Eric

Lectrosonics D4 can send 4 channels of audio. RX can output analog or AES. I have been using this as a camera hop for a number of years (when not using a G3 scratch track). Likely some are familiar with it and some are not. It has it's pros and cons (which I won't get into), but can be helpful in the odd 4 channel send situation. https://www.lectrosonics.com/US/Digital-Wireless-System/category.html

I have the Ambient lockit slate (ACN-LS). In combination with the ACL-204 (sync boxes) everything is a dream to sync. My workflow is to jam the slate and send wireless sync from the slate to the sync boxes. Easy. It gives you a little report on the display as to how many boxes jammed successfully. No need to take the sync boxes off the cameras if there is a need to rejam. Nor do you have to find the cameras as long as the boxes are in range of the sync signal. Always double check TC, of course. ACs seem to like the one handed slating option, just grip the handle and clap with thumb (at least that's what I've heard). The flashing red lights on clap (which you can turn off) has helped some of my clients sync when there is no TC available to camera. However, It doesn't stand up on it's side like the the Deneke TS-C (if that's a pro). It does't glow the cool blue to make slate writing visible in the dark.

You can always contact Joe @ Lectrosonics Toronto and ask him what he uses. Joe is friendly and amazing at sharing what he knows.

I've used COS-11s with a hush lav foam (cut in half) in the tie knot pointing down. Usually pretty good indoors (wardrobe dependent, of course). I have also used an RM11 in the knot as well. Depends on the knot/tie.

Main recorder is a SD664. I like the many outputs and 6 preamps. SD633 as a backup, or the main recorder depending on the job. Both have been solid in high heat and humidity to cold and snow.

I have seen people use concrete forming tubes to protect the Rycote windshield inside a Pelican case. You cut the cardboard tube to size and then you need to cut a little notch out of one side (Bottom/top -- who can tell in a circle?) so the handle can slide in. The handle/pistol grip does not go inside the tube. It gets folded on the outside. These types of tubes: \https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/categories/building-materials/concrete-cement-and-masonry/concrete-materials-tools-and-accessories/concrete-forming-products.html I have not used it myself, but have seen it used.

If you're working out of a bag and power everything off an NP1 this could be a good solution: http://www.hawkwoods.co.uk/Prods/Product/AD-NP1 Thinking of this myself, however, I rarely do sit down interviews. Maybe this is better suited to your needs: http://www.hawkwoods.co.uk/Prods/Product/APD-PS Requires NP1 powering of your kit. I haven't tried either.

I got a the local audio shop (Audio Services Canada in Toronto) to build a shortie cloth covered cable that has the T12 to P48 magic built into the XLR boot. Same as the barrel I imagine, but without the bulk. Cable runs from boom pole to inside of Rycote wind shield.

I found the Sennheiser MKE-2 to be a fairly tight sounding lav mic. When I used the mic it was not hidden, but clipped on a men's suit jacket/blazer. Seemed less "open" to me than a COS-11. Please let us know how it goes.

Cheap and cheerful Transcend has been reliable for years.

Did some shooting in Asia. I didn't seem to have any issues with Lectro blk 21 (537.600-563.100) and blk 25 (640.00-665.500) in Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Sennheiser G3 range A (516-558) for scratch track in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

You can try Audio Services in Toronto, Canada. http://audioservicescanada.com/ They may be able to do it. They say it's complicated but do-able. However, with shipping, etc. it may be more cost effective to buy a used one.

Congratulations. Oh the lack of sleep... If it's not your first then you know the drill. If not, it gets better every day. I know it's hard to grasp in the midst of sleep deprivation during the first bit, but please try to enjoy every minute of it. As Christian said, you'll blink and she'll be 4. Get those snuggles in!

My personal picks are the Sennheiser HD280 Pro, Sennheiser HD25ii, or Beyer Dynamic DT250. Just goes to show people like a lot of different things for various reasons.

I have the pre merger Petrol poncho. Not pretty, but can save gear. It doesn't really breathe well, and some rain drops can obscure view of equipment. Has saved me many times in the rain. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1115084-REG/sachtler_sn606_rain_poncho.html Transparent plastic garbage bags have also worked. Poncho is my go to in rain. Keeps me and gear dry.

Audio Services (Toronto) repaired the mesh on my COS11 when it came off a while ago.

iCom products have been used in the past. Recently the IC-R6. Mic freqs can be programmed in for talent mics and (if i remember correctly) they can be tuned quickly with the turn of a knob or button.

Communication as to what is required for your project audio/time code wise. Most of us (if not all) own audio gear. No audio gear is required unless the sound person you're working with asks for something specific.

Audio Services in Toronto made me a cloth covered jumper cable for my boom mic. I think they may still stock cloth covered mic cable. It may be thinner than the regular cable used for long runs (Canare 705, etc.) You can contact them to see if they have any of the cable you are looking for. audioservicescanada.com

Have flown in Canada with Petrol Eargonizer (large) with 664, rfs, batteries (and a book) as my only carry on. No issues. Also had security turn me back to check my Li-ion NP7s. Going against all I have read, but there it is.

Using my 416T stil. Still sounds nice. It's from 2001. "Only" 13 yrs old.

Maybe he meant the old school Ni Cad NP-1s which still work. I use the IDX Li-Ion NP-7s (blue) as I suspect you might (for all my bag work). Longer run time. I still call them NP-1s though. Same shape/size different chemical/technology inside.

No problem like this with mine.

There seemed to be a way to route audio meters to the video monitor on my last shoot. Delayed though. HP out of the camera (for return) is bad/noisy.

As Jason mentioned. ASC = Audio Services Corp. in Toronto. Queensway/Kipling area. Thanks for clarifying way before I did.