Countryman B6 Microphone Integral to Production of Translogic's Water-Powered Flyboard WebisodeFor anyone fascinated with flying using a jetpack, there is now a more cost effective opportunity to experience the thrill of taking flight: the Water -Powered Flyboard. This new, French-engineered water toy uses a wakeboard-like base and two hand-held nozzles that, when pulled by a personal watercraft, enables one to fly and perform a wide range of motions. To feature this exciting new creation, AOL Auto's Translogic decided to create a demonstration video to be shown at their technology showcase. The challenging task of capturing close-up sound for this Water Powered Flyboard video was contracted to HartFX, LLC of Orlando, Florida, a company specializing in providing sound effects libraries and editorial for films and video games. Colin Hart, president of HartFX, LLC, discussed the challenges of capturing the full sonic experience amidst the extreme action and wet environment, and why he chose to use the water-resistant Countryman B6 lavaliere microphone. "For a series that showcases transportation technology, Translogic did a story on a water powered 'jet wakeboard' that literally enables the operator to fly as high as 40' while tethered to a personal watercraft," Hart explained. "Since this video took place on the water in what can well be described as a new extreme sport, I needed a high quality microphone that could withstand being submerged to capture the sounds of the activity." "The Countryman B6 offers a wonderful, customizable sound by way of its interchangeable frequency response caps," Hart continued, "and its submersible design made it perfect for this project. Equally important, to ensure the microphone and wireless transmitter wouldn't hinder the demonstrator, the microphone's extremely small size made it a great choice to be mated with the Lectrosonics SMa beltpack wireless transmitter." "I placed the B6 capsule in the rider's helmet under a foam pad which was positioned right above the rider's forehead," Hart explained. "Because the mic was buried under a dense layer of foam, I used the Crisp cap so as to maintain high frequency performance. I ran the mic cable along the inside of the helmet and had it exit at the rear middle and then down the back. I then ran the cable into the Lectrosonics SMa transmitter that was in an Aquapac 158 waterproof pouch and hidden inside the rider's life vest." Hart reports being an avid fan of Countryman microphones, "I used two B6 microphones for the Translogic project. The two people featured in the video were both outfitted with the Countryman B6. I also own several Countryman EMW Omni Classic lavaliere mics and a couple of ISOMAX 2-H audience and choir mics. I mainly use the EMWs for normal dialogue and the ISOMAX 2-H's for high SPL sound effects recording such as guns, cars, and so forth. I've been using the B6's for roughly five years and my ISOMAX 2-H's for about two years. These mics are a very important part of my work." Hart was equally complimentary of Countryman's customer and technical support services. "Everyone I've had the pleasure of speaking with at Countryman is warm and very accommodating," he said. "The Countryman staff is very knowledgeable about their products and are able to make appropriate recommendations for specific applications." Hart offered these final thoughts, "I have several Countryman mics in addition to the B6's. All of them are wonderful in their own regard. I'm a Countryman user for life!" To take a look at the Water Powered Flyboard, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBqpFXGpI1A. 
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