Pro Boom Op Reaction: Cheap vs Expensive Gear Package

There are many videos online talking about audio equipment and some compare inexpensive kits to expensive sound equipment packages. In this video we're going to watch and react to a video from Parker Walbeck and see what I think of this.
URL to Parker Walbeck's video: • $100,000 Pro Audio Kit...
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[@charlesisrecording]

Schoeps did an upgrade to their mics "Generation D0: microphone is now humidity resistant (CMIT Upgrade: Older microphones can be upgraded with a Generation D capsule)"

[@SoundSpeeds]

Great info. Pinning this.

[@JosThoSul]

"If you really want something to be out of focus, of course you need your Panasonic cameras" I choked on my soda - not even joking!

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's all too true though.

[@bloodybrit127]

For the budget kit i would personally recommend the ntg5. At $500 it performs exceedingly well compared to the ntg3 and includes shock mount and wind protection. I believe it was reviewed highly by sound speeds as well. However @Sound Speeds i would LOVE to see you make a $1000/$5000/$10,000 audio kit video of your own and possible later videos focused more on using that gear if you ever had the time.

[@andrecruz100]

And i love Ntg5 performance/ veratility. Is a nice choice.

[@saidcisneros2933]

Would love to see Allen make a video on those audio kits for different price ranges=)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Hmmm... The issue I have, Kyle, is that I don't own all the gear I've used and would recommend. Kinda looses it's muster. Andre, I also feel an NTG5 is a better fit for a discount audio kit. You can buy it new with all the wind and shockmount accessories. That's exactly why I put that in a graphic on screen.

[@erictimothyanderson7469]

Honestly I wouldn't even mind if you just make a list and not even have the gear.

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@powermfp1]

Thank you for putting these videos out. I'm just getting in to sound and I appreciate the critique of these guru's, lol. Thanks for the content. Im learning a lot.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm glad. Thank you for watching.

[@chakerian]

You asked why he had a F6. I found a use for the F6 despite other similar equipment. I wired a car that I couldn't monitor. It was a bag drop, with a wired mic, along with some lavs and a receiver. There was no follow van, so I had to trust whatever I got without monitoring. F6 makes an excellent bag drop.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sounds like a good plan. I would still choose the MixPre over it though.

[@theneutralgroundpodcast]

Hey! Let's not blame Panasonic for these guys' inability to set up focus correctly. 😆 Honestly, when I saw the NTG3 in the budget set, I immediately thought that this might go a bit sideways.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Same. Overlooking the NTG5 is a major oversight in my opinion. The fact that the NTG3 doesn't hold it's value like other mics is also concerning.

[@ZeginMakesMusic]

New sub here. I just built my first boom kit. An $80 Boya BY6060 shotgun mic, a zoom h2n, a zoom r4, a pyle boom mic, a rode lav...gear all for under $400. Now all i need to do is find a filmmaker that needs a boom operator. I practice with my kids. How do i get gigs?

[@SoundSpeeds]

It used to be Craigslist and Facebook groups for filmmakers in your area. Start there and don't be afraid to volunteer your time or at a huge discount.

[@ZeginMakesMusic]

@@SoundSpeeds That's great advice. Volunteering would definitely get my name out in the community. I would have never thought of that, Thank you for your insight.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Good luck!

[@coldbumby]

Thank you 🙏

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing

[@toddweaversound]

The wifi transmission stuff is for zaxnet. Remote control of the transmitters.

[@SoundSpeeds]

At the time I had a brain fart and was second guessing what I was thinking - for some reason thinking that Zaxnet ran over 1.9 GHz. It felt wrong so I next speculated it was for the ERXs. Total brain fail.

[@kengoodwin459]

My carefully budgeted beginner kit was bought piece by piece. I would take boom-only jobs before I could afford to buy wireless. I would rent, borrow, and buy used from other local mixers. I don't think a lot of early career you-tubers don't know they don't have to spend $1K on crap. Gotham rents MixPre/G4 kits at $250/day and thats a great way to build a career without dropping $6000 all at once. BTW Allen, Any chance you can review the Rycote SC-08 supercardioid? that seems like its potentially a nice budget friendly indoor mic.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I have asked Rycote if they'd want to send me the long shotgun, SC-8, OM-8 and/or CA-8 but they aren't focusing on those right now which is why almost nobody knows they exist.

