Audio Package suggestions

[Michael Thompson]

Hello I am planning a shoot with multiple talents and I am looking for suggestions on a good audio package to run with the Red Epic. I have a boom mic I use (audio-technica Lo-Z Condenser) but I prefer the sound of a good lav mic when it is an option. In the past shooting documentaries I have used just one Sennheiser wireless lavalier microphone for testimonials and audio would turn out fine. I am curious if i should go the route of using multiple wireless lavs like that or if there is something better. And I am looking at two different audio recorders/mixers and was hoping maybe someone had used one of them and could make a recommendation or suggest something better for what I am trying to do. The options I am looking at are the 702T which I know is strictly a recorder and the 664 which is a recorder/mixer combo.

Thanks

 

[Michael Thompson]

Oh and also I have been debating picking up a zoom recorder since I have only heard good things about them.

 

[Arnold F.]

It's hard to answer a question this broad because they are not really two jobs you can fully do at once, particularly if you wish to get proper dialogue from multiple sources. So, first I'll say the producer of the shoot should hire a Sound Mixer and not ask you to do two jobs (would he ask a Sound Mixer to also shoot?). His shoot will go better that way! It's a little like my posting to a sound forum and saying I have a 788T and I need to find a camera package for it.

Leaving that aside, yes, buy multiple Lectrosonics systems. I've had good luck with Countryman B6 and Sanken COS-11 lavs. I usually get the -10 versions.

Both the 702T and 664 are terrific machines and made to do different things. If you were, say, a mixer for reality with multiple talent then a 664 would be more appropriate because a) the audio that they use is frequently sent to the camera and, b) it has multiple inputs for all those lavs. The 664 is a mixer first and a recorder 2nd. It isn't a "full-featured" recorder with easy access to the recording functions like you find on Sound Devices recorders, but it's probably got the most comprehensive and versatile recording features of any of their field mixers to date.

The 702T is a two track recorder. It is of course terrific but it's only got two inputs so you're limited to two sources without a mixer in front of it.

 

[Michael Thompson]

Thanks for the feedback we are planning to hire a sound guy I am just in charge of getting the order list together for equipment and me being strongest as a camera operator and editor I figured I would get some input on some of the options I was looking at for audio equipment. In college I was always doing shoots as a one man crew which of course meant I rarely used a field recorder or mixer and recorded straight to the camera. Any thoughts on the zoom recorder?

 

[Marc Wielage]

I think Arnold above gives you good advice.

The Zoom recorder is to a top-notch recorder like the Sound Devices what a Canon 5D is to the Red Epic. Both capable of acceptable results under optimum conditions, but you get what you pay for.

Asking what audio equipment to buy is kind of like asking "what kind of lens should I buy" or "what kind of house should I buy." There are so many variables, it can be a conversation lasting many hours -- all related to budget, expectations, practicality, and current needs vs. future needs. And sometimes there are multiple answers depending on personal preferences and the specific conditions of the shoot. When you hire a pro, you get the benefit of their experience, plus bringing along many extras that may or may not be needed on every day.