Jump to content

Chris Durfy

Members
  • Posts

    260
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    2

Everything posted by Chris Durfy

  1. I saw this at Pro-Sound tonight and thought it was an interesting concept for sound carts. I see some things I'd change, like wheel size - etc. Has anyone seen this in action? Tonkarre Sound Cart Link to Pro-Sound
  2. What make/model slide out are you using for the mixer? Is it lockable in both the in and out position? Thanks! -Chris
  3. Kirky, Nice Mod! I have a PSC cart and would love more details on how you did this! Thanks and cheers! -Chris
  4. Adds Sound Report functions to the 788t and WEP Wi-Fi security to to the CL-9. I wonder if they fixed the Copy Flag Reset bug? http://www.sounddevices.com/download/788t-firmware.htm I'd upgrade now, but I'm on day 19 of 20 of a Feature... Not worth the risk! -Chris
  5. I have been using the PA202 kit for Process Car Work and other long runs. So far, it has worked like a charm! Phantom power passes fine with the shielded cable and it sounds great. It has been a real time saver. You can read my full review on my blog: http://blog.chrisdurfy.com/?p=252 Cheers! -Chris
  6. Cheap and quick: Try two wooden wedges - cut them yourself, or pre-cut door stop wedges - paint them black and then use velcro to attach the 552 to them. Cheers! -Chris
  7. I thought it might be nice to see a separate thread free of 8 pages of conjecture... I must say the Nomad looks interesting and the price point/s attractive. As well as it's upgrade-ability. My initial thoughts: 1) It would very tempting to me to buy one if the Nomad and my 788t were able to link together. 2) I wish the AA backup batteries were of some sort of rechargeable battery like the 788t that recharges when external power is connected 3) I can't wait to hear from NAB folks from BOTH camps (SoundDevices Users / Zaxcom Users) about the new device. 4) I wonder if Sound Devices will lower it's price on the 788t to be more competitive. Below is a copy/paste from the Zaxcom "Why Nomad" & "Specifications" page: Nomad Nomad is a complete location sound recording solution for film and television productions. Specifically designed for over the shoulder use, it provides all the functionality necessary to mix, record and monitor audio in a power efficient space-saving package. Nomad seamlessly integrates with Zaxcom Digital Wireless, IFB and ERX systems to provide unique functionality in the sound bag. Features | Nomad Model Comparison Chart | Specifications | Photos | Why Nomad? [img height=175 width=553]http://zaxcom.com/images/NomadKF.jpg[img alt=Nomad height=487 width=625]http://zaxcom.com/images/Nomadp1jpg.jpg [img height=356 width=625]http://zaxcom.com/images/Nomadp2.jpg Nomad Photographs: Nomad [img alt=Nomad height=164 width=625]http://zaxcom.com/images/Nomad_med.jpg Nomad Left Side View [img alt=Nomad Left View height=226 width=625]http://zaxcom.com/images/Nomad_Lft.jpg Nomad Right Side View [img alt=Nomad Right height=236 width=625]http://zaxcom.com/images/Nomad_Rt.jpg Nomad Rear View [img alt=Nomad Rear height=191 width=625]http://zaxcom.com/images/Nomad_R.jpg Why Nomad? Nomad can record up to 12 isolated tracks from its18 analog and digital inputs. Nomad is upgradeable, so your system can grow with you when the need arrises. Nomad is very power efficient and gives off no heat. Nomad uses Zaxcom's MARF (Mobile Audio Recording Format) file system giving you ultimate reliability. If power is lost during your recording session there's no file loss or memory corruption. Nomad is very ergonomic with 6 XLR inputs that fit within the footprint of the mixer. Nomad contains a SMPTE timecode reader/generator system that maintains time accuracy even with power off. Nomads color LCD graphic user interface is the most intuitive of any small footprint mixer/recorder. Nomads internal RF transceiver seamlessly integrates ZaxNet remote control, timecode and audio transmission. Nomad has the most inputs outputs and monitor returns of any small footprint mixer or recorder. Nomads internal AA battery pack can run Nomad for one to three hours and functions as an non-interruptible power source in the case of an unexpected external power loss. Nomad Specifications: [table][tr][td] [table][tr] [td][/td][td]Analog In[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Analog inputs[/td] [td]6 Mic/line-level with 48V phantom power 4 line-level (camera return or mix inputs)[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Connector[/td] [td]6 x XLR-3F 