JLMoore3rd

John- I'm not clear on the ground connection you mentioned. I have a stereo breakout cable configured like this: 2 x 3-pin XLRM -> 5-pin XLRF -> 5-pin XLRM -> 2 x 3-pin XLRF. I use the shield/ground from both 3-pins to the shield/ground on the 5-pins... It's working for me... Shouldn't the same thing work for an 8-pin breakaway connector? Like this: 2 x 3-pin XLRM & 1/8" mini plug -> 8-pin Neutricon -> 2 x 3-pin XLRF & 1/8" mini plug. The XLR shields are on a common pin (# and the 1/8" ground is on it's own pin (#3) - not common with the XLRs. That leaves pins 1 & 2 as 1/8" hot & cold, 4 & 5 as XLR #1 hot & cold, and 6 & 7 as XLR #2 hot & cold... Any reason this shouldn't work?

Jim- thanks... them's the connectors I ordered- looks like they shouldn't be too hard to solder. Omar- Them's a bit spendy for my budget... the one I'd need is $240, and I can spend another $40 & add onto the cable I already built. I love the smell of solder in the morning!

Sorry for the cross-post (if you're a DVXUser reader)... I'm looking for the break-away connector used in a Beta snake- I need to build a better mixer to camera cable than my current one (2 x XLR & 1 x 1/8" mini on each end)... It's a pain to disconnect the camera or mixer for each shot move. I suppose I could just use a 7-pin XLR pair, but that would mean sharing the ground with all 3 connectors, and I don't think that's the best idea. Oh, yeah- I'm hoping to find something that won't induce an apoplectic fit while trying to solder! John Moore sound.flyingmonkeystudio.com

I use a Wendt X3 mixer/pre & send the output to the camera & my Fostex FR2 (safety recording?!)... The X3 has a slate mic (which adds a loud peak as it cuts out) and on most shoots I do one of the following: If there is a slate: 1) Start the FR2 recording before the slate operator calls the scene/take 2) Hit the slate mic as the slate operator calls the scene (so it grabs the scene/take info & adds the peak after the clap) If there isn't a slate, or the director isn't calling the scene/take: 1) Start the FR2 recording before the director calls action 2) Hit the slate mic as the director calls action (so it adds the peak before the scene/take) On a really small shoot (actress, director, camera & sound) I usually ask if I can call the scene & take into the slate mic- that really helps out in post! John Moore sound.flyingmonkeystudio.com

If you're looking for something light & inexpensive... I picked up a Tenba backpacking harness from B&H for under $40: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/53738-REG/Tenba_632_108_5001_BPH_L_Backpack_Harness_.html I use it to carry my bag with a Wendt X3 & Fostex FR2... Pretty comfy & pretty inexpensive! Here's a pic: John Moore sound.flyingmonkeystudio.com

If you have a local sporting goods store- try the golf section. I use a golfing umbrella, which is easily as large as the one in your picture. John Moore sound.flyingmonkeystudio.com

Garfield's "Headphone Softies"... that's the ticket! Thanks - John

I remember reading a post about comfy add-on headphone pads & was hoping someone could point me in the right direction. After reading the post about the Etymotic ER-4S, I was thinking about finding a set of pads for my 7506's that might help during the summer... Anyone have a lead? John Moore sound.flyingmonkeystudio.com