Alex Spencer

Thanks for the customs info Malcolm, very helpfull. That does work out quite a bit cheaper then i thought it would. Still not sure about getting a mixer shipped half way round the world though! Cheers Ed, I did discover that the 552 was analog execpt for the recorder after my initial post. I think i may be better off going for an sqn with a small 2ch recorder in the bag, as it works out quite a lot cheaper than a 552. Although i'm still toying with the idea of biting the bullet and just getting a 664, which would save me having the sell on the sqn down the road... its just a larger initial cost to purchase. Richard, thanks for the info on the small recorders, you saved me searching through posts to see which could take a proper line in signal!

I had a demo of the TC Buddy a week or so ago at work from the TC buddy team, very impressed by the system... especially the Mini Trx I asked about an android release as i am tempted by the Galaxy S4. They said they have only gone for ipad/iphones as they have a set refresh rate on all their screens which they have calculated for. Android phones pose a problem as there are 101 different models, and they would have to change the app design for the performance of every device, a comon problem of 'fragmentation' on android devices. They did say however there are plans for an android app to cover the major flagship phones, but it won't be any time soon. Alex

I'm Signing up to Nexflix just for this series! I agree, its one of the funniest series ever, along with Curb your enthusiam. Hopefully it will be avaliable in the UK at the same time as the US, i dont want to have to wait. Alex

Thanks Jon, very helpful info there. Yes i understand its no comparison to a 744T, but i didnt expect that at £500! I think its the right way to go investing in good radios from the start. If i can get an amazing deal on a 552 then i'll prob go for that. If not then its the SQN route. My company has offered to sell me one, so i know the histroy of it, just need to haggle a good price! @Richard - Yes i was aware i couldnt use the Letro 200's over here. I'll be going for cos11 mics on my radio's. I've been using them for years and like the sound and the small capsual size. You may have a point about buying a cheaper 2ch back up recorder and renting in a TC recorder when needed. I didnt really think of this. Any recomedations? I've never had a chance to play with any, let alone use them in anger on location.

Glad to hear the 552 can head stamp timecode, I feel this may be the way to go for me. I love the SQN metering and analogue sound, but I would prefer a mixer that can record as well rather than having another bit of kit in my bag, just to keep the weight down. Although the SQN package does come in quite considerably cheaper then a 552, giving me more money for toys. Decisions decisions…. @robjsound - Yes a 664 would be my first choice, I loved working with it a few weeks back, but for most of the jobs I’m currently doing this is overkill. A 2 track backup is more than adequate for me current needs, and I can always rent a 442 or similar if I need some ISO tracks. ATM I can’t justify the cost for the work I am doing. @senator – I’ve just never been a fan of the g3 radios, personal preference I know. I realise they could be used as a hop later down the road when I upgrade, but I know 99% of the time the audio being used in post is off the camera, so I feel it would be a better idea to have the best hop I can afford. I have been looking into the Audio EN2 pro’s. I may get a demo of these to see how they perform. @John Gilbert – Thanks for the info HD-P2. I’m going to try to get my hands on one to have a play with. What’s the weight / ergonomics like in a bag with a SQN? Thanks for all your input guys, much appreciated.

Hi all. So i've been working for a facilities company for the past 6 years, and im finally making a break for it and going freelance. I've been trying to sort out a basic kit package to get me started, and would be grateful of any advice. . I would love a 664, but i dont think my budget would stretch to that. I feel it would be a better investment to buy some decent radio's (audio 2040's or Lectro's) with a second hand mixer, than buy a 664 and have to either rent radio's every day, or settle for g3's that im really not a fan of. I already own a 416, cans, accessories and a bucket load of cabling, so my question is this; I can get a second hand SQN IVe for around £1k, but would need an external recorder to go with it as i often do a wireless hop to cam and need a back up recorder. I was thinking of a Tascam HD-P2, but i have no experice with this recorder. I like the idea of being able to record timecode along with the audio files. Does anyone have much experience with this set up? Or what other portable recorders would you recomend? The problem with the SQN is that i do not have the flexiabilty in output levels that i would with a sound devices mixer Or i could go for a Sound devices 552 second hand, for around £2.5k. This would save me having a seperate recorder in the bag, but to record timecode i would have to just record a mono mix and TC on the other track... is this true? I also like the direct out's on the 552 for cases when i need a multi track recorder (rented 744t). But again, i have never used a 552, i have only used a 664. Any help or advices is much appreicated Thanks Alex

Thanks all for the warm welcome! Good to see there's a few more Alex's out there

Hi all I've been browsing through the forum for a few months now, and thought it was about time to actually post someting! I'm a London based sound recordist, and have been working as staff sound recordist / technical manager for the past 3 years in a large facilities company, with a previous 3 years working my way up the ranks. I know some of the members on here personally from previous jobs i've worked on, and some i know purely from reputation. Im soon to be making the move to freelance, buying my own kit and going on my own. I've decided on a sound devices 664, a peice of kit i fell in love with when i got to use one ( i currently use a mk4ive SQN) and have yet to decided what radios to purchase (i currently use Audio Ltd 2040's, but i feel there are better investments out there) So before asking any advice, I thought it would be polite to introduce myself. So hi, i'm Alex! nice to meet you all.