Thanks for sharing your setup, workflow and additional context for us! Your experience and wisdom has been very help for me as I work to establish myself in the industry.
Very informative! I will keep watching your channel to find out about the latest gear as I'm a little older (LOL!) and a bit behind the times, especially when it comes to power.
I love it when other pros show me their gear and setups ... I don't know why anyone would consider it a "flex." I haven't meant a single serious professional who isn't interested in how others find solutions. One day, I'm going to need to solve a problem that someone has already found the solution for .... e.g. that huge battery is a nice way to handle power.
Thanks Justin, that's how I see it too, but on UA-cam (or anywhere on the internet), you get people who have a more pessimistic view. So I decided to warn them up front so we didn't waste too much of their time.
Hey Curtis. Nice to hear you mention the channel count of the 888 being overkill for a lot of work. After six years of being a freelance sound mixer I can count on one hand how many times I’ve needed more than 6 channels haha. Cheers!
So interesting to see what best in class looks like in terms of audio. My setup is much simpler.. but hey, I am not paid to do it, least, not yet. Ha Ha Thanks for sharing about your sound setup Curtis. Very cool.
Thanks Gary. (This isn't top-of-the-line, exactly, more of a corporate and commercial freelance setup. You should see the carts of the production mixers working on big budget TV and film!
Battery life is NOT great, but it is good enough when I need a very small transmitter pack. But you can get the "battery doubler" for it if you need longer battery life (which defeats some of the value of a tiny TX pack)
Nice, but I just use an Orca bag, made for my SD Mixpre 6. And of course I eschew wireless, and prefer a personal data recorder. Tascam DR 10L. Switching to the pro series. That means I'll have 6 PDR. I am interested in an IFB system. More on that, please. I'd beinterested how you feed sound to the director. That would be a nice feature to offer.
Hey Curtis, I've got a question. Im using the mix pre 3 series II. I have it hooked up to a rode NTG4 mic with an amazon XLR cable. I have a high pitched whistling that randomly occurs during some of my shoots. Its created some awkward conversations with clients about my technical skills. Ive tested each component of my setup individually to try and figure out when the whistling occurs. Unfortunately during my isolated tests, I couldnt find a solution - as the whistling didnt appear and seems to be random (only occuring in some segments of video). Tough question, not much to go off of. But didnt know if youve encountered this. If you had to guess: would the issue be my mix pre, mic, or xlr cable?
@@lioneljudy2588 I never have so I don't have that strategy worked out. In the past, when I took jobs out of town, it was just jobs where I worked from a bag.
Really pleased to see the Deity Theos is now your go to wireless system. I got mine a few days ago and there is always a worry I might have jumped the gun.
I've never used a sound bag so I find all of this very interesting as I occasionally help my son-in-law with his projects. So far we just have the Mix Pre 6ii and I have a rack mount Shure Axient dual wireless system. We are raising money for a feature so we will have to up our sound equipment. He used to renting equipment and I don't like to rent but if you don't use it enough system like you have it is a lot of $$$ just sitting there. If you had to do it today I heard you say you would go with the 833. So would you still do the SL-2 or go with the new A20-Nexus or the smaller Go?
Agreed - while most of us are tempted to buy all the amazing high-end gear, the reality is that it isn't a good investment unless you're using it regularly to make money. If I wasn't already invested in the A20 receivers, I might go with the Nexus Go.
Hey Curtis! Thank you for the tour! I have a question about your antenna. It’s a cool hybrid but I’m curious, would it struggle in areas with lots of RF flying around such as a large city? Would it pick up unwanted RF because of its similarity to a shark fin? If so, do you think something like a traditional bow tie or dipole antennas would be better for such an environment?
A shark fin is essentially a di-pole antenna, albeit an array of di-poles. Also, the SL2 and SD wireless allows me to filter frequencies. I haven't had any issues with it so far.
Hey Curtis, Great video and great cart. Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Jason and and I’m the Shure rep in Southern California. If you’re ever in the LA area, I’d love to connect and talk shop. Any chance you’ll be at NAMM in Anahiem at the end of the month?
Thank you for sharing. Is this a one man band setup? I mean, are you usually both the sound mixer and boom op? I'm always the only sound guy in the whole production so a recorder, a boom and few radio mics are usually more than enough, I don't even use a cart.
do feature films actually use wireless audio like the A-20? I would think the potential loss/glitch and lower quality would be unacceptable and they would use all wired shotguns/boom? what is the latency like? is it close enough that when the audio goes down with time code it’s in sync with lips?
Absolutely yes, and far more channels than I have here. In 2024, production sound mixers must have their RF chops to be competitive. Also their boom mics are also often wireless.
I use the Ambient QP Slim now: ua-cam.com/video/mO7TDNHHMyY/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared But before this, I have used K-Tek Avalon graphite poles for years.
