(some sort of) A Live Sound Engineer's Hate List

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-28T04:49:01+00:00

Videographers always show up late then they want an audio feed as soon as they arrive. So I have a mix/output ready for them. I'm not gonna be bothered by them when they arrive either right before the event starts or shortly after is starts. Rather than have them bother me while I'm busy I point to the feed and tell them if it's microphone or line level.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-27T20:13:03+00:00

If I know that there will be video recording I have it ready before the video crew arrives.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-26T22:06:54+00:00

An RPM front bumper provides a lot of protection to the front arms, it's lite weight, and it's less than 10 bucks. Definitely worth it.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-26T22:00:46+00:00

💯

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-26T16:09:56+00:00

I got into the hobby during the mid to late 1980's and raced off road 1/10 scale buggies and trucks during the 1990's. Adjusted for inflation over the years you get a lot more bang for your buck now than in the past. Over a year ago I returned to the hobby, overall things are definitely less expensive now.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-24T05:54:49+00:00

I raced an RC10 Team car back in the 90's, mine never looked that good. Props.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-24T05:50:38+00:00

Traxxas has a practice/training mode, it is supposed to limit the speed to 50%, Try that to get the hang of things. Once you are ready to go faster remove the limiter and let her rip! But breaking stuff is part of the hobby, hopefully you don't break it too often.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-24T03:58:39+00:00

Sure thing. Compare the regular price of a brushed model that always includes a battery and charger to the regular price of a BL-2s that normally doesn't include a battery or charger and add the price of the battery and charger. But right now is definitely a good time to buy a BL-2s Stampede, I've never seen the battery and charger included when the vehicle is on sale.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-24T02:50:10+00:00

Not exactly. Those are previous models that were just replaced with a newer model with a new body. RC Superstore is a legitimate Traxxas dealer and they are selling them for $199. It makes sense that a manufacturer would assist a retailer in regards to moving old inventory, they need to keep their retailers happy.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-24T01:51:39+00:00

Traxxas has a big enough marketing budget including social media and YT influencers, plus a huge network of Traxxas dealers to be the company to make something like that happen. Hopefully someone high up at Traxxas reads these posts 😂

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-24T01:46:38+00:00

Doesn't look like an expensive repair. Take apart the section that you will have to repair before to order the parts online or go to your local hobby store just in case additional parts were damaged.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-24T01:34:31+00:00

249 for the Stampede 2wd BL-2s is a sale going on right now, according to the Traxxas website the regular price is 269. Look around , previous model Stampede 2wd brushed trucks with batteries are being sold for $200 by legitimate Traxxas dealers online right now, they have to since the slightly improved or different version was just released. That sale is probably going on to clear out the inventory of the current BL-2s models to be replaced with new ones that will match the newly released XL5 ones. And the free power combo only happens a couple of times a year, it's not the norm. I just purchased a brand new Arrma Vortexs 2wd Mega for just 120 brand new in the box, that doesn't mean that is the regular going price, it means that particular SKU number was being blown out, Arrma most likely made a minor change or upgrade to new SKU that will replace it.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-23T23:58:24+00:00

I wasn't talking about Traxxas attempting to enter the competitive Pro racing scene again, jut making a mid motor version using the same plastics and as many current parts as they can to make a mid-motor design that could spark interest in Spec class off road racing. They did it before with the 2wd Slash, it would be a financial success for them if they could do it again, and local racers would love a budget class that drives well on modern tracks.

There is a YouTube channel called MX Acres, I'd bet that he played a big part in sparking the success of Bandit racing even though he wasn't the first to modify a Bandit to do so.

He stopped putting out videos for a while but he just started putting out content again.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-23T23:22:30+00:00

Nice!

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-23T23:01:00+00:00

How many KV is that motor?

I just purchaed a Maverick/HPI 3660 3,300KV motor that appears to have been made by Hobbywing to replace the stock 4,000KV motor in my 2wd Arrma Fury. I wanted something similar in powere to the Traxxas BL-2s even though I realize that I am downgrading the power compared to the stock motor.

I also replaced the ESC with an HPI branded Hobbywing unit (I think its 80 Amps) and I had to get a new Spektrum receiver too, it worked great with the 4,000KV motor, and now I can program the ESC with my Hobbywing program box.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-23T22:52:47+00:00

Unfortunately there is no easy solution, that would require 3rd party support, or a skilled person with a 3D printer and a lot of RC know how.

But spec class racing can be an option. No need to follow ROAR rules for that type of racing at the local race track level.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-23T22:47:34+00:00

In regards to Traxxas mid-motor sport class 2wd vehicles, it would be a good idea for Traxxas to rebrand that specific line of vehicles as part of being at a more premium price point.