[@WyantWin]

Hey Sound Speed, Would you recommend the MKE 600 for all purpose mic for a 1 man band videographer? Thanks!

[@SoundSpeeds]

It can work in and outdoors. If you like the sound of it, go for it

[@Dustbrigade]

There is something to be said about buying quality stuff 2nd hand tho. Most of my stuff was obtained by notoriously looking for deals of the kit I really wanted. I had to make some exceptions, especially if there all of a sudden was a film or situation that required something special.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I agree but if you're starting off your career and needing something iron clad reliable, I strongly advise you to buy gear with a warranty just in case. Gear that doesn't hold it's value is always suspect to me.

[@FilmCamera_Vlog]

I started building my KZbin set three years ago with a $20 mic plugged directly into my computer motherboard. I knew nothing about audio recording. I was worse than a newbie. I found out that audio recording is hard, much harder than video recording. It takes years of equipment use and audio testing to get a very basic understanding of audio recording for a KZbin channel. My biggest mistake was confusing audio Studio recording with on-location audio recording while I was building my KZbin recording setup. All solo KZbinrs have an on-location audio recording situation, whether they realize it or not, not a Studio recording location, but they keep buying studio recording equipment in a vain attempt to build a Studio recording setup for their KZbin channels. Solo KZbinrs also confuse the dead silence of a studio recording location situation with the natural ambient background sounds of an on-location audio situation. Each has to be treated differently. Studios add the ambient sounds after recording. KZbinrs on-location audio record their ambient background sounds during their recording. The subject would cover a book. You might want to make a video on the subject and explain the difference to Solo KZbinrs, so they will buy the correct equipment and find solutions to on-location ambient recording vs Studio recording.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's a great idea.

[@IamCurrentlyAscending]

I'm pretty sure he's in Utah, which doesn't have much humidity. But that's a good tip to be aware of in case you travel to a job somewhere humid. Being a desert dweller myself, I don't think I would have thought of that right off.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yeah, you'll feel it quickly in the southeast US. Something to be aware of but as long as you allow your mics to acclimate to temperature, pressure and humidity, you should be fine.

[@evolvingevrday]

And if you want something out of focus, Panasonic. Nice. We prefer vintage. Ever thought about doing a video on these silicone micro capsules Sony is making? Especially the one in a circular shape? If you already have, Sorry. Wondering what you think about on board intelligence deciding what stays and what goes as far as audio? Also pretty amazing , the fact that they're fitting at one micron diaphragm inside of circuitry.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I don't have any experience with them so I don't really have an opinion. We'll see in time.

[@evolvingevrday]

@@SoundSpeeds well, looky what I found on RTINGS! Rated best Studio recorder DSLR . And $ -1k to less than the number two spot, Sony a7av

[@jaimefish173]

i call people who constantly buying the new best things when it comes out, magazine people. They see something new in a magazine they buy it. His gear can be in some aspect an overkill. I was once reminded that you either buy gear and write it off your taxes or the government takes your money. I would rather have the gear and i can sell it when i dont want it. Or you can spread out the wear and tear to different equipment, so that one set of equipment doesnt take the brute force of production.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That is true.

[@PyroKalfje]

In the netherlands the ntg3 cost €599 including sales tax, for the usa would be $520 (excluding saletax) that is the only thing i know of that is cheaper in europe then in the usa video releated

[@SoundSpeeds]

There are many audio products that we can buy cheaper in the UK/EU. I priced a Neumann U87 a few years ago and determined that it would be cheaper to fly to Europe, buy the mic and bring it back in my carry on. The problem is... international warranties if you need to call on it

[@adamhecht7308]

The Sunhans amp is for the Zaxnet.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I realized that after the fact. Had a brain fart and was thinking Zaxnet ran on 1.9 GHz but knew that was wrong hence my brain lag... I could have edited it out but none of us are perfect. 😎

[@grahambinoreviews]

Hello Allen! I am curious about entering into a sound career, specifically to become either a mixer, boom op, or someone that deals mostly with recording dialogue or sound effects. I really have no interest in music whatsoever at this point, but I've been looking at options for an education or training in my area (St. Louis) and have been having trouble finding a decent option. Do you have any recommendation on education or training for a prospective student like me? Thank you for the info and guidance you provide on your channel as well! I find it inspiring!

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm not really up on school training because it's not necessary. The tried by true schools like SCAD, Full Sail and the like are designed for what you're talking about but cost a lot. Interning in the industry you're looking to get into is far better in 2024.

