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The Rig Rundown Rig Rundown!

I've been lucky to serve as host, producer, and editor of the Rig Rundown for Premier Guitar for over a decade, and in this video, we'll walk through the cameras and audio gear we're currently using to bring you in-depth looks at your favorite artists' rigs. You'll see how Chris Kies and I have evolved our video and audio setup over the years and how a recent chance encounter led to a major upgrade with help and advice from our friends at Sweetwater.


Rig Rundown cameras and microphones have had many iterations since the series launched in 2007

Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro (Body Only)

Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
Blackmagic Design
$2789.00

The Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro offers the robust video, audio, and connectivity of Blackmagic’s Pocket Cinema 6KG2 camera but with some added features geared toward professionals. With sky-high UHD definition, the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is easily one of the most powerful compact videography tools sold today! The camera itself is solid, light, and easy to manage during extended shoots. A high-strength carbon composite body reinforced with carbon fibers gives the body rigidity and shock resistance without adding bulk, so you can safely take it anywhere without fear. A full-size Super 35 HDR sensor captures 6K images at up to 60 fps, while a 5-inch tilting touchscreen with touch focus tools and advanced overlay monitoring handles controls and monitoring. The 6K Pro’s screen also features an enhanced 1500-nit display that performs better in harsh light than other Pocket Cinema cameras. The Pro model offers switchable ND filters for bright daytime shoots with clear, 2, 4, and 6-stop options. Low light performance is equally stunning with enhanced dual native ISO with 13 stops and a massive 25,600 ISO ceiling to ensure clarity with minimal noise. And when it comes to audio, this camera is practically a full mobile studio with four built-in mics and plenty of additional inputs for external mics via 3.5mm and mini-XLR connectors. Optimized for demanding professionals, both aspiring and established, this is a truly expansive high-end camera that delivers high-quality footage anytime, anywhere.

Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro Features:

  • Premium Super 35 sensor (23.10mm x 12.99m) with stunning 6144 x 3456 native resolution
  • Wide selection of frame rate and definition options, including 6K 60 fps and 2.8K 120 fps
  • Dual native ISO with 13 stops and massive 25,600 ISO ceiling — incredible range with excellent low-light performance!
  • Multifunction grip with quick access to recording, still photos, ISO, shutter, aperture, white balance, power, and more
  • Enhanced 5-inch touchscreen with tilt, touch focus, and premium 1500-nit brightness for outdoor shoots
  • 4 infrared ND filter options for navigating difficult lighting (clear, 2-,4,-, and 6-stop)
  • Compatible with active Canon EF lenses (sold separately) with additional grip controls and automatic metadata population on supported lenses
  • 21.2MP still image shooting, saved as fully uncompressed DNG frames — perfect for making professional prints!
  • Built-in SD UHS-II and CFast card slots
  • USB-C Expansion Port — record straight to an external disk like a hard drive or flash drive
  • Full-size HDMI output for monitoring
  • Built-in speaker for field playback
  • 4 built-in microphones, 3.5mm stereo jack, 3.5mm headphone jack, and 2 mini XLR audio inputs with phantom power and line level +14dBu options
  • Built-in timecode generator for streamlined multi-cam shoots
  • Full Bluetooth camera control with 30-foot wireless range
  • Accessory kit includes camera strap, 30W power supply with international adapters, lens turret dust cap, battery, charger, and DaVinci Resolve Studio activation key
  • 12-month limited manufacturer warranty from Blackmagic Design

Kondor Blue Blackmagic Pocket 6K Pro Base Rig - Black

Pocket 6K Pro Base Rig (Black)
Kondor Blue
$475.00

Maximize the potential of your Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K with the Pocket 6K Pro Base Rig from Kondor Blue. Complete with a BMPCC 6K Pro Cage with a top handle, an ARRI bridge plate, included PPSH rods, and an EF Cine CAP, you'll have more than enough possibilities to build the perfect rig for your camera. The top plate and side plates both feature NATO railing for exclusive accessory options. Likewise, built-in HDMI and USB-C cable clamps facilitate a tangle-free setup when dealing with external gear. Sweetwater cinematographers specifically appreciate the rig's built-in grip design, which keeps long-term filming sessions comfortable and steady in any environment. Whether you're looking to build up an entirely new rig or integrate your device into a pre-existing setup, the Pocket 6K Pro Base Rig from Kondor Blue is an opportunity that can't be passed up.

SanDisk Professional Pro-Blade 2TB SSD MAG

Pro-Blade, 2TB, SSD MAG, NvME, Ultra Portable
SanDisk Professional
$189.99

Kondor Blue Pro-Blade SSD Handle

Pro Blade SSD Handle
Kondor Blue
$199.00

The entrusted Pro-Blade SSD system meets versatile videography with this top mount from Kondor Blue. Compatible with several modern camera models, the Pro-Blade SSD handle provides a simple solution to mobile storage space. Sweetwater videographers have found that the handle’s versatile mounting system allows it to be used as either a top or side handle, depending on your filming situation. Additionally, an onboard cold shoe, safety stop, 1/4-inch-20 ARRI-style mount, and NATO rails ensure solid integration into your rig of choice. Complete with a protected USB-C connection cable, there’s no better way to haul video storage when you’re on the go.

