Heather Fink Posted October 9, 2012 Report Share Posted October 9, 2012 Hey everybody, I'm a newish sound mixer, been doing it for 3 years. Own a 702, fp33, and basic senh e3 lavs and shotgun etc. I'm NYC based but in LA till November. Was curious what's the best store to buy sound gear out here in Los Angeles? Best bang for your buck/offers good deals? - also, I know what's the creme de la creme of mixers, recorders, shotguns - but am so unsure about what's the best lavs to get. I'd like to make the step up from the e3, but when it comes to lectros and all that - there's SO MANY OPTIONS when buying!!! - so I'm looking to buy the '416' of lavs. What do you recommend? Stuff I'm hoping to buy soon: The 664 or 788, a set of comteks (for monitoring), 2 sets of lavs, and the 416 of course - I'm working with an NTG-2 shotgun. Thanks for your thoughts! Just wanted to see about buying out here vs in NYC where my options are ProSound, Gotham, or B and H. - Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
studiomprd Posted October 9, 2012 Report Share Posted October 9, 2012 Hi, Heather, and welcome... We have several "usual suspects" out in LAX, and they post frequently in jwsoundgroup's manufacturers and dealers section. As the professional, specialist dealers in NYC, (not counting the box house), the sales folks are experienced, and not on commission. Since "best" is subjective, I'd suggest visiting several... " - so I'm looking to buy the '416' of lavs. " yes, sooooooo many options, and the choice is always personal ...and subjective... I would guess that the Sanken COS-11's are the 416's of lavs, very popular, and very reliable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Toline Posted October 9, 2012 Report Share Posted October 9, 2012 Trew audio, Location Sound come to mind first. http://www.trewaudio.com or http://www.locationsound.com Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Joachim Posted October 9, 2012 Report Share Posted October 9, 2012 PM Sent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Fink Posted October 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 9, 2012 On the lavs question - I actually do own a Sanken COS-11 that I attached to my e3 - but I'm actually talking the whole thing: transmitter, reciever If I wanted to upgrade to a better lav set of reciever/transmitter and lav mic itself - are there all in one affordable packages out there - just like how you buy an e3 set? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
studiomprd Posted October 9, 2012 Report Share Posted October 9, 2012 " are there all in one affordable packages out there - " not really, though you should/could consider used... above the Senn Evo series, everything is pretty much ala carte, with a couple of domestic favorites thoroughly discussed on jwsoundgroup.net; there are also a couple of imports, including higher end Sennheiser's ... The choices are personal and subjective, so discuss them with the sales associates at the knowledgable usual suspects, and you can also rent before you buy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Feeley Posted October 9, 2012 Report Share Posted October 9, 2012 I've bought from the LA dealers mentioned here, and had good experiences with them. But I'm from the San Francisco area where we don't have a dedicated location-audio dealer. Nothing against the LA firms, but why not buy back home in NYC? You list three places nearby, two of whom have reputations amongst my NYC friends for good prices, and perhaps more importantly, good service and support. For the stuff you're looking to get, Pro-Sound, Gotham (as well as Location, Trew, and others) will have prices basically equivalent to those at a box house like B&H. B&H has a place in our industry, but they're not known as a bastion of after-sales support. Buying local would provide you several advantages without any significant disadvantages that I can think of. As for specific wireless systems, here in the US I don't hear much about (or see in use) systems between the G3 system that I think you have and the $2500+ Lectrosonics and Zaxcom systems most of us use. Um, what's right for you? Depends...this is where a good dealer comes in handy. Not trying to be obnoxious... Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Fink Posted October 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 9, 2012 Of course! I just wonder why there is so much variety and confusion in what to buy when it comes to wireless systems. I wish it would be more simple to wrap my head around - like here - this is a good product that performs and people love. I have such a hard time chosing an ice cream flavor, so chosing the right wireless system for me (plus the fact that you don't really know how much you love something till you are out in the feild) proves way more challenging. Also thanks for your insights on stores! I am a stranger here in LA and am not sure what the selling climate is like and wanted to investigate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berniebeaudry Posted October 9, 2012 Report Share Posted October 9, 2012 Of course! I just wonder why there is so much variety and confusion in what to buy when it comes to wireless systems. I wish it would be more simple to wrap my head around - like here - this is a good product that performs and people love. I have such a hard time chosing an ice cream flavor, so chosing the right wireless system for me (plus the fact that you don't really know how much you love something till you are out in the feild) proves way more challenging. Also thanks for your insights on stores! I am a stranger here in LA and am not sure what the selling climate is like and wanted to investigate. Maybe drop in on some of the places in LA and get a demo or two, or more. Reading this forum will give you lots of insight on why people choose what they choose. While you're at it listen to some other boom mics as well. Just to compare and hear the difference between the 416 and other choices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atheisticmystic Posted October 9, 2012 Report Share Posted October 9, 2012 (plus the fact that you don't really know how much you love something till you are out in the feild)... You've answered your own question, rent and try try try... all of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Thueson Posted October 9, 2012 Report Share Posted October 9, 2012 I'm a newer mixer and have been in LA for a few months. Both Coffey (aka Trew) and Location Sound have taken very good care of me. I have to say that Sherrie Gal at Coffey was especially helpful and took the time to talk to me about my needs. The rental department at Location Sound is top notch and the guys there are great to talk to if they're not too busy. Just be