Hallmark Channel's American morning talk show, Home & Family recently announced that its ninth season (airing in August 2021) will be its last. The programme showcases everything from crafting, cooking, home improvements, car repair, to all things DIY. For audio supervisor Mike Dooley, it’s the end of an era.
“This show was the longest full-time job I’ve ever had, so it’s hard to see it go,” he admits.
“It’s very rare in production to have a Monday-through-Friday gig that runs 11 months per year, and for nine years. I left mixing front of house at The Price Is Right to take this job, which was a very difficult decision. I loved working at Price, but it turned out to be a very good decision.
"I met and mixed many musical luminaries. It’s an incredible list, really! If I name just a few...Johnny Mathis, Don Henley, Dave Koz, Kenny G, Herb Alpert, Richard Marx, and even Charo!”
Home & Family sees multiple cast members interact with celebrity guests throughout the many rooms of a full-sized house set.
This makes the need for many wireless channels and glitch-free reception a top priority, which is why the show recently upgraded to a Lectrosonics all-digital D Squared wireless mic system. It comprises four DSQD four-channel receivers, 16 DBu belt-pack transmitters, a DHu handheld mic, and six ALP690 high-performance antennas.
During filming it is not uncommon to have 10 to 12 people on-camera at one time. With so much talent to keep up with, the A2s (assistant mixers) are kept pretty busy and are not able to keep an eye on the receiver rack to watch out for interfering transmissions and low battery levels.