Pro Recording Rig Walkthrough: Everything I Use To Record Sound Effects

A quick walkthrough of every mic, recorder, and accessory that I use to record sound effects for major feature films and television shows.
I was packing up and all I had to take video was a GoPro, but I hope it's helpful anyway!
Support My Channel: www.AlexKnickerbocker.com
How to Build a Pro Mix Session: bit.ly/ak-sound-session-course
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Gear In This Video
MICS:
Shure MV88: amzn.to/33WnPBE
Lewitt 040 MATCH: amzn.to/33Wp2c6
Countryman B3: amzn.to/33UsROT
Neumann KM184 (alternative): amzn.to/2DQwcE3
Neumann KMR 81i (alternative): amzn.to/2E3ldXp
Sennheiser MKH8020: amzn.to/2PMOWXn
Sennheiser MKH8040: amzn.to/30S6ojr
DPA 4061: amzn.to/30QAlAm
LOM Microphones: store.lom.audio
Voice Technologies VT500: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
RECORDERS:
Zoom H4n: amzn.to/3alzY41
Tascam DR-05X: amzn.to/2FeQAil
Sony PCM D10 (alternative): amzn.to/2E0pUkM
Sound Devices MixPre 3mkII (alternative): amzn.to/3gXh7ig
Sound Devices MixPre 10mkII (alternative): amzn.to/3kEnU2t
ACCESSORIES:
Rycote Wind Protection: amzn.to/3fSTExx
Portabrace Bags: www.portabrace.com
Orca Bags: www.orcabags.com
Quick Release Clips: amzn.to/2PPZEfE
Canare XLR Cables: amzn.to/3ajGgkI
K&M Mic Stands: amzn.to/3gTmXRM
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Instagram: / axk
My IMDB: www.imdb.com/name/nm4122863/

[@65Drums]

This was awesome, it's like a mini review of a pile of gear showing what each piece is best for

[@stu_chang]

I knew I was in trouble when you said, “Let me start with the least expensive piece of gear... this $149 mic”. LOL!

[@AntoninKral]

Just a fun fact about the naming of mikroUši Pro. Uši means ears in Slovak/Czech. The š is pronounced close to [sh].

[@miroslavraven1413]

love the content ! And Alex looks like Serj Tankian hahahaha awesome!

[@axk]

aaaaAAAAAHHHH WAKE UP

[@miroslavraven1413]

@@axk ahhahahahaha awesome!

[@adamjoyce-ramirez5232]

Insanely valuable information dude!Keep killing it.

[@StudioBuster]

i love the way you explain the stuff... always prooving with solid arguments! bravo and thank you !

[@andrew_maccoll]

Thanks mate that was super helpful. It's nice to see what the pros use!

[@ili6065]

Outstanding! I love your setup. Excellent recorders excellent mics

[@ive595]

Wow! I’m loving my journey into audio, some great info thank you. I’m really into the ambient sound aspect at the moment, instead of just worrying about ‘ the voice ‘, having real world sound gives video so much more depth and a more natural sound, even if it’s simply a recording of birds in the garden along with the main audio gives a great soundtrack.

[@ekumusicYT]

Awesome video Alex! Thank you so much.

[@Rivenworld]

Impervious to conventional weapons, ha ha ha, this is one of the reasons I love your site, always great content with a bit of humour thrown in, terrific.

[@NikCan66]

Absolutely brilliant tutorial information

[@michaelfyod]

An incredible amount of great gears. Would love to hear them. Thank you!

[@joseandujarjr]

Wow that was awesome

[@heracliorios5090]

Amazing, thank you for sharing.

[@alanecoff]

Great video Alex! Love seeing the "how" you accomplish type videos. One thing I would be curious to see more in-depth -- how you configure your location bag(s). Obviously, this is highly personal, but think it would be helpful to see how your configuration has evolved in the years. Thanks again for sharing!

[@gazmat1969]

Great video. Very interesting. Thanks!

[@thicebear]

I'd love to get to know more about the storage/wrapping methods you were referring to!

[@kameradude]

I learned a lot Dude... thank you!

[@axk]

Glad you did!! Thanks for watching.

[@pandoraefretum]

You have lots of great mics

[@YourAudioSucks]

Good Vid keep it up Studio Recording is so different itˋs nice to get insied in your world Thank you

[@risbill1]

Most of that is way out of my budget but thanks for sharing. I'm slowly building my own kit. I used to work at a tv news station in the engineering department and we always has scrap cable lying around. I built myself quite a few cables using Belden 8451. It has great sound quality and it's only 0.138 in in diameter so it's very lightweight and easy to manage.

