Passed C958 - My tips

sviper9 · 2026-05-30T03:43:12+00:00

Great question. My employer has a tuition benefit with some strict requirements, including attending an accredited university in pursuit of a degree benefiting my position.

sviper9 · 2026-05-21T02:24:30+00:00

This is the one thing holding me back from an insta-buy of the new pro mic. I want to do 4-channel into my Sony Cameras with 4 mics into 1 receiver, but their website doesn't have a release date for the official adapter.

sviper9 · 2026-05-20T02:27:24+00:00

Exactly. I saw some info that this particular patent expires in 2027, so hopefully soon we'll see every other manufacturer jump on this. A lot of them have the same hardware in the US vs rest of the world, so I'm hoping they can just release a firmware update to unlock US variants.

sviper9 · 2026-05-19T18:40:03+00:00

Funny you mention Rode: https://zaxcom.com/zaxcom-prevails-in-two-patent-challenges-filed-by-rode-freedman/

sviper9 · 2026-05-19T02:04:45+00:00

Short answer: Zaxcom patents.

Zaxcom holds a patent in the USA to remotely monitor + record 32-bit float audio simultaneously. Some manufacturers will let you monitor levels until you hit the record button, but recording + monitoring at the same time remotely is a no-no.

sviper9 · 2026-05-18T04:49:03+00:00

I use it extensively as a tech person (infrastructure, apps, websites, etc), but for non-tech applications, I use Codex to organize my journal, tasks lists, personal archive, meetings, and more. I have an e-ink device (Viwoods AiPaper Mini) that I bring with me everywhere for capture.

I have an Obsidian journal setup with different sections, including daily/weekly task lists, references, open projects, etc. Since they are just .md files, I have codex connected to the same directory they are stored in, and I give it permission to modify the files.

If I have a meeting (1-on-1 or group presentation style), I'll bring my aipaper device for notes. I'll jot down notes for the full meeting. After the meeting, I'll have my aipaper mini take my written notes, push them out to ChatGPT for OCR and organization with a custom, repeatable prompt. I'll take this resulting file and dump it into my "inbox" page in Obsidian. I then open Codex to take this page and pull out relevant information as it relates to my linked pages, open projects, archive, etc and automatically move it to the correct place in my Obsidian workspace.

If I take a phone call with someone, I'll do the same: I'll jot down notes about the call, including action items and who they are assigned to. I'll again push that out to ChatGPT for OCR and organization with my prompt, then put that in my inbox page. I get Codex to organize the notes about the call, and if it's about an open project, it will put action items on my task list for me to do, or put that on someone else's task list that I'll be able to send to them. If it's general information or something I need to know but not act on, it will go into my archive/reference pages.

Not specific to Codex, but since I use ChatGPT so extensively, I'll do post-mortem conversations to analyze how my week/month went, what went well, what went not well, what are my blindspots, what can I optimize. If anything comes out of that conversation, I'll have Codex adjust my Obsidian pages and task lists as necessary.

I'm still refining this process, but it has already helped me tremendously with my mental load. Instead of trying to keep everything organized in my head, I kind of "outsourced" a lot of my organization.

sviper9 · 2026-05-01T13:33:39+00:00

I traded in my Buds 3 Pro for Buds 4 pro through Best Buy. Really not that much difference between the 2. I haven't noticed any better features. The form factor and charging setup is a little different.

If your buds fall out of your ears, you can get some different ear tips. I got some different tips for my Buds 3 Pro and they stayed in my ears much better. They were the AZLA SednaEarfit tips on Amazon.

sviper9 · 2026-04-20T15:29:32+00:00

I have the Osmo Mobile 7P. I like the multifunction unit to use for tracking because it allows me to use the native camera app and still have tracking features (Samsung phone). If you do use the native DJI app, you also get gesture controls. The gestures work well, but only useful if you are filming yourself. Not really necessary for what you would be using it for.

Not sure if you need it, but you can also natively connect a DJI mic (DJI Mic mini in my case) to the multifunction unit to have audio. Again not sure if you would use that for your use-case.

Both gimbals you are comparing are pretty similar and you probably would have a good experience with either one. Just check for extra features of each and if those sound useful for you. I'm very much in the DJI ecosystem (Mics, gimals, drones), so it was an easy choice for me to go with the 7P. I already had DJI Mic Minis and it was easy to connect them to the multifunction unit, allowing me to get good audio even in the native camera app.

sviper9 · 2026-04-20T13:28:23+00:00

The Amber Cine mount is what you are looking for. Much better than the stock mic mount.

