Atlanta, GA — Production sound mixer Mike Sal’s Land of ADM production company has consistently placed his trust in Lectrosonics  wireless products for demanding and conceptually challenging productions, a reliance built on their proven adaptability and robust performance. On the recent Charles Barkley “Chuck GPT” FanDuel commercial, which presented a unique "audio gag" requiring real-time interaction between Barkley and an AI version of himself, Sal leveraged a comprehensive Lectrosonics kit including a SMQV digital hybrid wireless UHF belt-pack transmitter, DSR4 digital slot receivers, and IFBR1A UHF multifrequency belt-pack receivers.

This array of gear proved essential for overcoming complex challenges such as maintaining crystal-clear dialogue across a sprawling four-story mansion, battling significant RF absorption from Barkley’s movements and size, and seamlessly integrating audio feeds despite minimal pre-defined technical direction, ultimately delivering flawless sound. “No matter what unique needs a job has, with Lectrosonics, we can figure out a solution that makes sense for what we’re trying to accomplish. This job was no different," commented Sal.

Sal's journey into union film and television audio, though relatively recent, is rooted in a lifelong passion for sound that began in childhood, often experimenting with recording from an early age. After dedicating over two decades to music production, mixing, post production audio, freestyle hip hop, live sound, and theater audio design, he transitioned to union film and TV work in 2020, quickly becoming adept at the unique demands of the industry. This diverse background equipped him with the problem-solving skills crucial for complex productions.

The FanDuel commercial presented a unique and conceptually ambitious "audio gag": Charles Barkley needed to interact with an AI version of himself, Chuck GPT. This setup required a complex interplay of audio feeds: Barkley needed to hear the Chuck GPT voice in real-time, and the voice actor (in a separate voiceover room) needed to hear Barkley’s responses. Adding to the complexity, various clients, producers, and crew members across a sprawling four-story mansion needed to monitor the audio, with little pre-defined technical direction or time for planning. “I got the official ‘you’re on’ 48 hours before the shoot,” Sal recounts, highlighting the tight preparation window for such an involved setup.

To achieve this, Sal assembled a specialized kit, drawing equipment from various audio disciplines. The production used Lectrosonics SMQV and SMDWB miniature wideband transmitters, a UM400a UHF beltpack transmitter, and DSR4 and R1A receivers for Barkley along with various talent, crew, and producer monitoring. The voiceover room, where the Chuck GPT character’s voice originated, was set up as a makeshift vocal booth with a studio microphone. This microphone feed was then transmitted wirelessly to a discrete earwig, a Phonak Invisity, in Charles Barkley’s ear, allowing seamless, real-time communication. For Barkley himself, Sal’s setup included a wireless boom (utilizing a stereo matched pair of microphones).

One of the primary challenges encountered during the shoot was managing Barkley’s movement and his tendency to sit on the wireless pack, which can significantly absorb RF signals. Sal explained, "He's a big guy, he just absorbs RF. He’d put the pack in his back pocket every chance he got, so I was fighting for range.” Sal used an SMQV transmitter specifically for its higher RF output to compensate, providing an extra range boost. A crucial moment arose when Sal noticed the audio sounded "crunchy" from a newly acquired SMQV. Through quick consultation with a Lectrosonics expert, Sal identified and corrected a compatibility mode setting from NU Hybrid to NA Hybrid, resolving the issue instantly. This proactive problem-solving, coupled with extensive pre-shoot testing of equipment range across the mansion, ensured that despite the obstacles the audio remained flawless.

Sal’s continued reliance on Lectrosonics stems from several key factors. He consistently praises the exceptional build quality of Lectrosonics transmitters, describing them as "bulletproof" and expressing confidence in their durability even in demanding environments like working with ranchers on ATVs. This ruggedness is vital for field work where gear is frequently exposed to harsh conditions or accidental mishandling. Furthermore, Sal values Lectrosonics' backwards compatibility, allowing him to seamlessly integrate older and newer equipment into his workflow, extending the longevity and versatility of his kit. Finally, the outstanding customer support provides invaluable confidence and quick solutions for on-set challenges, making Lectrosonics an indispensable partner in his professional endeavors.

About Lectrosonics

Well-respected within the film, broadcast, and theatre technical communities since 1971, Lectrosonics wireless microphone systems and audio processing products are used daily in mission-critical applications by audio engineers familiar with the company’s dedication to quality, customer service, and innovation. Lectrosonics received an Academy Scientific and Technical Award for its Digital Hybrid Wireless® technology and is a US manufacturer based in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.