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KTEK Stingray "JuniorX" "JetX" [Prototype] Sound Bag Review (for Nova, 833, 633, MixPre, F8n, etc)
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- čas přidán 6. 06. 2020
- Boston-based sound mixer Jim Keaney unveils K-tek's new Stingray "JuniorX" [prototype] bag before it goes into production. I highlight what is new and different, what I might like to see tweaked and also invite YOUR input in the comments.
Update: This audio bag has since been officially released but K-tek named it the "JET X" because it looks like they're going to update the JUNIOR bag in this new Stingray X line as well.
I made a video of the finished product!
• K-TEK Stingray "JET X"...
PRODUCT LINKS:
K-TEK STINGRAY JET X (*** this is what the prototype bag in this video became ***)
geni.us/yBzQ7P
other sizes:
K-TEK STINGRAY JUNIOR X: geni.us/eZTuT
K-TEK STINGRAY SMALL X: geni.us/0rub2
K-TEK STINGRAY LARGE X: geni.us/nLdBn
SANKEN COS11D LAVALIER MICROPHONE: geni.us/zmvI
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Audio recorded on a Sanken Cos11 Lavalier into a Lectrosonics SMDWB
Video shot on a Canon 70D DSLR
Edited in Adobe Premiere Pro
Music by me
Hairstyle by Covid
If you need production sound in Boston, MA, New England or beyond, please contact me: Jim.Keaney@gmail.com
HubLocationSoun...
As an Amazon & Trew Audio affiliate, I earn from qualify purchases.
It's nice to see you upload! Don't really need much or any of these but it's nice to see your videos.
In case Tino, Brenda and team Klemme-Tek are listening...
Agree: Restore crescent-zipper on mesh pocket.
Restore pocket dividers WITH pen-loops (separate compartments rule!)
Restore handle-grips (no vinyl).
Lower the outer pocket TX strap.
Disagree:
Keep the kickstand ATTACHED! (Faster, simpler and one less item to lose)...it’s my favorite feature!
ALSO: I use the rear molle-straps, so restoration of those stitches would be great.
If you have a battery laying in the bottom of your bag (633, etc) the battery-strap is nice, and the ventilation is moot/blocked, plus, heat rises up, not down.
As for the hardware-mounts, if they riveted a Hillman #1125-L flange into each side, accessories with 1/4-20 threads are much more readily available than 3/8 threaded ones...and it’s easier to adapt from 1/4 up to 3/8, than 3/8 down to 1/4
Great video!
I agree about the pockets. I also prefer the zippers on the front pouch openings rather than Velcro. And the hard rubber on bottom is nice when setting the bag down someplace (at least on the bigger bags... not sure if they got rid of this feature for the Small-X/Large-X, but my vote is keep it)
Just had an idea regarding heat dissipation since it seems like modern recorders are running hotter and hotter with all the technical advances/features. Since heat rises, what about some sort of piping/path system that ‘opens up’ inside the bottom of the bag (ie. ‘the fireplace’) and then a few small ports/paths are built-in to the existing material to act as the ‘chimney(s)’? Seems a little silly but I think there’s something there.
Good Comments Jim,
As a SD MixPre user I would suggest that the width of the orange frame on the side can impede the use of the Headphone Knob/Encoder and I would consider thinning down the velcro straps to access the knob from the top.
->>>: The velcro straps are too centered which force the mixer to be held away from the chest and impedes room for receivers/batteries above the top of the mixer. Your MixPre6 photo shows this at 2:42. This is a BIG one for me.
-I’d also love if the front pocket was at the same level/same depth as the main pocket because I would use it to hold batteries and additional RF.
-I Would love the 1/4-20 threads to hold my phone.
-Lastly, For such a small bag, could we only get away with one or none handles?
Also, I agree with the previous comments: Keep the kickstand, consider flipping zippers or double zippers for cable exits on the bottom, and the holes on the bottom make me worry about moisture.
PS. Sending Love to KTek! Stay Safe
Thanks for the comments, Ken. Yeah, maybe a pair of thinner velcro straps. Or I guess you could cut them thinner yourself. Probably wouldn't hurt to have the straps lean towards the body. The MixPre HP/Menu encoder is in a tricky location. I considered 1-handle too. Could be cool. I'd definitely want at least one. That's how I hold the bag when attaching my harness.
The bag looks like a tidy set up Jim, enjoy that Nova!
+1 for the removable kick stand
Glad you got early access to the bag and brought us some details. Looking forward to the “promised” thoughts on the Nova/Zaxcom-verse since you’ve had it.