[@grahambinoreviews]

@@SoundSpeeds I see! Thank you for the info and your prompt reply.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Good luck.

[@Ranger7Studios]

When I fist saw this video , I also thought that this video was sloppy done. It's kind of all over the place. Instead of staying on one subject, he bounces all over the place and it is confusing to watch.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's making a point but only part way, in my opinion. It makes me wonder what was left of the cutting room floor.

[@robertharker]

My take on a $1K starter kit. $125 Tascam DR-70d 4 channel recorder (used). $100 Sony MD-7506 Headphones. $150 Movo WMX-20-DUO 2 Channel UHF Wireless Lav kit with mics. $ 10 3.5mm TRS Stereo to dual XLR adapter cable. $ 5 Transpore Surgical Tape for laving talent. $ 75 Sony ECM 672 Shotgun Microphone (used). $ 25 25' XLR mic cable $ 25 Movo W3 Outdoor Furry Shotgun Windscreen. $ 20 Movo SMM1 shock mount for shotgun microphones. $ 25 Lowes fiberglass painter's pole. $ 25 Painter's pole 1/4-20 mic clip adapter. Total $585 Two other choices for shotgun mics: $100 Audio Tech AT875R Condenser Microphone (used). $125 Audio-Technica AT897 Line Condenser Microphone (used). Upgrades: $450 Rode Wireless Go II kit with Rode Lavaliere Go mics. $100-250 Blimp and fir windscreen. Is this the greatest gear? No. Can it capture high quality sound, yes. The key is that it is complete and affordable. This is a starter kit and turns into your B (backup) rig as your experience and equipment grows. Is a $50-100 day rental reasonable for this kit? This was my 2ed generation boom'n'bag kit. I am working on 3rd gen starting with a Zoom F6 and a Wireless Go II kit with lavs. To get the used prices you will need to create an ebay search and wait for the item to show up at the right price. Remember to include shipping in the price. I prefer the Tascam DR-70d over the Zoom H6 because of its form factor. I can hang the 70d around my neck whereas the H6 really wants to sit on a table. Allen, your thoughts? Is a $50-100 day rental reasonable for this kit?

[@SoundSpeeds]

The kit you propose is one we would all have payed well over $1K for 20 years ago. The quality of discount gear has gone way up the past few years and it's scary how good gear can be. I think you're kit is quite well thought out. Having little to no knowledge of the discount market, I'll completely take your word on the products I'm not aware of. I would suggest that since you have some budget left over after buying the kit, instead of $50 on a painters pole and adapters, spend $100 on a K-Tek Airo instead. It'll serve you much better. I also completely agree that this sound package can record good quality sound if used correctly. I'm not overly impressed with 2.4GHz wireless in 2023 but it records too so there's that. I was surprised with the quality of the Movo WMX-20-Duo especially at the price point. And to answer your question... $50-$100 is more than reasonable for this sound package (it's not a kit - here's why: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3TGg6qBe85rfNk) especially if you have rechargeable batteries running your cart. I'll add that you should try to charge no less than $50/day and $100 is quite reasonable if you're providing 4 channels of wireless and a boom regardless of brand. Maybe more but always make sure production pays for expendables like adhesives for lav mic placement.

[@andrewp1513]

As a Panasonic user…this hurts. It’s getting harder and harder to ignore my out of focus footage 😒

[@SoundSpeeds]

I have two Panasonic cameras and both of them, I have to set a manual focus. It's the only way I get footage that's in focus.

[@andrewp1513]

@@SoundSpeeds Oh yeah. Never touching autofocus on those. Needing an external monitor to get average footage at f3.5 is getting a bit old though 😩

[@SoundSpeeds]

This is when the press and hold until it flashes a green box feature comes in handy. That or the zoom focus feature.

[@jaimerivera4811]

I appreciate you going through this with a critical eye/ear. I'm about to upgrade my ~$1000 kit to a more professional one, somewhere between $10k to $20k and this is great food for thought.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thank you for watching.

[@erictimothyanderson7469]

11:00 the sound devices mixpre 3 specially if you can find it used.

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@erictimothyanderson7469]

I started with a mixpre 3 mk1 and 2 sennheiser g3 lavs and a rode shotgun. Now I have an SD 833 mixer, wisycom dual receiver with wisycom transmitters, sennheiser mkh 8060 and cos 11d for lav mics. This gets me through most days and if needed I will rent what I don't own.

