International Recording

[chadly]

Hopefully I can get some good insight on this. I've been asked to do a classical location gig (of which I've done quite a few of here in the United States). The catch is, it's in Russia.

Now this thread could go in any of 3 places. Good News for the obvious, Remote because of the obvious, or the Moan Zone. Here's my concern.

I'm providing much of the gear. I generally travel light, with a laptop and FW interface, portadat for backup. I'm not taking a huge rack of gear, maybe 2-3 spaces in a soft over-the-shoulder dealy.

1) Power? Some of my gear is switchable, some is not. I'm going to contact the manufacturers on this directly if I can, but on non switchable gear, is it alright to use a step-down power converter?

2) Customs/Security. I'm not too worried once I get to Germany (our first stop before bussing around Eastern Europe) but I'm HUGELY concerned about taking my gear on the plane. I can reasonably fit the gear on my carry-on (stands and cables will be rented/or shipped FedEx ahead of time. Opinions on that are welcome too) but what will Homeland Security say when I get on the plane with a half dozen microphones and 3RU of gear? I feel uncomfortable FedExing mic's and rack gear to foreign countries, will traveling with them cause great amounts of drama?

I know they freak out if your laptop won't power up, so I'm worried that my Neumann’s might intimidate them. Or pre's.


Any and all help that anyone can give would be GREATLY appreciated. I've done this sort of thing alot, and I think this is a huge chance for me professionally; I just want to do my homework in advance.


I'll be updating this forum if you're all interested after the recording as well, so hopefully this information can help other people!

[fifthcircle]

In my [somewhat limited] experience, I've found a couple things... First of all, allow a LOT of time for Security. Second, you'll have the biggest problems traveling in the states... Third, other cultures appreciate the fact that you are working with classical music much more than you'd find around here. Fourth, if you are checking in with a group large group, things get much easier...

In the end, it isn't that hard to travel with gear (a lot of people do it), but you just need to allow the time for it. I suggest being there when then want to inspect everything if possible...

Good luck... it is always fun to get to travel for work like that...

--Ben

[Recording David]

Re: power converters

I'm in the UK and use a fair amount of US gear which is not switchable. I use good-quality step-down transformers and have no problems at all.

Good luck.

[chadly]

So far so good. . . does anyone know a good carry-on 3RU case? I'm thinking about going with a Gator, though there an inch too big for carry-on in one direction. Providing the gear still fits, is it wise to cut the wood interior of the case down an inch or so so that it'll meet their spec?

I'm really worried that I'll show up the day of the flight and they'll tell me to put it under the plane.

Anyone done a customs form for their gear before? I think I should do that. . .

[fifthcircle]

Pelican Cases are your friend when travelling... Pack them well and it won't matter if it goes inside the plane.

http://www.pelican.com/cases/cases.html


Buy on ebay and you can save a LOT of money on them

--Ben