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Production Sound Mixer - Steve Rogers
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Steven James Rogers C.A.S
Steven James Rogers C.A.S. is a Production Sound Mixer for film and video, serving the New York City / Tri State area for over 35 years. Steve recently completed various promos for Dancing With The Stars, and the new Tonight Show with Conan O’Brian. He also is professor at The School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, teaching sound for film & video.
“In this ever changing technically driven world, I have tried to stay up to date on the sound equipment that helps me serve all the new demands the industry and my clients expect. I also try to purchase equipment that makes my life easier. Last year, I wanted a short shotgun with a little more isolation than the MK41 I usually use provides when doing run and gun exteriors, so (being a Shoeps man) I picked up a Schoeps CMIT5. I love it and it really gives me that extra background isolation I wanted when working in noisy locations, and it sounds like a Schoeps. Hell, it’s also Blue and it lights up.
December was a time for reflection and reading all “the writing on the wall”. I saw that my Fostex PD4 recorder was not being supported any more so if it crapped out, I would have nothing for my film work. I also saw most sound recording moving to file based recorders, so I bought a Sound Devices 788T. My thinking is that, this is the last recorder I will purchase, and it won’t be obsolete in 5 years, unless technology creates some direct to human brain recording absorption pill (probably with more adverse side effects than all the advertised drugs put together.)
This non linear recording move also helped me embrace the technology when my video clients needed fast turnaround timecode transcription recordings that could be sent via computer to the transcription companies. I checked out a bunch of small digital recorders available, however they all had one thing or another missing in the features I needed, and I would also have to schlep around a bunch of extra cables, pads, & adaptors. So I lucked out in the (making my life easier department,) when I got the RTTC box for my timecode transcriptions. I was able to get an inexpensive digital recorder and use this little box to send the audio and timecode into it, control all levels, and work with it in the bag if I had to with very little extra weight. One of my video clients was equally impressed with the box, and he needed one of those podcasts for promoting his company. I also wanted to create an informational video for my students, so we put our heads together and created a how to video showing people how they can create digital transcriptions with time code that can be uploaded to a transcription service using my new toy.
So the end of last year was a full transition to non linear recording. I have gone from 2 tracks to 12. Will I use all these tracks? Not most of the time. Maybe I can use these open tracks to record my own reality show about me that I can sell to support my retirement while I use the other ones for my client’s production at the same time. Damn, I’ll probably need another Schoeps.”
Steven James Rogers C.A.S - Production Sound Mixer
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Three Day Rental Week!
15% Student Discount on all Rental with a valid student ID!
KIT 2: ENG News Package ($250/day) ...Remember 3 Day Week
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Sound Devices 302 or Wendt X3 Mixer
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Two Lectrosonic Combo Kits: UCR 201 Rec, UM200 TX, UH400 Plug-on Tx
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Two Tram TR50 Lavalieres w/5 clips, one windscreen each
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Two Electrovoice RE50B stick Mic w/flag
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K-Tek Boom Pole 9-foot Carbon Fiber Internally Cabled
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Sennheiser MKH 416 Microphone
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Rycote Softie
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PSC Breakaway Cable
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Two 25-foot XLR Cables
Click here for more Rental Package Specials!
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By Chris Durfy - Production Sound Mixer
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Production Audio Rules of Thumb
1) Rates: Stick to your rate (and the rate of other mixers in your area). If the production is too cheap to pay a good rate, that often means that there are other serious issues with the project.
2) Referrals: Whenever getting a job call (whether I am available or not), I always ask if they need other crew referrals. Not only will it make sure you are working with other qualified people, hopefully those crew members will do the same for you in the future.
3) Good Gear: Try to research and buy the best gear possible.It shows that you take pride in your equipment and know what it takes to record quality audio. Keep in mind that good audio gear will hold it's value and doesn't have the same issues such as the often changing video formats of camera gear. (and no, Pro-Sound didn't ask me to write this, but I do find them to be an excellent source of gear at great prices. Ask Mike if he has some good deals on lightly used rental stock!)
