3BO: Inside my INSANE Boom Kit - Sound Speeds

I've received multiple requests to SHOW you my boom kit. Ok, uncle! I won't be able to go over all of it but I will show you a good amount of it. If you have any questions, please write your questions in the comments below.
Important Note:
If production isn't renting your boom kit, make sure your sound mixer includes your gear in their sound package inventory. That way if something gets damaged, production will have to replace it. On that note, if Production isn't renting from me, I take every opportunity to get add-on rental for anything from my kit and only bring a basic amount of gear that i need to comfortably do my best.
Links to product mentioned that you can find on Amazon
------------------------
Wrist Supports: amzn.to/2pF0n6R
Robocup: amzn.to/2G8TBAA
Pocket Vest I Wore For 6 Years: amzn.to/2G6bhNg
Chest Rig: amzn.to/2IUo6YD
Cooling Hoodie: amzn.to/2pEY3wF
Cooling Tube: amzn.to/2pEAO5L
SPF50 Fishing Hat: amzn.to/2Gd2RiT
Outdoor Research Sombrero: amzn.to/2I10H6M
Tactical "Bag of Doom": amzn.to/2pH9nbu
Noise Cancelling Shooting Earmuff: amzn.to/2G6voe7
Noise Cancelling Low Profile Shooting Earmuffs: amzn.to/2DU4XCA
Face Shield: amzn.to/2pEfe1b
Morph Mask: amzn.to/2GcZ3CF
Waterproof bags (One Version): amzn.to/2I0cd27
Waterproof bags (Alt Version): amzn.to/2I11Xqw
Solar Charger (v1): amzn.to/2G5nwtn
Solar Charger (v2): amzn.to/2GoTT5D
UV Protection Sleeves: amzn.to/2G8Mrbo
Mic Stand Quick Releases: amzn.to/2pF9cgO
Luggage Tags: amzn.to/2pF9oN4
7506 Headphones: amzn.to/2pKgOyX
Headphone Softies: amzn.to/2ulO584
Rope Pull Straps: amzn.to/2G689B3
Neos Overshoes: amzn.to/2G8SQaI
Fleece Balaclava: amzn.to/2I2Hhy9
Merrell Water Shoe: amzn.to/2G4Qycp
Water proof socks: amzn.to/2G6axYu
Cold weather convertible gloves: amzn.to/2IOFePw
Silica gel dehumidifier: amzn.to/2pG4YoA
Back brace: amzn.to/2IQgeaN
Knee brace: amzn.to/2G83luY
Fishing Rodd/Boom Holder: amzn.to/2ISFlJY
Reusable heat pads: amzn.to/2pK7Wsi
EV 635A Microphone: amzn.to/2IOHiXM
EV 635NDB Microphone: amzn.to/2Gnnyw2
Mic Stand: amzn.to/2pHdQLe
Please note that these are Amazon Affiliated links. I earn a referral fee should you purchase something using one. You pay Amazon's price, nothing more by using them.
To buy your own antenna window mount:
www.universal-radio.com/catal...
For info about the Triton Audio Airhead: tritonaudio.com/airhead.html
My scooter is a Super Elite Scooter 1000w:
www.superscootersales.com/prod...
My custom made boom cases were made by the Fiber Case Company
www.fibrecase.com
Make sure to subscribe for more content!
Have a question? Write it in the comments below or email [e-mail]
Join us on Facebook: SoundSpeeds
Follow us on Twitter: / soundspeedsyt
Interested in becoming a patron? www.patreon.com/SoundSpeeds
To make a donation: www.paypal.me/SoundSpeeds

[@Podcastage]

Gonna have to add this to my watch later. Can’t wait to see your kit!

[@SoundSpeeds]

It'll take a while. Definitely one to watch and not just listen to.