With Pro-Blade SSD mags, storage has never been simpler. When used with compatible Pro-Blade Transport and Station units, you’ll be able to pop in 1TB to 4TB of storage into any connected device. At only 0.10 pounds, you’ll be able to carry a bundle of mags with you when you’re on the go, providing endless storage opportunities at any time. Sweetwater photographers and videographers are always on the move, and the Pro-Blade storage system has proven to be quite the lifesaver.

When you need maximum wireless performance and reliability — we're talking televised live performances, secure government installations, and similar mission-critical applications — you need Shure's Axient wireless technology. The Shure ADX5D Axient Digital Dual-channel portable wireless receiver delivers the top-tier reliability and spectral efficiency that have made Axient wireless a leading solution around the world. Thanks to its slot-in receiver form factor, the ADX5D can be configured for direct connection to professional video cameras, or equipped with a battery sled for truly portable operation. And with Frequency Diversity mode enabled, your Shure ADX5D Axient Digital wireless receiver shrugs off RF interference that can cause audio interruptions in less sophisticated systems.

• Next-gen digital radio for maximum stability
• 184MHz tuning range across all receivers and transmitters
• Up to 47 active transmitters per 6MHz TV channel
• Frequency Diversity plus advanced interference detection and avoidance

As part of Shure's Axient Digital wireless series, the ADX1 wireless bodypack transmitter packs industry-leading digital wireless technology into a compact bodypack solution. All ADX transmitters push the limits of wireless to offer up to 184MHz tuning range, interference protection, advanced recharging options, and wireless control via ShowLink. And the ADX1's advanced control menu offers comprehensive access to all transmitter parameters. To get the most out of your Axient wireless system, Sweetwater recommends the Shure ADX1 wireless bodypack transmitter.

  • Wireless bodypack transmitter for Axient digital wireless systems
  • TA4 connector
  • Advanced control menu for access to all parameters
  • Compatible with ShowLink for remote control capabilities
  • Durable, moisture-resistant construction
  • Up to 10 hours of operation with SB910 rechargeable batteries
  • Includes detachable belt clip, threaded TA4F adapter, zipper bag, and detachable antenna

With the WL185m, you’re setting yourself up for sonic success. This lavalier microphone delivers professional sound in a more compact chassis than ever. Compared to the standard WL185, this microphone’s body measures 8mm shorter in length, which helps it blend in and disappear onstage and on camera. Shure tells Sweetwater that the new WL185m includes other improvements, such as greater SPL handling, lower self-noise, and upgraded sound quality. Meanwhile, the cardioid polar pattern helps focus on the wearer’s voice and prevents off-axis noise from entering the signal. Finally, your new WL185m lavalier microphone includes a redesigned tie clip, which offers a rotatable design for improved positioning. Tailor-made for presenters, the Shure WL185m lavalier microphone captures natural, lifelike tones every time.

Attach the Shure ADX5-Mount mounting plate to your ADX5 wireless receiver, and you're ready to mount it directly to the cold shoe on your camera (or tripod, light stand, or other cold shoe). Mounting directly to your camera is the most convenient and efficient way to manage your wireless receiver, and for that, Sweetwater recommends the Shure ADX5-Mount mounting plate.

Shure ADX5BP-TA3 Dual TA3 Back Plate for ADX5D

ADX5D Back Plate, TA3
Shure
$220.00

Shure ADX5BS-L L-Type Battery Sled for ADX5D

ADX5D Battery Sled, L-type
Shure
$193.00

The Shure ADX5BP-TA3 Back Plate attaches easily to your ADX5D Axient Digital wireless receiver, adding big functionality. It simultaneously accommodates power input from an external source, audio output from the ADX5D receiver, and optional interfacing for battery sleds. Sweetwater is pleased to report that this back plate features captive screws so you can mount/unmount the plate without worrying about losing screws.

Attach the Shure ADX5BS-L Battery Sled to your Shure ADX5D Axient Digital wireless receiver for truly portable operation. The ADX5BS-L Battery Sled allows two L-type batteries to be installed — and because the ADX5D is powered by a single battery, this enables you to replace batteries as they run down without interrupting operation. Sweetwater is pleased to report that the ADX5BS-L screws in securely to your receiver, eliminating the possibility of the sled falling off or being erroneously removed.

Shure SB910 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery

ADX1 Rechargeable Battery
Shure
$137.00

The Shure SBC240 is a dual docking charger for the Shure SB910 and SB920 lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, as well as the Shure ADX1, ADX2, and ADX2FD digital wireless transmitters. And because the SBC240 is network enabled, you’ll be able to monitor battery status remotely via Shure Wireless Workbench software. You can even connect up to four SBC240 chargers together, sharing power and network connectivity. If you’ve got a Shure digital wireless system, Sweetwater highly recommends the Shure SBC240 Ethernet charger.

If you use your Shure wireless system on a regular basis, then you can enhance its performance and save yourself money at the same time with the Shure SB910 rechargeable battery. Made for the Shure ADX1 bodypack transmitter, the SB910 rechargeable lithium-ion battery gives you up to 10 hours of continuous use. Don’t waste money on disposable batteries — get Shure’s SB910 rechargeable battery from Sweetwater today!

Chris Kies
Chris Kies
Chris Kies