2 x TA5[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Input Range Mic-level Line-level[/td] [td] -56 to -26 dBu -10 to +8 dB[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Distortion[/td] [td]0.0015%[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]ADC Bit-depth[/td] [td]24 Bits[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]ADC Dynamic Range[/td] [td]115 dB[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Clipping Level[/td] [td]+28 dBu[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Frequency Response[/td] [td]20 Hz to 22 kHz (48 kHz sampling-rate)[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]THD + Noise[/td] [td]0.0015%[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Slate Mic Input[/td] [td]External balanced / unblanced with bias[/td] [/tr][/table] [table][tr][td] [table][tr] [td][/td][td]Digital In - Nomad 6, 8 & 12 Only [/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Digital Inputs [/td] [td]8 (3 AES pair with SRC, 1 AES42 pair with SRC)[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Connector[/td] [td]DB-15 mini[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Sample-rate Converters[/td] [td]4 pairs[/td] [/tr][/table] [table][tr][td] [table][tr] [td][/td][td]Analog Out[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Analog Outputs[/td] [td]4 Balanced XLR, 0dBu, -10dBu and -30dBu 3 Balanced TA5 (6 bus) 0dBu, -10dBu and -30dBu[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Tape/Mono Output[/td] [td]2 unbalanced 3.5mm, 0dBu, -10dBu and -30dBu[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Headphone 1[/td] [td]1/4 inch stereo bus[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Headphone 2[/td] [td]3.5mm stereo bus[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Output Level[/td] [td]0 dBu @ -20 dBFS[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Clipping Level[/td] [td]+20 dBu[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]DAC Bit-depth[/td] [td]24 Bits[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]DAC Dynamic Range[/td] [td]115dB[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Impedance[/td] [td]30 ohm[/td] [/tr][/table] [table][tr][td] [table][tr] [td][/td][td]Digital Out - Nomad 6, 8 & 12 Only[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Channel Count[/td] [td]4 AES pairs (8 channels)[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Connector[/td] [td]DB-15 mini (DE-15)[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Source[/td] [td]Mix/Direct[/td] [/tr][/table] [table][tr][td] [table][tr] [td][/td][td]Recording[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Track Count[/td] [td]4, 6, 8 or 12 - model dependent[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Bit-depth Primary Mirror(s)[/td] [td] 24 16 / 24[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Sample-rates (kHz)[/td] [td]44.1, 47.952, 48, 48.048[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Head Room[/td] [td]12 to 20 dB[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Format[/td] [td]Int. Slot-1: MARF II Int. Slot-2: FAT32 Ext USB. Device: FAT32 - Nomad 8 & 12 Only[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]File Format[/td] [td]Int. Slot-1: .ZAX Int. Slot-2: BWF-P Ext. Device: BWF-P or MP3 - Nomad 8 & 12 Only[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Dual Disk Recording[/td] [td]YES[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Max Pre-record Duration (seconds)[/td] [td]10 seconds[/td] [/tr][/table] [table][tr][td] [table][tr] [td][/td][td]Data Storage[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Internal[/td] [td]2 x CompactFlash[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]External - Nomad 8 & 12 Only[/td] [td]USB 2.0 High Speed[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]External Media - Nomad 8 & 12 Only[/td] [td]Flash / Hard Drive[/td] [/tr][/table] [table][tr][td] [table][tr] [td][/td][td]Internal Mixer[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Mixer Type[/td] [td]32 bit floating point DSP[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Mixer Cross Point[/td] [td]16 input x 16 output (Pre-fader / Post-fader / Phase Inversion)[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]A-D / D-A Conversion size[/td] [td]24 bit[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Head Room[/td] [td]Selectable 12 to 20 dB[/td] [/tr][/table] [table][tr][td] [table][tr] [td][/td][td]Effects[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Delay[/td] [td]0 to 60 mS in .1mS