I have a Rode stereo mic pro but have never really travelled anywhere with it. I've got a big trip this summer though where I want to shoot a lot of video so am planning on taking it with me. Unfortunately it doesn't come with any sort of case. Is just a soft pouch enough protection for it or should I get a small hard case? I'm going to be hiking and climbing and the bag it is in will inevitably be chucked around a fair amount, by airport attendants and myself.
How much protection do microphones need?
- Thread starter Dheorl
- Start date
Rick R
Veteran
I don't know how robust the VideoMic is, but generally, for hiking and ground travel, a semi-rigid padded case is typical. Same goes for airline carry-on. For checked luggage... all bets are off. A hard-case inside a larger equipment hard case may arrive intact if you pray to the air-travel gods.
I always carry-on a basic sound kit, with mixer, recorder, wireless, boom mics and a few other essential audio items, however, a OMB camera person probably won't have that option.
Additionally, there are air travel limitations on lithium batteries as well... Research this beforehand.
I always carry-on a basic sound kit, with mixer, recorder, wireless, boom mics and a few other essential audio items, however, a OMB camera person probably won't have that option.
Additionally, there are air travel limitations on lithium batteries as well... Research this beforehand.
Richard Crowley
Veteran
I would use a plastic, reusable kitchen food container (like "Tupperware"or similar) that the pouch will fit into. That will protect it from crushing and splashing, and maybe even float if dropped in the river. I take "delicates" like microphones in carry-on for commercial flights. I believe "delicates" may mean something different if you are doing the laundry(!)
I was initially thinking of getting a small pelican case but wasn't sure if it would be overkill. Although I might be able to fit it in my carry-on so won't have to trust airport hands with it, due to the environment I'll be in/the type of work I'll be doing I won't always have the luxury of being careful with my gear.
Figured I'd let you know what I ended up with. Turns out the larger of the Lowepro GoPro cases is a very good fit when the dead-cat is on, with a bit of extra space in the lid for some filters and a spare battery tucked in with the mic. Not super solid but a bit more protection than just a soft case and ended up going in my carry-on either way.