Compact field monitor for audio and sync control — weighs 2–3 kg, battery-powered, durable for location work. Standard on small to mid-size productions.
On set, you need a reliable way to monitor your audio recordings immediately — and that's exactly where the Protos Speaker comes in. This device is a compact, battery-powered field monitor that you can take anywhere without feeling burdened. Weighing 2–3 kg, it fits easily into your sound bag or even your jacket, and its robust plastic construction can handle daily use on location without complaint.
Practically, the Protos works like this: you connect it via jack or XLR to your mixer or recorder — usually while recording is in progress — and listen live to what's actually being captured. This isn't just monitoring; it's your first line of error detection. You'll immediately notice if a wireless lavalier mic cuts out, if the windjammer on a shotgun mic causes rumble, or if the levels start to drift. The monitor typically has a mono or stereo output module and feeds the audio signals into two compact, yet surprisingly precisely tuned 2.5 to 3-inch speakers. The battery life is sufficient for a full day of shooting — usually 8–10 hours with normal usage.
What makes it invaluable on set: for small and medium-sized productions, where the sound assistant also has to operate the camera or where the budget for a separate sound receiver is lacking, the Protos saves considerable costs. You don't need an expensive 5.1 mixer with an integrated monitoring system. A good XLR cable, the Protos, and your ear — that's it. It's standard, especially in documentary or industrial films. Sync checks are also done through it: you compare the audio output of the recorder with the video audio from the camera and immediately notice if they've developed drift (temporal shift).
Important to know: The Protos doesn't replace a professional reference monitor on higher-end productions — the speakers are small, and the frequency resolution isn't broadcast standard. But for quick checks and on-location decisions, it's absolutely reliable. Always connect it in parallel to the main recording, not in series — a monitor failure must never block the recording chain.