steps[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Notch Filter[/td] [td]2 band, 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range adjustable[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Compressor Type[/td] [td]Soft Knee[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Compressor Adjustments[/td] [td]Attack, Release, Threshold, Ratio, Make-up Gain[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]High Pass Filter[/td] [td]20 Hz to 230 Hz[/td] [/tr][/table] [table][tr][td] [table][tr] [td][/td][td]Timecode Reader/Generator[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Timecode Type[/td] [td]SMPTE[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Connector[/td] [td]BNC[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Input Voltage[/td] [td]1-4VPP[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Output Voltage[/td] [td]2VPP[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Clock Accuracy[/td] [td]1.54 PPM (1 frame out in 6 hours)[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Timecode Frame-rates[/td] [td]23.98, 24, 25, 29.97NDF, 29.97DF, 30NDF, 30DF[/td] [/tr][/table] [table][tr][td] [table][tr] [td][/td][td]Zaxnet RF interface - Nomad 6, 8 & 12 Only[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]2.4 Ghz Transmitter[/td] [td]50mW output power[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Frequency Range[/td] [td]2.403 to 2.475 GHz[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Modulation type[/td] [td]Spread spectrum[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Bandwidth[/td] [td]1MHz[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Connector[/td] [td]SMA female[/td] [/tr][/table] [table][tr][td] [table][tr] [td][/td][td]Power[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Internal[/td] [td]6AA 7-9 VDC, 1-3 hours of usage (NiMh)[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]External[/td] [td]10 to 18 VDC [/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]External Power[/td] [td]8 to 18 VDC @ 300mA[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Power Connector[/td] [td]Switchraft L712[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Battery Meter[/td] [td]on LCD display[/td] [/tr][/table] [table][tr][td] [table][tr] [td][/td][td]Physical[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Size (H x W x D) while looking at screen[/td] [td]2.0" x 9.9" x 7.0"[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Weight[/td] [td]3.8 pounds with internal batteries[/td] [/tr][/table] [table][tr][td] [table][tr] [td][/td][td]Misc[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Display[/td] [td]Full color sunlight readable LCD[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Meters[/td] [td]Output / Input / Card[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Slate Mic[/td] [td]Internal[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Serial/RS-422[/td] [td]1 x 4-Pin USB style[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Internal Slate Mic[/td] [td]YES[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Serial Port[/td] [td]Zaxcom Proprietary[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Compatible with Mix-8[/td] [td]YES[/td][/tr][/table] [/td][/tr][/table][/td][/tr][/table][/td][/tr][/table][/td][/tr][/table][/td][/tr][/table][/td][/tr][/table][/td][/tr][/table][/td][/tr][/table][/td][/tr][/table][/td][/tr][/table][/td][/tr][/table][/td][/tr][/table][/td][/tr][/table]
  8. Finally! http://www.lectrosonics.com/Press-Releases/lectrosonics-announces-bounded-squelch-feature-for-digital-hybrid-wireless-receivers.html Happy 4/1 all! -Chris
  9. RF Off Mode can be useful to turn on the transmitter, check the frequency and change it if need be before transmitting it out into the RF spectrum. (Comparable to tuning a UM400 before turning it on...). I think that it is a very useful feature. -Chris
  10. IHMO, a bit more security than "first to connect" would be nice. Perhaps a password? Cheers, -Chris
  11. Jon or Paul, Is there any security involved so someone else couldn't download the program and hijack my 788t? Also, please make an Android version! Cheers, -Chris
  12. I was born in Green Bay and my Ma lives about 7 blocks from Lambeau. I drink water from a bubbler. Cheese curds squeak after five seconds in the microwave. Beer Cheese soup has some of the best stuff in the world in it! It's called "Pop". Perch Fry on Fridays! Johnsonville Brats! 25 Cent rides at Bay Beach (still!)! --- That's the good stuff! That being said... GO PACK GO!!!!!