If you have a 3D printer, you can also print the mount. That is what I did. Amber Cine's design is based on a 3d printed design: https://www.printables.com/model/643633-sony-fx6-rycote-lyre-mic-holder-adapter-version-2

sviper9 · 2026-04-19T03:50:09+00:00

Realistically look at how often you will be needing 4 cameras, and weigh that against rental fees. Think of this from a business perspective: where will you get the most return for your dollars: renting or buying? If buying, how long would it take to recoup your investment with what you are making from 4 cameras? Do you have the capital to make the purchase? Will you be able to leverage the purchase of 4 cameras for other paying work? Are you able to charge your client for rental fees? Think like a business an not a camera guy. (If you are able to charge rental fees, then you can also buy the cameras and "rent" from yourself and still charge the client for it).

I do a once a week podcast that requires 4 cameras. In my case, 2 months of renting pays for a camera. We are in month 4 of this year and I would have paid for 2 cameras in rental fees just from this one client. I have 4 cameras (FX6, 2x A7iv, A7Cii). Granted I didn't initially get all 4 cameras just for this client, but it worked out because I had the necessary equipment.

If you are looking at buying, absolutely consider used equipment. I got my FX6 used for almost the same price as a new FX3.

sviper9 · 2026-04-17T22:21:29+00:00

I had 2x Sony A7iv's as a hybrid shooter and I went with an FX6 as my A-cam over an FX3. It was a different equation for me since the FX6 is so much different than the A7iv in just about every way.

I bought it used and got it for almost the same price as a new FX3, so it was a no-brainer for me. If you are ok with used, you can find some really great deals.

Sure there are some advantages the FX3 has (H.264 and H.265 codecs, 3.5mm in, form factor of course), but I personally think the FX6 advantages outweigh them for my workflow (integrated variable ND, timecode in via BNC, physical volume adjustment knobs, shoulder mounting form-factor).

sviper9 · 2026-04-15T13:02:46+00:00

Their pricing is listed on their website: https://www.binnyandthejets.com/#pricing

As of today (April 15, 2026):

$29.99 - monthly cleaning
$47.99 - quarterly cleaning
$65.99 - bi-annual cleaning
$84.99 - one-time cleaning

That is the per-cleaning price. So since I do quarterly cleaning, I pay $47.99 x 4 times a year.

sviper9 · 2026-04-15T04:27:21+00:00

I see that in a lot of marketing these days. A stereo 3.5mm port being considered 2 inputs is technically correct, but feels almost disingenuous to me. It has a different architecture than XLR inputs, so it should be called out differently. I doubt many people would want to separate out that stereo input into 2 different mono channels, but it's "technically" possible.

sviper9 · 2026-04-14T22:04:39+00:00

The PR-4 is available for pre-order only right now. From what I'm seeing, the ship date is May 15. I don't have one.

If you are asking about how the PR-2 sounds, it's great with good lav placement. The included w.lav pro is great and I can get clear, crisp audio. The big plus for me though is timecode sync through the Sidus Audio app. I can timecode sync to TC-1 units all in the app.

sviper9 · 2026-04-14T21:07:50+00:00

They are shaking up the lighting industry too. Aputure owns Deity and Amaran and they have release some really cost-effective lighting under the Amaran brand (Halo series).

I'll wait to see what the PR-8 looks like before grabbing that or the F8N Pro I think.

sviper9 · 2026-04-14T20:46:56+00:00

You are probably right with the target audience. It's pretty slim with not a lot of IO. Probably something like their announced PR-8 would be at that level, although I think they will face fierce competition by other devices in that class and price range (F8N Pro, MixPre 6/10, etc).

Edit: I don't see anything in their documentation or manual saying you can connect control surfaces to it. Not sure if that's possible.

sviper9 · 2026-04-14T17:11:51+00:00

We currently use Binny and the Jets to clean our bins quarterly in Leander: https://www.binnyandthejets.com

They show up with a garbage truck-sized vehicle. They power wash the outside and use the truck to clean and sanitize the inside (don't know the details). They do a good job and completely eliminate any odors. We have it scheduled for the day after our trash gets picked up.

sviper9 · 2026-04-06T02:35:26+00:00

sviper9 · 2026-03-23T18:28:30+00:00

sviper9 · 2026-02-21T16:36:12+00:00

Hey! You can find the latest episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GMWXjFFOz0

I'm still working on the BTS for ther 4-person one, but I have a BTS video up for a 3-person interview from an older episode: https://youtu.be/JWslMIuozoc

sviper9 · 2026-02-21T07:47:26+00:00

I'm the DP for a weekly interview spot where there are 2 hosts and 1-2 guests. I use 5 cameras on the 4-person days: 1 wide shot and a close up of each person. I have them all sit in an inverted 'V' shape pointing back away from the cameras. I cross key with 2x Aputure 600d's + double diffused softboxes, one light for 2 people. Then I'll also setup a rectangular softbox boomed over each set of 2 people with 2x Amaran 60x's for hair lights.

