[David C jones]

Hi Charles-

I hate to dump on, but I have to also agree with what’s aready been said.

The fact is, it’s not always all that easy for a professional sound mixer to deal with wireless mics let alone someone with no experence. As far as what to buy, keep in mind, the cheaper you go, the more problems you’re likely to have. G2 is the cheapest I’d go.

I looked into renting for you; but considering the amount of time you’ll need them (a month or two) you still won’t have enough money to cover it.

I’m also assuming you want to have the bikers riding while talking which is why you need wireless. If I were in your position, I would get two wireless setups (one for each channel) and a pair of Sony MDR 7506 headphones. Whoever is running the camera, needs to also be monitoring the audio ALL THE TIME. Since you have no way to ride gain, you should set the audio input on the camera to “auto”.

Keep in mind, this set-up is in no way fool-proof; without a mixer, and a professional running it, you’re still bound to have all kinds of problems. You can think of them as “learning experiences” :o)

Regards,

Dave J

[David C jones]

Hi Tess-

I’m a camera opt. and production sound mixer; I think almost all the calls I’ve gotten over the past two years have been from my posting on mandy.com. It’s free for crews members to list. When you click on a crew member you’re interested in, it’ll probably take you directly to their website (if they have one) where you can hopefully see their reels :o) Another crew site is media-match.com.

Dave J

[David C jones]

You might look into something called the “Wrangler” made by 1 Beyond and available at Abel Cinetech. It’s available for P2, and SXS management. I’ve never used it nor do I have any idea how much it costs.

Regards,

Dave J

[David C jones]

Hi Nik-

The 416, as you know, is a very sensitive mic, and since you’re not running it through a mixer first, I would leave the camera set to “auto”. The factory trim setting for mic level is -41dB; this may be fine but I would do some testing with it first. Check for any over modulation issues and adjust accordingly.

Regards,
Dave J

[David C jones]

Zoom with your feet. Stay wide, and get as close as you can. As far as staying steady while zoomed in, I find it’s really a mind-set; you have to “sacrifice the body” as I put it, to stay steady :o) This can include holding your breath (somewhat), and standing or crouching in uncomfortable positions.

That little picture in the viewfinder may appear like it’s pretty steady, but when it’s shown on a 50″ display, it can look like an earth quake!

Dave J

[David C jones]

Hi Mark-

This is not an uncommon issue; I think I speak for everyone when I say, we all have problems with dropouts and interference in all kinds of situations.

You may not be able to find what’s causing it…at least in any timely manner. It could be a near-by radio or TV station; I’ve heard Blackberry’s can cause interference. I’ve had Nextel’s and even those strobe lights on police cars cause interference with video cameras I was using. It may not even be a transmitting device; it could be something else. About the only thing you can do is move the receiver around or closer until you have a clean siginal. Sometimes even this won’t work.

Anyway, don’t get discouraged :o)

Dave J

[David C jones]

Hi Scott-

I will eco what Ty recommended; Sound Devices 442 (seems to be the industry standard 4-channel mixer) & Sound Devices 7-Series recorders. I use the Sankin COS11x lavs which actually sound like boom mics; they match very well with booms and have also become industry stand for filmmaking. And I’ve heard great things about the Countryman B6 lavs, though I haven’t used them. I use Lectrosonics 411A wireless systems which sound great. But also check out Audio Ltd. and Zaxcom.

Regards,

Dave J

[David C jones]

Hi Eric-

As someone who has shot A LOT of interviews for docs/tv news, I’m a big believer in (at least some) consistency, esp. in regards to DOF. In fact, If I shoot indoors, I use to light for f4 on all interviews (keeping the lighting setup/placement the same, as well). I have since adopted f2.8 (more often) for a more shallow DOF. You should be able to have the same control outside, as well, using ND filters.

Regards,

Dave J

[David C jones]

Hi Tim-

Are you 100% sure they’re discontinuing the 700? In another thread, John [Sharaf] indicated Sony was going to continue the 700 series, and that they’re are already about 4000 units out there.

Dave J

[David C jones]

I agree with Ty (as I always do); it’s not just about specs but quality [of parts] and workmanship. That being said, the specs difference between the mics do tell a story…esp. the S/N, Fq. response, AND SPL.