[@NoIDeaSynchro]

Thanks for the tons of information. How did you find your way into professional sound recording?

[@axk]

Might tell this story in a video!

[@brittr]

Would love to see how you physically pack all the gear up for transport. There are plenty of videos on how people pack their pelican cases with camera equipment but there isn't much out there for sound. And I imagine packing sound equipment is a lot harder given the abnormal shapes and small things that need to be accounted for.

[@astralaudio101]

10/10 on the GearSlut Scale.. 🙏

[@LE672AJ]

That’s an impressive set of all the bells and whistles. The only things missing are the old school 2 tin cans connected by a string :)

[@user-rp5he4vz4n]

Thank you

[@ankkitmahato]

Hey Alex, big fan of your videos. I have a way better understanding of sounds after I saw your videos. Thanks for making them. Can you suggest handheld micropone\microphones which are cheaper than Sonys PCM series for recording ambience sound?

[@Mac1Sound]

Awesome video Alex would be really interested in what you think of those Lewit mics. I have just bought the 140 Air ( as my general use for anything mic) and I'm going to be doing some testing soon on voice and nature sounds. For me, the Air ( HF lift) switch is really interesting.

[@Digital.Done.Right.]

WARNING TOTAL GEEK VIDEO ....... and that's so cool

[@adambeddoe4253]

I'd really love a video about recording sound that was very far away! For example, wildlife that you couldn't get any closer to. What type of gear would be best and do you have any tips for how to minimise noise (e.g. wind) in that instance?

[@SoundSpeeding]

Either the likes of an 816 shotgun, or leaving plant mics there (such as next to a water hole) and waiting for the wildlife to arrive, or a parabolic mic.

[@stevezantos7812]

Very informative video Alex thank you… I’m curious what your workflow is with so much recording equipment as regards to cataloging your sound files. How do you keep track of all your sound files during Recording on location. Do you have an assistant that’s doing that job or do you have a clever way of efficiently doing it yourself. It would be great to see a video of that process. Thanks 😊

[@duuster-audio]

I haven't seen all the video but when you said in the beginning that the zoom h4n has less handling noise I was surprised. I have a h4n pro and it is very sensitive to handling, even when I pay really attention. Recording without tripod is impossible for me. So I would not even think about checking out the other ones, ha ha ;-)

[@lifebysound53]

Hi, Alex! This info is priceless, thanks a lot. Have you tried the Lewitt LCT 040, by now? Any thoughts? Cheers mate.

[@davidhellegouarch1622]

Hi Alex! Is the Lewitt LCT 040 seems to be appropriate stereo pair for recording ambiances ? I'm looking for an good budget option

[@meck10101]

Hey nice vid! Would you mind talking about types of tape (gaffer/moleskin) and which preform best?

[@KaidoLP]

I think you would get some interesting use out of the new DPA 4097 CORE micro shotgun mic

[@simonmikkelsen]

My shopping list.

[@00anta]

Lom's mics are actually pronounced "Ushi", which means ears. Ucho means ear, respectively.

[@SoundSpeeding]

I'm seeing the 788T sell for sub US$2K these days! Which is a totally nuts price. But also understandable, you could get a Zaxcom Nomad instead for a similar price, or even a Sound Devices 633 (which is a better choice for many people, unless they really need those extra preamps, but if you're just running wireless then line in is sufficient). And of course the Zoom F Series and MixPre series are surprisingly good too.... for a lot less money!

[@Sheriffvlogs]

U should do a video on the over under method a lot of people don't know how to wrap cables

[@TreverSantora]

Hi Alex, really enjoy discovering your content. For my application, I'm getting started in videography. Shooting by myself, outdoor scenes with unscripted dialogue and loud noises (large drones). I'm trying to find audio solutions that I can attach to a cage and/or handheld gimbal with my camera (instead of a separate boom pole). Do you have any thoughts? Thanks so much.

[@gregorv4951]

that is some equipment! wow...and nice explain. Do you record with Neumann shotgun also in high humidity? I have Neumann KMR82i and it goes down with sensitivity when i bring it from room to cold outside world (from 20C to -2C). Or i must slowly adapt it to colder air? thanks

[@ENJOY97]

In which recorder would you plug in the Voice Technology Lavalier Microphones and what's the best connection for them? Thanks a lot 🙌🏻 I am not a Pro but would be extremely happy for an answer

[@marcusgreco]

“I tend to put this Zoom recorder in harms way just in case it gets shot or blown up.” Me: ahhhh do you did sound for Tom Cruise

[@axk]

Let’s just say I’ve recorded a lot of running footsteps and gunshots before...

