Make a Rubber Band Shock Mount for your Boom Mic for only $3!

When attaching a boom mic to a pole, you need a special mount to insulate the microphone from pole noise. If the mic is connected directly to the boom, it will register unwanted sound whenever anything hits or moves across it (like the operator's hands). Thus, you need a special mount that will 'float' the mic away from the pole. Rubber band mounts are a good way to do this, but are often very expensive (around $50). Why not make your own for $3 and put the rest back into your movie?

Step 1 Parts List

Here's what you'll need for this project, most of which I found at the dollar store:

1 wire mesh pencil cup (with mesh bottom)
1 piece of 1/2" PVC pipe scrap cut to length of cup
2 medium length rubber bands
2 hose clamps

The cup cost $1 and the clamps came in a variety pack of twelve that also cost $1. The elastics came in a wonderful bag labeled "One pound of rubber bands" (also $1) that I have used for many a project. I already had the 1/2" PVC scrap laying around, but even if you buy a ten foot length it will only cost $1.50. Cutting the PVC is a real pain unless you get some ratcheting pvc cutters, which I highly recommend. PVC pipe has so many great uses (it's sometimes call "the Tinkertoys for adults") that these cutters are a wise investment. Get them for a scant $2.49 at Harbor Freight ToolsHarbor Freight Tools.

Comments

[denete]

www.instructables.com/id/Microphone-Suspension-Mount/ 

[mg0930mg]

Again, why just post a link? His was made of different material. There is no point on posting your link. Stop being a jerk.

[nightmaresyndrome]

I made this and I have a Rode Ntg-2 Microphone and a rode aluminum boom pole...it still picks up a lot of handling noise from this (I can hear the rubber bands lol). Though I think that its got to do with my settings...I still have a lot to learn.

[jackaroo400]

How do you attach the microphone??

[kevster617]

I made one of these shock mounts for our latest shoot and this thing is AWESOME! Our production team says it's the equivalent to the professional models costing much more than we made it for. Thank you guys!!!!!

[capt. untsahts]

this is great! I just make one (still need the pvc part though) and it works perfectly. Awesome timing too, I just bought a recording system.

[GorillazMiko]

Awesome idea! I kind of need this right now, we use my tripod thing, but it works well because we have this other part for the mic... but anyways, awesome Instructable, will try this out of the tripod is in use for something else.