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DyerEar

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Everything posted by DyerEar

  1. Make sure the internal aa's, even if you're not using internal power, are fresh. We had a recent problem on a job of intermittent shutdowns caused by dead lithiums in the aa compartment. We were on external power for everything in the chain and changing out the aa's did the trick. Worth a try. Simon
  2. I agree 100%. Trims are used all the time... Is the Headphone control a push button encoder also? The rotary trim and pfl/selector on each channel of the cl-9 is so useful and used on most every take... Shame to lose it. When I saw the pictures I assumed the headphone knob would work as 'master' control in conjunction with individual channel selectors... Chris R - I thought the same... On my cl-9 they are almost a liability... Once set they never need to move and a slight knock or movement can mess things up. I'd rather these items were menu based. After a line-up who adjusts these? A fellow mixer told me recently he uses them to control dynamics on shouts and screams when sending to camera..? I've only done that using the faders... But I haven't sent anything to camera in a few years...
  3. www.carolkaye.com is her official site great talent simon
  4. Been here long enough to make that statement a fair comment? If you're upset with your snacks speak to your line manager, I'd suggest. Generalist statements only serve to make you look foolish, as you try and entertain. Kindest, simon
  5. I got a few packs through today. First impressions are nothing special to be honest. It may well be a technique thing - as although they have some instructions for use, there are a few vague areas... One thing I noticed - if you crush the fabric square between your fingers there is an audible 'crackling'. This is right next to any microphone placed in the cover - noisier than an overcover by a long way. The fabric is a synthetic with a softer 'foam' core with 2 porous surfaces. Also these don't seem to offer much if any wind protection. Maybe I've got it all wrong and someone from Bubblebee could advise on exact usage. The small square of fabric punched in the middle was removed in my use when removing backing (is this correct?) The tape is similar to any medical/toupee type tape I have used (it's double sided). It lost its tack fairly quickly and would need to be replaced as often as any other tape I'd say. It may be that these are easier to hide, but didn't notice any benefit to the sound of the mic. Cos-11, wisycom on a loose fitting shirt btw - in several 'usual' positions. Anyone else? Simon
  6. I'm gonna pull the trigger on 4 funny black lavs, but do they work with Zaxcoms?!
  7. That's it - the MZL thingy... Are you sure about extended ball gag??? It would not fit it my mono extended ball gag I use for my CCM mics...? The 8040/8050 would fit tho. Simon
  8. I have mine in a windshield 1. You'll need to lose the xlr adapter and use the 8000 series conn box from Rycote. I made my own cable from an older style connbox and a flying lead with the screw on fitting that can be purchased from Sennheiser. I'm sure the current product from Rycote is equivalent and should fit. You'll also have to experiment with different 'weight' lyres and their positions in the basket to get it silent and functional, but it does work very well and it's tiny! Good Luck Simon
  9. Shouldn't the manufacturer let you know how to update?? Why the big secret? Simon
  10. Exactly. Dip your feet in the Bosporus for me! I have great memories of Istanbul from a job long ago... Aldo is easily contacted - ask and you may just get what you want... Worst case scenario - easyjet back to London isn't too expensive, and you could test them out yourself. Simon
  11. Hey Taskin, I have seen and tested the audio wireless systems and they are very good pieces of equipment. I won't compare and contrast in detail, but you are correct in your assumption of the high quality and functionality. The company is small, and demand is high, so this will mean longer waits for systems to be ready... If you can hold on it would worth it in my opinion. Audio Development desks have been a standard here in the UK for years too... Where are you based btw? Best, Simon
  12. Hey Vincent, The hardware low-cut built into the xlr is 18db/octave with 60hz knee, so it cuts out much of the low, low end but doesn't affect speech frequencies noticeably. I found the 8060 to sound excellent but very sensitive low down. This low cut really helps with boom handling noise.... Before I would get crazy rumbling just moving grip on the pole...now it is much improved. Still tho, I find I need the 8060 in the basket indoors to stop the 'whoosh' as the mic is moved through the air chasing dialogue. We must remember that the mic is primarily designed to be a studio mic so is extremely sensitive. I still use the low cut on my 788t to tailor the tone of what I need to record. Simon
  13. Hey, With this connbox connector you also lose the xlr length as well as the adapter so my 8060 now fits into a windshield size 1 (rycote recommend a size 3 with the original configuration...) I've also adapted the new Tacit low-cut cable so that the electronics are in the male xlr in the grip. It now makes the hypersensitive 8060 much easier on the boom op. Simon
  14. I'm not sure about the g2 receivers particularly, but these wireless camera devices (Arri and Preston L.C.S etc) do not seem to be particularly robust when it comes to RF inference/pollution and indeed their own operation. I know they get affected by strong 2.4ghz signals and stop functioning. (bye bye my lovely old video sender...) Although they have capability to switch frequency (this week the system we're using has 'channels 0-9') there is no information - nor have I ever met anyone in a camera dept who can tell me - which frequencies they occupy. Its just seemingly another toy to them and its use and is becoming increasingly 'standard' in camera kit packages on shoots where remote lens control is not even necessary. Slighty off topic, but this is one thing that stops me investigating a whole Zaxcom IFB/ timecode system which would be perfect for me to use but it functions on 2.4ghz and I'd be worried about intererences between all these kinds of devices - has anyone experienced this at all?? Also similar worries about DITs setting up iPad networks for 'dailies' becoming much more common and blotting that whole area of the spectrum. The sound department needs rf priority on set to operate effectively as a small department. Camera can't interfere with this because of poorly designed equipment IMHO.