  13. Hey all! I hope everyone is having a good new year! We're snowed-in here in Atlanta... which has finally given me time to write a review on my CL-9. If you're interested, here's the link: http://blog.chrisdurfy.com/?p=236 Cheers, Chris
  14. Done and bought. Thanks Billy! I also got a paint pole to baby pin adapter from film tools. -Chris
  15. Hey guys, I'm wondering if you guys have come up with any elegant/economical solutions to mounting a pair of Shark Fins and a Comtek Mini-Mite via a riser (Boompole/ Painter Pole) on a PSC Style Sound Cart. Thanks! -Chris
  16. Hi all, Glad you like the blog! I do wrap my mic cables when on cast like shown in the pictures. You'll notice that there is no tension on the ta5f connector and cable because I always place my forefinger in to give plenty of slack before the first wrap. There are no reduced range effects from using cable management in this fashion. IFB R1as and older models such as the 175 and 185 experienced this problem. R1as use the headphone cable as the antenna and coiling it causes problems. To be sure, I verified all of this with Mike Sepich, Lead Engineer at Lectro. He agrees. Cheers mates! -Chris
  17. Lectrosonics SM SMD/Qa Belt Clip I love a company that listens to it’s customers. I got my new belt clip yesterday courtesy of Lectro from a request that I made ( as well as many others) for a belt clip similar to the UM style belt clip for the SM / SMD/Q style transmitters. Why? The existing options for the SM style transmitters were the leather pouch and the (stainless steel) clip. Neither of these were great solutions and often didn’t stay in place on cast, nor did any of the above allow for lav mic cable management. The new belt clip does. It's a bit smaller then the UM clip and made of blue anodized aluminum. The *only* thing (and there is no way around it) is that because it isn't as long as a UM Clip, it might not grab as well when used on large belts. That being said, I love it. Thanks Larry! Pics on my blog at: http://blog.chrisdurfy.com/ Chris Durfy, ATLaudio.com
  18. Is there a way to make different subforums on Ning? That might be one strike against it if you can't. -Chris
  19. by "move" I mean: 1) Shutting down the ability to post here. 2) Moving/Forwarding the action to cinemasound. 3) Still allowing a legacy ability to search posts here. -C
  20. Hi Nicole, I just updated my 552 firmware last night. I have yet to put it through enough tests to comment on the update, but so far no problems! In my mind, this is by far the best 5 channel field mixer available, especially at it's price point. -Chris
  21. http://www.sounddevices.com/download/552-firmware.htm Sound Devices 552 Mixer firmware revision 1.10 provides the following new features and and bug fixes: New Features * split ear return metering * record timecode-to-track feature * auto record feature - on timecode advance * record-pause feature * take counter reset hot key. (PFL5 + Stop + Battery Check) Stop Mode Only * polarity reverse hot key sequence timeout so the user can execute function with one hand * slate mic to output on digital outputs if they are enabled. * time remaining on card announcements starting at 15 minutes Changes * slate mic is now available during file playback * file/folder navigation; press play on a folder now plays the first file in folder * record time remaining notice is now available while recording * tone is deactivated when entering the Setup Menu and other menus using SVEN * meter ballistics (VU + Peak) added * default metering now VU + Peak Hold * MP3 file metadata * increase in SVEN output level * recorder now activates when in the Setup Menu Bug Fixes * some SD Cards where not being recoginized on power up * numerous Return A/B metering problems * returns A/B gain when tone is active * slate and tone bug, where the inputs where not muted when the tone plays * digital output interruption when record is pressed * the slate and tone ouput on the 3.5mm jack with All Call when Talk back mode is enabled * 2 GB SD card formatting * several SVEN issues with loss of voice * the tone staying on the meters when the returns are activated * the input limiter indication when inputs are linked. * view the documentation for firmware revision 1.10 here.
