SonicBoomPole

Jordan thanks for the tip on using a G3 as a hop for longer runs. That will extend (pun intended) the life of this product for my uses before eventually upgrading to a proper solution when the gigs and budget call for it. Glad to hear someone else was actually using them too! There's always rental when I need it something for a quick in/out gig.

Exactly my thoughts when originally considering this route. On eBay the best I could find was a comtek Tx and Rx plus a mic for like $250+shipping. Most were priced higher. Hence the Sennheiser RS160 for now. Maybe comtek and similar is a better system for this purpose and even for the long run but for cost/benefit and need it right now; this fits the bill.

Got it. I understand what you're doing so you can nix the pix if it saves you time and effort

Thanks Rick, I'll look into the ListenTech system. I do have some $20 Sennheiser HP to use with them. WanderingEar, yeah the option of running a stereo mix is nice but usually running just mono dialog. Good to have the option though. I guess I was misunderstanding or mis-remembering what I've read here on other posts. I thought there were some stereo wireless systems out there. I suppose I'm wrong on that.

Thanks for the comments guys. I agree I'm not saving a ton and they can be a little more fragile than other options. Initially I was looking at the Senheiser IEMs since I use the same G3 system already but they cost about $300+ per Rx unit used which is more than my current set up. A 4 headset system would run me $450. Plus I can send stereo not just mono as with Comtek (I know the Sennheiser and Zaxcom stuff does stereo and probably Lectro as well but at a higher cost). I will say that people seem fairly pleased with them and that mostly they are happy to wear them (pretty comfortable) and they treat them respectfully. I only use them when the budget calls for it and when I feel they will be utilized properly and not simply tossed aside. Also using 2.4Ghz doesn't interfere with my A and B range G3s or take up another Tx. My thought was that if they weren't quite what I needed for work that I would use them at home and still be pleased with my purchase. My process is always evolving. Thanks again for the input!

Take me....ANYWHERE! Please? I love to hike but I never do since moving back to CA. PM me I'd love to go sometime seriously.

Hey Rick, Can you post a pic of how you velcro the double pouch? It wasn't very obvious to me how it was intended to be used. I just piggy back them and they do kind of flop around but not bad. PS Using a Tekkeon MP3450 R3 54Wh check out the specs at their website: http://www.tekkeon.com/products-mypowerall.html

Fine people of the forums, I was curious to know if any one out there in low budget land or else where has come upon a more affordable solution to providing headphones to Director an/or scripty than the standard comtek or zaxcomm IFB? I recently came across something that I thought I'd share and see who is with me on this one... I'm currently running Sennheiser RS160 wireless headphones. $150 on eBay then $100 per extra set of cans. Check 'em out here: http://en-us.sennheiser.com/wireless-headphones-digital-stereo-rs-160 Basically, you send a stereo feed to a 1/8" TRS mini-jack on a small Tx base station (runs on 2xAA not included) and it then sends that mix out to as many as 4 sets of cans. Each HP set has its own power and volume controls and the cans run on 2 AAA batteries (eneloop batteries are included!). So on a small indie set these have worked great so far. Range is stated at 60ft which doesn't sound like much but I have not run into any issues on range. There is an ever so slight delay though as it uses 2.4Ghz which is the same as WiFi. Thoughts? Comments? Concerns? Please do tell!

I'm using a MP3450 R3 (I also have an "R2" version, no noticeable difference). 58Wh. Dont see mAH listed on the unit. Maybe on the website?

I use this bag for my Tascam DR-680 and 4 Sennheiser G2/G3 Rx in a OMB set up. 680 goes in the section closest to my body and then the divider creates enough space for things like random Tx's collected off talent or on the way to talent. Also comes in handy for keeping a spare Li-Ion battery. I've added 2 of the double RX pouches sold separately which work great for my purpose. I also now have 2 spares for comteks or whatever. I'm also using the Petrol shoulder harness with this bag and love that too, except it seems a little noisy to me. The belly pouch on mine is rounded and I used it to house my Tekkeon Li-Ion battery pack that powers the 680 all day. The clear plastic cover gets folded down *behind* my 680 inside the bag and velcroes to the orange interior. I rarely need it but when I do it is easy enough to pull it out and use it.

