Alistair Duff

I used to be a juicer, I think sound wont kill me. The mental strain is worse and booming with a bag is painful but its not as bad as wrapping 1000' of 4/0.

I have to say out loud that I have had a really great last few months. I have been having a great time and doing a lot of stuff that I really enjoy. I am working on an ongoing web series about beer and brewing which allows me to get into the many micro breweries and brewing competitions here in Portland, tasting a lot of great ales and lagers along the way. Last month I boomed on a feature film in LA with Danny Trejo that had a ton of stunt work and car chases and some great driving by Steve Saleen himself, what a badass. Today I wrapped on a comedy web series called the The Fix that I have been doing as a labor of love for some of my best friends here in Portland. I haven't laughed so much in all my life. The doughnut was indeed dropped! I am experiencing just what I had hoped for by taking my career seriously and pushing myself to succeed with my skills and enthusiasm for adventure and film making fun. Hope everyone is well and prospering! Alistair

One way to look at the emergence of Red cameras is that they have created more jobs in scripted film type shooting. Maybe not jobs with great pay or perks but jobs none the less. I am happy to have more work as a result of Red and DSLR shoots that wouldn't have happened with more expensive gear.

To quote Jeff Spicolli.."Awesome, totally awesome!"

We were just looking for a backup as I thought our mixer was getting out. As boom op I am first mate next to the captain, I just didn't want the ship to sink with me on board and thought I would look here rather than work with whoever production found on their own. Thanks for the replies. Alistair

I am booming on a budget feature in L.A. and need a mixer with a small kit and a couple comteks to mix nine days from the 15th through the 26th of February. It is low budget but pretty fun with a good cast and some talented people on the production end. If you are interested or know of someone you could recommend please PM me here. Thank You, Alistair Duff

I really like the new Mackie 16 channel board that uses an Ipad as the only control surface..you can mix from anywhere in WiFi range. I don't think I want to trust it in a live situation though but its cool. Alistair

I just ordered a pair of TL40 w/vampire clips and metal screens from Dave at OST..getting them wired for Sennheiser G3. I am trying them out based on the good reviews from others here on JWSound. I like supporting small business when possible and appreciate their personal service. Cant wait to hear them! Alistair

Ok thanks..Ive asked this question on the SD forum..will report back. Alistair

Have Sound Devices caught up on their back order for the 664 yet? Is anyone still waiting for a unit who ordered it when it was announced? Alistair

Check this out its a lot of info but really gets at the heart of the matter...http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CDcQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jensen-transformers.com%2Fan%2Fgeneric%2520seminar.pdf&ei=R9LmUKX8LYXxigLGr4Bw&usg=AFQjCNG9jiQ4W5CT2t30wEami8Kv4fZG3w&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.cGE&cad=rja Alistair

"Jim Jannard: Lights? Where we're going, we don't need lights." Looking at lighting as an antique utility to overcome slow film and video is really missing the point entirely. Its kind of a bummer that Jannard is overlooking the art that his machine is supposed to take part in and encouraging a disrespect for the craft. Alistair

Wow what a bummer, I'm glad I had the opportunity to work with her in 2008. Alistair

This may help...http://www.amazon.com/PAC-Ground-Isolator-3-5-Applications/dp/B001EAQTRI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1357159134&sr=8-3&keywords=car+audio+noise+filter

Come on Sound Devices 332, three iso's and a two track..! Alistair

Wow that's cool..and there I was stuck in a casino in Oregon doing sound for a comedian! Doh..! Happy New Year everyone! Alistair

"Pull the other one!"

Im going to go ahead and order a pair of TL40s as replacements for the stock Sennheisers..Thanks earmuffs and Sawrab! Alistair

I wonder if in an alternate universe somewhere professional soldiers are having a discussion about pro audio gear? Alistair

Definitely my 8060 and MixPre-D.

Sawrab, Thanks for your reply..lots of good info. I appreciate all the tips and methods you mentioned. I will try and get by with these mics until I can spring for something else. Does anyone have a preferred online retailer for Topstick and Sticky Stuff? Alistair

I'm going to grab a pair of COS11D's hoping that in addition to way better tone I can get better noise resistance from the mic body as well. Anyone have any tips on how to get these things workable in the meantime? Alistair

The 8060 was my choice as the first nice boom mic I've owned. It's really forgiving off axis and is super light and sounds great to my ears! For windy situations Ive got it in a totally over sized Rycote 4 but its still very lightweight and manageable. Alistair

I think one of the main things I dislike about the ME-2 besides the boxy tone is the fact that the body of the mic is so micro phonic that it seems to get worse with moleskin. Any clothing noise is greatly amplified when its not even rubbing against the top of the mic. Which of the other lav mics are considerably better in this regard? Alistair

Thanks for the reminder Phil..done! It's a little long winded but hey its a long story! Alistair