[@robertharker]

The boom caddy is a very clever design to deal with long thin objects that want to fall over. A nice wide base that fits nicely through doors. The detachable wheels are great, hanging off the handle to add weight and store nicely. The handle and the way you carry it is ingenious. A very natural way to hold it. Extra bonus: easy to pack in a car because it breaks down into base and upright. What a great design. If you want to add weight, consider old heavy duty automotive disc brake rotors. Machined 15 lbs round hunks of iron with a big hole in the middle. And they are probably free for the asking. They stack nicely in a square milk crate.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's a good idea. I haven't used my umbrella base is years because now I Iayer up in SPF 50 gear that wicks away the sweat. Even in humid 100 degree weather the sun stays off my skin and I prefer that because I sweat a lot so it actually cools me very effectively. The Talking Dead even gave me a shout out at one point... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHiYaqatfrR7nbc

[@MichaelWynneCAS]

A shining example of excellence in a sound craft ! Excellent Kit & liked the B Roll too !

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks dude!

[@louisroussell498]

Wow! I am in awe of all the equipment you have. You have taken boom mic operator to another level. I love how prepared you are. Great video.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's way overkill but it works for me. Thanks.

[@longwelsh]

Years of tips here. The cap under the rain hood trick is worth it’s weight in gold. Fantastic. Comfort is important. It’s ergonomics.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yes indeed. Thank you for watching.

[@ili6065]

appreciate you for shareing. Many interesting things

[@SoundSpeeds]

And it's grown bigger since

[@spandana_music]

Some great tips here. Thanks for this video.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing

[@oHeezy1011]

I'm definitely going to be getting some of the stuff you mentioned here. Thanks for all the info Allen!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Josh's Sound Links to much of it is in the description below. If there's anything you'd like to see me add, let me know and I'll gladly add it.

[@charlesisrecording]

man, that's quite the kit! next time I'll like the 3 hours 😎 I always learn something from you

[@SoundSpeeds]

Carlos Miniño Thank you. We may have to run without the 3 hr version. This took long enough. :-)

[@thelinthicums3295]

I found this very interesting!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Most excellent. Showing it was very time consuming. :-)

[@nicknisthlm]

Great video thank you 🙂

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing

[@JankieHands]

Very interesting stuff! I dont know how i get here, neither why i was watching this.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Jankie Hands If you have any questions, be sure to ask.

[@ErliThor]

Great kit! I'm adding some of it to my mine! Would be amazing if you did a dedicated episode about rain covers and humidity treatment 😄 loving your show

[@SoundSpeeds]

ErliThor Thanks. Do you mean reason covers for mics or for people?

[@ErliThor]

Sound Speeds Both? A water themed episode? 😄 How do you boom when it’s raining and you just have to shoot? What do you protect the shotgun with? Actors are doing actions with water being thrown at them, do you use a special lav, or do you choose not lav them? Hydrophones! More about rain treatment on location? This would be so helpful!

[@SoundSpeeds]

ErliThor Gotcha! I can do that!

[@mullhaupt4977]

Brilliant

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you.

[@matthew.datcher]

Sometimes I get what I asked for. Thanks for the video. Your kit is nothing like I imaged it would be. It was definitely good to see a few things I might want to carry on set. Though I do have a question, but please keep in mind that I'm a rogue amateur. Is it common to use such long poles? My go-to pole is three meters which for the little I do has worked out, with only a couple rare cases where I've wanted something longer.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Matthew Datcher It's always good to have more length. Sometimes you need to go up and over the cameras, assistants, dolly grips, etc but sometimes I go longer so my arms don't have to be over my head. Arms over your head is punishing over time. Not just long takes but over the years. If you back up another few feet, you can lower your arms to shoulder level and that's a lot more comfortable on long takes and over the years.

[@matthew.datcher]

Thanks for the info. That makes sense. I'm guessing I should look into an upgrade for my pole. My current one is aluminum and probably twice the weight of a professional pole. I can probably handle a longer pole if it's lighter.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Matthew Datcher Yeah, definitely! Aluminum poles are heavy. My friend Matt Price at SoundRolling.com put together an awesome tool called the Boom Pole Cheat Sheet. You can view it on his free app: app.soundrolling.com. In this document he provides all the stats for every major (and many minor) brands of boom pole from aluminum to graphite. Compare lengths and weights of your pole to others then visit a website like TrewAudio.com and look in their used gear under boom poles. A lot of gear deals in there.

