Production sound mixer Scott D. Smith is capturing dynamic audio for the fifth season of the FX hit series The Bear using Lectrosonics digital and Digital Hybrid Wireless equipment. Smith, of Chicago Audio Works, is a two-time Oscar nominee and two-time Emmy winner who requires an adaptable toolkit for episodic television.
Smith’s inventory includes DSQD 4-channel wireless receivers, SMWB wideband beltpacks, SSM micro transmitters and HMa plug-on transmitters. His setups span from legacy products to state-of-the-art digital receivers. The physical constraints of production often dictate gear choices. Smith noted that some rack spaces are half-rack spaces, requiring the space-efficient connectivity of the DSQD receivers.
He also praised the Dante network connectivity of the DSQD receivers. The option for a digital connection has been a big plus, allowing us to remote receivers easily without having to have interface boxes, and use what inputs we have available without having to jump through hoops, he said.
Smith’s overarching philosophy is to leave nothing to chance. You never know what’s going to be used in post-production, so my philosophy is capture everything we possibly can on set and Lectrosonics helps me do that, Smith said. He aims for the soundscape to represent the environment, hiding microphones on sets, vehicles and inside lights.
The ability to put a wireless mic in places where we can’t get a cabled mic is the difference between getting sound for a scene or not, he said.
On The Bear, Smith faces unique environmental challenges. This season we’re working with a lot of water, it’s on the actors, on the set, it’s all over the place, he said. Protecting the wireless packs is crucial. Having the preformed factory transmitter pouches has been a big plus. Ihaven’t had a Lectrosonics receiver fail me yet.
Smith’s passion for audio began at 12 years old in Detroit. He moved to Chicago in 1975, working through studios before transitioning into episodic television. He started using Lectrosonics in the 1980s and values the company’s accessibility.
Lectrosonics is constantly innovating, which is great, Smith said. They listen to what we’ve said, take our suggestions, and have been proactive about incorporating them into the products.
For more information contact Karl Winkler at Lectrosonics, 800-821-1121, karlw@lectrosonics.com or Margaret Sekelsky at MSMedia, 310-823-5805, margaret@msmediainc.com. Images are available at ImageEvent.com/msmedia/lectrosonicsscottsmith.
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