Just to chime in, I'm using Li-Ion battery by Tekkeon. They run at several selectable voltages from 5-19V and come with an assortment of tips for your device. I'm using it with a Tascam DR-680 which also runs on 8xAA or 12vdc. I can get through a full 12 hour day if I remember to both turn off P48 when not in use and power down for extended breaks between takes. I have two for those extra long days or when I have to be on all day. No issues, but do make sure you set the voltage right Also, I used the Edirol and hated the UI. TC wasn't worth it. Good luck dude.

Pampasound, yeah I'm running a DR-680 as well but it is the heart of my rig. I rarely if ever NEED TC but if I did I'd rent. I wonder if not having TC ability keeps me from working some jobs but at this rate since there is no affordable solution I don't worry about it. I also run G3/G2s and just bought some OST TL-40s which should be here tomorrow. I'm excited about those. My next purchase is to upgrade from the Tascam. Hopefully the end of this year will allow me to pick up a 664 in January. Hopefully I can snag a used one cheaper I'd love to step up to Lectro stuff from my Senny stuff but I'm hoping that with better mics they'll do what I need them to for a bit longer. I doubt wireless is going away. Maybe the spectrum will change again meaning it becomes WiFi or something similar but as others has pointed out there is latency with WiFi. I don't know what it will be but wireless mics as a thing will not be going away from production sound anytime soon IMO.

I'm interested to know if any of you have worked with Larry LaSota? Would've been in the early to mid 1980s and maybe into the early 90s. He worked on Family Ties, Coach, Designing Women, etc...I worked for him on Kaua'i at his video company. Just looking for some fun stories. I've caught a few episodes on Netflix that he's done and I have a little more respect for him now than when I used to hear him tell stories...just curious.

So much uplifting advice. Thx. Yeah its the sitting around waiting on the phone and the low budget shoots that do call that get to me. But I have been on a few bigger things (and did wonder how I got there) but I did get through them and did learn a lot. I'm beginning to set a higher standard and qualifying clients better. And if pay stubs are not required I better get cracking on this union thing. I might be able to get in sooner than I thought. Bummer about Friday meetups too that would've been fun. Persistence, a bit of luck, sharpened skills and a good attitude.That's all I got!

Much thanks for all the advice thus far. Stephen, I am in no way seeking the holy grail/magic bullet formula as I know there is no such thing. Mike, I know that it always depends and that despite not having a SD 664 that I dream (of or a Nomad), I shoot pretty straight arrows and paint pretty sonic images (IMO) with what I have now. Thanks Phil for your confirmation that I'm doing the right thing so far. SeeKai, as I mentioned I do have someone more experienced than I who brought me into this world and has been such a great resource and anchor. I can't thank him enough. But now I want to take it to the highest level possible which seems to be TV & Film. My buddy prefers commercials and corporate and wants nothing to do with features/union. So after reading up on the 695 website I see that I need pay stubs. Well at least 1/2 of what I do is cash or personal check. Does that count at all? I do have many many archived call sheets. I have done the 100 days but not so sure I can prove it or qualify. I'll keep working on it and make some calls to find out more specifics. John, I will be more active here and try to contribute more if that will help me network; look out here I come! Aloha! Kevin

Hello Everyone! I'm Kevin and I'm new here. I've been reading this site like a novel. I love this place. Makes me feel less like a crazy person reading through all of the "experiences" here on the forums. I have a TON of respect for all you guys and aspire to be as great as you all. Big thanks to JW for creating this site!! So basically I'm looking for work on better projects than I have been working on. My goal is to get on something with a real budget and respect for the sound dept. I'm in SoCal but will travel anywhere. I will boom or do utility for any of you vets out there who may need an extra guy. A mentor is really what I am looking for I think. I have been doing sound as a non-union OMB since January 2012. A friend of mine who is a member here got me into this biz and has continued to help me as much as he can (Thank you so much Daniel!). I have had some very cool experiences as well as several not so cool experiences. Traveled to Vegas, Mexico, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, going to Colorado in June...living the dream right? Anyway, my bread and butter is referrals from past projects from CL/Mandy (I know, I know). I'm starting to hate doing this at this level because I feel like I'm stagnating and working too hard for what I'm paid. I understand I'm paying my dues and gaining experience which is a necessary path in this industry and I sure have learned a lot!! I just don't have any idea on how to progress with regard to finding new clients or getting on better shows. How do I do that? Union? I've read most of those posts....not sure I can afford to pay the entry fee with my low budget income but I certainly do want to become a union member if that is really where its at. Sorry to ramble and sorry to sound so frustrated....any helpful thoughts are welcome. Thanks guys!