Advice on microphone shockmounts for boom pole at DVinfo.net

Marty Hudzik · December 21st, 2007, 10:14 AM

Just picked up an Audio Technica AT4073a to use for a boom mic on an upcoming production. The vendor recommended a AU8415 shockmount for this unit. I have tried it on the end of the boom pole and the bands seems a little loose. The mic is fairly secure and probably would not fall out but it seems as though the tension from the mic cable (very little of it but there is some) causes the mic to slip and the bands to give a little. The mic can be slightly moved and can touch the sides of the shockmount when this happens. The vendor also mentioned a "spring" mount that AT makes. Can anyone advise on this? I have an inexpensive boom pole so the cable has to run on the outside. Any advice on how to secure it, yet still have flexibility in telescoping up and down when needed?

Thanks in advance.

Michael Wisniewski · December 21st, 2007, 01:43 PM

I also think the AT4073 feels a little loose in the standard AT8415 shockmount bands. Switch them out with something like the K-Tek K-SUS Microphone Suspenders.

Jack Walker · December 21st, 2007, 02:37 PM

The K-Tek bands work very nicely. One tip from Mr. Klemme himself: if you use the K-Tek bands on the AT shockmount, drill (with a small bit, just a bit larger than the slit) in the corners of the slits holding the bands to round out the edge of the mount against the K-Tek band.

One obvious note: are you crossing two of the bands on each end of the mount? That is, you don't just push the mic through, but at each end you cross two bands and push the mic through. I have the 4073a and AT shockmount and haven't had a problem.

Top secure the cord to the cable try something like these:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ap_1_x_9_.html

As the explanation says, "The Rip-Tie CableWrap is a reusable "hook and loop" fastener that keeps cables neatly and safely out of your way. One end permanently attaches to the cable; the other end has a pull tab to free it with one hand."

There are also other brands and variations. Search "cable tie" or "velcro tie" or other variations at B&H.

Marty Hudzik · December 21st, 2007, 10:14 PM

I stumbled onto the crossing the bands thing after my original post. What adifference! I thought I had come up with a workatound but it seems this is the proper way anyhow. Great AT equipment but lacking in any instructions. This is the first time I am running the sound myself so I have never dealt with them.
thanks.

So any tips or links to good techniques? Ian recording straight into my xlh1... I know it's not ideal but initial tests sound great. I will get some better gear on the next gig.

Thanks again.
Marty

Jack Walker · December 22nd, 2007, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marty Hudzik

So any tips or links to good techniques? Ian recording straight into my xlh1... I know it's not ideal but initial tests sound great. I will get some better gear on the next gig.
Thanks again.
Marty

The shockmount and mic you have are both excellent. They can give you professional results.

How are you operating the boom and the camera at the same time by yourself?

Marty Hudzik · December 22nd, 2007, 08:03 AM

I can't do both???

Seriously though, I have someone to operate the boom. He is not a sound guy professionally but he is a singer/ musician who has years of experience so I am hoping it turns out ok. Like before, any advice to help me avoid common pitfalls would be grand.

Thanks

Wayne Brissette · December 22nd, 2007, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marty Hudzik

ISeriously though, I have someone to operate the boom. He is not a sound guy professionally but he is a singer/ musician who has years of experience so I am hoping it turns out ok. Like before, any advice to help me avoid common pitfalls would be grand.

The best advice I can give is to buy a copy of Dean Miles book "Location Sound Simplified" http://www.locationaudiosimplified.com/

Dean goes through pretty much all the basics of booming in his book (also has loads of information on setting up mixers, wiring talent, and other essentials needed doing on-location sound).

Pretty much all the basics are covered and more in this book. I could give you tips, but this is the book I end up recommending to people who ask me about booming because I think Dean has nailed it.

Wayne

December 21st, 2007, 10:14 AM	#1
Marty Hudzik Trustee Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Canton, Ohio Posts: 1,771	Advice on microphone shockmounts for boom pole Just picked up an Audio Technica AT4073a to use for a boom mic on an upcoming production. The vendor recommended a AU8415 shockmount for this unit. I have tried it on the end of the boom pole and the bands seems a little loose. The mic is fairly secure and probably would not fall out but it seems as though the tension from the mic cable (very little of it but there is some) causes the mic to slip and the bands to give a little. The mic can be slightly moved and can touch the sides of the shockmount when this happens. The vendor also mentioned a "spring" mount that AT makes. Can anyone advise on this? I have an inexpensive boom pole so the cable has to run on the outside. Any advice on how to secure it, yet still have flexibility in telescoping up and down when needed? Thanks in advance.

December 21st, 2007, 01:43 PM	#2
Michael Wisniewski Wrangler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Makati, Metro Manila Posts: 2,706 Images: 32	I also think the AT4073 feels a little loose in the standard AT8415 shockmount bands. Switch them out with something like the K-Tek K-SUS Microphone Suspenders. __________________ "Ultimately, the most extraordinary thing, in a frame, is a human being." - Martin Scorsese

December 21st, 2007, 02:37 PM	#3
Jack Walker Trustee Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Burbank Posts: 1,811	The K-Tek bands work very nicely. One tip from Mr. Klemme himself: if you use the K-Tek bands on the AT shockmount, drill (with a small bit, just a bit larger than the slit) in the corners of the slits holding the bands to round out the edge of the mount against the K-Tek band. One obvious note: are you crossing two of the bands on each end of the mount? That is, you don't just push the mic through, but at each end you cross two bands and push the mic through. I have the 4073a and AT shockmount and haven't had a problem. Top secure the cord to the cable try something like these: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ap_1_x_9_.html As the explanation says, "The Rip-Tie CableWrap is a reusable "hook and loop" fastener that keeps cables neatly and safely out of your way. One end permanently attaches to the cable; the other end has a pull tab to free it with one hand." There are also other brands and variations. Search "cable tie" or "velcro tie" or other variations at B&H. Last edited by Jack Walker; December 21st, 2007 at 04:02 PM.

December 21st, 2007, 10:14 PM	#4
Marty Hudzik Trustee Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Canton, Ohio Posts: 1,771	I stumbled onto the crossing the bands thing after my original post. What adifference! I thought I had come up with a workatound but it seems this is the proper way anyhow. Great AT equipment but lacking in any instructions. This is the first time I am running the sound myself so I have never dealt with them. thanks. So any tips or links to good techniques? Ian recording straight into my xlh1... I know it's not ideal but initial tests sound great. I will get some better gear on the next gig. Thanks again. Marty

December 22nd, 2007, 08:03 AM	#6
Marty Hudzik Trustee Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Canton, Ohio Posts: 1,771	I can't do both??? Seriously though, I have someone to operate the boom. He is not a sound guy professionally but he is a singer/ musician who has years of experience so I am hoping it turns out ok. Like before, any advice to help me avoid common pitfalls would be grand. Thanks