Joseph Dutailis & Lectrosonics: Chasing Billie Eilish, compliments from Jeff Goldblum & Wicked press junkets

Sydney-based sound recordist, designer and mixer Joseph Dutaillis reveals how he has used Lectrosonics throughout his varied and exciting career.

Dutaillis has worked on over 50 short films, three features and delivered audio for brands like Apple, Disney and Coca-Cola. To capture audio across such varied productions, Dutaillis relies on a Lectrosonics portable wireless kit anchored by DSR4 four-channel digital slot receivers, SRc dual-channel slot mount ENG receivers, SMQV dual-battery digital hybrid wireless UHF belt-pack transmitters, and HM digital hybrid wireless UHF plug-on transmitters.

“Over 15 years ago, I chose to step up to Lectrosonics wireless products because they just work, sound amazing, and are incredibly sturdy. I know that if an actor drops a transmitter, it's fine. It's a hard-working piece of gear,” said Dutaillis.

Dutaillis relies on his DSR4 receivers to remain agile; “Because I do such a variety of work, I keep a versatile kit, so I'm not swapping gear in and out,” he said. “With my Sound Devices mixer and two DSR4s, I have eight channels in a very small footprint. It's light enough to strap on and go, making it manageable for all the situations I encounter.”

That reliability is vital in unpredictable environments - such as a mobile interview with Billie Eilish and Zane Lowe for Apple. “The interview was set in a car, and we were in a follow vehicle. They drove a huge loop through the city and into the suburbs,” recalled Dutaillis. “

Going through that wide a span, you can't constantly coordinate frequencies. It was a matter of finding a clear frequency and trusting it. With Lectrosonics, I had the confidence to know I could run multiple channels at a distance without any dropouts.”

Dutaillis has also worked alongside director Werner Herzog. “All the things you hear about Herzog are true, from his eccentricity to his particular attention to detail. He was insistent that we didn't use lav mics because he preferred the sound of the boom,” said Dutaillis. 

“I was manually booming long interviews nonstop in the dry heat, as high as 45 degrees Celsius, but I never worried that my Lectrosonics wireless boom with my HM transmitter would fail me, and I know Lectrosonics is going to sound great.”

During the press junket for the film Wicked, Dutaillis managed the primary interview room for Vogue, capturing stars including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Jeff Goldblum. “Interviews were scheduled to the minute across the entire day with multiple crews operating simultaneously, so frequency coordination was essential,” Dutaillis said. 

“Lectrosonics gear provided the reliability and sound quality I knew I could rely on.” Jeff Goldblum praised his excellent work after being miked—a moment Dutaillis considers a little career highlight.

The Wednesday season two press junket featured three audio crews operating in a single room separated by thin partitions. Dutaillis oversaw the audio teams as Tim Burton, Jenna Ortega, Emma Myers, Gwendoline Christie and other cast members were miked up once, with each crew dialling into the talent's respective frequencies as they entered their space. 

“With everything happening in such proximity, proper frequency coordination was essential, and the DSR4s make that much easier with their smart scan option,” explained Dutaillis.

The rise of vertical video for platforms like TikTok presents new challenges, such as a short film-style campaign for eBay. “Because it was shot vertically, there was so much headroom that a boom simply wasn't an option,” Dutaillis said. “I relied 100% on radio mics. 

"The small size of the SMQV transmitters was essential because you can hide them so well, even in scant costumes. It gives you the confidence that you're going to get a great result without needing a retake.

“Lectrosonics is tried and true, and still an industry leader for a reason: It sounds amazing, and it’s reliable,” said Dutaillis. “Plus, their customer service is exceptional. You don't just feel like you're talking to a corporation; you're talking to the people who design and fix the products. They stand behind their gear and want to help you, which is just another reason I support them.”