[@SoundSpeeds]

There you go. Making money and upgrading. That's the way to do it. Well done.

[@zeruh6]

PLS REVIEW THAT POLE 💀

[@SoundSpeeds]

Which one?

[@cstar224]

The mogami cable part was hilarious!

[@SoundSpeeds]

It totally is.

[@MrBigbangbuzz]

Wifi repeater is for the zaxcom ifb

[@SoundSpeeds]

I figured that out after recording. Thanks.

[@MrBigbangbuzz]

@@SoundSpeeds I’m new with zaxcom myself .. picked up a used ifb100 and some erx3

[@andrecruz100]

perhaps it is better to have a good base, and rent the necessary material in case there is a very particular or large job.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Some do charge for different packages. Basic, standard and full. Most people opt for a standard and rent additional items ala carte.

[@aleckunkel3705]

I'm a student AV technician and I primarily record sound for classical, jazz, and marching band for my university--I'm very new to boom operating and just bought a beginner setup, but it is both capable of both sound design and boom op (cheaper than $1000). I have some gigs with some film students later this summer, the first is indoors and the next is outdoors, so here's what I bought: -Zoom h4n pro (used) ~$140 -rechargeable AA batteries ~$13 -K-Tek KE-89CC ~$180 -Auray DUSM-1 Shock mount ~$30 -Audio Technica AT-875R (used) ~$150 -one 3ft XLR cable ~$12 For the outdoor shoot: -MOVO BWS1000 blimp ~$100 I had a compatible 32GB SD card and a pair of Audio Technica m40x headphones already so I didn't need to purchase those. I do have to buy some bedsheets and maybe I'll mod a fanny pack for the h4n pro. In the future I may look into mics with more side rejection but until then I'm just testing the waters to see if this proves fruitful. With the h4n pro, *in theory* you could potentially do 2 lav mics and one (or two?) shotgun mics, you just need to use the external 3.5mm input on the back of the recorder and power it with something like a Saramonic SmartRig preamp (single or dual channel). Not sure how good those preamps are though.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm not sure. I have the H4N but not the Pro and honestly, I'm not a huge fan of the H series Zoom recorders.

[@aleckunkel3705]

@@SoundSpeeds Totally understandable. Working with the UI and gain staging can be a nightmare and a half. The h4n pro does have better preamps than its predecessor, the lower noise floor was the main point of attraction for me

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@lam.924]

I was recommended this channel today and as a Panasonic shooter (with their new offerings that have great AF) it’s hilarious to hear all the digs about their focusing issues lol! Subscribed!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Awesome. Welcome aboard.

[@rumorscameras]

why not the sennheiser mke600 with a batt

[@SoundSpeeds]

Preference

[@rumorscameras]

@@SoundSpeeds no. Sorry. I need to rephrase. Why yoh never talked about the mke600 is it not good enogh

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm a sound pro and am familiar with higher end mics. I've never used the MKE600 and can only talk about it from a perspective of what I've been told by multiple people.

[@EugenBrinzoiu]

I just love your style. We need more people like you because this is the best way to learn something. Thank you ❤

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thanks for watching.

[@ColinZiemer1]

How is that XLR cable $74?!?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Because it's a very good one

[@mrshaheedmalik]

Racing stripes.

[@andrecruz100]

We need to do many and / or large projects to explain the purchase of all this equipment. I don't understand how to compare these budgets if it's not for the same scenario

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's just it... you can make something work if you have the skills. Even timecode... You can take a recorder around to jam the cameras. Not a great option but it works.

[@rsmith02]

Typo in the title? "Expensive vs Expensive Gear Package"

[@SoundSpeeds]

LOL. You're right. Changing it now.

[@nathanksimpson]

Wifi signal repeater could be for Zaxnet/timecode push? F6 is a good... drop(?) recorder for cars, or other vehicles or inaccessible places.

[@nathanksimpson]

Also the channel this is from is a decent channel for an intro to filmmaking (videography more like). The main host does a lot of corporate client work for real estate, or documentary/interviews.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I've seen the Audio Guy before. I don't know him personally.