I have two Gitzo poles. I like them, they are not internally cabled, but I just wrap my Canare cable with hair ties. These are fine poles, they are very lightweight. And cheap. In 14 years, they've never failed me. Carbon fibre or similar. My arms cannot handle aluminum poles anymore. Please save your pennies and buy a carbon fibre pole. Your arms, shoulders, and body will thank you!
Couldn’t have put it better. I was using a dedicated Apple computer that had never been connected to the internet running Boom Recorder software with high end audio interfaces for years. It was a great system but I have since moved on to running a Sound Devices 888 and Scorpio. I’m now running sound at such a high stakes level where any small technical hiccup would be completely unacceptable. I simply can’t roll the dice on a computer based system anymore. Especially when I’m out in freezing temperatures and extreme humidity and heat.
@@alekseyleonovThe iPad was recording. I came here to also find out the NAME of the app. I think it maybe a Sound Devices app. But it was a great video.
A very nice setup. I love seeing what other tradesman use. Keep this content coming!
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Your videos are so helpful. Thanks for sharing your knowledge so generously.
❤️
Thanks for sharing your setup, workflow and additional context for us! Your experience and wisdom has been very help for me as I work to establish myself in the industry.
👍🎙️🎧
Definitely an interesting video - and the 'why' of the setup is quite informative too.
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I love the disclaimer in the beginning! Great vid Curtis!! Very insightful. Happy New Year!
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🙏 Thanks Kevin!
Very informative! I will keep watching your channel to find out about the latest gear as I'm a little older (LOL!) and a bit behind the times, especially when it comes to power.
Great to see your cart set up Curtis! Smart, practical and powerful!
Thanks Michael!
Thanks for yet another very cool and super clear video - love your explanations every time! Cheers for 2024😊
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Ive been waiting for this for so long. Great content man!
Thanks for coming by!
I ❤ setups that work and don’t have to be the latest and greatest
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Nice setup , love seeing your videos , clean and neat .. thanks for sharing.. bit curious about the light battery 1 k watt !! Any link ?
They don't make it anymore. 😔
Really nice man! Thank you for your insight!
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That was extremely helpful and something to aspire to. 😊
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Love my 888 and Scorpio. Your set up is great.
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I love it when other pros show me their gear and setups ... I don't know why anyone would consider it a "flex." I haven't meant a single serious professional who isn't interested in how others find solutions. One day, I'm going to need to solve a problem that someone has already found the solution for .... e.g. that huge battery is a nice way to handle power.
Thanks Justin, that's how I see it too, but on UA-cam (or anywhere on the internet), you get people who have a more pessimistic view. So I decided to warn them up front so we didn't waste too much of their time.
Nice informative video, we all like to be inquisitive and see what and how others do things.
A Happy New Year to the Curtis Clan.
Thanks @jazzstream!
Hey Curtis. Nice to hear you mention the channel count of the 888 being overkill for a lot of work. After six years of being a freelance sound mixer I can count on one hand how many times I’ve needed more than 6 channels haha. Cheers!
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Amesome set up!
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Thanks for this video. Very interesting!
You're most welcome and thanks for coming by!
So interesting to see what best in class looks like in terms of audio. My setup is much simpler.. but hey, I am not paid to do it, least, not yet. Ha Ha Thanks for sharing about your sound setup Curtis. Very cool.
Thanks Gary. (This isn't top-of-the-line, exactly, more of a corporate and commercial freelance setup. You should see the carts of the production mixers working on big budget TV and film!
Great video! Trying to decide between sd a20 and wisy mcr 54 as my first pro wireless (EU). How are you liking a20 mini so far. Battery life good?
Battery life is NOT great, but it is good enough when I need a very small transmitter pack. But you can get the "battery doubler" for it if you need longer battery life (which defeats some of the value of a tiny TX pack)
Nice, but I just use an Orca bag, made for my SD Mixpre 6. And of course I eschew wireless, and prefer a personal data recorder. Tascam DR 10L. Switching to the pro series. That means I'll have 6 PDR.
I am interested in an IFB system. More on that, please. I'd beinterested how you feed sound to the director. That would be a nice feature to offer.
thanks. love your informative video
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Hey Curtis, I've got a question. Im using the mix pre 3 series II. I have it hooked up to a rode NTG4 mic with an amazon XLR cable. I have a high pitched whistling that randomly occurs during some of my shoots. Its created some awkward conversations with clients about my technical skills. Ive tested each component of my setup individually to try and figure out when the whistling occurs. Unfortunately during my isolated tests, I couldnt find a solution - as the whistling didnt appear and seems to be random (only occuring in some segments of video). Tough question, not much to go off of. But didnt know if youve encountered this. If you had to guess: would the issue be my mix pre, mic, or xlr cable?
I’d swap out that Amazon cable for Mogami or Canare cable first. I’d bet there’s a 90% chance that’s where the problem lies.
Hey judd! Cool setup! Im curious, How do u go with your cart if you have a flight travel job?
I haven’t taken jobs out of driving range since 2018.
@@curtisjudd but do u ever take flight job with a cart? And how do u bring your cart if it is flight job?
