Jeff Wexler

So, it does show up, GRAY, but not too prominent. Let's see what it looks like when I just put the text in: http://jwsound.net/WP Now this is when I apply Change Color to the text: http://jwsound.net/WP and this uses Insert Hyperlink button AND Change Color http://jwsound.net/WP

I am sure it is possible but I don't have the knowledge to do it myself. I will do a little experiment right here to see if this routine helps. I am going to post a link (URL) again to my blog, but after pasting the text that is the link I will use the button "Insert Hyperlink" --- let's see if that makes the link show up as a different color. http://jwsound.net/WP

very cleverly done (but I'm not sure what it is trying to say). Note: you can view this as well at my new BLOG: http://jwsound.net/WP/ - Jeff Wexler

I don't know if this will make things display the way you describe, but here is one thing you can figure: under PROFILE (yours) LOOK and LAYOUT PREFERENCES, "Show Most Recent Posts at the Top" you could check, or uncheck, and this might help. Regarding changes to the look (and sometimes more importantly its functional operation) of this forum, I am pretty much at the mercy of the published templates, some of which do provide some tweaking, because I am not a programmer. If I had more knowledge of php, html, css and so forth, I could really design things myself. I am not able to do this (sorry Eric) and we'll just have to settle for one thing or the other. We all know it is the people we have here that counts and the good content and discussion, but I still like to experiment with things just to see if we can improve the whole experience. Regards, Jeff Wexler

I have not done as much work with digital interfaces as some others here but when I have done it I have almost always used my Cooper 208 as the mixer feeding the interface and on to the computer. I think if you already have a high end mixing panel that you use, either an analog or digital board, that should be what you use. Using a digital board feeding an interface then into the computer requires that you deal with clocking issues (but most of the common setups have already been sorted out by others so you can discover quite easily what works). I am impressed with the Mackie boards considering the price and feature set, and with the Firewire option you can be up and running, recording straight to the computer in a very short time. Would I replace my Cooper with a Mackie? I don't think so --- but if I were on a really strict budget, had a job to do that required that sort of setup, I would go for it. As for the all digital boards --- I am not a big fan, but many people are using them (usually the Yamaha) and would never consider going back. Maybe someone will chime in here who is a veteran Yamaha user. Regards, Jeff Wexler

I think YOU look better with this new theme --- your avatar with the "Fifi on your head" mohawk --- looks great! - JW

So, the Sony system as far as you know will not work well as a standard transmitter, receiver portable system but was designed instead for camera use? What's a "bucket" exactly? - Jeff Wexler

I know that Lectrosonics has had a pure digital system, the 700 I believe, for some time now, but I don't think it is a viable product for our uses. Maybe they do have something that is the equivalent of the 400 series in a pure digital, I just haven't seen it. Same goes for Sony, although I did hear that they have a viable portable body-pack - battery operated system, I just haven't seen it. There is the possibility that the other manufacturers have not come out with a pure digital yet because they want to avoid some of the problems people have experienced with the Zaxcoms. Some of these problems may be inherent in anyone's implementation of pure digital transmission, maybe not. It remains to be seen if there will be viable competition for Zaxcom in this area. I am hoping we will see some new things at NAB. Regards, Jeff Wexler

Richard has some very good real world advice here about how to avoid the RF problems associated with the use of certain microphones. I had to do a lot of those things, special care as to what XLR connector to use, separating power supplies and transmitters, etc. I know it is a pain but this is, as Richard points out, the peculiarities of pure digital transmission (something which only Zaxcom does at this time). The benefit, of course, once you get the microphones sorted out, is the absolute pristine audio, no companding, no intermod, etc. Since I do not do wireless boom work much, I actually need to use the Zaxcom wireless primarily for talent (lav) use but also I use them a lot for plant mics (which are almost always 48 volt phantom powered Schoeps). My solution, at this time, was to purchase the Zaxcom TRX 700 (plug-on style transmitter) which supplies a full 48 volt phantom power (no external power supply needed) and also solves many of these problems when connecting microphones other than lavs. This plug-on obviously works well for the few times we do wireless boom work. I know this is a rather large expense and it would be nicer if we could use the same TRX-900 that we use on the talent, add the mic power supply we already own, but I find the ease of use of the plug-on for plant mics outweighs the cost. Regards, Jeff Wexler