  22. Bob, could you (or any one else) share the RM2 tones as a .wav file? -Chris
  23. I use a Brother P-touch. The one I have connects to my computer so I can custom print the labels. I also use the Extra Strength adhesive. -Chris
  24. Top 10 Issues with using a Sound Devices 788t / CL-8 in a Reality Rig While waiting on my 552 to arrive, I’d been using my 788t on the reality show I’ve been working on. While it’s a incredible device, there are some issues that fellow mixers should know about. My rig consisted of a 788t/Cl-8(firmware v1.76), 3x 411a’s, 2x UM400a’s for camera hops, 1x Comtek 216 and was NP-1 powered via a Remote Audio BDSv2. 1. No Return: The 788t has no built-in return. There are two ways around this issue. One is to reroute a return into one of the input channels on the 788t, thereby losing a channel or two of inputs. The other option is to use an external adapter that allows you to A/B the return and the output of the 788t. Trew Audio made me a custom return box for $110. That being said, I do wish that Sound Devices would have built a return into the CL-8. 2. Delay on Faders: There is a noticeable delay on the faders, especially when quickly ramping the knobs up or down. Apparently this is due to some short of digital delay inherent in the hardware design. It takes some getting used to. Sound Devices has told me they think future Firmware releases may improve this issue and actually solve this in the future. 3. No Definitive VU Meter: There are lots of lights and LEDs that give you visual impression of levels, but there is no markings for levels beyond that of the 0db marking on either the LED VU Meters or on the LCD VU Meters. (I am told by Sound Devices the LCD VU may change in future firmwares. Firmware v1.76 did introduce customizable VU meter ballistics so a user can program the exact level of each LED.) 4. Power Hungry: Simply put, the 788t likes the juice. It will eat up your lithium NP-1s at a rate much quicker than a 442/552 will. It is advisable to turn off tracks you are not using to help reduced the power drain. For a comparison, a 552 draws about 200mA, while the 788t running full blast can draw up to 1000mA. 5. Heat Buildup: There has been some reports of heat build up. I have not personally experienced these yet, but I haven’t yet operated my unit in the hottest part of the summer. According to Jon @ Sound Devices, the 788t can run very hot without any instances of lockups or problems. The chassis itself is designed as the heatsink. 6. Custom Cables Needed: You are going need some cables. First you’ll need at least four TA3f to XLR cables for the inputs. You’ should also have six more on hand for the outputs for certain situations. Also a 1/8” to stereo XLRs for the 7/8 unbalanced output. If you are going wireless to UM400a transmitters, I found that I needed two line level -10db padded TA3f to TA5f. I also found the I needed a non padded TA3f to 1/8” to drive a Comtek M216. I also had a custom 10pin breakaway snake made for the 788t with timecode and return built-in. 7. IFB / Routing Issues: Currently, there is no routing option for sending a summed L/R headphone output mix to an output for an IFB. Jon tells me this will be changing soon with that and a multitude of other routing options will be available in an upcoming firmware. Instead, a workaround is to send all channels to an output and then pot down the coarse gain to remove the mic from the IFB mix. You could also set up custom headphone routing to all channel in one ear, and then route that mix to the IFB output, but I prefer to preserve my L/R mix to the headphones. 8. No L/R Pan knob: The 788t allows you to send L, R or L/R without any pan options like the 442/552. It’s not a deal breaker, but when mixing a single channel, I normally like to split the track over two channels, with one slightly lower than the other. Jon tells me that the pan option will be available with the upcoming Panel Mixer for the 788t(!). 9. Arming Track/s interrupts Output Program: If you are turning on/off tracks to save battery/recording space, be aware that the ALL source outputs will be interrupted for about a second while the channel powers up. This is a hardware issue that cannot be fixed. The workaround is to NOT turn off a channel, and just the coarse gain down if there is a chance a cast member might come back into scene. 10. Occasional lockups: There have been some reports of random lockups by enabling certain functions in certain orders. Sound Devices is working on replicating the lockups and solving the issue. In my personal experience, I have seen no lockups of my 788t. 11. Odd Shape in a bag: Okay, I know the title of the article says “10 Issues” but I had to at least mention this one. The 788t/Cl-8 takes up a weird space in a bag. I prefer to put the CL-8 on the bottom of the 788t and pack the inside of my petrol bag with a number of the long orange cushions to support the bottom open space. The Wrap Up While none of the above issues are deal breakers, it is good to be aware of the issues. The 788t/CL-8 is a powerful combination and knowing it’s limitations can make a strong rig even stronger. Chris Durfy, ATLaudio.com --------------------------- You can see the original post and pictures on my blog: http://blog.chrisdurfy.com/?p=144 More information can be found on the Sound Devices website at: http://sounddevices.com/products/788t.htm
×
×
  • Create New...