@@lioneljudy2588 I never have so I don't have that strategy worked out. In the past, when I took jobs out of town, it was just jobs where I worked from a bag.
Really pleased to see the Deity Theos is now your go to wireless system. I got mine a few days ago and there is always a worry I might have jumped the gun.
Oh, it isn't my go-to. Just for sending audio to a director. My main wireless is Sound Devices.
@@curtisjudd of course, but if it’s made the cart it must be a decent enough bit of kit, and hopefully plenty for what I need it for. 🤞🏼
I've never used a sound bag so I find all of this very interesting as I occasionally help my son-in-law with his projects. So far we just have the Mix Pre 6ii and I have a rack mount Shure Axient dual wireless system. We are raising money for a feature so we will have to up our sound equipment. He used to renting equipment and I don't like to rent but if you don't use it enough system like you have it is a lot of $$$ just sitting there. If you had to do it today I heard you say you would go with the 833. So would you still do the SL-2 or go with the new A20-Nexus or the smaller Go?
Agreed - while most of us are tempted to buy all the amazing high-end gear, the reality is that it isn't a good investment unless you're using it regularly to make money. If I wasn't already invested in the A20 receivers, I might go with the Nexus Go.
Hey Curtis! Thank you for the tour! I have a question about your antenna. It’s a cool hybrid but I’m curious, would it struggle in areas with lots of RF flying around such as a large city? Would it pick up unwanted RF because of its similarity to a shark fin? If so, do you think something like a traditional bow tie or dipole antennas would be better for such an environment?
A shark fin is essentially a di-pole antenna, albeit an array of di-poles. Also, the SL2 and SD wireless allows me to filter frequencies. I haven't had any issues with it so far.
@@curtisjudd Thanks for the info!
Hey Curtis,
Great video and great cart. Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Jason and and I’m the Shure rep in Southern California. If you’re ever in the LA area, I’d love to connect and talk shop. Any chance you’ll be at NAMM in Anahiem at the end of the month?
Hey Jason, no plans to be at NAMM but would love to catch up. My email is available over on my channel about page.
Thank you for sharing. Is this a one man band setup? I mean, are you usually both the sound mixer and boom op? I'm always the only sound guy in the whole production so a recorder, a boom and few radio mics are usually more than enough, I don't even use a cart.
I usually do both, yes, but a few times I’ve been fortunate to have a boom op.
How do yulike the IPAD pro? I have been hearing something like the Samsung S9 has better connectivity thanks
Depends on the use case. Battery life is not great so I have to power it via USB-C when I use it for this. But overall I like my iPad Pro.
do feature films actually use wireless audio like the A-20? I would think the potential loss/glitch and lower quality would be unacceptable and they would use all wired shotguns/boom? what is the latency like? is it close enough that when the audio goes down with time code it’s in sync with lips?
Absolutely yes, and far more channels than I have here. In 2024, production sound mixers must have their RF chops to be competitive. Also their boom mics are also often wireless.
Which boom do you use?
I use the Ambient QP Slim now: ua-cam.com/video/mO7TDNHHMyY/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
But before this, I have used K-Tek Avalon graphite poles for years.
I have two Gitzo poles. I like them, they are not internally cabled, but I just wrap my Canare cable with hair ties. These are fine poles, they are very lightweight. And cheap. In 14 years, they've never failed me. Carbon fibre or similar.
My arms cannot handle aluminum poles anymore.
Please save your pennies and buy a carbon fibre pole. Your arms, shoulders, and body will thank you!
What brand and model is the main battery?
D&O lighting. Li Polymer 1kWh battery. Unfortunately, last I checked they don’t make it anymore.
Thank you !
Not very relevant to the video, but what are your thoughts on the Senal headphones like the SMH-1000 or 1200?
The 1000 are ok. Similar to Sony MDR7506, but slightly less hyped.
After henpecking notes in Wingman, the keyboard is awfully compelling, particularly when you edited in mere moments.
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Very nice! Clean and compact :)
Thanks!
At that point why not just use a laptop and much cheaper (and higher quality) audio interface? just because of power needs?
General purpose computers crash more often than dedicated purpose devices.
Couldn’t have put it better. I was using a dedicated Apple computer that had never been connected to the internet running Boom Recorder software with high end audio interfaces for years. It was a great system but I have since moved on to running a Sound Devices 888 and Scorpio. I’m now running sound at such a high stakes level where any small technical hiccup would be completely unacceptable. I simply can’t roll the dice on a computer based system anymore. Especially when I’m out in freezing temperatures and extreme humidity and heat.
In 2024 everybody has a Ktek bag 😅
Except me, still using an Orca bag 😀
Orca, because it's made to fit the Mixpre 6.
What app is being used for recording on the iPad?
Might be Sound Devices own app called Wingman.
Ipad not recording. Just monitoring
@@alekseyleonovThe iPad was recording. I came here to also find out the NAME of the app. I think it maybe a Sound Devices app. But it was a great video.
That's the Sound Devices Remote app. The app itself is not recording, it is just a way to control the 888 mixer.