Marc Hoppe

I've stopped trying to introduce logic into this process in this job. I gave a blank look and sat back down behind my mixer.

Same job as above, sit down interview direct to camera: Director: "can you raise the boom mic?" Me: "is it in the frame?" Director: "No, but it's in my frame."

My mistake, it must be fatigue from...Er-Nevermind, it's 3 hours after loading in and we still haven't begun the interview yet. Thanks Jim, that made this afternoon bearable. I guess it's the little things. I actually laughed out loud. I'm waiting for the right day to break out my subs tshirt and get a picture next to the Red.

"This is more cinematic. It's like Kubrick shit." -director of a promotional video for a non-profit that will be shown on the web. He was using a directors' eyepiece at the time. We're in a police department setting up for a talking head interview that will be covered by b roll. We're also setting up for steadicam b roll of the cop walking the hallways of the precinct. All on the Epic at 5k.

The headphone jack on most of the EX3s I've worked with we're problematic in some way, whether it was intermittent channels or time code bleed into the return (TC bleed is not On the track). Another issue is that the return is noisy and not loud enough. I've heard from owners that Sony is aware of the problem and is reluctant to fix it, especially the tc bleed. Marc

I know I'm a bit late to this discussion, Alex, but have you downloaded the firmware update for the Zoom that allows for independent level control for channels 1 and 2? I've used a very similar workflow (Zoom, mp3@ 128kbps, tape out of 442) plenty of times with no TC bleed. One thing I was doing differently was that I was using the 1/4" inputs, not the XLRs. I believe the XLR inputs are a mic level input and the 1/4" inputs are their version of line level, more for music instruments if I remember correctly. The size of the adapters and attenuators is a real PITA, especially in run and gun mode, and I haven't figured a way around that. From the Zoom Website: <Common Specs> ●Balanced / Unbalanced Input: 2 x XLR-1/4"phone combo Jack ●Input Impedance: balanced input = 1kΩ balanced / pin 2 hot, unbalanced input = 480kΩ unbalanced ●Input Level: balanced input = -10 to -42dBm, unbalanced input = +2 to -32dBm I sold my Zoom and was using my 744t as a transcription recorder until recently when I was running dual system and transcription. I ended up buying a Tascam something or other for that. Marc

I'd love to attend, but will be out of town curling. Will look forward to the next one. Marc

I just came off a job where the other mixer had one. He swears by it and loves it. I tried it out a few times, but I found it tough to adapt to, however, with practice, I could see the benefits. Watching him use it made me jealous and makes me seriously consider buying one. I think that after you tackle the learning curve, you'd never go back. It definitely saves your back, and it is incredibly handy for many situations.

PM me with info (gear, rates) if you are available or if you have recommendations. I have a shoot day that needs another mixer and we're talking to production to get one on. Thanks. Marc

SHREVEPORT, LA NOBLE SAVAGE Small, but good bar menu. The burgers and the muffuletta are excellent, and the cole slaw is superb. Every week the chef has specials, a red meat, white meat, wild game, fish, pasta, and sandwich. They are absolutely delicious and well worth the extra money. This guy can cook. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Kitchen open until midnight, special until 10PM. The margaritas there are spectacular as well- no pre-made mixture. OLIVE STREET BISTRO Delicious Italian restaurant. We went once, showed up 15 minutes before closing. We offered to go somewhere else as it was obvious that the place was empty. They re-opened the kitchen for us, treated us perfectly, and made some delicious food. I'd recommend the veal.

I've been on a show now for a few months where we just sorted this stuff out. For some reason, our box rentals were taxed for the first 4 weeks, regardless of what we said or where we inputted figures. Now, the dollar amount seems right, but it still mentions that the box rental is subject to FIT. Either way, I've lost out on a lot of $$$ due to someone's oversight, and it's been a real beast trying to correct it. Marc

That is exactly what I meant. Sorry about the confusion. Overcovers are usually my first mount.

I just tried the Cobaltex with my 744t and 411a's (Blocks 19 and 21). I seemed to be getting a lot of RF spray from the recorder, which was separated from the receivers by a Petrol divider. Wrapping the 744t in the Cobaltex helped, but only slightly. I now have moved the receiver to the outside pockets of the bag and kept the wrap around the recorder. It has given me much less RF spray, but I don't like how wide of a footprint my bag has now. I tried to swap the mixer and recorder and have the recorder against my chest, 744 in the middle, and then the receivers, but the width of the bag didn't allow that with the connections on both sides of the 442. Marc

I'm not sure what you mean, but different situations call for different rigs. Sometimes the overcovers work really well, sometimes I use other methods. YMMV.

I have had pretty good results with the overcovers- less so with the undercovers. I usually go directly to the skin with the sticky part. The undercovers have given me scratchy results and the more I futz with it, the more sticky pads I have to use. The adhesive they use is meant to be stuck once, so if you need to reposition the lavs or remount, you need another sticky. I do also use vampire clips, moleskin, transpore and the RM11 with topstick, but my first mount is usually the undercovers. Marc

Yes, that's exactly what I mean. Thanks for clarifying- I'm a bit scrambled packing for a job. Marc

I am looking for an AC cable for an iPower 9V Battery Fast Charger. Does anyone have an extra laying around that they wouldn't mind getting rid of? Marc

I tried to use the OST power supply with COS11Ds wired for Lectro, but had to return them as they were incompatible. OST was very responsive when I contacted them about the problem, and refunded my money quickly. I now use the Ambient Eumel with no issues whatsoever. I don't believe I paid $118 for them though. Marc

A recorder that uses regular SD cards is probably the most convenient. If it's only for transcription purposes, you'll probably be asked to record mp3 at 128kbps. Those files transfer in very little time over a standard USB connection. Good luck.

The newer Rock n roller R12 carts come with solid rubber wheels that have been great for me over the past year. I also bought the shelf and a cable hook and have been very happy with it as both a magliner type cart and a cart/work station. Marc

I called Sound Devices a few years back to replace mine that had fallen off. They sent them out the next day at no charge. <HAT> (beat him to it!)

Yes, I believe that's how it works. Using my 744t, I get the flashing TC error when I try to jam at 23.98 to match camera, but rolling camera at 23.98 and 744 at 29.997 syncs fine. Marc

Your best bet is to go to an outdoor store with a knowledgeable staff in their footwear department. You should be able to try on different boots and be able to walk around on different surfaces, inclines, declines, etc . . . Definitely try on before buying. Marc

I use Switronix NP1 Batteries (about $179 each) and I have several Switronix single batttery chargers ($45). The batteries have been incredible for me so far. The chargers take a while, but the price cannot be beat. I bought the batteries from ProSound in New York, but they didn;t have the chargers, so I got those from B&H.

Yes, all the outputs work simultaneously. The 10 pin and the xlr outs have external mic/line switches, but the TA3 outputs mic line switch is menu driven. By default it is set to line level. Marc