PROREVIEW
a pack of playing cards and a similar weight. The display is small and gives basic status information; you can change some functionality on the unit itself, but it’s recommended to make the changes on the receiver and synchronise to the transmitter. There are two battery options, the BA 61 rechargeable accupacks, which are the same as I mentioned earlier, and the B 61 battery pack, which takes three standard AA batteries. The antenna socket is a LEMO connection, standard with other high-end Sennheiser bodypacks. The microphone connector is a three-pin LEMO connector, these are small and robust but certainly more expensive than connectors used by other brands. Most makes of lavalier microphones offer the option for this connector or an adapter. The handheld has a great feel to it, with a perfect weight. The display is the same as on the bodypack and has the same menu and functionality.
Pros • Flexible options • Excellent build quality • Easy operation • Web server configuration • Fast syncing between devices
Cons • Very large when in backpack adapter • Expensive batteries • Lack of display visibility option • Too large to be practical I believe there may be ways to alleviate these concerns in the future, but for now slot-in use is the only practical application.
There are many microphone capsules you can get; both dynamic and condensers are available in various pick-up patterns. There are also two Neumann heads in cardioid and super-cardioid patterns. There are two power options, the BA 60 Accupack rechargeable battery and the B 60 battery pack, which takes two standard AA batteries. If using the B 61 or B 60 battery packs, you should only use alkaline or lithium batteries, as rechargeable batteries will give an incorrect value in the status display. I feel the EK 6042 is definitely designed for broadcast cameras and the Sound Devices SL6 SuperSlot. Having to buy lots of other accessories to make it work in a soundbag without the SL6 makes it prohibitively expensive. PRO Simon Charles is a location sound recordist based in Dubai, working on a diverse range of projects from commercials to feature films, corporate productions and events.
“As a sound recordist, I would have liked to have seen display options that let you have the display stay on all the time or dim after a certain period of time. When working with receivers in a soundbag, being able to see information at a glance without having to press anything is essential” Simon Charles, Location Sound Recordist
May 2017 | www.broadcastprome.com | 41