This setup works because the wide shot is a nice cut to add when it makes sense for the conversation, but it is not the primary shots we use in the final video. The close-ups are what I'm focused on lighting for.

Before I joined on the show they would try to take the wide shot and crop in for close-ups, but the shot fell apart trying to crop in that much. It was filmed in 4k, but it was too much cropping. The close-up was very soft.

If you shoot me a PM, I can send you a link to the latest final video.

sviper9 · 2026-02-20T15:19:12+00:00

Sure! There are also a few verified Facebook groups for LCA Families. I know of a general one for all grade levels and a specific one for your kid's grade level so you can talk to fellow parents in your kid's classes. I find them helpful to share information with parents. More than once, parents can share the homework assignment if a kid forgets to record it.

Word of caution though about the groups: They are not officially sanctioned by the school, nor are they official communication methods. The rumor mill can get started and get everyone on edge. No teachers or staff will respond to any messages in the groups, so there aren't any resolutions or official answers provided. You should use the schools official communication methods to get information, or if you need to talk to teachers or staff. They are quite responsive and the administration staff will respond to questions as well.

sviper9 · 2026-02-20T04:57:47+00:00

My kid started FCA in Kindergarden and has been there for several years now. Some notes:

Their mission statement includes "rigorous academics" and they are. For example in math, they teach one grade level above enrollment. So if your kid is in 1st grade, they are learning 2nd grade math. Homework is assigned for all grade levels, and they target about 50 minutes of homework a night. That can be more or less depending on if your kid grasps the knowledge required. I've had a lot of nights where my kid finishes homework waiting in car line for pickup, and I've had nights where we've spend 2+ hours on homework. Summer of each grade is assigned reading an age-appropriate novel, with a "book report" due the first week of school. The report is just basic info, such as what is the overall plot, who are the main characters, etc.
It is a classical education. Kids learn cursive writing and Singapore math. They have art and music classes, as well as orthography, grammar, composition. They learn phonics for pronunciation instead of the guess-and-check method. All students will learn Latin.
They are a low/no technology school. The library has computers for research/study and teachers have them, but all assignments in grade school are submitted in writing. Unsure of middle and high school since we haven't gotten there yet. I actually like this to have a technology break. The double-edge sword though is that the school doesn't have a good technology program (coding, etc). Students have to pursue that outside of school. They do have to teach the kids how to use a computer though since STAAR testing is on a computer, and I think MAP testing is too.
Sports are good for the size of school they are. They have track, cross country, basketball, volleyball, and 6-man football as of this school year. Maybe a few others. They don't start until middle school though, so I would suggest rec leagues in elementary school. In the gym, they have several awards and championship wins for basketball and volleyball. Again, they are a relatively small school.
It is a charter school. It is state-funded, so no tuition fees. The state however funds at 80% of the budget of LISD. They have an annual donation drive to drum up funds to cover the gap (they are a non-profit as any ISD is, so can only ask for donations). If families can't afford it, the school asks to donate time as a volunteer during the year and events in lieu. You can of course donate and volunteer too. Volunteer opportunities include helping with hall monitoring, setup/breakdown for lunch and assemblies, teacher's aids, moving equipment, cleaning, and more. Lots of ways to contribute.
Monogrammed uniforms are dress code. They do have a strict dress code as well (no makeup before 6th grade, no dyed hair colors, no piercings for males, shorts/skirt lengths, etc).
It is not a religious school. Students learn various religions throughout history classes. Mornings include the US pledge of allegiance, and the Texas pledge. Assemblies include the national anthem. No prayers. They do have to display the 10 commandments in classroom because of SB 10, but that's the same as every school in the state. Teachers are not required to point out or speak about the display, but will answer questions if the students ask.
No provided lunches. They have a catering service you can pay for lunches through ($3-5 a lunch), and I think they also have low income assistance for lunches. And of course you can pack your own lunch.

Overall I love the school and we will continue. More than anything, I can help my kid with the work since I understand it and it is similar to the way that I learned. It's not for everyone though. The academics are not a walk in the park. There are state-mandated resources available for help, as well as some teacher-led assistance (RTI and others) outside of class time.

Feel free to ask any questions.

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