First of all, I don't think any of the Zaxcom transmitters use Switchcraft TA3F connectors they use the same connector that Sennheiser uses. I can't tell you what the proper wiring is for each of the microphones you mention, I just rely on the dealer or the service person to obtain proper wiring scheme from Zaxcom. As far as it all being so complicated, I read constantly about people getting bad performance from many other wireless (notably Lectrosonics because there are so many people using them) because of incorrect wiring. Larry Fisher has been very good about posting all sorts of things in relation to how various mics are to be wired and even then, mics end up sounding terrible because something has been done wrong. I do know that the Zaxcoms do have more limited support for all the microphones out there but that doesn't mean you won't be able to get several good lavs working beautifully and of course your boom mics (with a power supply). One note of caution with the Denecke power supply (and I don't know if this problem has been corrected by either Denecke or Zaxcom or both) is that when powering up the Denecke power supply it sends 48 volts BOTH directions --- to the microphone AND to the output --- this has in the past totally blown the Zaxcom transmitter. I believe this problem has been solved but if not, it is prudent to connect the microphone to the supply FIRST, then connect the cable from the power supply to the xmtr. This is not an issue with any of the other power supplies (Ambient, PSC, etc.). I do know that Billy Sarokin in New York, who has had more experience with all Zaxcom products than just about anyone, is successfully using several different lavs (even including the verboten Sanken COS-11) but considers the B6 his main lav. Regards, Jeff Wexler

The cable made up by Ambient should be fine. I still cannot imagine what the problem is. As far as being just s European thing, I don't know what was originally said about the RF problem, RF getting back into the mic from the transmitter, but it was definitely an issue here with the first Zax units and many of the microphones that we were trying to use. With the exception of the lack of usability still for my last favorite mic, Sanken COS-11, most all of the problems have gone away here (and in Europe I imagine). I really don't know what to tell you. I would have given up on the Zax units too if these problems had not been solved (since I do not use any of the ZAx specific functions like recording, remote control, IFB etc.) I use the TRX-900 because it just works so well as a traditional (which it is not, of course) wireless. Good luck sorting it all out --- don't give up yet. - JW

I had the same problem with the COS-11's and I believe Sanken is still working on it (but maybe not). The first attempts to use the older DPA lav also yielded unacceptable noise floor (this due also to some initial confusion as to how the mic should be wired) but now with proper and current DPA lav the TRX-900 - DPA combination has been a dream. Dead quiet, full dynamics, no problems. I wish the TRX-900 would support all the common lavs in use but I don't think it will ever happen --- just one of the trade-offs for using the Zaxcom wireless (which is so outstanding in so many other respects it is an okay trade-off at least for me). I am surprised that you had any difficulty with Schoeps CMIT - Ambient power supply - TRX-900 since I have done with many times with no problem. The adapter cable that comes out of the Ambient power supply and into the TRX-900 has to be wired correctly so you might check that. As for the MK-41, if its an older (not yet RF proof) mic, this can cause trouble even with an outboard power supply. With all of my newer Schoeps (after Schoeps re-design) I have not had any problems. Regards, Jeff Wexler

I was just reading in Prosound News, and maybe this is old news, that SADiE is closing it's doors. The article in Prosound goes into great detail about why the SADiE platform/product is no longer viable, and one of the things it talks about is the hardware base of their system. It was mentioned that it is very tough to compete in the DAW marketplace with proprietary hardware and to compete with software only solutions that rely on the ever increasing native power of computer CPU's. Regards, Jeff Wexler

Oh do and try and "out-tech" Scott... just kidding. - JW

No, I am just using the all-in-one control amp that is DC (or AC with a wallwart). It does have a powered speaker terminal (just 1 - mono) where I have connected a suitable low freq. driver (passive speaker) but I don't typically have it all on the cart that way. The smaller satellite-type speakers (that make up a 3 piece system with a subwoofer) seem to provide decent listening without the sub. ...and you know how I feel about inverters; don't get me started Regards, Jeff Wexler

Good to know about amazon.com (often surprised at what they sell) but the $349.00 price I believe was for the one available USED unit. This could be a good way to get one cheaper since you probably would be tearing it up and just using the amp. I did put up the nicer image that amazon.com supplies (though I suspect this is an image of s new unit --- who knows). Regards, Jeff Wexler

