During prep for Butterfly Dreaming, I had to convert the sound cart to a computer-based recording system. Many production sound carts have the ability to run from either AC or DC (battery). But computers don’t normally run off batteries. Because I wanted to preserve the flexibility and portability that comes with a battery-based recording system, I made my decision to build out the cart to enable DC-powering the Mac Mini, monitor, and external hard drive without the use of an inverter or AC.

Powering the mini

The main issue: the Mini wants 18.5 VDC natively, and the external firewire hard drive demands not only +12VDC, but ALSO +5VDC to operate. The remainder of the components for the computer (monitor and external DVD burner) required +12VDC, which was compatible with the audio equipment on the cart (Sonosax mixer, MOTU Traveler interface, video monitor, PD-4 DAT recorder, etc.). I considered building my own multi-voltage supply from a +18V source, using resistors to get to +12V and +5V. But that seemed overly complicated and not very efficient. I also considered separate battery systems, one +18V source for the computer, and a +12V source for the rest. But that means more batteries, more chargers, etc. I wanted a solution that would minimize the number of battery systems on the cart.

The Carnetix Solution

After a good bit of research, I found myself in the world of mp3 car afficionados, staring at the Carnetix CNX-P1900. Apparently, the idea to replace your standard car stereo with a mini-sized computer has snowballed to such a degree that there has been quite a demand for folks who needed to power their Mac Mini’s with a car battery. So Carnetix decided to build this magic little device, designed to take in a +12 DC voltage, and output +19VDC, +12VDC, and thanks to a recent add-on upgrade, +5VDC. I dove in. I received the CNX-P1900, with the +5V add-on, and started wiring. After an evening of splicing into the power supplies for the Mini and the hard drive, I successfully ran the Mini and drive from a 33Ah wheelchair battery for around 6 hours. Above is the frankenstein version during its test run. The Carnetix is the small slotted metal box in the center. All systems go!

While many have replaced their DATs (which had replaced their Nagras) with any of a number of hardware recorders, I decided to build my feature film recording package with VOSGAMES’ Boom Recorder software at the core.

Native to Apple’s Mac OS X, Boom Recorder is a robust recording software which aptly incorporates all of the vital and very particular nuances of recording non-linear location sound for film. Boom Recorder has simply and elegantly addressed such varied needs as: various file formats, redundant media files, metadata, timecode synchronization, playback, and generating reports.

I used Boom Recorder on a 35mm short film, On A Tuesday, with great success. You can find more information on my recording setup on this VOSGAMES page.

Styrofoam Sacred 0′52- The principal melodic theme from the experimental short film of the same name, an early work by the talented Patrick Flynn.

Last Good Time 1′11

AV64 1′27 - Mood music with the low pulsing beat of an AutoVari64 drum machine.

Adrian’s Muse 1′05 - A gentle lapping of sounds, like sailing for the ears.

Distantly Ringing Chimes 0′29 - Melodic acoustic guitar over interweaving electric guitars.

Arlesian Sunflower 0′52

Independence Day 1′06 - An excerpt from a moody improvisation with Gregory.

Independence Day 2 1′32 - Another holiday improvisation, with Gregory and Sam (aka Atman The Sibling), as part of an ongoing series of music meetings.

A short film about an afternoon of sun and swimming pool somewhere in Provence.
Music was composed with David I, after which I edited and refined.