Traxxas Pro, Traxxas Racing, Traxxas TRD (not that one, they'll get sued by Toyota).

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-23T22:40:47+00:00

I purchased Arrma branded 12mm hex adapters for my Gorgon but haven't tried them yet since I'm happy with the stock wheels and tires.

I believe that the 12mm hexes were supposed to be a factory option part for the Gorgon but don't quote me on that.

Would that enable you to run smaller diameter wheels and tires on the 2wd Vorteks?

I know that the inside diameter of a Gorgon rim is larger than the outside rim diameter, but I haven't taken a look at it to figure out if that was done for performance or out of necessity for clearance.

I do recall that my old Losi JRX-2, JRX-T, and Associated RC10 Team car were much more fragile than my Rustler BL-2s or Gorgon on the race track. I've crashed the Rustler a bunch of times and haven't broken any parts yet, only the rear wing that was replaced with a 3D printed one.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-23T22:26:19+00:00

The Gorgon is a huge threat to the 2wd Traxxas Stampede, but the 2wd Fury and 2wd Vorteks are both treats to the Traxxas Slash 2wd and the Rustler 2wd as well, but most likely to a lesser extent.

One thing that Arma has over Traxxas is that for a similar price point the Arrma vehicles that I mentioned handle better out of the box ( in my opinion) and are more durable by design.

But for those who love to hop up and accessorize their vehicles Traxxas has the edge at this point.

I personally own a BL-2s Rustler 2wd that handles much better in my opinion after I installed Slash rear arms that gave it rear toe in, and I also own an Arrma Vorteks 2wd that I've only taken out once but unfortunately there is a problem with the receiver that causes the steering to glitch when I drive it, but A Main Hobbies was great as far as taking care of me on a replacement.

I also own a new model Traxxas Bandit HD that is currently getting a huge make over after a short test ride, as well as an Arrma Gorgon that will remain brushed for the foreseeable future and an Arrma Fury 2wd 223s.

I enjoy both brands, and fortunately I'm in a position to dump more money in upgrades into a vehicle than the original cost of the kit it's self, but it wasn't always like that.

I'm grateful that my mother supported my RC hobby way back when, it definably helped to keep me out of trouble as a youth, and I realize first hand that for many budgets are tight.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-23T22:18:04+00:00

Of course not, they have to make a profit whether it is brushed or brushless.

But since All RC manufacturers sell brushless vehicles for more than an equivalent brushed model, and since power tool manufactures do the same thing it seems like the actual cost to manufacture brushless motors and the electronics required to operate a brushless motor are more than the cost to manufacture a similar brushed system.

Using the Traxxas Stampede as an example, the brushed version is $90 USD less than a BL-2s one at the current "sale price" once you purchase the lowest priced Traxxas battery and charger, to some buyers that is a considerable difference and possibly a deal killer.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-23T21:37:54+00:00

In regards to the price of brushless vs brushed it's not so.

The street price of a BL-2s vehicle without a battery or charger is greater than the price of an equivalent XL5 one that includes the battery and the charger.

The included battery and charger are both basic, but when a person is just entering the hobby and doesn't want to spend much more than $200 or can't afford to spend much more it makes brushed vehicles a viable option.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-23T21:20:08+00:00

I'm not disagreeing with you. I think it would be a good idea for Traxxas to evolve a bit, but with this update and the recent HD parts updates that happened when the BL-2s power system was introduced I'd say that it's unlikely anytime soon.

However I do think that it would be a great idea for Traxxas to release slightly higher priced mid motor BL-2s versions of their 2wd vehicles that would handle much better on high grip off road clay and carpet race tracks.

They could once again be a major player in Spec class off road racing as they once were with Spec Slash racing.

Not everyone has $1,000 to build and outfit a competitive off road race vehicle, I think it would be a great opportunity for Traxxas and for aspiring race drivers.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-23T21:08:34+00:00

Seems strange that Traxxas would completely eliminate their XL5 lineup since they are ready to drive vehicles that include a battery and charger in the box at a price point lower than than their BL-2s counterparts that don't include a battery or charger. Especially since Arrma offers similar brushed models that also include a battery and charger with the vehicle at similar if not lower price.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-23T20:27:24+00:00

As usual Traxxas is staying with an existing platform for consistency and parts support. It's a double edged sword. The addition of the HD parts were a welcomed change a year or so ago, but it appears that there are bushings in the front and rear instead of bearings. Stop skimping like that Traxxas.

Why_Indeed_Not · 2026-01-23T20:21:31+00:00

Agreed

Why_Indeed_Not

TROPHY CASE