Using a cheap mic stand for a boom at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > All Things Audio
Register FAQ Today's Posts Buyer's Guides

All Things Audio
Everything Audio, from acquisition to postproduction.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old March 21st, 2009, 09:23 PM   #1
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 113
Using a cheap mic stand for a boom

I've been using this for awhile:

On-Stage MS7201B Round Base Mic Stand from zZounds.com!

And other than being heavy, if you tape the cable on so it decouples and you put a decent shockmount on it, it's fine.

So what's all the fuss about expensive poles?
Chris Rackauckas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 21st, 2009, 11:07 PM   #2
Major Player
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 904
Not sure what you are asking.... if you are telling us that a mic stand boom can serve as a static boom... yer right.... nothing new.

If you are saying "why not use a mic stand in place of a boom pole" well then... my friend, you never held or monitored a boom pole for any period of time.

Boom poles are lighter, longer, and more iolated noise wise.
Chris Swanberg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 22nd, 2009, 12:14 AM   #3
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 67
When you're booming 10+ hours a day, every single ounce counts. Your average mic stand extends to 5', and weighs in right around 2lbs. Rode's 10' Aluminum boom is about 3oz lighter than that, and it's not a particularly light pole. K-Tek's 9'2" Aluminum pole, WITH the internal cable is something like 24oz, that's like a whole quarter pounder with cheese LESS to hold over your head all day long

Now, those are just your inexpensive, more entry level kind of poles. Going to carbon or graphite, a 5' pole is under 10oz. A 20' pole weighs the same as your 5' metal mic stand.

For any kind of work where you're framing your shots wider than an extreme close-up, you absolutely need a longer boom or the boom op will be in your shot. Longer poles also let you get your mic in position when you've got other crew members between you and the action.

That being said, if all you need is a 5' pole - you've never had to re-plan a shot to work around the tiny boom - then you're already all set and it's not really an issue for you.
Jordan Block is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 22nd, 2009, 08:49 AM   #4
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New York
Posts: 2,039
I occasionally use a standard music type mic/boom stand for "sit down" interviews. However using it for a run & gun would be ridiculous.
My .02 cents
Rick Reineke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 22nd, 2009, 09:34 AM   #5
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 186
I hope you take the base off at least. ;)
Jeffery Magat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 22nd, 2009, 10:03 AM   #6
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 113
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeffery Magat View Post
I hope you take the base off at least. ;)
Oh I do :P.

Well thank you for the replies. I've only had to boom pretty short distances and since I'm new it has never been too long (and it hasn't been me :P) ... so I guess I can see where I will be needing one in the future.
Chris Rackauckas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 22nd, 2009, 01:16 PM   #7
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Bothell Washington
Posts: 174
There is no substitution for a boom pole

Trust me... you need a real boom pole!

Inexpensive poles are available on Ebay or go to Guy's website.

I bought a Rode boom-pole a few years back from him and it was a excellent starter unit. Recently I moved up to a K-Tek graphite unit and it is a very smooth and light pole.
Mark Boyer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 22nd, 2009, 02:13 PM   #8
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Camas, WA, USA
Posts: 5,513
If nothing else, you can upgrade to a painter's pole.

Frankly, if you're doing occasional indie shoots, a boom pole should be the last investment - as long as your cheapo pole doesn't transmit noise. Unlike camera, lights, support systems, mic, preamp and recorder, the boom pole doesn't improve the final result.

It does, however, improve the comfort of the boom operator. Maybe you can convince him/her to invest in the equipment. ;)
__________________
Jon Fairhurst
Jon Fairhurst is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 22nd, 2009, 03:41 PM   #9
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Bothell Washington
Posts: 174
There is no substitution for a boom pole

Trust me... you need a real boom pole!

Inexpensive poles are available on Ebay or go to Guy's website.

I bought a Rode boom-pole a few years back from him and it was a excellent starter unit. Recently I moved up to a K-Tek graphite unit and it is a very smooth and light pole.
Mark Boyer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 22nd, 2009, 06:14 PM   #10
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: DC Suburbs
Posts: 86
sorta related... I use boom poles but for some shots I use this On-Stage | SB9600 Studio Tripod Boom Stand | SB9600 | B&H Photo

It's super cheap and for static scenes it can save your sound ops arm.
Ken Steadman is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > All Things Audio


 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:42 PM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network