mindful of the parking meter, LA meter maids will nail you seconds after you've expired. Best advice - don't worry too much about 'deals'. Instead, focus on the quality of the information the sales people share with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Miramontes Posted October 9, 2012 Report Share Posted October 9, 2012 I'm always promoting Audio Department in Burbank because the fellas there have ALWAYS taken care of me. Also, its nice to know that he is also a fellow sound mixer and not just a salesman pushing a product without first hand experience with it. In any case, good luck with whichever vendor you choose. BTW, welcome to Los Angeles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrd456 Posted October 9, 2012 Report Share Posted October 9, 2012 You can get used lectro 211's for about $1,200.They are the best bang for the buck. J.D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RPSharman Posted October 9, 2012 Report Share Posted October 9, 2012 You can get used lectro 211's for about $1,200.They are the best bang for the buck. J.D. I agree. As a starting out point between G3 and a "new" system, 200-series Lectros will hold their value if you choose to sell later, but will also be "current" for years to come to serve other purposes or be your additional/back-up systems. Also, LSC and Pro Sound and Gotham and TAI in Florida I believe all sell from their rental inventory. Worth giving them all a call. You could get a nice 400 set for a good price. I have some pretty old 400/411/SM, and they all work like a charm. Robert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Fink Posted October 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 9, 2012 ooh! great tip on used lectro 200 series Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berniebeaudry Posted October 10, 2012 Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 You can get used lectro 211's for about $1,200.They are the best bang for the buck. J.D. + 1 I have six of them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProSound Posted October 10, 2012 Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 You can get used lectro 211's for about $1,200.They are the best bang for the buck. J.D. +2 I have 4 of them in addition to my 8 Channels of 400 stuff. They are still great units and are the best units for the money Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Wielage Posted October 10, 2012 Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 Another vote for Sherrie Gal at Coffey Sound. Terrific lady. Good LA suppliers (in alphabetical order): The Audio Department 2700 W. Burbank Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505 (818) 566-3000 http://www.audiodepartment.tv/ Coffey Sound / Trew Audio 3325 West Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90068 (323) 876-7525 http://www.CoffeySound.com/ Location Sound Corp. 10639 Riverside Drive N. Hollywood, CA 91602 (818) 980-9891 http://www.locationsound.com Wilcox Communications 7680 Clybourn Ave. - Unit B Sun Valley, CA 91352 (818) 504-0507 http://www.wilcoxsound.net/ I use all of them and try to spread out my purchases as needed, depending on who's got what, when I need it, whether I'm renting or buying, if I need service, or whatever. ...so I'm looking to buy the '416' of lavs. What do you recommend? You mean you want a lav that will compare favorably to the MKH416? That's an "it depends" question that's been debated many times here; a search will reveal many conversations on that issue. I think dialogue editors and re-recording mixers have had a handle on how to match lavs and booms very well on the mixing stage for many years now. So much depends on placement, costuming, and acoustics, I don't know if there's any surefire answers. I can tell you that for me, I tend to go with Tram TR50's (or the identical OST 801) when I'm in a fast-paced documentary situation, but I prefer the sound quality of Countryman B6's when I can control their placement and have time to carefully mount them, usually for scripted productions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBlimp Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 +1 on Marc's OST lavs suggestion. They're decently priced - a few threads about these here on the site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Joachim Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 There are a couple of nice wireless systems between the G3 and the Lectro 400 series stuff that are often overlooked. The Sennheiser 2000 series look very similar to the G3 but offers many upgraded features including a 100mW transmitter. Also Shure just this year released a new diversity portable receiver (the UR5) to mate with the UR1 transmitter. Both are nice upgrades from the G3 and would not cost a lot to purchase. You would also get a new product factory warranty. If that is important to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Feeley Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 There are a couple of nice wireless systems between the G3 and the Lectro 400 series stuff that are often overlooked. Thanks Steve... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
studiomprd Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 " wireless systems between the G3 and the Lectro 400 series " maybe the new AKG's will fit in there... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armin Siegwarth Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 just one more thing for wireless to consider is weight. especially if you have 4 or more receivers around your neck. Lectros 211/411 could get heavy with their solid built and fullsize XLR connector cable... and I heard antenna switching (guess that was it) when tested Sennheiser 2000. I was disappointed by them compared to G3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freeheel Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 If you like your Cos 11, you don't really need to look further unless you need speciality applications (waterproof = any Countryman) (tiny and easy to hide in plain sight = Countryman B6) (DPA = sounds fantastic but not quite as versatile for mounting as the Sanken) After trying many mics, I settled on the Cos 11 as my "416" many years ago. It has a wonderful mix of good sound, low cable noise and easy mounting that just keeps working for me. I have Trams, B6, EMW, and Vt 500's, but the Cos 11's get used about 99% of the time. Cheers, Brent Calkin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
commpost Posted October 21, 2012 Report Share Posted October 21, 2012 I use the countryman B6's constantly with viper clips and lectro R400a's -- superb equipment! Commpost Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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