[@RedSpark_]

What's your opinion on the right time to expand your kit? Do you think it's best to wait until you have a job lined up that might need something extra, or do you think it's best to upgrade pre-emptively. It's really nice buying equipment that gets a big chunk paid off straight away but on the other hand, if you have the equipment you will have more time to get comfortable with it and can look for specific opportunities to use it. Talking early on here, expanding functionality, not just quality increases.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's not a call I can make for you. Watching and waiting is the best way to secure a good deal but it may take a while. If you need something urgently, you will likely have to pay more - up to full price. It's not necessary to buy something you'll only use on a rare occasion. Better to spend your money on something you can rent and make your rentals go up.

[@RedSpark_]

@@SoundSpeeds Thanks for the input Allen. That's what I'm currently doing, being patient to buy the things that have a good chance of paying for themselves while leaving some savings to move quickly if I need to.

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@mrshaheedmalik]

That $1000 kit is trash.

[@SoundSpeeds]

A good mic and a mediocre recorder. I'm prone to agree.

[@mrshaheedmalik]

@@SoundSpeeds before the current wave of inflation, I would have gotten at least a MixPre3 (Preferably a MixPre6) . If you are going to go above that amount anyway, get a good recorder. Some things you can't cheapen out on.

[@mrshaheedmalik]

What do you think of the new Deity recorders?

[@SoundSpeeds]

The BP-TRX or Theos? I reviewed the BP-TRX but haven't gotten my hands on the Theos yet. Looks promising though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHjdZpympK-moNE

[@mrshaheedmalik]

@@SoundSpeeds They should've sponsored you to NAB. Those Theos even the PR2 recorder look interesting. I remember your TRX review.

[@FilmCamera_Vlog]

Yes.

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@tomlebeau7921]

1st

[@SoundSpeeds]

You win a second viewing but at .25 playback speed.

[@bizarreban4598]

i've noticed you have a very disagreeable temperament

[@SoundSpeeds]

It depends. I am not a fan of dishonesty and misinformation. If you watch my reactions to Facebook videos then you'll see me being quite supportive of people doing their best. When people pretend to be knowledgeable and teach nonsense out intentionally mislead, I have no mercy.

[@bizarreban4598]

@@SoundSpeeds fair enough, i'm new to sound. i just came out of university now i need to specialise and sound is what i'm being drawn to. I am finding your videos very helpful. you're just a bit tough on people =P

[@SoundSpeeds]

I can come across that way, I am aware. Much of the info I teach on this channel has never been taught online before. When I first started, I made a bunch of pros mad for "teaching our secrets". I completely understand when someone doesn't know or understand something but when a channel with 100K+ subs misinforms for the sake of getting sales through affiliate links or presents info that seems all knowing to impressionable audience people while knowing full and well it's not accurate, I get frustrated. If someone is merely presenting info they found, fine, I'll correct the info as needed. I have more reaction videos coming and two of them, I get completely angry at the misinformation. In one case a channel with 1 million subscribers got a bunch of free gear from a certain manufacturer and spent all of 15 seconds coming up with horrible solutions using that gear but presents it like it's exactly what people should do so buy it using his affiliate links. I get VERY mad because I see through it. I recommend watching my Reaction Videos playlist. By dissecting what people do and teach, we reveal the truth. Yes, I can be direct but I've also been doing sound in some capacity since 1992. I don't run my channel to gain likes, shares, subscribers and donations... I present no nonsense info. If a piece of gear is good, I'll say it. If it's bad, I'll say it. I have a lot of resources that are unique on KZbin and am very direct yet diplomatic when needed. Perhaps I'm getting grumpy in my old age and if you're just getting into sound, I can imagine I come across as a jerk but I'll bet you that if you're still doing this in a decade or two, come back and tell me I'm being a jerk. 😎 I don't claim to know everything but I know Production sound and work tirelessly to get correct info that will help people build a career onto the internet.

[@bizarreban4598]

@@SoundSpeeds i'm new and did not really understand the full context of why. thanks for letting me know. i'll continue to watch your videos as there is so much to learn. I'm currently in the market for gear and trying to figure out if i should overspend or budget. how far back with your yt videos should i go to learn technique and equipment? Going to film school did not teach me anything about sound. i'm having to start fresh. it's quite frustrating how wrong my lecturers were and how little sound was taught. I'm currently trying to reach out to soundies in australia but they are always so busy! i'm at a loss but watching your videos gets me excited about doing sound and to approach it with technique not just expensive equipment .

[@SoundSpeeds]

Start with this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLpPR2HcQu7YIQ5oK1MrEk8M8UVX1jzInH