drpro

The Cantar Mini saga continues. The Melody II preamp arrived last week from Gotham. Finally figured out were to install it in my case wedge. Here is a photo with the Mini side removed. The Melody II allows me to have three SRc receivers connected and still have two mic preamps available. The marks on the right Hydra socket are from one of our greyhounds sampling the package. I suppose he thought it was a new chew toy.

Good point Philip, system integration if you are already invested in a particular line of gear is important for most of us. The Hydra system or something like it is nice, as you can use different manufacture's wireless systems, including the ability to mix brands and use them at the same time.

Nice explanation.

Totally agree with you John. The learning curve is steeper than SD products, imo. Really is more flexible. The lack of a bag and the difficult shape for the Mini is a challenge. I have built four versions to date. My latest works for me, no perfect, but for what I have been doing the past year or so, it is ok. Just got the Melody from Gotham this past week. Now I will mount that and have a total of 3 SRc receivers installed using the Hydra. David

I have had some improvement with using Izotope RX. This works in post after the fact.

Hydra will support 16 channels. From a user of both products, I would say the SD products are more intuitive than the Cantar units. When both systems are tricked out the price differential is not as great. Each system has some pluses and minuses. You have to decide what works best in your production world. I went with the Mini several years ago and mostly like it. Sometimes the menus are frustrating if you haven't used a particular function in a long time. For me one of the big pluses was the Transvideo screen, unlike the SD screens this one is viewable in any lighting conditions. Along with the larger screen viewing the different menus is easier on my old eyes. I do like the Hydra system as your wireless receivers can be out of sight, still allows easy control of the parameters. Yes, extra cables and weight for the Hydra. For a cart based system not a deal breaker, though Dante enabled receivers would be I think even better than the Hydra system. Manuel, I agree with Constantin, try both, and see what works for you. We really are very fortunate in todays world to have some very good choices in gear selection. When I started out, it was a Nagra and a couple of Vega wireless systems. David

Nice setup Scott and really neat schematic.

Rob, thanks for the info, I do like the fact all of the various signals can be combined into one ethernet cable.

Sonosax M2D2, a bit pricey, but oh so sweet sounding.

Rob, Dante I understand enough to be dangerous, completed Dante Level 1 course. I am curious does one ethernet cable cover the Dante, Wireless Designer and video (NDI)? Or are three different cables required? Tnx David

If you have access to a friendly audio dealer, perhaps they have the toaster and would check the Invisity for you. Otherwise you can take a Comtek and simply adjust the frequency until you hit on the correct one.

Years ago, DPA gave me some of the 4060 housings. My skill set was not that great and usual repairs resulted in one in three attempts to repair were successful.

And all the sweaty bodies that have used them.

The coffee maker!!

The two I just bought are Inspired Energy batteries, just with another vendor label on the outside. Case and serial numbers matched up with IE.

Yep, I would say they have been toking the Kali Tragus, know by many names, prickly Russian thistle, being one one of them

John I like the Cos11 for noisy locations, seems to hear less of the background noise. To my ear the DPA lavs cut very well with the Schoeps mics. I would not consider the DPA lavs to be more robust, unless you buy 4660 series. My experience has been the DPA lavs fail right at the point where the cable enters the housing. Also if you are using ones with the microdot connector, that too is a weak spot.

Just bought some IE 98w batteries that have a third party label on them for 90usd each. Also use RRC plus the Aaton batteries that came with the recorder. Two plus years now and no issues. I use the Aaton charger and bought an RRC charger from Mouser.

Well I am one of the lazy ones. Back when I had Segways, I would sometimes use one to access the location in downtown Nashville. Events like the CMA awards where parking and access were difficult. I would ride it up and down the red carpet early while crews would being setting up and at the end of the night.

Liking that rig Neil. The Amazon ordered cleats are definitely less expensive than what Aaton sells. The 8020 or similar is a nice way to go. Makes it easy to modify the rig. Going the route I chose does lock me in. David

I believe Larry said "yes"

When performance matters LDF-5. About .9db per 100' of loss at most wireless frequencies. Not light, doesn't roll very well, but will impress the client. Have several rolls in the garage.

A used Cooper CS104, has some of the best preamps going. I kick myself for selling what I had years ago. Probably used in the 700-1000usd range, so more than the SD302. Really nice to have. My .02

FB I have found to be a great time waster for me. JW is usually the most clear and concise way to discuss production sound, the latest gear, wonderful DIY, and the buy and sell is first rate. my .02 worth

That is a nice mod. Kudos Paul