[@SatanicJamnic]

I didn't expect that - You are THICCC BOIIIII.

[@SoundSpeeds]

SatanicJamnic It works for me. :-)

[@scoremoore4280]

The advance kit :) Dreams to look forward to, I must say the over all message here is to get what you need, not what you want, solar power converter, and so on, this was well done, great work, sorry I couldn't watch this earlier, I was out of the house, good work and thanks for taking me seriously with my request. Look forward to more amazing videos.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Score Moore Get what helps you to do your job better, more comfortably, more efficiently, etc. This kit has evolved a lot since I started it.

[@scoremoore4280]

Sound Speeds Yea, I can see it evolved, I think that'll go for everyone doing something they love, we will grow our materials has out job and experience grows. Have to start from somewhere.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Score Moore True that. You also tweak your system getting rid of the things you don't like and add in things you miss.

[@iancraig]

Allen, you’re like an action man!!! ; ) or maybe Batman after I saw your Gotham bag!!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ian Craig Gotham Soundis a sound vendor and a great one at that. Locations in New York and Atlanta. My friend TJ is Batman.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ian Craig Gotham Sound is a sound vendor and a great one at that. Locations in New York and Atlanta. My friend TJ is Batman.

[@iancraig]

OK Allen, next time I need anything, I’ll shine the light up into the sky for him!!! Cheers. Thanks for a great vid.

[@joaovitorjoaovitor]

Thank you very much for this video. Even though it looks insane at first, I can relate to your idea of staying comfortable and at the same time prepared for anything on set. Love the temperature gun! I would very much like to hear more about planting microphones. How to use the pads you showed at 15:45; how often do you use them; if you sometimes ask the grip for specific mounts and clamps etc. I have seen your video on planting mics and agreed that they're sometimes useful, but we seldom use them in productions here in Brazil. Usually the utility doubles as a second boom operator (of course if the lavs suddenly need adjustments we're in trouble).

[@joaovitorjoaovitor]

:D

[@SoundSpeeds]

:-)

[@LeoMahoney70]

How weird about the Ninja mask!!!!! Bet you never thought that would be a "thing" we need in 2020!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's been a thing for me for the past few years. :-)

[@VoyVod242]

For me, your kit didn't jump the shark until the scooter, that was unexpected. I get why you have it though, I've had to run on sets where the bathroom is far away. Gotta get a morph mask of my own, I'm also pretty dedicated to being all blacked out on set! I've noticed that wearing a backpack while booming can be pretty useful for me. On hot days, I can put a hydration pack in there, I can keep about 3 litres of water on me without being too bothered by it and it's completely silent. It's also good for carrying stuff I need quick access to. Which length of pole do you end up using the most? Where did you get those nifty antenna remoting kits?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ilari Sivil I've updated my description to include links to the morph mask and SMA window antennas mount.

[@rahoolsyam9538]

would like to see your plant mic and rigging setup goodies

[@SoundSpeeds]

Gotcha.

[@neonbaers]

thank you for this great insides! where did you get those remote sma-antennas from? did you build them yourself?

[@SoundSpeeds]

The magnetic ones: www.americanradiosupply.com/am-110-sma-mini-magnetic-antenna-mount-8-ft-rg-174-sma-male/ Window version: www.americanradiosupply.com/am-800-window-antenna-mount-sma-connectors/

[@neonbaers]

@@SoundSpeeds thanks!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing! Thanks for watching

[@ESSECIFILMPRO]

ninja boom operator

[@SoundSpeeds]

#Truth

[@KellyAskam_MindExchangeMusic]

