LAS VEGAS—Stickman Sound specializes
in audio for television, with an emphasis
on studio and field multitracking, EFP/
ENG audio and the integration of the two.
Our goal is to provide our clients with a
reliable recording system in a compact
package that sounds great and can go
anywhere. Many of the shows we support
have a multicamera studio and/or field element,
as well as single-camera documentary-
style shooting in multiple locations.
Sound Devices mixers and recorders have
formed the hub of our mobile systems.
One of these shows, “Design Star 7,”
is about 12 interior designers competing
for their own TV show on HGTV. Each
episode starts in the field, where the
host reveals the task for that episode. To
complement our multicamera setups used
in shooting these episodes, we use two
Sound Devices 788T recorders, equipped
with CL-9 controllers.
Immediately after the challenge is announced,
each of the seven ENG/EFP
crews assigned spring into action and
document the designers as
they look for pieces to complete
their spaces. These location
packages also contain
a Sound Devices 552 mixer
and four wireless receivers to
pick up various RF mics used
in the production.
FOUL WEATHER OR FAIR
We also work on “Top
Shot,” which starts with
16 marksmen, each going
through a series of challenges
until one is declared the winner.
As this show is shot on a
remote ranch high up in the
mountains of Southern California,
we needed a system
that could operate off the
grid, but could also provide
the features and functionality
of a studio setup.
The weather in this area can often be
extreme.—on some mornings we begin
shooting in heavy fog, but afternoon, it’s
clear skies and 100 degrees. The elements
are very much a part of the competition,
so our gear must be able to withstand
these harsh and very changeable conditions.
To capture audio for the series, we record
the 16 marksmen, the show’s host,
an expert who guides the marksmen,
and all of the FX audio on three Sound
Devices 788T recorders. Two of these are
equipped with CL-9 controllers, and the
third is controlled via a Sound Devices
CL-WiFi and iPad. We also employ a Sound
Devices 302 field mixer set up to feed
our host dry IFB audio.
In addition, we rely on
seven Sound Devices
442 ENG/EFP packages
(with wireless receivers,
shotgun mics, IFB transmitter
and an RF stereo
link for the camera).
In our business, lastminute
changes and additions
are quite commonplace.
With the
modular design of our
audio systems, it’s easy to
accommodate any of our
clients’ demands. Sound
Devices gear is a big part
of these audio packages
and their reliability and
the company’s support
for their products brings
us considerable peace of
mind. We have to be consistently
up to the challenge
of capturing quality
audio on location and
owning Sound Devices
equipment is very reassuring.
Fernando Delgado has been in the audio
business since 1997 and started Stickman
Sound, Inc. in 2004. He may be contacted
at fernando@stickmansound.com.
For additional information, contact
Sound Devices at 800-505-0625 or visit
www.sounddevices.com.