Upgrade Audio Board_ To Do? Or, Not to Do?

[zach nasits]

I am trying to figure out whether or not to upgrade the audio board on my Red One. We were contacted by Red to let us know that we are up for the "RED One upgrade program." A lot of the program sounds great! However, I am hesitant to upgrade the "audio boards."

My reasons are as listed:

1) Our sound mixer has had problems working with the new audio boards and says that we should "keep ours as is!" We currently have great audio recording to the camera, via mixer and some -20db pad cables. Our sound mixer says that with the new audio boards, he insists on recording dual-source and has now incorporated -30db padded cables.

2) 2 of our other sound mixers say that they still prefer the original audio boards, now that they know how to "work them."

3) I am a cameraman and listen to my sound mixers who have provided me great sound so far!

I want to hear about other experiences. Anyone?

And to the RED Bomb Squad (with much respect), may I send in my RED ONE under the following circumstances?

a) for the i-pin install and "a tuneup that will include full camera diagnostics, re-seating of joystick knob, upgrading CF reader/writer to current gen with 16 GB CF card support, replacing many hex screws with Torx Plus screws, cleaning of OLPF and ventilation chamber, etc?"
b) leaving the original audio boards and follow my "if it ain't broke don't fix it" philosphy?

Thank you RED for producing a digital cinema package that I love to work with.

Zach Nasits
RedONE (2501) /MKII's / Angenieux HR / 2060

 

[Tom Visser]

If all of your important stuff is done with the sound mixer, then you should probably just follow his advice. I personally recommend that people do get the audio board update, but I'm sure we each have our own valid reasons for suggesting our opinions.

 

[Greg M]

get the upgrade...its an upgrade.

 

[Kevin Wild]

But don't forget other things are done when you send it in, too, including:

-installation of ipins and upgrade to lens
-a full tuneup/diagnostics
-re-seating of joystick knob
-cleaning of OLPF

We just sent ours in. I have to admit, at first I had the same feeling as you. Any time you send it in, there is the possibility something is worse when it comes back. I ultimately thought the upgrades were worth that risk.

 

[zach nasits]

I do like the "additionals" that come with the upgrade program.

Is there any experience that comes from working with the new audio boards? Versus the old audio boards?