Fantastic!! Thank you so much for making this video and showing us your kit. So much great perspective and forethought. As I learned from scouting, you can never be too prepared. I actually think this is one of your best videos I've seen because it's a bit more relaxed and feels more personal. We all have so many reasons for the how/why/what of the job that our "kit" is often an extension of ourselves and that absolutely reflects how serious we take it. As someone who's studied music performance and sound engineering in college the switch in 2016 to location and post sound has been amazing, but largely self guided. I really appreciate the general guidance of your channel since mentorship can be difficult to establish for any number of reasons. I'm generally a one man band, but have had the chance to mix on some projects and each time I always wish I was booming instead! Thank you, again, for the inspiration, and if ever in Chicago the first round is on me. Cheers! www.mindexchangemusic.com

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you Kelly. This was a very easy video for me because it was talking about my gear and preferences. I'm glad you got so much out of it. Thanks for watching.

[@SoundSpeeding]

As an extremely keen cyclist, I find that to be an interesting use of saddle bag!

[@SoundSpeeds]

It does well for keeping my sunglasses, Allen key set and emergency Zip Fizz close and covered.

[@SoundSpeeding]

@@SoundSpeeds funnily enough I'm sure that is the same as I'm sure a few cyclists keep in their saddle bags as well

[@SoundSpeeds]

Every cyclist in America needs Allen keys with them when biking.

[@SoundSpeeding]

@@SoundSpeeds if only "David Keys" existed then I'd bring those along as well

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@SoundSpeeding You'll have to make them. Keys that are beard shaped.

[@LeoMahoney70]

Would you consider a lesson on RF Roll-off? My new Lectrosonics gear has that setting, not sure where default might be. Thanks much! Leo

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's a good one! I'll add it to the list.

[@FairyGodmotherNinja]

Awesome video! How do you use the collar stays for plant mics?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Great question. I use them to help clip cables around the ceiling liner. I may need to do a video explaining it.

[@FairyGodmotherNinja]

@@SoundSpeeds Yes please! Still confused lol

[@stevenkralovec]

I can’t believe you drink zip fizz without mixing with water. That’s hard core. Never tried that.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I love strong flavors! It's go good! If you'd like to see me take one straight, I did one in a LIVE stream back on Oct 6, 2020: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIWngYSnm6l3b6M

[@stevenkralovec]

@@SoundSpeeds haha that’s great! 😂

[@SoundSpeeds]

I just did it here on set. Instant Energizer without the crash

[@RobertLinthicum]

Very helpful. When you refer to "The Mixer", does this mean that you do not yourself operate a field mixer?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Robert Linthicum Correct. I'm not an ENG bag mixer. I'm a scripted Television and Feature Film boom op.

[@RobertLinthicum]

Sound Speeds Thanks. I will do some research to understand the differences and nuances between these roles.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Robert Linthicum The short answer is that a boom operator watches rehearsal and lives on set to determine the best way to record scripted dialogue. An ENG mixer is more like a reality TV sound mixer that walks around with a bag containing a recorder, mixer and receivers. This mixer wires up on screen people and tracks them all while mixing to picture. This video is part of my Building Better Boom Ops series. Start with video 1 in the playlist to learn what I do on a daily basis.

[@birbs4life174]

Just curious what your preferred field recorder or mixer is? I’m sure you’ve used all kinds from many different brands, so this is actually a curious question.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm not a field recordist but if I were, I'd stick to Sound Devices recorders and would likely get an 888.

[@asherlines8238]

Hi Sound speeds! Aspiring soundie here. I don't know if you ever work solo as a sound recordist. But if you do, how do you operate the boom and check levels at the same time? Do you just set it and leave it be during a take?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Usually you don't need to make many adjustments nor is it extended out too far but if you do, rest it over a shoulder or death grip it with one hand long enough to make your adjustment.

[@asherlines8238]

Ah, so you set it, then during a take you play it by ear (literally) without being able to see the recorder levels@@SoundSpeeds

[@jeremybst]

Hi Allen, so thanks for the videos although I don't understand all of them because my English is not very good. however I have a question to ask. do you have a solution to talk to my sound operator without changing my headset and without pass by the boom. Sorry for my english and thank you for reply Jeremy

[@SoundSpeeds]

How about a wireless TalkBack system? Another transmitter you wear that transmits back to your sound mixer that does not get tracked.

