Boom pool connection

R

rockett

Member
Hi Guys slowly getting into and building my audio kit having never held a boom before my background is music i just wanted to ask your opinions on boom pole I am looking at buying the K-Tek Avalon series graphite 12ft pole it comes with an internal cable.
My question is the XLR connects either straight into the end of the pole or they sell one that connects at a right angle. Which one is preferable?
I imagine you would not be able to put the rig down without disconnecting the XLR on the straight one between takes ie rest the the end of pole on your shoe the ground. However the right angled connector would mean you cant hold the boom pole at the very end also easier to get knocked caught it seems like a bad choice. I am leaning towards the right angled connecter what are your thoughts please a simple decision but i dont want to live with the wrong one. There must be a reason for each style which do you use and why?
Secondly does anyone know what the quality of the mike cable that runs through K-Tek poles is like and has anyone changed it out for improved sound are there any tests out there on mike cables running through boom poles?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...150CCR_KEG_150CCR_Avalon_Series_Graphite.html
Thanks Gary
 
Bottom/Side connector is a preference thing I guess. Dave?
I have not had or heard of any (signal) problems with the internal cables, though some folks change the XLR-F connector to their personal favorite type.
 
If you are going internal, I prefer the side exit. My experience (limited compared to many here), is that internal cable poles may cause you noise issues from the cable slapping the interior of the pole. This has happened to me, but mostly when the pole wasn't fully extended. Dave Fisk, a regular contributor here who works for K-Tek could probably give you the best info on changing the cable.

Depending on the type of work you are doing, you may not need a graphite pole. Most of my work is short duration clips and I have gotten by well with aluminum. If I were doing sound full-time, graphite for sure. One thing worth looking at is what the retracted length is for storage and transport. One pole I have is a appx 8' aluminum , non-internal, that fits inside my camera travel bag (under 30"). Very handy backup to a long internal side exit.

Grant
 
Get a side exit. You won't regret it.

I haven't had any problems with my internal K-Tech cable.

I wouldn't bother with a right-angle plug. I made a cable with a right angle plug and I never use it. It's just not nessasary. Although, I would get (or build) a coiled cord to to go between the pole and your recorder (if that's the way you're going to do things). It's a life saver.
 
Thank you for your opinions guys the side exit is what people are recommending so that decision has been made for me.
Henry thanks for the advice on the coiled cable will look into that any recommendations on a good coiled cable? or you got me going how to build one?,
Will be shooting reality sizzles so i will need to be quite agile with the rig both indoor and out.
Lastly i also may have to travel with this is there a better option for me regarding baggage charges or is it just a case [no pun intended] of having to suck it up and pay extra for the pole as we are shooting on our dime ?
 
K-Tek also has coiled cables that are nice.
If you need a case, and you're on a budget, look for a fly-fishing rod case.. I got a $20 Green River fish rod case from Pro Bass that fits my K-Tek KEG100 perfectly. On the other hand, you could make a case out of PVC pipe.
 
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I had a boom pool once. But then I found my dead cat floating in it and I had to fill it in.

;~P
 
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