Hi Dan,

Ok, I'm finally there. Just one more thing. When you said, "includes and optional bracket" is that what they call the "Camera adapter"?

Probably is. Just got confused again with "includes the optional xxx" :).

You've been a great help Dan. I would have been struggling with this for at least another week (which I don't have).

Thank you for helping and clarifying all this for me.

Shiv.

Yes, the bracket and "Camera Adapter" are the same thing.

This is an adapter which holds the wireless receiver which then mounts on the camera's cold/hot shoe.

Dear Shiv,

The Sennheiser units that I linked to are Frequency A units. There are also Frequency B and Frequency C units.

Personally, I would avoid Frequency C as this portion of the frequency spectrum may not be available in the future.

The Sennheiser web site has a frequency chart which can be helpful in determining if you need Frequency A or B.

Your dealer should be able to help you with frequency selection.

Dan,

Wow, so that does make a big difference then. I just thought one takes a pick :).

Thanks for the heads up!

Ok, so I found the chart but (what's new) I have a bunch of questions :)

I live in VA but I intend to use the mic (at least) all over the US. Well not all over but you know what I mean. I don't want to be tethered to a state for pete's sake :).

Besides, I can't even begin to understand the chart, there is no legend for the colors in use.

I guess I need to call B&H huh?

Dear Shiv,

I have used the "A Fequency" very successfully in the Southeastern United States without a problem.

I understand that Richmond, Virginia is a problem area for the "A Frequency".

In any case, be prepared to test your frequencies and choose a different one if you have interference.

Ok, will do. Thanks again Dan!

Here is the Sennheiser Frequency Finder.


http://www.sennheiserusa.com/findfrequency/default.asp

Buying advice
 

Shiv:

This would be a case, as much as I like them and regularly buy from them, NOT to buy from a box house like B&H.

An audio specialist like Trew Audio could answer all of the questions you are asking Dan and more (not that Dan can't answer them, of course, but he isn't getting paid)

Spend a few more bucks and buy from a professional audio source, you need major education and that's exactly why audio specialist stores like Coffey, Trew and Location Sound exist and why they are worth a few bucks more. That's where the pros buy from, unless it's just something small and they know exactly what they want.

I can tell from the length and breadth of this thread that calls to B&H on all of these details would not yield the information you need.

Best,

Dan

Dan, you know I started down this route. Price is not a factor for me, as in 20-50 bucks is not going to make my day.

I called Zzsounds (I've bought from tem before and they really helped out and the guy I spoke to knew what he was talking about that first time) and spoke to two different people. Essentially, they said the receiver can't be battery operated (I didn't know much myself at that time), so I was quite disappointed, since I wanted to be mobile too (as in the camera should be mobile too).

Then I search B&H and found that called them "portable" or some such thing. That revived the whole issue again. Then I posted here and we went for a long spin :).

I do appreciate people's help. (I do the same for things I know about :)) and try not to abuse that.

I would never have known it would go down to "what part of the world/country" :).

One of the guys I spoke to from Zzounds ask me if I intended to use the mic in the Pittsburg area and I said I don't follow the question (Pittsburg??!!??, what the heck has Pittsburg got to do with me buying a mic? I think to myself.). I thought maybe Pittsburg has some law that no other place had.

Then it kind of all came together when Dan talked of the frequency chart. Bing! So that's what Pittsburg had to do with it!

So it's been a learning experience but I didn't want to do it at others people's expense.

So Dan, and Dan and everyone else. Thank you and sorry.

Shiv.

Dear Shiv,

It is perfectly ok to ask questions. In fact, it is encouraged.

We are all here to either help, or to learn.

I agree with Dan B. concerning purchasing from an audio dealer.

I try to be very loyal to my audio dealer, the advice that I have received from him is priceless.

No need to be sorry. As Dan said, that's what the forums are for.

I just wanted to let you know that the great and very detailed information that Dan has provided is also available from pro sound places. We have to support these places or they won't be around. Think of B&H as the WalMart of pro electronics. I love B&H and have bought hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gear from them over the years but the fact is, they, like what WalMart does to mom and pops all over the world, drive small audio specialists out of business because everyone thinks that the absolute lowest price is always the "best deal". And we REALLY need audio specialists.

Dan knows what he is talking about but just beware that there are lots of sources about sound on the Internet that are not as knowledgeable or have sponsor agendas. I have bought from Location Sound, Trew Audio, Coffey Sound and The Sound Room and they are all GREAT knowledge resources and deal with the guys and gals who are actually out doing the real audio work out there that we all hear every day. It's refreshing to buy from someone who takes an interest in your questions and issues and will stand by what they sell you. B&H, as much as I love them, are a box house. All they sell are "boxes".

Best,

Dan

Dan,

Yes, I understand about B&H. I buy most of my stuff from them too but some odd things I buy from else where.

Shiv.

And in fact, a lot of times those stores are cheaper than the big box stores. Also, if you are production/post-production company registered in California, you pay only 3% sales tax.

One of the best things I've ever done is buy local or from specialty shops. I had consecutive bad experiences with a big box store who shall remain nameless, and told them that if they didn't rectify the last instance, I would no longer be a customer. They didn't, so I'm honoring my end of the bargain.

don't count on the box movers to do what you need in an emergency either. I bought a lav from Trew and for some reason, when the shop put a TA5 on it, they forget to put the RF blocking caps in it for lectrosonics. I got it weds, tested it thurs and found it picked up hum / RF. I called Trew thurs, fedexed it back to them friday delivery, and they sent it back to me fedex saturday so I was good to go on my monday shoot. its that level of service and understanding that YOUR income depends on the gear working which separates the pro dealers from the box movers. I only buy from B&H for commodity items like tape or some weird item no one else has in stock. now not all local dealers are that great either, I know a few that are basically box movers too, but by and large the real pro level vendors are known, and didn't get their reps without supporting their customers as needed.