so, how to hook a mic to a boompole?

J

joker454

Well-known member
Semi noob question here...I have a Sony ECM-XM1 XLR mic that I use to record audio. Right now I use the entire camera that came with it as a mic mount. So I use the Sony NX30's mic shock mount for the mic, mount the entire camera+mic on a tripod and I plug the mic to a 25 foot xlr extension cable which them plugs into the camera that's actually doing the recording. It's a goofy solution that I'd like to remedy, so I looked into getting a tripod boom mount for the mic. My problem is that I can't figure out how to connect the mic to said boom mount. Most of the boom mount pics show the typical fat microphone sliding into an open clip type connector then just relying on weight to keep it in place, but that wouldn't work with the Sony ECM-XM1 mic that I have. So, is there some kind of universal clip/mount that would let me connect this mic to a typical boompole? I've googled around and found lots of clips but nothing that would really work with this particular mic. I already have a boompole that I use for an overhead light type situations and it has a small metal nub on the end, perhaps there is a type of clip that attaches to that and then would grab onto the mic so that I could hang it overhead? If not then I'm fine buying an entirely new boompole, I just can't figure out how to hook the mic to it so that I can hang the mic over the subject pointed downwards.
 
What you're looking for is a shock-mount. Most boom poles have a 3/8" threaded stud on the end. Most shock mounts have the appropriate receptacle for that. The shock mount provides rubber or silicone bands to isolate the mic from the handling noise of the boom.

More importantly though, I would consider upgrading to a better mic. Most mics that come with a camera are mostly useless. If you are going to buy a boom and a good shock mount, then you would be doing a disservice to your audio to not also buy a halfway decent microphone.
 
Ah ok, I think I was confused because my current boompole doesn't have any such threaded stud on the end, it just has a solid metal end to it. But I guess its because it's only intended to be used with a light. Do any aftermarket mics come with the shockmount or is that always a separate purchase? I was considering getting a Rode NTG-3 or Rode NTG-8, but they seem to just come with the bare mic and no mount. I did a quick search and found this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/398316-REG/Rode_SM3_SM3_On_Camera_Shockmount.html

So that would work with any standard boom pole and with the NTG-3 or NTG-8?
 
That will work but will not be strong enough for the ntg8.

You may be better off investing in a pistol grip as it will be more flexible as you can then hand hold the mic or mount it on a boom, personally I use the Rode PG2 grip on all my shotguns with WS6 softies.

Mic's always tend to come without mounts but some dealers offer packages that may include grips or even a full blimp like the rode one.

As for your boompole as you have said it is a lighting stand and is not really designed for the job, it will give you problems mounting mics to it and even worse may cause extra rattles and noises.

I would stay clear of the NTG8 if it's your first and main mic as it is a long shotgun and more specialist, the NTG3 is more flexible but you need to budget for a decent boom and grip if you are going to do things properly
If you are on limited budget then you may be better off getting what I use:

1: AT 875R mic
2: Rode PG2 grip
3: Rode WS6 softie
3: Gitzo carbon fibre boom

I have done many projects for film and broadcast with just that set-up, if you can afford the NTG3 then that is great but you need to consider how you are going to hold it.
The AT 875R is fairly similar to your camera mic so will be a good compliment to it.

Oh and headphones you need some sony 7506 or sennheiser HD25 to hear things properly or any other quality brand, search the forum there are loads of threads regarding all of this.
 
A common way to mount and position a microphone and a boompole is with a C-stand and a boom cradle. I use a generic c-stand, and my cradle is an ATS RAM. I went with the ATS RAM because it's one piece, and doesn't require a grip head. It's also a good idea to get a couple of sand bags to weigh down the legs of the c-stand. So, to recap, you need:

A boompole
A shockmount
...and if you want to mount properly:
A c-stand
A boom cradle
and possibly a grip head (depending on what cradle you get)
A couple of sand bags
 
Awesome, great info! Both the Rode PG2 and ATS Ram look perfect for what I need, I just need to pick one. I was considering the NTG-8 mic because for my application I need the most off axis rejection possible and I heard it was pretty good at that. The subject doesn't move around in my application so I could just setup the mic on the pole and just leave it there, that should work ok. Thanks so much guys, time to place some orders :)
 
The NTG-3 is definitely a better choice. However, if you're shooting indoors mainly (and it sounds like you are), a hypercardioid condenser like the Audio-Technica 4053B or the Audix SCX1/HC would sound best (in that price range).
 
My personal preference is to avoid pistol grips on a boom pole, but that's just me. I don't see the point. Going handheld is only good if you are recording car bys or plane bys. If I am recording nature sounds, then I mount the mics on a stand because as you stand there, no matter how still you are, your perspective will change, as will the sound, over time.
 
davefisk said:
My personal preference is to avoid pistol grips on a boom pole, but that's just me. I don't see the point. Going handheld is only good if you are recording car bys or plane bys. If I am recording nature sounds, then I mount the mics on a stand because as you stand there, no matter how still you are, your perspective will change, as will the sound, over time.
Click to expand...

But if you are on a budget it is surely better to have one grip that can do both rather than a dedicated boom mount ? in over 33 years working on broadcast and film productions we have always used grips on our shotguns as it also offers the most flexibility if you need to quickly place a mic where you want it.

My only mic that has a boom mount is my stereo sony ECM MS957 but I also have a rode PG1 grip so I can use it hand held so I suppose that would give you both at an even lower price ?

I also prefer grips as it gives some extra isolation for the mic at the end of the boom and personally I think as a operator it gives a profile that is easier to place by sight and more shadow to watch out for.

Each to their own I suppose but I also prefer the rubber rings of the rode PG2 as it give a more robust mount for field work than a few rubber bands or even worse the old rycote clips, I am sure most boom op's have hit something in their lifetime and ended up with a 416 or even worse an 816 dangling on it's cable. The rycote lyre looks great but as I have five shotguns the budget rode PG2 does the job for me. A rode PG1 with a rode SM3 and WS6 combo would be an optional budget set-up that gives hand held or just boom mount!

Note the SM3 has a cold shoe mount as well as a std threaded boom pole socket in the base so is ideal as a multi mode low cost mount.
 
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