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

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.

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

Shiv.

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.

...
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.
...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.

I wish I could have been there to hear the recordings with my own ears.

The DPA 4061 sounds great. It's got that close, intimate presence quality to it, it seems to block out virtually all the room tone. But having listened to the samples on and off since the article went live, I'm wondering whether a bit of room tone is actually appropriate. I suppose I could use a boundary mic or something to capture and then lay on as much as I wanted- easier to add than subtract when audio is concerned, yes?

The DPA 4071 I was less keen on. To my ears, ears that I'm sure will be derided, it was very close to the much much cheaper AT 899. Since I'm thinking about getting the AT 1821 set (dual channel receiver, twin body pack transmitters, and two AT899cw mics), there wouldn't be much point getting something that has a similar sound.

Though the 4071 seems to have more accessories that I'd have use for- particularly the fluffy windshield. So, to Dan, or anyone who's used them- could I use the 4071 accessories on a 4061? I can see the length is different, but is the diameter, which I suppose must be the deciding factor.

Also, would I not be better off with the DPA 4060, with the higher sensitivity? I figure I can always lower gain on the transmitter, but my recorder of choice is the Tascam HD-P2, and that gets a bit noisy when I push the gain up. Then, if I'm right, the only thing I lose is that the 4061 has higher maximum SPL, but even if used for singing, or scenes with shouting, am I likely to hit 134dB?

Hi Phil:

Interesting you say that, I still hear a decent amount of room tone in the samples of the 4061. Definitely easier to add than subtract.

All of th DPA accessories are add-on extras, including the fluffy windscreen. Since you are in the U.K., you need to contact the distributer in the U.K. to determine how the mic is packaged there. In the U.S., they have accessories kits or you can buy them individually. It's kind of confusing honestly, I would contact your local distributer and clarify what it what and which accessories are available.

I had no problems with the sensitivity of the 4061.

Dan

I wish I could have been there to hear the recordings with my own ears.

The DPA 4061 sounds great. It's got that close, intimate presence quality to it, it seems to block out virtually all the room tone. But having listened to the samples on and off since the article went live, I'm wondering whether a bit of room tone is actually appropriate. I suppose I could use a boundary mic or something to capture and then lay on as much as I wanted- easier to add than subtract when audio is concerned, yes?

The DPA 4071 I was less keen on. To my ears, ears that I'm sure will be derided, it was very close to the much much cheaper AT 899. Since I'm thinking about getting the AT 1821 set (dual channel receiver, twin body pack transmitters, and two AT899cw mics), there wouldn't be much point getting something that has a similar sound.

Though the 4071 seems to have more accessories that I'd have use for- particularly the fluffy windshield. So, to Dan, or anyone who's used them- could I use the 4071 accessories on a 4061? I can see the length is different, but is the diameter, which I suppose must be the deciding factor.

Also, would I not be better off with the DPA 4060, with the higher sensitivity? I figure I can always lower gain on the transmitter, but my recorder of choice is the Tascam HD-P2, and that gets a bit noisy when I push the gain up. Then, if I'm right, the only thing I lose is that the 4061 has higher maximum SPL, but even if used for singing, or scenes with shouting, am I likely to hit 134dB?

This one one I am anxiously awaiting. I know this is a little off topic.... but it would be great if you could cover the field from about $500 and up, instead of starting higher which easily gets you into accepted "pro" gear.

I'm anxious to know how the noise floor is in some of the newer "prosumer" stuff, as well as build, utility etc.

I know you'll do your usual excellent job. You perform a great service to us all. Thanks.

Chris

Wow, this thread rocks. I have little experience with sound recording and have been trying to decide on a hardwired lav to use with my Canon XH-A1. Pretty sure I'm gonna go with a COS-11x. Your tests and samples are a goldmine. Thanks Dan!

This one one I am anxiously awaiting. I know this is a little off topic.... but it would be great if you could cover the field from about $500 and up, instead of starting higher which easily gets you into accepted "pro" gear.

I'm anxious to know how the noise floor is in some of the newer "prosumer" stuff, as well as build, utility etc.

I know you'll do your usual excellent job. You perform a great service to us all. Thanks.

Chris

Chris:

Do you mean for the wireless units? I think that will be my next hardware test, I already have the Audio Technica 1800 series waiting to be tested. If you are talking about wireless, then yes, $500.00 is the cutoff. I will be testing units that are $500.00 and up (way up, once you get into Lectro 400 and Zaxcom territory ;-)

Thanks,

Dan

Wow, this thread rocks. I have little experience with sound recording and have been trying to decide on a hardwired lav to use with my Canon XH-A1. Pretty sure I'm gonna go with a COS-11x. Your tests and samples are a goldmine. Thanks Dan!

Hi Paul:

Glad the article was of help to you in making up your mind which lav will do the trick for you. The COS-11x is an excellent mic, you will love it.

Dan