Some More Questions

[Brandon Katcher]

Cool, I think I'm gonna do that. The Oktava sounds like a pretty good deal. Do you think it would be worth it to get the kit with the HyperCardoid, Cardoid and Omni Capsules, or just the HyperCardoid. I will be shooting mostly outdoors, but some of everything.

Thanks,
Brandon

[Michael Nistler]

Hi Brandon,

Well, if you don't have a good boom guy or end up "DIY", perhaps the omni or cardoid would help in some situations (capture several subjects, ambient noise, etc). But when you want to isolate a single subject's voice, you'll enjoy the benefits of the hypercardoid. So if you've got the $$$, by all means get all the goodies. Personally, I began with nice lavaliers and *then* got the boom mic. Just remember you must *fight* for EVERY inch of space to get the boom mic close to the talent (hopefully under 24 inches). So if you're framing a medium shot where you can't get the boom up close, you'll really need to go with a lavalier. So you still don't want to completely shoot your budget, you might want to consider the basic boom package and get an affordable lavalier transceiver - something to consider. Hey, maybe I get back into $ales and Marketing! <wink>

Regards, Michael

[Brandon Katcher]

Thank you for all the help. I really appreciate it.

As far as Wireless Lav's go, I was looking at the Countryman B3 (Looks like for the the price, the only thing better about the B6 is the smaller size) and the ATPro88w. I know it isn't the best, but it is the only transmitter/reciever I have found for under 400 (Sennheiser G2 - $399 on ebay). Are there any other options?

Thanks,
Brandon

[Michael Nistler]

Hi Brandon,

I don't have any experiences with the ATPro88w but I suspect with it's limited range (according to others), it might have interference problems unless your operating at a close range. With a better unit, you'll have lots of frequencies that autoscan can locate a good frequency, pilot tones, improved power transmission, etc. With line-of-sight, my Senn G2s worked fine at 150 yards and even 300 yards (except on 500+Mhz w/o diversity receiver). Perhaps until you can afford a better transceiver you might get an XLR adapter to the Countryman and settle for direct wiring until you can afford a unit that you'll enjoy for some time. And keep your eyes open on ebay and forums for the gear that you can get within your budget...

Enjoy, Michael