  15. The receivers have a single cable on top surface for both powering and audio output, so to adjust any features on the side panel it is easy to do. (much like many other systems mentioned) I think fundamentally they are designed to be simple to use in the primary purpose of a highest quality rf microphone system. Having owned Micron units designed by the same people - I know they will work very well, but how they fit into the modern recordists bag/ cart remains to be seen. The added functions accessed via the LCD etc are all good things - but it ain't nothing if the mics don't work. We should demand top performance from our stuff, and many people seem to be suffering from less than the best performance.
  16. I very much doubt it, Jeff. Aldo is one of the worlds best rf system designers and I'd guess he isn't basing his new business on potential user confusion. Last week I was able to see and briefly test some of the early production units. They are built very well with an innovative battery door. All boxes are cnc milled aluminium and the design emphasis is on simplicity and function. The top surface of both tx and rx has the sma antenna, lemo/hirose audio connectors and simple LED lightpipe display for TX battery level and RF/audio level. All units are powered internally by aa batteries or externally via standard cabling that is also backwards compatible with Audio Ltd and Micron cables of old. Each receiver also features a 3.5mm headphone jack for reference as well as the standard line level output which is variable to mic level. There are twin battery tx models in development for extended battery life. 100mw international versions also available. The LCD display and buttons on the side panel are present to control the many menu driven functions in the simplest possible manner. Variable low cut filtering, frequency scan functions, naming of channels, preset and programming functions, phase, rf power and audio output/ input levels are all set here. The immediate useful display functions are available on the top surface but are echoed in greater detail on the LCD with audio level and rf level meters. There are preset frequency blocks that are easy to set up and use. If I remember correctly, up to 12 intermod free in ch.38. (audio wireless units tune to 25khz steps) but all units have pre-programmed intermod free sets of frequencies for use instantly. The 120mhz switching bandwidth of the systems is massive (and at first not really significant to us here in the UK as we mostly just need our mics to work in an 8mhz block but,) Audio Wireless systems frequency agility equals 3-4 lectro/zaxcom/sennheiser blocks in one unit. Audio quality is assuredly fantastic (now 14db quieter in the pre-amp from the already excellent Micron 700's!). One thing that I do know is that Aldo is all about doing things properly. No corners have been cut here, no redesign and no bullshit, no functions to be enabled in the future, no latency.... RF range and stability is amazing. The design philosophy is that the receiver sensitivity is king... The tx's are adjustable from 10mw, 35mw and 50mw All systems are UK built - an achievement considering the current market, the price and the quality. This is a small business, a boutique hand built UK radio mic company. These are early days and foundation products. I'm hoping to test further and listen to multichannel systems when they become available. All units are backward compatible with micron rf distribution systems and adapters too. Hope this helps, but contact Audio Wireless for more info. Simon
  17. Hey James, firstly nice work and thanks. I can no longer find the cool link to lectro RM after upgrade...? What am I doing wrong? Also I will get you the frequency tables for UK Micron ch38 wireless when I have a chance so those can be added for any users. Best, simon Oh and +1 for save lists function
  18. I have today used 3 of the newly modified units and happily had not one single hit, phutz, ping, pong or crackle! All at 50mw and within ch38. I would not say that I was able to do a comprehensive test by any means (max 4 channels today, all interior locations and I was usually within 2-20m of the transmitters) however not having one issue over nearly 9 hours gives hope. I also noticed that the scans with my 788 on/off also seem much improved from previous state which would also indicate an added bonus... I will be using them again over the next few days and will let you know of any changes. Thanks all round to Lectro and Raycom. best, simon
  19. Contact Martyn at soundkit.co.uk Or on 02920 342 907 He'll sort you out with whatever you may need. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
  20. Hey vm , sorry only just read your message- a beer would have been lovely! I'm back in uk now so when ever you're in London- get in contact!. I've shot in Istanbul (and surrounds) a few years back and used my ch69 mics with success. (854-862mhz). I'm not sure there's much regulation/control in turkey for actual radio mic use so it was a suck it and see for me. Good luck! It's gonna be cold tho! Simon
  21. I can agree that in the same situation the hits and losses of usable audio are greater on my SRs than my Microns - on both 69 and 38. We know all digital equipment emits unfiltered rf garbage to some extent and keeping everything apart helps but there's only so much we can realistically do in a bag. There's an interesting thread about nomad spray where the photos of the lectro scans have similar levels of Rf to my 788 scans suggesting that the claim of 'zero rf spray' is only a claim. Also some good news from people using filtered xlrs and ferrite clamps/ rf blocking material etc to help their situation. For the time being it seems to be par for the course. So, if one model of radio mic is less affected by this ubiquitous spray then that will be great news! - maybe a new thread is needed... I have 3 SRs and with a scan comparison with 788 powered off/then on, I get a pronounced degree of difference. With 788 off, all units scan clear - with maybe an odd pixel here and there, depending on where I am. With the 788 powered on - 2 units show rf levels across the range, broadly peaking at the 'half-way line' (ie bottom half of LCD display). The other has its peaks in exactly the same places/frequencies, but 4-5 pixels lower... With most of the range clear... Any reasons why?? It seems that this unit is less sensitive to the spray... Or is it less sensitive in general?? I have not noticed any difference in performance tho. Also, when I am out of scan mode, the units all show 1-2 pixels of rf activity when tuned to their respective frequencies (without the tx powered up). I am waiting for the board replacement and hope that these inconsistencies will be overcome and therefore irrelevant. I am pondering whether we in the uk have always had these anomalies and imperfections in our gear but now we have more than a few led's to let us know what's going on, we read too deeply into their significance. If it sounds good, isn't it good?? Simon
  22. Add me to the list too please - I need 3! Big thanks for all your efforts - like the box says, you really are a bunch of fanatics! Best, simon
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