Hi Lloyd, I'm still wrapping my brain around the Zaxcom-verse. I'm trying to figure out how to do a video specifically for non-Zaxcom users (the differences in layout/functionality/routing)... but without it being an hour long. I think a 'Quickstart' video would be helpful for folks who are only familiar with the other brands, but I think I might have to break it up as a mini-series since the average attention span on youtube is 7min.
Hub Location Sound Well there is certainly a lot to consider. Nobody has done a video review of the Nova and showed any kind of functionality, menu walk-throughs, control of the transmitters, setting up an IFB mix, nothing. There is huge opportunity for you there. I would certainly be interested in all of those things, but my main interest would your views on day to day work. Does it make your day easier. And since the pandemic, being able to wire up talent and not touch them again until a battery change, is in my view a serious game changer. Anyway, I’m looking forward to whatever you decide.
Hi Jim, thanks for sharing! Again lots of good ideas to improve the bag. I really like most of it. About the holes at the botom i share your apinio, it might be dangerous if leaving the bag somewhere moist the water, or even worst: other liquids might get in touch with the expensive NOVA... My other concern is the front pocket I`d love to see a closed one with ZIP, so you can transport all your TRX with peace of mind that the dont full down or ever worst: loosing them. Having them clipped towards the outside is OK while working, but not for airports, cars, vans, Buses, trains, whatever the travel medium ist. I know that Ktek´s filosophy is like it is, and closing that pocket would mean a break of concept or rules, but i would be extremely happy with it! cheers
Bring back the dubstep intro! Glad to see the jr getting a makeover and I’m thrilled it’s adapted to better fit the Nova (just received mine this week). I was checking out protogear to fit my bag needs and now I have the new Jr to consider. I’m loving the straps at the bottom to keep a nova in place and the overall tighter fit. On paper the ventilation holes at the bottom seem like a good idea, but if over heating is that big of a concern you can always just open the bottom flap anyway. I can take it or leave it. Like you, I’d prefer to have a pocket with designated pen sheaths. I could deal with having them on the exterior of the bag if they included a side pouch instead of those side straps, but I’d prefer to have their own pocket inside. Without the rubber feet on the bottom, did the bag with the recorder have difficulty keeping its balance when placed upright?
Ha! The world wasn't ready for my acapella dubstep. This JuniorX is even narrower than the original Junior, so it stands no chance of standing on it's own (not without the kickstand). This bag is for wearing in my opinion.
Thanks Jim!
Hi Jim, great thanks for the video, lots of good ideas.
The mounting straps on the pockets being lower idea might be good, but could we have both, higher and lower options, giving a choice?
I like the airflow holes in the bottom, could be less of them as the Nova fan is in the center, and a fold over flap maybe? But certainly with two MRX414's I can see the heat building up a lot in hot conditions....
Really like the idea of a pair of 3/8 stud mounting points, for all kinds of things, would be really useful. I sometimes have a monitor, sometimes a timecode display running on an iPhone courtesy of Timecode Systems Ultrasync Blue, sometimes lightweight animal tracking yagis, all kinds of things, so the more I think about it, 3/8 studs would be very, very useful, and a first for any bag I think?
Hi Mick, Thanks for chiming in here. I'm pointing K-tek at these comments. I am enticed by the 3/8" moistening points myself. As you can tell from the video, the weight factor is high on my list of concerns. Maybe that hardware could be removable. Or maybe the weight would be negligible.
@@HubLocationSound hi yes, the 3/8 studs would need something to mount on to. which would add weight, though the studs themselves wouldn't weigh much. I guess stainless steel studs glued in to a carbon fiber plate might be getting a bit exotic?....:)
1. My 8 month old Jr. bag is wonderful. Nothing about the new bag appeals to me.
2. If there was one improvement to be made, I would say make the opening of the main compartment a little longer so you can get to the Nova’s Power switch easier on the left side, and have a Enough room for the Zaxnet antenna on the right - both very important to have enough clearance. All else is great for Nova.
I’d love to see some sort of attachment for aerials or transmitters, a locking mechanism. Something you could buy as an add on but the female part was already on the bag for you to attach it too. Hope that makes sense.
