So, we’ve been on set a lot lately working on commercials, short films, etc.. Typically we’ve used a simple setup with a 2 channel hard disk recorder (Tascam HD-P2) which does the job depending on the set but it lacks volume control and of course limited channels.
In any given situation you will need 2 channels however when it comes to film production the editors and directors will take as much as they can get. And I…I want them to have everything they need to get high quality sound for the project.
So here’s what we’re doing:
We decided to try out the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 for a web series called Bachelor Gourmet. The Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 It’s a 10 input 10 output audio interface. Basically we ran this straight into a MacBook Pro running Nuendo. This gave us many capabilities. I am able to run 8 channels (all XLR) easily into Nuendo and run them back out in any routing I choose. Typically you need one output per Boom so the Boom Op can hear what they are miking (seems obvious but you would be surprised how many people don’t listen to what they are recording). Next you need an output to go to the “Village”. Now with this system you can have whatever configuration you want along with the ability to premix the entire production. It’s wonderful and scalable.
Issues:
Power
The primary issue with this is working in a setting where power is limited. Therefore you need to purchase a silent generator or battery inverter with rechargeable battery.
Software
Now for some reason the software (Sapphire MixControl) has a “device mode” which can hinder your inputs. Basically sometimes it can default to safe mode. Safe Mode will lower your gain making it impossible to get your levels right without bringing the gain completely up.
I have seen the device mode being really easy to get to on other computers. However, on mine it was impossible, well….inaccessible is more the term as I simply could not find it. So I brought the gain way up and had another issue. No Limiters.
Now, I’m looking into this currently as the Sapphire Pro 40 does come with a plugin suite that works with the MixControl thus providing compressors, EQ’s, and limiters.
Sync
The last issue with this audio configuration is the lack of sync. Ultimately we would either incorporate an external device for sync or we may end up with a MOTU Traveler mk3 as this piece does have sync. Currently there was no need for this as the takes were fairly short and we simply don’t have the budget for it.
So overall, a great learning experience. We were using 6 channels simultaneously on our last shoot and it worked out wonderfully. It’s nice when the audio is already where it’s going to end up and pre-mixing is such a great thing.