syncsound

Yeah. Wondering why they're adding it beyond marketing. The Cantar doesn't strike me as the choice of SFX recordists capturing gunfire, planes, etc.

How does it implement the 32 bit recording? Are they using the mixed output of 2 converters like other recorders?

Agreed. I prefer the plug-on form factor for wireless boom and plants. Plus, I want the option to use with a handheld when needed.

Yes, you can use the USB-A port labeled "Keyboard". That has worked for me.

I've had good luck with the Remote Audio Microcat: https://remoteaudio.com/products/microphone-solutions/micro-cat/ They have a larger visual profile, but they're very effective.

How many channels will it apply to? If it's center-only, then dialogue that pans may undergo a noticeable change, one that detracts. Granted, actively panned dialogue isn't common to that many titles (Gravity and Roma are the first that come to mind).

It might also be worth a conversation with director, DP, and wardrobe. There might be the option of "cover up" tops, or some other light shirt.

AFAIK there aren't any "true" 32 bit ADCs, either. Aren't they using stacked converters, or something similar?

It was a 7 1/2 page one-r with 13 speaking parts:

One thing that would make a difference would be test screening with fresh ears. Almost everyone involved in the production has at least read the sides, and therefore knows what the actors are supposed to say before they say it. Being primed like that can cause a listener to overlook poorly delivered lines, either through low projection or poor articulation. Defamiliarization would allow people to catch these kinds of things. As "creative choices": you can de-emphasize dialogue in a scenario that doesn't require any exposition, that's fine. But if it's a situation that many people are unfamiliar with, you need to help the audience along. For example: "Pat" walks into a room, up to a counter. On the other side of the counter stands "Chris". Pat mumbles something unintelligible to Chris. Chris then places a glass full of liquid on the counter. Pat picks up the glass and walks away. We can reasonably assume that Pat walked into a bar, and ordered a drink from Chris. Unless it's relevant to the plot, we don't necessarily need every word to arrive at this conclusion. When I saw Tenet the first time in a theater, I could barely keep up. For me, that was an example of when the audience needed more help. You had new characters in new situations whose voices were muffled by gas masks. My second viewing was at home, with subtitles. This helped, but only barely. Which brings me to one other issue: narrative clarity. If you're going to be exploring abstract concepts, you need to do so using simple, direct language, as you will be teaching the audience through exposition. It can be challenging to do this in new and relevant ways, of course, but that's what we sign up for as storytellers. Example A: the "Mr. DNA" sequence from Jurassic Park. The goal is to summarize DNA gene splicing for the general audience, just enough for them to follow the plot. It does this very efficiently, in about 3 minutes and 30 seconds, and in a manner that is fully integrated into the story. Example B: all of The Big Short. Here, they chose different methods, including fourth wall breaks and direct address to camera. The film does a great job in explaining a very complex subject simply, essentially the cinematic expression of the Feynman Technique. And here is where I fully graduate to being a grumpy old man: I grew up on the original Star Wars trilogy. I personally don't remember people not being able to understand the dialogue, or being unable to follow the story enough. Lines were either delivered clearly, or looped for clarity. The scripts, while teeming with invented languages and alien words, still conveyed the essential narrative simply enough that even children could follow them. We have solutions to all the problems listed in the above article, we simply need to implement them. End rant.

https://www.avclub.com/television-film-sound-audio-quality-subtitles-why-1849664873

Me as well, though I'm concerned that might become unsustainable long term.

I'm curious about what protocols sound mixers are requesting/requiring on non-union sets? A recent call about a corporate gig has surprisingly lax protocols considering the high profile client, so much so that I felt that I had to pass on it. I'm wondering if I'm being overly cautious and need to adapt?

Was this recorded?

I'm currently using a pulse-load tester, but getting unreliable results. Any recommendations? Thank you.

On union features, yes, if they invite you.

I start a feature soon, and this is the second show on which I was at first invited to the tech scout, then had that invitation rescinded. I hope this isn't the beginning of a cost-savings trend.

True. But my inner and outer old men took umbrage. 😁

Any real world experience to share about the PSC 12 Pack?

I did a feature this past winter. During the workflow conference call, the post supe asked me what recorder I use. When I said it was a 688, he replied, "Ah, a classic." It took every last whit of my self control to not yell at him to get off my lawn.

Great sounding work!

Mostly just big Ziplocs. The ACs hold them horizontally, so their wrist fits into the opening to clap the sticks.

Gotcha. My only experience has been with rain protection, essential here in the PNW.

Is this for rain protection, or for large bodies of water?

Still early days, but I imagine that once this tech improves, it might serve as a replacement for some ADR. I would have to assume that SAG would include language to limit its use, but for indies and for general walla, those might someday serve as a kind of "stock footage", or even a plugin: https://www.aflorithmic.ai/post/creating-einsteins-voice