I really want the Antenna mounting points, this to me is the biggest selling point. I still want to use my A10 system for wireless booming so I have to put antennas on anyway. With the new Orca harness and Nova I'm really not at all worried about extra weight. We are splitting hairs at this point, this bag and anything you put in it is crazy small and light already compared to the behemoths of yore. I also want to use this with my F8n bag for smaller jobs and I'm going to need to mount antennas for that as well. And when you put this bag on a cart, having the extra mounts built into the frame is super convenient. It will inherently be a more secure mount than external options. Did I mention I love the built-in mount? There's so much flexibility and functionality you can use this for other than antennas it just seems crazy to me to not have this for the .0000001oz of added weight instead of the rivets that just sit there being boring. Also great review!
Great video! I'm probably in the minority but I actually like the mesh Ktek put on the rear of their old Stingray bags. It was supposed to provide airflow and that didn't really work but I used it to slide a handle of a roller bag through so the mixer sat on top firmly. I had to put velcro straps through the D-rings on Junior to slide the handle through.
If they could make that mesh actually work the way backpacks work, holding the bag slightly away from your body, that would be the best. I understand it isn't easy to achieve that.
I don't see enough reason to upgrade from my original Ktek Junior. It isn't THAT much lighter. If I was starting from scratch this would be the ticket though.
KevinBaconFilm Thanks! The latest Small and Large Stingray bags still have that mesh netting on the back. The original Stingray Junior got a kickstand instead.
Great vid - yeah, those pockets are a miss.
Disagree RE: ventilation, those holes are 200% needed for the 833 - although moisture entry is a concern ( maybe they'll bring back those small rubber feet?)
Hi Craig, Thanks for participating. I've heard the 8-Series runs hot. I could probably fry an egg on my 688/SL6 most days. It's as if these mixer/recorders are turning into RED cameras. Regarding ventilation, my stance is... it can't hurt. It did offer a slight temperature decrease in my tests (a few degrees). I just wonder if vents (not only on the bag, but the units themselves) should be somewhere else, maybe along the sides or even front since heat rises.
I think I think the vents. The Nova has vents in the bottom. even SD mixers get hot as heck, so some sort of airflow is helpful. I wonder what the 800 series will be like when you're running noise reduction and auto-mixing. those processors will probably be cooking.
@@HubLocationSound that's a good point - I ran my 833 in an orca 30 bag - just connected to the Bluetooth SD app: for about 2 hours - in an idle state, it got uncomfortably warm. It's a tricky one. A potential idea: would be to Include small risers so you get 1-2cm of space around the unit - just so it's got a bit of space to breathe. It's a shame that heat dissipation is now a big design point for manufacturers.
Great video, as usual. Thank you ^^
I agree with you on all points: the fact of lowering the "straps" a little, making the sides a bit like the previous version because like this way I find the compartments useless, making the "triangle" detachable ... Besides, perhaps it will be possible to take advantage of this side of the bag by adding another small compartment which will be located below the detachable triangle.
Otherwise, I wonder why there are no camouflage bags or at least with rain protection bags but not in black rather in camouflage to be able to hide them in the forests (for nature sound designers, who sometimes leave their equipment for a whole day under the plantations)
Thanks for weighing in... I should note that this bag is planned to ship with a Shoulder Strap (same as previous Stingray models), the removable velcro Rain Guard (same as earlier models), and a NEW stealth cover. Old stealth cover had handle holes, went over the top of the bag, and cinched with a draw-string at the bottom. This new stealth cover (still black) is basically a light weight bag (not sure if it's waterproof, but probably water resistant like the material found on a camping tent) you drop the entire mixer into, then you roll up the opening and click a plastic latch which seals the bag and acts as a carrying handle.
@@HubLocationSound
Thank you for the response so well detailed!
In this case, maybe it will be useful and practical for some sound people, to be able to buy models where the stealth cover will be waterproof and in camouflage version. (Maybe this option will cost a little more).
Anyway, thank you again and I hope we will be able to see more videos from you during this period ^^
I am using the Mixpre-10T and am not sure to get this or the small x. What a tough choice between these two models.
would it be possible and would it make sense to attach a solid wrist strap on it? I am missing a K-TEK bag which is designed for lighter payloads
Fantastic. Well done.
Hi, please make a video on your Nova sound bag setup
Dp Kundu it’s on the list!
Please make sure it accommodates the 833 with 970 batteries. Also a way to cover bottom holes so dirt and crud can’t get in.
2 great points
Great Review.
I’m thinking of getting it for my MixPre 10T. It will fit in this one?
The 10T will fit in a Stingray Junior 👍🏼 www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1636839-REG/BI/21832/KBID/28200
The handle bars cover up the velcro for putting the rain guard so you cant have them fully down and have the guard on. Also i still want to see atleast for the mix pre an update to the thigh style utility bag that follows some of the principle ideas of the junior line like cable exits and this sort of dual pouch but one space phenomena.
