![](\"https:\/\/txsound.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/HCIC-Bag-Mixer-poster.jpg\")
<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\nEven with the latest equipment getting smaller and smaller, mixers are configuring their bags bigger and bigger. Some of these things weigh in at 30+ pounds. I don’t get it. One mixer told me “yeah, its a beast, but I get to sit down a lot.” This cracks me up. This kind of work is called “run & gun.” That means you should be able to run with it. And wear it like a gun. So you can run. And gun. Not sit. Maybe you can sit on this show, but what about the next?<\/p>\n
There’s a lot of junk on board that you don’t need. There’s also the question of purchasing equipment with respect to size. The 788T is by far the smallest multitrack, but I think it lends itself to over-sized sound bags. Lots and lots of adaptor cables. A very weird footprint with the CL8. Kind of an upside-down L. The Zaxcom Fusion (thumping chest here) is physically bigger that the 788T, but lends itself to smaller kit size. And you don’t need an ipad to set levels and write sound reports. Where you gonna stow that? Yeah, yeah…,the Fusion’s more expensive. Given the money you’re already spending, it’s $2k or so that’s of little consequence. <\/p>\n
You’d think the addition of IFB and hop transmitters to a sound bag blows away any chance of reduced size. Why would you pack a T1 (T4) IFB transmitter in a sound-bag? Its big. It’s RF output BNC is on the back, bleeding RF right next to the maze of cables down there. (See “garden hose comment below.)<\/p>\n
The Lectro T4 draws 250ma of power, radiates RF like a son-va-bitch, and sits right on top of all your receivers. This leads to de-sensing the receivers and swamping the front ends. Frequency or block, it matters not. Why not a UM400, or better yet, an LMa? 70mw is plenty for IFB, in fact, its plenty for anything. Many mixers have a “CB radio” mentality about wireless power, but don’t get me started, that’s for another post. Anyway, T1’s and their ilk are too big. Replace it with something smaller, dude.<\/p>\n
OK, everybody’s jumping on the SR receiver bandwagon. 2 receivers in one box. But wait- that’s a 401 level front end. And its a shared front end between 2 receivers- further compromising selectivity. You know what selectivity is, right? But who cares- its soooo small! I can have 8 receivers in one bag!
Oh wait- that reduced selectivity is giving me RF hell with my hops and my IFB transmitter. Hmmm. I guess I must redesign the front end of my SR’s (Did Lectro’s engineers do it wrong? )- by buying a bunch of splitters and RF amps and shorty cables and adaptors, and add me a couple a’ little ol’ LOG PERIODIC SHARK FIN ANTENNAS to my “run & gun” bag. Oh, and I need another 100ma of power for the RF preamps. And tie-wraps. Lots of tie-wraps.<\/p>\n