4) Continuing Education: Don't stop learning about new gear or pigeon hole yourself with one manufacturer's offerings. Also, talk to other mixers: it's a great way to finding new audio techniques. Of course, another great source is the web.
Check out:
-R.A.M.P.S. Newsgroup (http://groups.google.com/group/rec.arts.movies.production.sound/topics?hl=en)
-JWSound.net (http://www.jwsound.net/SMF/)
5) Networking: Get your name out there! Get listed in the local Production Guide (it will pay for itself many times over). Put up your own website. Write your own blog with your audio experiences. Also, make sure you get listed on these free job websites:
-Mandy.com, Productionhub.com, RealityStaff.com, Globalproducer.com
Also, check out the Facebook Group:
-"Freelance Television Mixer & Recordists" http://www.facebook.com/home.php?src=fftb#/group.php?gid=3358280542
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Rich's Recommendations
I am looking forward to the NAB 2009 Show in Las Vegas in April. Anyone who is interested in attending, please be our guest. You can get a FREE ticket to the show by clicking on the FREE PASS on our Web-Site. I look forward to seeing everyone there. In the meanwhile, here is a look at some new upcoming products that I know will be a hit at the show! Check back here after the show for my "Best of Show".
  Zaxcom STA150 Stereo Adaptor
Zaxcom is introducing the STA150, a stereo adaptor that allows broadcasters to transform existing single-channel TRX900 and TRX900AA wireless transmitters into a two-channel transmitter. The STA150 plugs directly into any of Zaxcom's digital wireless transmitters to create an instant sound bag-to-camera link. With all connections mounted on the side of the unit, the STA150 is designed specifically for use in sound bags for on-the-go ease of use.
Zaxcom TRX992
Zaxcom's new environmentally friendly TRX992 is a professional wireless audio transceiver designed specifically for boom pole and sports applications. Within a single compact unit, the TRX992 performs the functions of an audio transmitter, monitor return receiver, backup recorder, and phantom power supply. The TRX992 is a 100 percent digital transmission system optimized for boom mic operators working on motion picture and television productions. The transceiver features patent-pending internal recording, which backs up all transmissions to guard against lost audio files. Users can record up to 24 hours of audio to a removable mini or microSD card using the TRX992. The system features a user-selectable power output—ranging from 10 mW to 100 mW. Audio dynamic range is 106 dB, making it sound like a hard-wired microphone, without any of the typical FM audio distortion problems. Operating from just a single, low-cost, VPX rechargeable battery system, the TRX992 provides an eco-friendly audio solution, holding roughly twice the energy of today's lithium packs and supporting over 500 recharges.
Order the NEW Zaxcom TRX992 Wireless Recording System and get an IFB100 Transmitter for FREE! ( Offer good thru April 30, 2009)
Lectrosonics SRA Dual-Channel Slot Mount ENG Receiver
Introducing a new two-channel slot-mount Digital Hybrid Wireless™ diversity receiver. The SRA receiver offers two independent channels and fits into the standard video camera slots found on professional cameras. The two audio channels can feed separate inputs or can be mixed internally to feed a single input. Two diversity modes are offered in the SRA. SmartDiversity™ reception is employed by independently combining antenna phase for each receiver channel. Alternately, the two channels can be used together in “True Diversity” Ratio mode as a single receiver.
Shure SM27 And SM137 Microphones
 The SM27 is a rugged and versatile large-diaphragm, side-address cardioid microphone, with low self-noise and extended frequency response that picks up vocal and instrument nuances with clarity. Durable Shure construction features three separate mesh layers that reduce wind and breath noise. Equally comfortable on stage or in the studio.
 The SM137 is a versatile, flat-response cardioid condenser probe microphone with an ultra-thin diaphragm for a frequency response that combines a smooth high-end with a tight, controlled low-end and a 15db pad for natural sound reproduction in both acoustic and high volume performance applications
Sabine SWM7000 Wireless Microphone System
 Wireless microphones offer several advantages over their wired cousins, but they also bring along some undesirable baggage. Three major issues haunt the wireless mic user. RF problems, sound quality problems, and battery problems all combine to make the wireless experience a real challenge. And perhaps the biggest question facing wireless users is “With all these new laws allocating frequencies to DTV and other devices, will my wireless mics work tomorrow?” Sabine has the right answer to that and many other wireless challenges: SWM7000 Smart Spectrum Wireless. This ground-breaking new system sets a new standard for quality, reliability, and longevity of wireless microphones.
