels of wireless (and I agree that Lectro is the way to go – but that can be something you purchase over time). The Sound Devices 442 is a good choice, especially if you have, or intend to purchase, other Sound Devices gear (i.e.: 442 + 302 + 744 = 9 channels). If you find that you don’t need all four channels of the 442, then check into the 302. I have both and I find myself using the 302 more than the 442 just because of size- and I like the pots on the 302 better. The difference in cost could save you enough to buy a better mic!

You also probably need a long-reach shotgun (Senn. MKH70 or equal) for exteriors, and then a good, high-end cardioid for interiors (Schoeps CMC641 is a good choice but, again, expensive).

You will need a time-code slate if you plan on doing film, or film-style HD work. Ditto on a sound cart.

In my opinion, the Tram is great for ENG, where it’s exposed and can be screened for wind, but they aren’t as good as say, a Countryman B6, or Sennheiser MKE-2, or Sanken Co-11 for concealing and planting. Also, even though the Tram is an omni, it’s a side-address omni, and it needs to positioned with some orientation favoring the source so it’s not as easy as just putting the capsule of a B6 on a prop or in hair.

By the way, how do like the Oktavia mic?

[Rob Neidig]

Will,

Thanks for the extensive reply. I think you make a valid point about keeping the ENG and Cinema packages somewhat separate. I’ve used the Countryman B6 a number of times and like it very much, too. My only problem is handling it with my big fingers!!

I’ve used the Oktava a bunch as overhead for drums when I record. They work great for that. I only recently got the hyper capsule and tried it out in an interior with hardwood floors. It did a pretty good job of cutting down on relections and maintaining a pretty present sound. I think it is a good mic for the money. I’m sure the Schoeps would be a big step up though.

THANKS!

Rob