It seems easy enough to bend the handles away from those velcro strips to receive the thin rain guard. I haven't tried their thigh utility bag - is it made for mixers?
@@HubLocationSound nope its a utility bag for like tapes, a reciever pack etc. but i have a pretty sweet mix pre 6 build i used to use when i had the 6. Its not made for it had to do a lot of cutting. I think it would be an interesting option for those who'd like to skip a harness alltogether
Or targeted towards nature recordists who use the mix pre for 32 bit and higher sample rates
Hey Jim, thanks for the video, really well made and sounds great 😁. Just putting a request your way, I’d love to see you do a review of the zaxcom nova. I’ve yet to see a hands on review from a user. It’s a really fascinating looking machine, would love to know what you think of it compared to a Sound Devices and Lectro set up. Thanks 🙏🏻.
Hi Hugh, Thanks... As of right now, I am in no shape to speak about the Zaxcom set-up. I sat staring into my Nova today for like 20 minutes trying to remember how to assign an input to a track. I do agree a video outlining the mental hurdles coming from other (seemingly more intuitive) gear could be interesting to watch. Wish I could be the guy to enjoy such a video and not have to be the guy to make it haha.
I like your suggestions. Maybe adding the arm attachment to the bigger versions of this bag, but I agree that on at least the smallest, it's better off without it. My only idea is flipping the zippers from the inside side pockets to unzip from the bottom. This way, we can run cables down the mixer to the bottom of the bag, and unzip the side pocket just enough to have the cable go through. Hopefully my I explained it well.
Side question, where do you put the battery? On the bottom or in one of the side pockets? Is the side pocket big enough for an esmart battery?
Hi Shelby, Yes I can get my E smart battery pretty comfortably into the side pocket with the E smart cup on top. I can’t speak for an NP1 battery I don’t have one on hand. They’re roughly the same size, but the NP1 is slightly taller and more square on the edges (especially the cup). I hear you on that zipper idea. I’m still hoping they decide to put the divider back between the inside and outside pockets so we gain more separation/compartments there.
I say have one pocket with pen loops And no holes on the bottom
Where would you put a smart battery? Same spot as the old junior?
JOHNPAUL191 The original Junior has that velcro strap spot on the bottom door. But because they’re entertaining the idea of ventilation in this prototype, that wouldn’t be an option(if they keep the vents). I can tell you an esmart battery does fit in that cavity, but it’s pressed tightly against the bottom of the Nova and the door closes, but pretty tightly. An NP1 definitely wouldn’t fit in that bottom cavity(too long). I’ve been putting my eSmart + cup in the side pocket.
the bag, like the previous junior, will still not stand vertically on its own. There's no reason this should be the case. If you have anything clipped at the front, the bag becomes front heavy. so the only place people will lay the bag down would be on the kick-stand side. So eventually, when you're in the field and you have to put the bag down in a dirty shop, you'll be laying the bag down on the kick-stand side, which touches your shirt and that side will be getting dirty instead of the bottom of the bag. There's no reason a cheap, quick anti-tip or leveling fix could rectify this from the factory design. Sorry, but I don't think i'll ever buy a junior again
The JuniorX is a narrow bag. I considered suggesting anti-tipping wedges molded into the bottom rubber area (a valid suggestion for the regular Junior), but this X bag is tiny. I think it does fill the need for rugged run'n'gun docu/reality bag specifically for folks who are trying to keep weight to a minimum. For everyone else, the bigger sizes might make more sense.
I agree. I bought a Junior a couple years ago and sent it back same day when I realized it would not stand up on its own. I can't have a rolly polly bottom bag.
Keep the kickstand attached, I use it almost every job I'm on.
Current pocket design is a miss - agree with everyone, lets go back to the current version
Antenna mounting points - love that idea, may not need them, but a threaded insert isn't much more weight than a rivet
Agree with moving the outer loops down.
Don't like the vinyl handles
Need battery strap on bottom. certainly with less room inside it is absolutely necessary
Under a Nova, there is juuuust enough room for an Esmart battery, but it's a snug fit getting the door latched shut with it there. I still wonder if crowding the Nova vents is a bad idea. Novas hoops keep a little clearance, but not much.
it would need a rain cover obviously.
I totally forgot to show the accessories! It comes with a Rainguard, Shoulder Strap and Stealth Cover (which is new and fully closes around the bag).
No hate but you kinda look like the pastor from Ozark lmao
anyways cool vid