In an effort to keep everything "native DC" on my cart, I have been using a small (slightly smaller than 1 RU half-rack width) control amp/preamp from Cambridge Soundworks. It is the amp part of their portable system which I think is called the Model 12. By using just the control amp (and the small cube speakers) I have lost the use of this rather pricey ($499.) system but have gained the use on my cart of a very flexible unit. It has 3 inputs labeled CD, AUX 1, AUX 2, it has a Tape In and Tape Out source monitor, a headphone jack, mono program switch, amplified speaker terminals (left, right and subwoofer), a prominent power switch with green LED indicator) and it all 12 vdc with reasonable current consumption. I realize this is not a viable or affordable solution, to purchase a $500. system and then pull it apart, but I have been very pleased with the result. Regards, Jeff Wexler

I'm with Marc on this, however the WOW factor is undeniable once you actually see the MacBook Air in person, pick it up and put it through the normal things you might do with this sort of incredibly unique machine. The seduction of the aesthetic did not last and fortunately reason prevailed and I will most probably not be getting this first generation MacBook Air. - Jeff Wexler

Richard, I have been playing around with WordPress for quite some time (it is getting better and better and now with the imminent release of v. 2.5 it will become a real platform I believe). Anyone interested can check out my most recent efforts at a blog: http://jwsound.net/WP/ I used a new plugin to put up the Ray Charles quote (audio recording from Tom Dowd movie) and I have also used a plugin (possibly what Richard uses) to link to YouTube (embedded). Feel free to signup for posting to the blog if you wish (very easy and only requires an email and your own password) or just view it --- open to the public. Regards, Jeff Wexler

I have used the SKB X cases before and built up several items: 2 playback boxes (with control preamp, power amp, patchbay, etc.), a SHURE dual wireless receiver unit with 2 handheld mics stored in the lid, etc. I think they are great cases but just not quite big enough (depth) sometimes and as you pointed out, no "off the shelf" sliding shelves that fit. The other problem that I have with almost all the rackmount stuff, including the sliding shelves, is the use of STEEL --- too heavy! I have tried to keep everything aluminum on my cart. This company has been posted before but I will post it again here since it is the only that seems to have aluminum parts: Star Case (thanks to David Waelder) has lots of stuff, aluminum drawers and even aluminum rack rails http://www.starcase.com/default.htm Regards, Jeff Wexler

I don't think that is a Perfectone --- too big. The Perfectone was actually quite compact, every one that I have seen was either 3 or possibly 4 inputs, but usually just 3. I don't know what that one is. I also have no idea what microphone is at the end of that fishpole with a windscreen that looks like it was made out of a dish towel. - JW

These go back a little further... shots from the movie "Five Bold Women" (no, I didn't work on that one, shot in 1959) one of my father's early movies. I put in the shot of the clap slate --- this is back when it actually was slate --- surprisingly little information on it, little needed as long as you could hear the clap and read the big handwritten numbers.

some rare shots of me actually shooting a CAMERA... working with my father on a short political movie called "Enhanced Radiation". I was also recording sound... that's me, Nagra over the shoulder and a very long 816.

I don't think I want to host such a site --- there are too many already available (like the MacJam site that Jeff E. used to put up his song). I think it works out just fine when people post a LINK to where something resides. It would be cool to be able to listen to stuff right here in this Forum but it just isn't technically feasible with this structure. Regards, Jeff Wexlr

from Mac Rumors site: "Appleinsider is backtracking on their claims from last year that the Mac mini was set to be discontinued. According to the rumor site, they've received word to the contrary: For the first time in nearly a year, however, people familiar with the matter tell AppleInsider there's new life in the Mac mini department, where a small team of engineers have recently been tasked with gutting the diminutive desktop and applying fresh internals. The Mac mini is expected to accompany the rest of the Mac line to the new Penryn Core 2 Duo processors. Specs are expected to start at 2.1GHz with the same GMA X3100 graphics processor used in the current MacBooks. The Mac mini was last updated in August 2007. MacScoop was first to predict Penryn Mac mini updates in the coming weeks. Apple is also expected to also refresh their iMac line with the latest Intel processors." Regards, Jeff Wexler