codyman

Well it is definitely odd but given that it is an unbalanced output, maybe try a different cable to A&B it as a possible problem source? You could always give a call over to Sound Devices as they are always helpful too.

I have sent scratch to that camera before and I do recall that besides the physical audio level wheel on the camera itself, there was some sort of setting in the menu pertaining to some sort of other gain level structure of some sort? Sorry for the vagueness but there was something else buried there in the audio settings so maybe look into seeing if that can be adjusted lower?

What camera are you trying to send the audio to?

Depends on the camera but if you're going into a mic level source, might want to start with the MixPre outputting tone, set the output gain to somewhere in the middle and then adjust accordingly on the camera to -20db of which the tone is outputting. Each camera is different but I'd rather up the output level on the MixPre than crank the gain on the camera (but be careful not to overload the input on the camera either). Trial and error with tone is going to be key.

Great guide as always, Larry. It seems in 2020 (while we were all putzing around the house once the COVID lock downs begun), cellular networks seemed to really bring 5G equipment mainstream (I believe the repack too finished last summer?), especially the mid band stuff in the 600mhz range. Even with practicing good RF measures, have you seen any problems with these new networks interfering with legal stuff in other blocks? The reason I ask is that I've been noticing more random interference (not often, but occasionally) ever since I returned to working late last year. For the most part, the A1 area (particularly Block 19) has been really clear here in LA but lately, while often scanning clear, it seems there's been times where I've found myself having to change frequencies at times. I've always steered clear of no-go portions of 19 that deal with public safety channels, but it does seem that LA has become even more "busy" in terms of RF vs it was a year ago. With no travel gigs right now, this is a bit anecdotal as I can't say how the equipment performs in other cities! Would be curious if other LA mixers have faced the same problems too.

It sounds like the DMV and Patent Office share employees.

Maybe Zaxcom's patent specify "UHF transmitters" or something specific to the point where Røde is just going to gamble with it? Also, I was under the impression that the Zaxcom patent is coming up on expiration so I wonder if Røde will just sandbag the feature for the USA and then enable it once it is legally allowed? I can't speak for Lectrosonics but I've kinda wondered if they'll just release a firmware upgrade for their mic packs that have microSD slots in them once the patent expires as I'd imagine it's just a matter of software since the hardware is already there waiting. All in all, glad I went the production sound mixer route and not the legal one as all of this kind of stuff is mind numbing. Also, I don't play golf so that would probably not go down too well in legal circles.

You are aware that this is more geared towards the vlogging crowd, right? I wouldn't just sell your ERX's and pick these up as you should rather test these for your use case first as there isn't much control over them in terms of features and range might be considerably less than what you're used to.

I'm thinking the fact that I was a stone's throw away from a cell tower might have been the culprit. I'm doing a walk and talk in Malibu Monday so TBD if it behaves better there where cell phone signal is iffy to begin with a lot of the time around there so a good test in a minimal cell tower area.

I think the last thing I own that uses RCA cables is my turntable. Did a big cable de clutter / reduction while in the doldrums of COVID lock down (it literally took a Pandemic to make me address the mess in the garage) and I think I kept one spare and tossed the rest.

I haven't used it yet but I'd imagine like all the other tools in our shed, The Client doesn't get to benefit from any of the tools unless they want to pay up. The only reason I could see myself getting it was if I was on a larger production and for some reason we needed it to save post's sanity and we were going to be shooting in absolutely terrible locations for weeks on end and they wanted to pony up for it.

Sounds like another 695 vs 600 battle like the one that happened recently with the streaming of stuff over Zoom etc.

I wonder what Local 600 has to say about this given that this is a DIT task being circumvented by a machine?

Thanks Larry! This morning I velcro'ed my Bowties to the front of my Stingray bag like RocketTree did above (I like how they are now flush against the bag rather than sticking out) and fired up the HM and two SM's here at home. Seemed to be behaving properly here at home as I did a very unscientific walk test through a few walls etc. I will be at a new outdoor location Monday for a walk and talk interview so I'll give them another spin and see what happens as that should put them through their paces again. Hopefully it isn't the PSC given that it is new but then again I guess it hasn't been 100% proven yet given it's a new release (I'm really liking it though given it's abilities and price!). I'm just glad that I know the whips work no matter what so at least if the PSC or Bowties act up again, at least I have a backup plan in a pinch!

