I just got kicked out for using the wrong mics. What did I do wrong?

[Brian Drysdale]

A point to remember is that a higher than the usual percentage in the population of company executives are sociopaths; How To Survive a Sociopath Boss - Forbes

Not saying this applies in this case, but they tend to fit into large company structures.

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Jacques Mersereau

I agree that this situation has more to do with something other than the mic selection.
That said, if you want to have the very best, the Schoeps MK41 cap (hypercardioid) with CMC6 colette body and cut 1) is a wonderful mic, but at a much higher cost than the 416. You can also augment with other capsules. I use the MK4 (cardioid) at work all the time. Besides voice, they sound great on EVERYTHING.

These are different mics for different jobs.

The Schoeps equivalent to the 416 is the CMIT 5U.

But the Schoeps is an AF mic. and the 416 is an RF mic.

See THIS for the explanation.

[Greg Miller]

That link doesn't work for me: "error fetching code"

EDIT: 10:24 EST. It's working now, albeit very slowly, it resolves to a one-page PDF file.

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Greg Miller

It's working now, albeit very slowly, it resolves to a one-page PDF file.

That's correct, it's one of the PDFs I have stored in my"Copy" folder.

[Christian Brown]

Originally Posted by Greg Miller

I think the client was looking for an excuse to break the contract. How typical is it for a secretary to call the sound person and ask what mic you're bringing? How many secretaries would take the initiative to research mics on the internet? Someone set you up. That's pretty clear to me from your report of the facts.

If they were really concerned about mics, and had a particular mic that they did or did not want, they would have either specified that in advance, or discussed that rationally when you arrived. They would not have thrown a tantrum after you'd arrived on site.

Greg has it right.

Their act is bogus and easy to see through. Sue if it's worth the time and energy, but given what I've heard, I bet you'll be happier moving forward and never dealing with the client again. Be thankful that they gave you the privilege of splitting before you did the work. These are the type of clients that can drag you on and on, not send payment, give you the runaround, etc.

Onward and upward! Thank you for sharing.

[Vincent Oliver]

It sounds like they found another sound guy and were looking for an excuse to ditch you. I am always wary of clients who think they know better than the guy they hire. I would just invoice them for your time, and if you had a contract then they have broken the contract. I wouldn't spend any money on taking them to court as I think it will drag on and on.

The 416 mike may still be of serviceable value, but as a professional you should ensure you have the best and latest gear to hand, maybe it is time to invest in some more up to date equipment, if only to keep up your professional status. The 416 will always come in handy as a backup mike.

[Marco Leavitt]

Post deleted

[Rob Neidig]

Vincent wrote:
<<The 416 will always come in handy as a backup mike.>>

I only wish more sound people had a PRIMARY mic as good as the 416. The 416 is still a great mic and is in use on professional sets every day.

[Simon Denny]

The 416 is an excellent mic and one that I use regularly.

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Simon Denny

The 416 is an excellent mic and one that I use regularly.

And it's still a current mic. that you can buy NEW today - it's old in design only, it's still a current mic.

[Will Salley]

Exterior shoot eh? Should have called some biker friends to circle the set.

BtW, the 416 is very much a current go-to mic for me, but I've only been at it for 26 years. I do wish you would name the company who did this.