[David C jones]

Hi Jeff-

Just to add to Ty’s comments regarding the whole 2009 frequency issue: you want to avoid any wireless units that operate on frequencies from 700.000MHz to 767.900MHz. Lectrosonics breaks up the available frequencies into blocks; part of block 27, and all of blocks 28 and 29 fall in these frequency ranges so, if you see any for sale, used or otherwise, I would pass on them.

That being said, I use the Lectrosonics 400 series and highly recommend them.

Regards,
Dave

[David C jones]

Hi Sam-

In terms of reading material: I recommend a book called “Audio In Media” by Stanley R. Alten, available at amazon.com. It’s actually a textbook and is a great starting point for all-things-audio including voiceover techniques.

As far as mics, the RE20 is $399 at B&H, the same price (I think) as the USB2200a you were looking at. Though I have not used a USB mic, I’m very wary of them. Some things about them may be as good as the more expensive condensers (like the freq. range), but other things (like siginal-to-noise) may not. Like photography equipment, you get what you pay for.

In regards to your project, keep it simple. Watch the video with or without the talent as many times as you need to. Then write a script for the talent to read based on a rough timing of the video clip you need to have vo for. Then put it together in editing.

Hope this helps…

Regards,
Dave

[David C jones]

The TRX900 has 50mV of power, whereas the Lectrosonics 400a has 100mV. The TRX900 is all digital vs. the 400a digital hybrid. The TRX900 can transmit timecode and IFB. The 900 is also a transmitter. What receiver are you planning on using? Both Zaxcom and Lectrosonics have dual receivers.

Dave Jones

[David C jones]

When I say the EX-1 can’t jam timecode, I mean it can’t receive timecode from your FR recorder, nor can it send timecode out; it can only generate timecode internally (for itself).

As far as a wireless feed from your mixer, I would recommend the Lectrosonics SR receiver. It can accept two transmitters (hooked up to your channels 1&2 output) seperately.

[David C jones]

The Fostex LE you mention doesn’t have timecode. And the sony ex1 can’t jam timecode. I believe the audio can be synced in post by matching the waveforms, but I don’t know if that’s what they are planning on doing.

Do you have any way to talk to the post production house that’s going to be editing the sound? Or maybe talk to the person in charge of the shoot and get more details as to how they are planning on syncing it? Are they expecting you to have a 4-track recorder (which would explain why they want to do dual-system recording)?

[David C jones]

Hi Russell-

Can you describe the shoot you are going to be doing? What kind of camera will be used? Did the people you’re working for say how they plan on syncing the audio with the video?

Dave

[David C jones]

Hi David-

The EW 100’s are not rubbish but they’re not diversity ether. I’ve used the Lectrosonics 190’s (back in the day) which are not diversity systems, ether. I had the same issues you’re having.

What’s causing these “hits” could be interference from other RF sources, or, according to Lectrosonics, out of phase reflections from the transmitters RF. I’m not sure there’s really anything you can do about it, but maybe when Ty wakes up (hehehe…just kidding Ty) he will post a more satisfactory answer.

Regards,
Dave

[David C jones]

Hi Myriam-

Here are some sites to check out:

http://www.equipmentemporium.com – they have tutorials on micing incl. lavs

http://www.locationsound.com – they have one on rigging lavs

books:
“Location Audio Simplified” available at trewaudio.com
Ty has a book as well, but I haven’t gotten my hands on it yet :o)

Dave

[David C jones]

Hi Arne-

I agree with Andrew…you’re going to need two bags. Even if you can stuff everything in a mixer bag, it will end up weighing a ton and be difficult to organize.

I use Portabrace bags, myself.

Dave J

[David C jones]

Hi Rodney-

One more thing that you (or anyone else) might check out, is the leasing program that TAI Audio was offering (it was on their website but I don’t see it now). I don’t know if it would be better than a credit card or not but, it’s another option. Also, they take trade-ins so you might at least get something out of systems.

I have the 411a’s already but they’re on block 28…arrgh! So, at some point I’ll have to send them off to Lectrosonics for the conversion.

Dave