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PortaBrace 10% Off and Receive FREE Book!
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NYC Production
PROJECTS IN PRE-PRODUCTION/PRODUCTION:
Gossip Girl Company: Warner Bros. Television Address: 42-22 22nd Street, 3rd Floor, LIC, NY 11101 Contact: Steven Spencer Scout: 6/4/08-12/31/08 Shoot: 6/19/08-3/3/09 Comments: TV161s
Jack Goes Boating Company: Cannoli Production LLC Address: 210 Douglass Street, 2nd Floor , Brooklyn, NY, 11217 Scout:1/5/09-3/27/09 Shoot: 2/9/09-3/27/09 Comments: FF4s
Salt Company: Columbia Pictures Address: 110 Leroy Street, 6th Floor, NY, NY 10014 Contact: Daniel Wagner Scout: 11/13/08-12/31/08 Shoot: 3/2/09-5/2/09 Comments: FF153s
The Extra Man Company: Young Gentlemen Pictures Inc Address: 233 Spring Street,4th Floor , New York, NY 10013 Contact: Joshua Huffman Shoot:1/29/09-3/27/09 Comment: FF8
The Sorcerers' Apprentice Company: Incantation Production, Inc Address: 15 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205 Contact: Ulises Rodriguez Scout: 10/23/08-12/31/08 Shoot: 3/9/09-7/10/09 Comments: FF196s
Untitled Marc Lawrence Project Company: WHYoming Production, Inc. Address: 599 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 Contact: Ashley Bearden Scout: 1/28/09-3/15/09 Shoot: 3/16/09-5/6/09 Comments: FF15s
Untitled Nancy Meyers Project Company: Universal City Studios LLP Address: 231 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11222 Scout: 11/12/08-12/31/08 Shoot: 2/01/09-6/17/09 Comments: FF206s
JOB LISTINGS:
$Casting Call - Looking for actors in an indie film production in NYC in April 09. Auditions on March 13, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. by appointment only, e-mail me. Synopsis: A comedy in which a man and his friends rob the apartment of his girlfriend and her husband (which they take hostage) to retrieve money he accidentally left for his gangster friends. Looking for male, white, early 30s -early 40s; female, white, mid 20s - late 30s. E-mail me at tbfilms@aol.com for more info and to make audition appointments.
$Cinematographer, Location Sound - Looking for Cinematographer, Location Sound Mixer for a no budget independent feature length HDV film, Pvt. Francis of Williamsburg, about a fraternity of misfit drop outs who take a vow of poverty and live on the streets of Brooklyn in an attempt to live the Gospel life. Positions are paid, 125 p/ day, 500 p/ wk. We are shooting a few days in the Spring, four weeks in both the fall and winter (not necessarily concurrently). Please email (preferred) resumes and reel if possible, or mail. Please email imperfectfilms@earthlink.net.
$Program Coordinator - "Made in NY" Mentorship Program - The "Made in NY" Mentorship Program, a one-year pilot program funded by the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting through the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York, seeks a Project Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the program, which works with women, veterans, persons of color, and economically disadvantaged New Yorkers to build and strengthen their professional networks for the purpose of ensuring growth and long-term, fulfilling retention within the entertainment industry. Responsibilities include: project management tasks as they relate to the planning, development, execution and wrap-up of the program; develop and proactively manage new relationships within the NY production community (Unions, Government Agencies, Films in Production, Post Houses); oversee outreach for fellows and mentors and identify 15 mentees for a ten-month fellowship; arrange job placement for fellows on a film, television show or commercial; arrange two unique individual mentors serving as career coaches to offer advice on everything from critique of skill set to serving as a sounding board; arrange a monthly series of guest speakers (i.e. cinematographers, editors, production supervisors, etc.) willing to share their own stories about their career paths. Skills: Excellent time-management skills; prior management skills, including managing live event productions; excellent communication (verbal & written) skills; motivational leadership skills; knowledge of the film industry; a team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to hire a strong team; understanding of databases (knowledge of Raiser's Edge a +); and mature personality. Send cover letter and resume via email to Julianne Cho, jcho@film.nyc.gov.
