Newb boom/cable question

[bmwergs]

I just bought a 10' Gitzo aluminum pole, and it has slots at the bottom and top for an XLR cable to run through. However, I don't understand how I'm supposed to run the cable through the pole since the XLR connectors are too big to fit in the holes. I'm clearly overlooking something really obvious...

 

[mixerman]

Disconnect the XLR from the cable, run the bare end through the pole, resolder the XLR to the cable.

 

[bmwergs]

So if I don't have a soldering iron then I can't do it?

 

[Steve House]

So if I don't have a soldering iron then I can't do it?

A soldering iron is all of ten bucks at Radio Snak. Soldering connectors is a basic skill that anyone working with audio really needs to have and it's not hard to learn with just a little practice. You can always secure the cable with a velcro tie at the top of the boom and toss 3 or 4 wraps to spiral it down the outside of the boom. Some boomers even prefer the external wrap method.

 

[pixelated]

A soldering iron is all of ten bucks at Radio Snak.

but you get what you pay for. Good ones cost a lot more.

Soldering connectors is a basic skill that anyone working with audio really needs to have and it's not hard to learn with just a little practice.

maybe more than a little practice - but basically true.

You can always secure the cable with a velcro tie at the top of the boom and toss 3 or 4 wraps to spiral it down the outside of the boom. Some boomers even prefer the external wrap method.

Very true. Wear gloves and avoid cable slap.


An internal XLR should be the coiled type made to go inside a pole - -( so it can s t r e e t c h ) when you extend the pole - they come without connectors so you can add after inserting. If you go this way and aren't comfortable soldering, find a local geek or electronic repair shop - they can do the job in a few minutes.
(Order the connectors with the cable - they probably won't have 'em in stock - neutrix are the standard brand.)

Good luck.