Lectrosonics used for The Origin of Cats
Published: MEA
SOUTH AFRICA: Location sound recordist, Sebastian Dunn, is using Digital Hybrid Wireless technology from Lectrosonics to capture the audio for The Origin of Cats, a new four-part series from South African animal behaviourist, Kevin Richardson.
‘I’ve been using Lectrosonics gear for over 20 years. I started with the company’s M185 transmitters and CR185 receivers, later upgraded to the UM and SM transmitters, UCR411 receivers and, from there, I acquired SMQV super miniature transmitters and SRb dual slot ENG receivers,’ said Mr Dunn. ‘My contribution to the show took place in Namibia and South Africa and for this, I used two SMQV’s and the SRb – both on block 26. I also used a Lectrosonics SNA600 dipole antenna,’ he explained.
‘Throughout most of my career I’ve been travelling and, for the most part, working in technically challenging environments,’ continued Mr Dunn. ‘Having used almost every wireless system on the market, there is none more robust and durable than Lectrosonics. I’ve successfully used them in extreme 130-degree heat as well as sub-zero environments. As my locations are always so varied and unpredictable, I can’t always check frequency compatibility but, for the most part, have not encountered problems severe enough to rule out the use of wireless mics. The SNA600 antenna is also a valuable part of my kit – particularly when the RF range is questionable. The addition of the LectroRM app for my iPhone has also been extremely useful so that I can make hasty changes on the fly.’
The recent shoot with Kevin Richardson has put the equipment to the test. ‘The fully grown lions can be very rough and physically jump on him and push him around,’ said Mr Dunn. ‘When I asked to wire Kevin up, he said it was a huge risk. Having worked with many film crews in the past, Kevin said that most transmitters got damaged by his lions. When I mentioned that I only use Lectrosonics transmitters, his eyebrows lifted! “They’ll handle the punishment” he said. Reluctantly, I clipped my SMQV onto the inside of his belt.
‘Once the crew was safely on the vehicles the female lioness Olivia was released and immediately launched herself onto Kevin – knocking him right off his feet,’ continued Mr Dunn. ‘For five minutes, they “played” – with the 300 pound lioness rolling onto him and knocking him about like a ragdoll. The audio was solid throughout the interaction. Then Kevin said that the vehicles were too much of a distraction for the lions. He wanted to go further into the bush to get away from us. We mounted a few GoPro camera’s onto him and off he went. I estimate he went a third of a mile away but, with the use of the SNA600 antenna, my signal was rock solid.’
Mr Dunn is also keen to praise the manufacturer for the service he receives and the quality of its products. ‘Living in South Africa, I’m pretty far from Lectrosonics. With that said, the company’s support services have been very responsive. I’ve always been very pleased with the company’s service. I’ve been a loyal supporter of Lectrosonics for the last 20 years and, due to their products’ robustness and durability in the field, I will continue to remain one. I’ve had a great experience.’