VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Ed Fisher · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2017 8:36 pm Post subject: 416 SHOCKMOUNT?

What shock mount are you using for your 416?

I've been using an Audio Technica for a while, but I just noticed it's really straining to do the job. The bands appear to be the worst for wear. It probably needs two clamps rather than one to support the mic.

I know there are a bunch of 416 users here.

What works for you?

Thx.

_________________
"I reserve the right to be completely wrong."

Quicksilver · Been Here Awhile Joined: 29 Oct 2012 Posts: 217

Rode mades a functional one for cheap.

This one is on my shortlist though

http://www.enhancedaudio.ie/m600series.html

Not sure it's any better but it sure does look cool!

NorthEndVoice · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2017 9:50 am Post subject:

The "original" Rode shotgun mount has been discontinued. It was inexpensive
and quite functional and supports a 416. I have one in the studio and one for travel (on a Stage Ninja). There were (are?) a couple of cheap knock-offs that won't fully support the mic and should be avoided. Those "side vents" on the 416 act like a mini chain saw on the shock mount support bands so you have to keep that in mind if you move it around. Rode has a totally different design that looks pretty good. The Rode SM4-R for about $50. It has two support "cradles" and no bands that'll wear out and break. Looks good for support and isolation.

Bruce · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2017 10:07 am Post subject:

I had the Rode shotgun mount and liked it, and then I remembered that someone had given me an AKG mic for some reason and realized the mount for that would work well on shotguns even though it's meant for their cylindrical side address mics. I hooked it up and it seems to be perfect. They're $120 at B&H.

B
_________________
VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

NorthEndVoice · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2017 11:08 am Post subject:

That mount Bruce mentions is a great mount. It came with the AKG 414 that I've had forever.

I went back and looked at the specs on that Rode SM4-R and discovered that the support cradles are adjustable , fore and aft. Nice feature for the full sized shotguns or the shorter ones like the AT 875 mics. $50 at B&H.

Ed Fisher · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2017 11:52 am Post subject:

All great info. I appreciate it.

As I see it the problem I'm having is the amount of weight that has to be supported if you mount the 416 with ALL of the side slots exposed. That makes for a very lopsided situation weight wise for the bands to support since the mic is quite long.

I suppose I could mount the mic more toward its center. (making for a more "balanced" setup)

How important is it that all of the slots be uncovered?
_________________
"I reserve the right to be completely wrong."

NorthEndVoice · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2017 1:31 pm Post subject:

From what I can see about the Rode SM4-R is that the mic can be totally supported from one end. Those adjustable cradles (Rode calls them something else) can be moved closer together or more apart from each other. That's a nice option depending on mic length.

That way all of the "gills" can be left totally open if you wish. (although this is arguably not super critical in a VO studio...but maybe more so for "on location" TV/Film use depending on the environment).

(Wow...I've basically talked myself into ordering one....dammit !!)

Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

This Rycote was recommended to me by a few people. I've used it for a few years now without incident. Designed for a boom/shotgun combo so the grip is tight and secure to ensure the elbow joint won't slip.

FinMac · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2017 10:42 pm Post subject: Rycote works well

+1 on the Rycote Smile

_________________
www.scottsvoiceover.com - An American voice in Finland

"If you want to get to the top, you have to get off your bottom". (Unknown)

Lee Gordon · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2017 1:29 am Post subject:

The Rode SM-4R and the Rycote appear to be one and the same.
_________________
Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
Voice President of the United States
www.leegordonproductions.com
Twitter: @LeeGordonVoice

NorthEndVoice · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2017 8:32 am Post subject:

I believe they are Lee. Looks like Rode uses the same "cradles" as the Rycote...the Rycote Lyre Suspension System as they call it. Both would make nice mic mounts for studio use and/or for the road.

yarg28 · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2017 2:17 pm Post subject:

I'm kind of confused, the 416 is pretty light and I had the opposite problem with it in that it is too light to operate on a suspension boom without some type of weight holding it.
I purchased an Avantone and it works really well for a suspension boom. It's also cheap. You can set your mic pretty much wherever you want in it since you just slide it into position.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/867204-REG/Avantone_Pro_SSM_SSM_Professional_Shockmount.html

Also, Thanks Bruce! I have that shockmount from my 214. Ima try it.

thanks

Ed Fisher · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2017 4:21 pm Post subject:

yarg28 · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2017 8:16 am Post subject:

i was confused because you referenced the 416's weight when my experience is that it's very light. Also, that you seem to be concerned with making sure that the interference slots are being 100% exposed causing setup balance issues when those slots should probably be semi superficial in a normal VO recording environment.

As for the Avantone, it is heavy (which is what I like about it) but you can center/position the mic anywhere you want in it to create the balance that you need. As for being concerned about the bands, I've had mine for a long time now and have no issues with it. Also, as for trusting it if the bands weaken; there are a ton of bands on it and they are strong. The likelihood that they would all break at one time and allow your 416 to slip out is probably less likely than say, Ed Mcmahon showing up with that great big check from Publishers Clearing House (when I was a kid I thought for sure we'd win that!). Furthermore, there is an XLR that is attached to the back of the mic so if for some freak and completely improbable reason all the bands broke at once, then having your xlr connected to the mic stand properly would prevent the 416 from sliding from the mount and hitting anything. It's a very nice mount, period. For $29 it's a steal. But there are plenty of others out there if you don't like it.

gary

Ed Fisher · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2017 8:31 am Post subject:

I see your point.

I do not want to appear to be unappreciative of the info.

Mine was simply a case of too weak bands for mounting from a single point close to the end. Even though the 416 isn't heavy, mounting it so close to the end (to leave the "gills" exposed) made for a bit of a strain. I appreciate all of the alternative suggestions here. Yours is a good one and an inexpensive one, as well. At the moment, moving the mic so that it's held more toward the middle is a temporary solution.

But the double supports I like and will eventually move to that. Laugh

_________________
"I reserve the right to be completely wrong."