If you’re starting out in the world of location sound mixing and are wondering what’s the best gear to get for a basic kit, here’s a guide:
MIXER/RECORDER
- Sound Devices MixPre-10T – $1,799 – It’s got 8 XLR and 1 stereo aux input, making it a 10-input recorder for 2lbs. It has 8 full-sized knobs. But does not have XLR outputs, only 2 TA3 outputs. Which is not a problem… you can send your output via a TA3 to mini cable if you’re using the Sennheiser G3s as wireless camera hops. It also requires a few more steps to adjust individual channel gain using the menus, unlike the more expensive mixers that have dedicated gain knobs.
- Sound Devices 633 – $3,328 – It’s got 3 XLR and 3 TA3 inputs, making it a 6-input recorder for 2.56lbs. Since it only has 3 full-sized fader knobs, channels 4-6 are controlled with the mini knobs instead.
MIXER/RECORDER BATTERIES
LAVALIERES
For a basic kit, you need 4x transmitters + 4x single channel OR 2x dual channel receivers. This gives you 2 systems to use with talent and 2 systems to use as wireless hops to camera.
- Lectrosonics SMDWB Wideband Transmitter – $1,597 – Choose block A1. Transmitter that can also act as a recording device.
- Lectrosonics SRc Dual Channel Receiver – $2,349 – Choose block A1. Can receive signal from 2 transmitters.
- Sanken Cos 11-D Lavaliere Mic with TA5F Connector – $379 – popularly used lav mic. Note that the TA5F connector is for lectrosonics transmitters. Click here for the Sennheiser and Sony versions.
- Sony UTX-B03 transmitter – $328.39 – get the channel 14-25 set because the FCC is selling off the 600+MHz frequency range by 2020
- Sony URX-P03D 2 channel receiver – $699 – cheaper alternative to the Lectrosonics. Get the channel 14-25 set. If you want to save some money, you can use these as camera hops. The dual channel receiver makes it more convenient for the DP because you only need to mount 1 device to camera to receive 2 channels.
BOOM
- K-Tek Avalon Traveler Boom Pole – $256.50 – I use this because it is able to collapse to a very short length, and is relatively light. Portability and weight is a big consideration when I buy gear because we tend to run around for long hours in doc. It has an internal coiled cable, which is the way to go. It saves you a lot of messy cable tangle trouble, especially when you need to move around fast.
- Rycote Super-shield Kit with Windjammer – $299 – for outdoor windy shoots
- Sennheiser MKH-416 Shotgun Mic – $999.95 – Industry standard workhorse shotgun mic
- Sennheiser MKH-50 Condenser Mic – $1199.95 – Great mic for using indoors. It will sound less echo-y and tinny than when shotgun mics when used indoors.
ACCESSORIES
- K-Tex Coiled XLR Cable 1.5’-9’ – $47.50 – for connecting your boom pole to your mixer. Coiled to avoid tangles
- Sachtler SN607 Mixer Bag – This is the bag I use with my Sound Devices 633. Small enough to be portable. Big enough to handle about 5 transmitters/receivers. Handy pockets in front of and behind the mixer. Velcro strips hold the mixer off the floor of the bag so you can easily run a cable through the bottom.
- Sachtler SN605 Harness – $133 – Thick and comfortable. I can tighten it enough to fit my build (I’m about 5′, 98lbs). Lots of loops from which to clip or hang accessories.
- Sony MDR7506 Headphones – $79.99 – Popular and affordable choice. Not the most comfortable for me.
- Audio Technica ATH-M50x – $142.10 – I use these. Thick, comfortable, good isolation. My one gripe with this is the side of the cable that connects to the headphones tends to stick out too much and rub against my jacket collar.
- Eneloop AA Rechargeable Batteries – $26.30 – Save the earth. Use rechargeables!
- Dr. Scholls Moleskin – $9.30 – For mounting lavs onto people. I cut these up into little strips.
- Rip Ties with Carabiner – $12 – For keeping cables tidy. Easy to just pull and release when you are on the go.
Shuling Yong: location sound 