*Applicants - "Made in NY" Production Assistant Training Program - Applicants sought for new production careers training program. Must be available full-time for 4 weeks of training and committed to pursuing jobs as production assistants for film and television. The program is free of charge and no previous production experience is necessary. To learn more send an email with your name and contact information to productioncareers@fifthave.org.
*Documentary Post-Production Internship - Producer of independent documentary feature film seeks enthusiastic, selfmotivated, detail-oriented interns to assist with post-production - starting ASAP. Duties will vary, and much can be done off-site (you work from home). Tremendous opportunity to work as part of a team on an important and entertaining doc. The position is unpaid, but school credit, general mentorship/advice, and credit on the final film will certainly be provided to excellent interns. For additional
information please email emily@workandserve.com.
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Ben Burtt Interviews-Collection of interviews with Sound Designer Ben Burtt
"Ben Burtt demonstrates how he made Wall-E come to life and answers a ton of questions. This was a presentation I attended at Pixar and it’s seriously amazing to watch Ben as he demos how he made all the Wall-E sounds and what he bought to get new sounds. If you’re a fan of Wall-E and Star Wars, I really recommend watching some of this."
-Steve Weintraub
Ben Burtt Demonstartes How He Made Wall-E
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Buy a Schoeps CMIT 5U shotgun with Rycote Full Windshield Kit 4 - GET A $250.00 Rebate!
Order Code: SRP001 Bundle – Pro Net: $2628.00
● Schoeps CMIT 5U shotgun microphone
● End User Rebate Value: $250.00
Official Rebate mail-in coupon is included in package – must be purchased as SRP001 Bundle with official rebate labeling to qualify for this rebate.
Offer Begins: March 2nd, 2009 - Offer Ends: March 31st, 2009
Schoeps CMIT 5U / Rycote Full WIndshield Kit 4
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Call us today 212.586.1033 to find out more!
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Pro-Sound Provides Outstanding Education!
Here is Rich Topham teaching professional sound techniques at the American University in Washington D.C. School of Communication. Taught by Professional Sound Services, our workshops cover the tools, techniques, and procedures used in the professional sound business. Students gain an appreciation of the aesthetic aspects of sound recording, learn tricks for creating an audio design and explore how to manipulate room tone, dialogue, and effects tracks for a realistic sound presence. Pre-production planning, boom and wireless microphone operation, microphone planting, tape-deck signal setup, and other techniques are also addressed. In addition, students are introduced to the latest DAT and analog systems, inter-format recording for music videos and commercial production, time code and other management tools for post production.
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DON'T FOGET TO VISIT US AT NAB!
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Pro-Sound Rental
Film and Video Production Sound, Broadcast, Communications, Sound Reinforcement, Post Production, Multimedia Production, Theater and Live Performance.
The PSS Rental Staff is available to discuss your particular needs. Whatever this may be, let PSS assist you in putting your Rental Package together.
NAGRAS, DIGITAL AUDIO, WIRELESS MICS, WALKIE TALKIES, Q SYSTEMS, MICROPHONES, SPEAKERS, PLAYBACK SYSTEMS, SOUNDCARTS, SIGNAL PROCESSING, FISHPOLES & BOOMS, INFRARED TRANSLATION SYSTEMS, MIXERS, TIMECODE SLATES, CELLULAR PHONES and now VIDEO EQUIPMENT AND LIGHTING!
PSS OFFERS THREE DAY RENTAL WEEK! BEST DEAL IN TOWN!!!
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Low Price Guarantee
Professional Sound Services Low Price Guarantee is the best in the business.
If that isn't enough, we'll match anyone's Low Price Guarantee.
To top it off, we consistently offer great savings on items we stock!
Why shop anywhere else?
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Authorized Dealer - Featured Products
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