[@SarahKchannel]

Same here, but just because I hope on every 'harms way' that it gives me one final reason to replace them... they are great to record white noise ;) in a sound dead space....

[@bruceaquina1799]

Hello Mr. Knickerbocker, I'm curious if you had any experience with ultrasonic mics. I had bought a MixPre 3 ii and thought I might be able to capture some neat sounds for designing (ultra sonic in MHz with 32-bit float). Thank you for your time and expertise. Stay awesome!

[@naydenatanasov7225]

Hi Alex i realy love your videos. I was wondering for the lavalier mics when you record dialog do you use transmiters and receivers and if yes what type/model? Thank you again really appreciate yoor videos.

[@SoundSpeeding]

Almost everyone uses wireless lavs at a professional level, rather than hardwired lavs. The major pro brands are: Lectrosonics, Zaxcom, Wisycom, & Audio Ltd. (Shure Axient Digital is starting to show up too at the high end, plus recently Shure partnered with Q5X which is promising!)

[@naydenatanasov7225]

@@SoundSpeeding thank you for the info I'm still new to the audio industry and it's a big help 😁

[@LawGPT]

Fantastic video! Great information, Alex. I have a question, Are the 7 series recorders still relevant with the rollout of the MixPre ii? The 722 can be had for a small fraction of its MRP. There are even some NOS models if you look for them. I guess I'm asking for your opinion on the quality and features between them from your perspective.

[@axk]

I love the 7 series, they’re fantastic. The 6 and 8 series are definitely a step up all around, but if you want truly pro quality gear that is bulletproof, you really can’t go wrong with any of Sound Devices’s lineup. I used a 722 and 788 for nearly a decade and still absolutely love them.

[@LawGPT]

@@axk Thank you. Fantastic information, as usual.

[@fedesartorio]

Great video! I was looking for a cardioid mic and couldn’t decide what to get, those mkh 8040 seem great! Would one also work ok for recording birdsongs?

[@axk]

I’d recommend looking at parabolic dishes for birds. Check out Wildtronics or Telinga dishes, then you can use the Sennheisers (or similar mics) with that.

[@CreativeRamy]

Wow those quick release at the end are amazing! How do they hold up in windy situations? Do they rattle at all? As I know Rycote make something similar too (which are more expensive)

[@axk]

They’ve been pretty solid for me, no rattling in high wind or anything. But the Rycote ones are definitely worth getting if you’re able!

[@CreativeRamy]

@@axk Hey Alex appreciate you replying man, I ordered the one you're using to test out for the time being to use on the Manfrotto Nanopole, if they don't rattle it should be fine, but I may upgrade to the Rycote in future. What a great time saving idea who wants to be standing there just twisting for 5 minutes

[@rumorscameras]

alex one question ... everyone is sayingwhen indoors use a small condenser for dialogue, like the mkh 8050 or 8040 or 50,,,but it seems like they re the only mics everyone talks about. what about any other brand sdc? rode nt5 or a shure or maybe a km184 or 185? or sennheiser e914 or audio technica at 4053 ...it seems like manufacturers make these specifically for drums or inst! why noone is making sdc made for indoor dialogue ?

[@foxaudiofr]

Hello Alex, Are you happy with theses quick release? I've got a bunch from Gravity (MS QC 1B ), but there is too much "wobble"... And I use it with several stereo bar for field recording :)

[@cubul32]

Hey Alex, I wanted to ask your thoughts (but not sure where, this vid seems appropriate topic wise) on choosing between a mixpre 6(or10) ii and F8n pro for shorts, commercials and whatnot. I heard the headphone amp on the zoom is not as good as the mixpre ii. And from the limited samples I heard, mostly Curtis Judd's channel, online the F8n pro has a slight crumpled quality to it, while mixpre sounds crystaline, clear (using mdr 7509hd to listen). The differences are subtle but noticeable to me - and I wonder if I'm not just imagining based on brand name. I'm a camera guy just learning sound. I like the F8 interface (arming, PFL buttons) but I wouldn't sacrifice sound quality for an interface.

[@billweaver2549]

I've heard you mention the importance of quality of cable a couple of times for minimising RF interference etc - but by definition doesn't a balanced XLR cable phase cancel out any sound that isn't in the source?

[@bryanbarajasBB]

I wanted to know about recording a Chorus and instruments, classical music in a church, using a mixpreii with a stereo pair of Sennheiser Mkh8020 on a Suspension Medium ORTF (MZL) from Rycote , any help? Thank you!