So I've only used my Bowties once so far and I paired them to my new PSC Four pack that has an SRc and SRb in it. I was up on Mullholland Highway 100 feet from a cell phone tower and eye sight away from all those TV towers up by the Hollywood Sign. I run my boom on a Lectro HM and I had two talents wired up so three wireless channels running. For some reason, despite scanning for free frequencies, I just could not get a clean channel in Block 19 like I usually do. I found some that were at least mostly free but even with talent 10 feet away from me I was getting drop outs. Unplugged the Bowties and just went with whips on my SRc and SRb and then I was fine the rest of the day. 1) The PSC Four Pack is brand spanking new so maybe something is going on with it. I need to test it with my RF Venue Antenna and see if that has different results. 2) Maybe I was just being bombarded by RF in that place and I need to test it somewhere else to see if I have the same problem. 3) Maybe the Bowties are just getting overpowered by my HM being so close to them. I like having wireless boom when I'm a one man band as I can quickly put the boom down to adjust mics etc and not have to sit and fight with a coil cable. Also makes it nice for when we quickly go into a sit down interview I can throw the boom on a stand quickly and not fuss with running wires etc. So I have some homework and experimenting to do! I do like how they mount to my bag though, that's for sure.

Seems like Sound Devices has been playing a strong offense these last couple years with the 8 series. Between the Audio Limited acquisition, CEDAR integration / plugins / and now Frame.io stuff, they seem to be going for that Apple-esque ecosystem where you can be a one stop shop with them. I guess one could argue that Zaxcom started that with their whole ecosystem of products but it's interesting to see Sound Devices now go down that road too.

I hadn't even heard of this till you mentioned it but it seems to be appealing to the low end "vlog" crowd who want a receiver on their hot shoe of their camera and something better audio wise than the built in mic on their camera. https://www.newsshooter.com/2020/12/04/hollyland-lark-150-wireless-mic-system/

Have you tried the Countryman B3 series? I use them in Ursa Mini-Mounts and then use Super Stick It to secure the mics and it has become by far my best lav setup I've ever used. The B3 seems to be indestructible as I've never had one fail on me despite tons of abuse with non actors in the documentary world. If things get windy, I use Super Stick It to secure a Rycote Undercover on top of the mic cap and mini mount and I've had guys driving 60+ mph on a highway in a convertible with no wind noise (other than of course the car noise). I'm sure the DPA's probably sound better but I am not exactly certain they could take the abuse these B3's have and the B3's can be had for Lectros for about $200/each!

She already does all that, however, there hasn't been a scientific study that's conclusive in that vaccinated people are unable to still pass along the virus. If she didn't work literally with dying COVID patients all day, she'd be less concerned but for the meantime she's playing it safe.

My friend is an ICU nurse in Nevada and she already has both of her doses. I think she got her first in late December and the 2nd a few weeks later. The problem is that her husband doesn't qualify to get it yet so they've basically been living separate lives in their home because she's worried that since she's vaccinated which is great, there's no proof that being vaccinated doesn't allow for you to still "get it" and then pass it on to someone despite your body being able to fight it. Until he gets the vaccine or there's more scientific proof that she can't pass it on to her husband, they've been taking it really, really careful!

All of my friends that work in the medical field have already received their two doses and none of them had any issues other than one said his arm was a little sore for a couple days after the first shot. This virus sure has been wacky. My 87 year old Grandmother who has a ton of pre-existing (I'm pretty sure she hasn't exercised since "The War" as she calls it aka WW2) conditions got COVID in her retirement home but didn't even know she had it until a weekly test confirmed it (she never exhibited any symptoms) whereas a friend of mine who is super fit and 35 years old was sick as a dog for weeks, go figure.

I'm jealous. The rate California is distributing this I'll finally be able to get it once I qualify for the 65+ year old bracket... 32 years from now.

I hope those Lectro Engineers haven't been toking on those Tumbleweeds too much! It's kind of crazy the lengths of government bureaucracy it takes to get a product to market. Lectro should do a behind the scenes of a product from start to market and show the lengths of engineering and testing it takes to make it happen. I'd bet we'd all complain less about standing in line at the DMV versus what they have to deal with!

You're entitled to your opinion but I'm going to say that's a negative Ghost Rider.

Unrelated however spiritually related, this is why I still like physical media for films and music (especially films). A lot of people are plopping in their credit card numbers to "buy" movies on iTunes / Amazon etc digitally however if you read the terms and conditions, you actually don't own those movies and they can be revoked from your account on a whim for a myriad of reasons.