Gear

Recording bit-depths and Sample Rates

By default we provide 24 bit, 48 kHz recordings, but can provide other recording depths and sample rates on request.

Recorders

• Sound Devices MixPre6 II 4 Preamp, 8 Track, 32-Bit Float Audio Recorder with Noise Assist plugin. This is our default recorder for tape syncs.

 

 

• Zoom H5 We use this excellent, pro-sumer, handheld, four-track recorder for recordings that have less exacting requirements, such as non-production reference recordings (for example, mounted to your camera), or simple ambience.

   

• Sound Devices 833 8 channel, 6 bus, 12 track Portable Compact Mixer-Recorder with Noise Assist plugin. We use this on more complex recording gigs, or on audio-for-video productions. There is an extra charge of $100 per day.

Preamplifiers

 

• Rupert Neve Designs 511 500 Series Mic Preamp with Silk variable saturation control (2). The Neve 500-series “lunchbox” makes it really easy to bring studio quality preamplification, compression, and equalization to remote locations. We bring this baby along for more stationary tape syncs and field productions (from voiceovers to live events), to make sure you get the cleanest sound possible.

 

• Focusrite Pro ISA One a rugged, portable, all-metal enclosure, ISA One combines the classic Focusrite microphone preamp with a flexible, independent DI channel and optional 192kHz precision A-D conversion. Pure, loud, clean signal. This is at home in studios and at live event recording; the classic ISA mic preamp design featuring Lundahl LL1538 input transformer.

Compressor

• Rupert Neve Designs 543 500 series controllable compressor-limiter. Fully controllable compressor-limiter with feed-forward / feedback modes, Peak / RMS detection and a built-in side chain high pass filter.

Wired Microphones

 

• Sennheiser 416 super-cardioid shotgun-style condenser mic with the Sennheiser dead-cat (fuzzy) windscreen, perfect for great vocals on the move.

 

 

• Neumann TLM 103 large diaphragm condenser capsule cardioid microphone (2). These are the industry standard for fantastic vocal capture, and used to deliver a crisp, modern sound for voiceover or narration recording. Requires a solidly baffled and non-reverberant room, room for a microphone stand, and an extra charge of $35.

 

• Neumann U 87 Ai large diaphragm condenser microphone, the classic studio vocal microphone. Requires a solidly baffled and non-reverberant room, room for a microphone stand, and an extra charge of $35.

 

• Electro Voice RE50 The legendary handheld interview microphone, used by radio and television reporters around the world. Its an omnidirectional dynamic microphone with an internal shockmount and pop-filter that makes it great for demanding situations  

 

• Sennheiser MKE 600 supercardioid short shotgun mic for video. It’s the modestly poorer cousin of the 416, and it’s great for reference audio when attached to your camera. It can also be used on a boom (see below.)

 

 

• Lom Audio basicUcho high sensitivity, low-noise and ultrasonic response omni-directional electret microphone (2) - fantastic for ambience recording; Rycote™ rugged vibration-resistant mounts and windshields.

Wireless Microphone

• Sennheiser EW 512P G4 Portable Wireless Lavalier Microphone System (2). Great for audio-for-video capture, or situations where capturing every word is more important than stellar audio quality. Great as a backup mic for podcasting, or primary for on-stage or panel discussions. Extra charge of $25.

Boom pole

• K-Tek KE79CC Traveler Boompole Extended length of 6'6" (198cm) and collapsed length of 1’8″ (51cm), this 6-section aluminum boompole has an internal coiled cable, and always gets me stopped by TSA for secondary inspection.  

Boom Stand

• Impact 8.5' LSP-SFB8 Folding Base Stand with Locking Wheels with Auray Boom Pole Holder Used for more stationary engagements, especially on voiceover or narration syncs, the Auray boom pole adapter lets us combine the K-Tek boompole with the mic stand. It’s a rock solid setup.

 

Cabling

 

• Mogami Gold microphone cables

 

Headphones

• Sony MDR-7506
• Sennheiser HD 280 Pro