[@JedWunderli]

When you are using the lavs or the mics for going into an engine compartment, are you going wireless in those situations so that the actors aren't constrained to a tiny space?

[@axk]

I record all the car sounds separately from production, and I don’t ever use wireless for SFX recording if I can help it!

[@brazickofficial443]

I’m flying on vocation next week, I might get a dissent recorder before it, so I really want to record sea sounds ! My friend has ntg 4+ that I might take there, but any way I want to record stereo, so I think I will rent 2 good mics, what should I rent ?) 416? 8020? 8040? For recording waves, birds and what ever I will bump into, both stereo and mono

[@ozprana]

What transmitters and receivers do you use or recommend for lavs?

[@rickhickman2730]

Have you ever tried the Shure TL47 lavs?

[@cristiangusetelu5163]

Any thoughts on the sennheiser 8060?

[@brazickofficial443]

btw what radio system do u use on talents ? for lavs Sennheiser ?

[@brazickofficial443]

Can u please help! If I make notes and Q points in my mix pre 3 while recording Where do I find them on a computer when I’m editing? Pretty sure it is the same on all recorders But I can’t find it anywhere on my computer or in Logic Pro x

[@RobbieSkaff]

oh yeah, the batteries are the expensive things, haha I'm just kidding around, nice video. : )

[@shhharas]

Hello Alex, thanks for the gear rundown! I was wondering - how would you record a rocket engine during a static test on a super low budget? The gear I have are Tascam dr-40 and dr-70D recorders, a Røde NTG-2, Saramonic Blink 500 Wireless unit+lav and another cheap, no-name 3.5mm jack lav. Any suggestions on how to best use my setup while minimizing risk around a hot, rattling environment of a rocket engine? Or would you suggest buying cheap recorders just for the purpose? Also curious where, how and how far away would you mount each piece? Don't want to use a lot of your time, so if you had a quick suggestion/plan in mind I would highly appreciate it! I'm not a sound engineer, by the way, I only work with sound as a freelance videographer.

[@SoundSpeeding]

The DR70D has a safety track feature, which is a handy feature to take advantage of. I'd also try to borrow a few extra shotguns/SDC, so you can place them at various angles / distances then cross your fingers for good luck!

[@shhharas]

@@SoundSpeeding Thanks for the tips! I'm a little bit uncomfortable borrowing gear for something potentially destructive for a project I'm doing on a volunteer basis, haha. But in case I find some cheap alternatives and since I have absolutely zero experience - any tips on what distances to use for positioning all these different mics? And where would you angle them to differently?

[@brazickofficial443]

I’m looking for headphones for post work, should I get 250 or 80 ohms? If I have scarlet 2i2 and can’t upgrade it currently

[@JedWunderli]

How did you record the audio for this video, was it straight into the GoPro? Go Knicks!!

[@axk]

For this one it was straight into the GoPro’s built-in mic, with a little audio processing in post.

[@brazickofficial443]

Stupid question is here! Is lab mic on talents more like a backup thing if boom is on the set?👀

[@brazickofficial443]

Can u please make more video on hiding lavs and how u handle clothes movement and so on (I watched previous one on the subject but still) And what radio system do u uve for lavs?

[@paulfairchild8942]

He's done one already on hiding lavs... kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipeulIeGe6iWhtE

[@brazickofficial443]

Paul Fairchild as I’ve said I watched it) but wondered if there are more cool ways to solve problems)

[@davidkirk1426]

lol - Just went to the LOM mics - seem all sold out now! - They look similar to those Clippy Mics from micbooster.com/10-clippy-microphones main difference I can see is the LOMs look a little more modular. May have to give them a go if LOM aren't re-stocked for payday next week. . .

[@user-rp5he4vz4n]

OMG

[@DavidDaoudArbid]

770 M Balanced? You wot mate

[@skinnypickle1863]

Does anyone know the best place to order some of the recording equipment from, I've had a bad experience with Amazon recently, on a couple of occasions they didn't get my packages delivered. I would like to know if there are any reliable online services that deliver these kinds of things

[@axk]

If not Amazon, I recommend B&H or Thomann, Vintage King, or Sweetwater.

[@regancarver]

What's your thinking on the Sony PCM-D10?

[@axk]

Sadly…not worth it. They nailed it with the D50 and I love my D100 (have both), but the D10 was not of the same quality.

[@regancarver]

@@axk thanks again for sharing your knowledge! This is really appreciated!

[@Just_Samson]

🤤

[@rumorscameras]

mikro uSHi

[@NIKONGUY1960]

True sound porn!

[@MCgamer020]

First