shotgun mic too hard to use? picking up every vibration

justmarvin

justmarvin

Well-known member
so i got a hold of top of the line, carbon fiber ktek boom pole. an AKG shotgun mic. And attached it to a small ktek shockmounts, i tested two, the K-SM and the 4 point suspension K-MT. The shotgun was way too noisy, picking up every vibration and sound if you weren't absolutely still. It was very sensitive. Is that normal?

I ended up switching the mic capsule to the smaller AKG cardioid mic, and that was much easier to handle. It didn't pick up every boom pole handling noise and vibrations.

Im just wondering if those two shock mounts was just not good for the shotgun or if that's how shotgun mics are generally.

thanks
 
I haven't found shotguns to be more sensitive than other condenser mics. Are you sure that was it mounted in the shock mount correctly? And are you sure that the problem isn't the shotgun mic?
 
In a way that is kind of the point of the mic. It is supposed to be sensitive. I am not familiar with the shock mount mentioned but you should mount it the way you think is correct and take a picture for us to see. If it is correct and that shock mount is worth it's salt then you just need to practice your technique.
 
You might be getting sound transmission along the cable if the cable isn't locked down at the top of the pole. I'll 2nd the request for a picture of what you're doing.
 
I would use a Rycote Lyre mount - eg: S-series kit.

The mount blocks vibration superbly and also does not bounce nor droop - also, it comes with a flexible XLR tail that decouples the mic. from the main cable and will minimise (or prevent) noise coming up the cable.
 
Not trying to piss in the pool, but using pro gear does not guarantee pro results.
It requires practice practice practice to perfect ones craft.
Things like a high-pass, proper cable wrap, gloves, along with handling technique learned over time, will all come into play when booming.

All the Best!

Dave
 
Dave, I think you've got it exactly right. I'm one of those who don't wear gloves but the point is, capturing prestine dialog with a boom is a craft unto itself, and takes A LOT of practice, in an assortment of situations and environments to become proficient. Monitoring the boom is an absolute necessity. Interesting, that when I first learned to ride a motorcycle, I was taught (via an MSF riding school) to hold the handlebars like I was holding a raw egg. Firm enough to retain possession, but gentle enough to retain tactile feedback. I find handling a boom pole is the same thing. I often find myself moving my grip to my fingertips to soften and float the mic during movements.

David W. Jones said:
Not trying to piss in the pool, but using pro gear does not guarantee pro results.
It requires practice practice practice to perfect ones craft.
Things like a high-pass, proper cable wrap, gloves, along with handling technique learned over time, will all come into play when booming.

All the Best!

Dave
Click to expand...
 
thanks guys, i'll get a pic out as soon as i can.
thanks david, i agree with you, wasn't trying to substitute gear with actual practice and skill, but just wanted to give an idea to everyone of what i was using, and then wondering if shot gun mics are generally finicky like that or if there was something off somewhere in my setup or handling. I didn't have any problem with my cardioid mic attached to the boom.
 
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