NEWS AND REVIEWS PAGE:
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AMERICAN SPEECH-LANGUAGE AND HEARING ASSOCIATION LINK:http://www.asha.org/public/
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Must go to site for any Motion Picture sound professionals: (don't forget to contribute)
Read, Interact, Learn, contribute!!
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GEAR FOR SALE:
COOPER CS 106 Mixing console. $4,500.00
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UNITED STATES FREQUENCY ALLOCATION CHART
For larger and expandable chart, please use the link below. It provides a PDF copy for you to keep!
www.ntia.doc.gov/osmhome/allochrt.pdf
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HOT TIP of the year:
FILE BASED RECORDING
"Naming your files"
With todays file based recording, the need to have a name for your scene and take on many shows can be difficult. Many times if you work on shows like I am on, there is simply not enough time to stop the filming process and re-name the scene and take number. On those takes where the script supervisor changes the scene number after you have started to record a file, it is especially a hassle. Now you must go back and re-name the file.... A pain in the ass to say the least....
I wish I could take credit for the solution, but I can't, I read it on the net so I will pass it on for those of you who might still struggle with this problem. For the rest of you, this is perhaps old news.First, The first file of the day, name (hedslt) and headslate as usual. If post wants the info, they will open this audio file.
Second, re-name the default file name, the show title and day # in a VERY short form
EXAMPLE: SPRINT DAY #1 would be.... Spnt1 The people in post will know that this is a file from the Sprint commercial, and it was from day #1.... It will look like Spnt1_001.wav
Spnt1_001wav
Spnt1_002wav and so on...... Get it.
Once you are set with this file name, let the file # just incriment forward each time a new file is recorded. At the end of the day you will have 120 files from #1 to #120. If you write each file number on the sound report, Post or editorial will easily look at the file number and the scene and take and know exactly what is what....So simple. During normal transfer the time code will sync it automatically, and again if they need to find a take after the fact, they compare the file to the scene and take.
Benefits include a format that keeps takes and scene #s in a one after another form, just like a analog tape.... otherwise the scene and take method can lead to a mismosh of scrambled files, hard for anyone to keep track of. At least with the system I am describing, one take is after another, just like they were recorded!
Gear Review:
In addition to my current M-72 Black transmitters in A-E-F and I channels, I have just received my new BST-75 transmitter.
The new BST-75 unit is either rack mountable (up to 4 in a single space) or cart top whichever you as the user prefer. I first noticed the new sleek and smaller size and the simplified overall look. I immediately liked it.
To power the unit, it will either work via an AC power supply or with a DC 12V through the power jack.
The transmitter can be used with the stock telescoping antenna, or with the optional Phase Right antenna from Comtek using the BNC output on the rear of the transmitter. If you choose the later, make sure you try to keep the antenna at about 25' or greater for optimum performance, and , knock down the RF power output switch a notch per Comtek. They recommend the high power for the stock antenna only. It has three power output positions. You should also remember to keep the transmitter away from any large transformers to minimize any 60 cycle hum that might make itself present. This is sometimes difficult on a cart filled with electronics.
The BST -75 can operate on any of the letter channels A through J and has a nice little pod to switch them per the frequency chart on the top of the unit. A=1, B=2 and so on. There are also @ 100 "Flash Memory" programmable channels as well.
Like most multi operation wireless units operating at the same time, you must group the channels to prevent unwanted noise and to optimize performance. This is VERY important. Please go to the Comtek website Comtek.com to make sure you are grouping the channels correctly. The info can be found in the easy to read manual for the BST-75. READ IT! The nice folks at Comtek really helped me out to maximize my units performance, on both my M-72 and the new BST-75.
COMTEK PR-75a RECEIVER
Along with my new BST-75 Transmitter, I am trying out some of the new PR-75a receivers offered up by Comtek. There is of course the nice 216 series of Comtek receivers and transmitters also on the market, but for reasons already stated on this web site, I prefer the lettered channel receivers. They sound just right for doing the job of letting the Client, Agency, Script and Director hear only the dialog they should be concerned about. The rest of the mix is up to me to decipher. Too much clarity is sometimes a bad thing.... Actually these PR-75a's sound a bit too good for my taste. The 216s sound is far too good for monitoring purposes, at least for me.
It should be noted that the "a" stands for automatic. The unit can find by itself the frequency being broadcast and lock onto it. It actually tunes itself. By plugging in the headsets the unit turns on and tunes in. If you need to program the unit to lock onto only one channel, you can use the optional remote FP-75, which will program the unit or many units, to any channel you wish. Nice feature.
The overall look and robust design of the new receiver were the first things I noticed when I received my unit. It sports a much stronger, more ridged casing, and a slimmer overall feel. But there is much, much more... I am sure there are numerous changes under the hood, but those are for more technically minded people than myself. All I know is it is stronger than it's predecessor, looks good, sounds good, has better functioning controls, better battery life (100 hours), and a battery warning system. All good!
The new volume control is a blessing compared to the old one. It is bigger, stronger and has a much better feel to it. The battery warning system consists of an audible warning, and a rapidly flashing light. It is actually the Power receiver status indicater, but whose keeping track. This should keep the folks listening on the units from thinking they are "broken" if the battery should fail. Something we do not allow to happen, but it is good to know there is a back up now. The PR-72a takes either NI-Mh or alkiline AA batteries and as I stated, the claim is for a long 100 hours of operation with high quality alkaline batteries. Another huge improvement to this receiver is believe it or not is the battery cover! No kidding, this new one is attached for one, and locks closed with a dependable looking latch switch. This little unit is also rechargable by itself using Ni-Mh batteries with the optional NBC-3 charger, or the cool 12 unit cased bay charger NBC-9-3-12.
The new clip is also very useful. It is really strong and sleek, although I still prefer the little black pouches for those often and unexpected drops by those using them.
To close, I am sure as I said that there are numerous technical changes to the guts of this receiver. All I know is the improvements are all in my opinion great ones. They sound better, are stronger, more dependable, have better functioning controls, status lights, and improved battery life. What more do you want.
I really like this piece of equipment, and look forward to many years of dependable service.
Like any product I purchase, work or otherwise, the company matters and the people at Comtek are to be mentioned here for their continued support of me and many other sound professionals. They do a great job at taking care of us, and taking care of their gear. They actually care, you matter to them, that's evident every time I have a question or need something repaired ( remember the dropped comteks ?). When I needed help optimizing my systems, they were polite and took the time necessary to help out and make sure I was a happy customer.
If you have any concerns or questions on Comtek items you would like to buy, Please contact Jon Belgique at sales@comtek.com
Mr. Belgique has been incredibly helpful in sorting out my communication needs.
Talk to you again soon,
Bob Dreebin C.A.S.
Roll Sound Inc.