17
Oct
Talk it out.
by Trew Audio
/ 0 Comment
The Remote Audio Boom cable system allows two way communications between the mixer and the boom op. The simple push-to-talk box rests on the boom operators hip. The box accommodates a passive mic input for the boom microphone, an active mic pre input for the boom ops headset, and a headphone output. In the past this system worked well for the Cooper series of mixers, and any other mixers with a talkback circuit or available aux sends and returns. Since Zaxcom released the Mix 12 last summer, customers asked us to come up with a solution for adapting a Remote Audio Boom Box and Cable system (already in their kit) to work with their new Mix12 and Devas. Hopefully this sparks some interest, as information on the Mix 12 has been limited. Users of the Mix 12 are overwhelmingly happy with the mixer and I hope this clears just one small bit of the mud and clouds surrounding the product.
The Mix 12 is a great addition for Deva IV, V, and 5.8 users. Audio does not flow through the mixer. It is simply an elegant remote control for the recorder. It opens up more software inside the Deva, such as the EQ previously found in the Cameo, and provides a small useful keyboard for track/file naming, and menu shortcuts.
So you’ve got your new Deva, the Mix 12, and a couple of Remote Audio Boom Box systems. The first thing to remember is all of the inputs and outputs have names, such as camera return, or analog out, but they are not dedicated to a single purpose. The Mix 12 has two push-to-talk private line buttons, but how do you make it all work together? Here are some easy steps…
1. The camera return is the secret. The first thing you’ll need is a cable. We’ve made it for a couple of customers already. You want to bring the two boom operator’s talkback lines into the camera return. The cable is a 10-pin Hirose male to two XLR females. (we can also wire additional connectors to use the camera outs if needed.) One XLR female is wired to the left return, one on the right. The Deva will internally sum these two channels together. You won’t be able to differentiate between each boom ops voices (they are summed together), so just tell one to talk in a funny timbre. In reality this is rarely an issue, and hasn’t scared any one of my customers who have done this.
2. After the cable is inline, head to the headphone menu and turn on the camera return monitor. Now you can hear their delightful comments.
3. You need to adapt the headphone send to both of the boom operators. The easiest mod is a simple XLR male to Mono Female 1/4 inch adapter. This works with the mono mixer end of the boom cable system. If you have the stereo end, don’t worry, we can modify it or make an adapter that sends the XLR output to both the left and right of the headset.
4. Now you need to send the boom ops your slate and talkback audio. To select a single output mix menu, press the CH button on the corresponding channel strip. It will cycle through to the analog output mix. Output 1 is on channel 1, 2 on 2 etc. through 6. Remember only the first 6 outputs are analog. Next, outputs 1-4 have level control on the Mix 12, so pick a pair of those, one for each boom out. In the output mix menu, route the appropriate audio, slate, and talkback channels to the aux buses you desire. For example, boom op 1 may have a mono mix, his/her boom, Talk 1, and Slate. Then you’re ready to rock.
When you press Talk 1 only the first boom op will hear you on their private line. You can press both Talk 1 and Talk 2 to communicate to both. Remember, your options for routing are numerous. This is just a basic setup suggestion to start. The sky is the limit.
2243 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505
(323) 876-7525
17 Carlaw Ave #4, Toronto, ON M4M 2R6, Canada
(866) 778-8739
(416) 778-0656
1706 Defoor Pl NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 947-2160
3737 Napier Street Burnaby, BC V5C 3E4, Canada
(604) 299-9122
220 Great Circle Rd #116, Nashville, TN 37228
(800) 241-8994
(615) 256-3542
Due to manufacturer restrictions, we may not be able to ship some or all of these products outside of North America. At checkout, all shipping prices are calculated from the US. Orders to Canadian addresses may be shipped from our Toronto or Vancouver stores, with shipping costs adjusted (usually lower). For exact shipping cost to Canada please contact our Toronto or Vancouver offices.
Thank you.
Leave a reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.