[@jeremybst]

@@SoundSpeeds Why not ! Have you a good reference ?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sennheiser G3/4 and Sony UMP are great for starters. Modify a surveillance headset PTT to a 3.5mm (1/8") and plug in.

[@jeremybst]

@@SoundSpeeds thank for the reply !

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thanks for watching

[@ggsound4492]

Nosticky scissors? Do you have a link??

[@SoundSpeeds]

amzn.to/3aVbwYy

[@jeremybst]

Hi Allen how are u? I have 2 questions please. First I would like make the same caddy that you, did you have the links for buy the different stuffs for the build it. And my second question is, when you work on set it is your booms or those from sound mixer? If yes, how you do for the propose at the production and to the sound mixer, cause generally we use his boom. cause I would like make the same thing coming whit the mine. Thanks for your reply Very sorry for my english Jeremy

[@SoundSpeeds]

My boom caddy is a custom creation. My design, MetalDozer made. It was just over $900 when I had it made a few years ago. It may be more now. If interested, email me and I'll introduce you to Jason Dozer. I use all of my own booms and accessories. They are well maintained and I rent them to the show. If the show doesn't have the money to rent them, I'll see if the sound mixer will so it's on the company insurance. If not, I won't use them and will use whatever the mixer has. That hasn't happened in years though.

[@jeremybst]

​@@SoundSpeeds Thanks for the reply ! Ah is very expensive, like I live in Canada for me this will get more expensive, too bad :( I'll find the solution for making it myself, thanks for that :-) For the rent of poles, I will see taht with the sound mixer, more symple. Still thanks you for reply and the videos :-) Jeremy

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thanks for watching. And as for boom caddys, look at the Boom Box.

[@che_jui_li]

Hello, I'm a college student from Taiwan majoring in film making. I hope you'll pardon any grammar or vocabulary errors. I'd like to ask for your advice. As a Boom Operator, what type of gloves would you recommend? Currently, I'm using safety gloves, similar to those used by the camera and lighting department. However, I've also come across Ric Viers' book, "The Location Sound Bible: How to Record Professional Dialog for Film and TV" where he mentions using cotton gloves. I'd appreciate your insights on this. Thank you!

[@SoundSpeeds]

I never use cotton gloves. The ones I like the most are Mechanic .5mm. I discuss them in one of these videos and there's a link in the description: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWHEmIJ3YpiZpLs kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5bYaH2FjKt1laM As for books, there's a better book now. Here's my affiliate link to it: amzn.to/48aomhe

[@che_jui_li]

Thank you so much!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing

[@jonathanayalacolon9107]

Hey Allen, where can I order a custom made caddie like that one?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Exactly like mine? It was custom made. Email me and I'll give you his info but it wasn't cheap.

[@jonathanayalacolon9107]

@@SoundSpeeds muy bien :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Emailed

[@redjrjames]

When you say "custom built" boom caddy do you mean you made it yourself or had it custom built by a company?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Metal Dozer, Inc made it for me to my specs. I designed it fully and he executed the build perfectly.

[@redjrjames]

@@SoundSpeeds that's cool not going to lie!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKizgaSthr11iqs

[@thomasclaire9969]

Why internal straight cable and not internal coiled cable or external straight cable? What's your opinion about those different techniques?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I hear internal coiled cables on some of my faster moves. It's certainly easier to manage the cable but I'm not a fan. Externally wrapped is a lot more to manage and that annoys me. Having to spin the boom over and over again just to keep it snug to the pole - not for me. I'm very active when booming. Sometimes I slide my hands up and down the pole while booming and if I were to externally wrap (even with a coiled cable) It's difficult to manage unless you like introducing slack or are OK with hearing cable slap. Straight cable works best for me, my style and workflow.

[@thomasclaire9969]

I love coiled internal cable for my eng work. I agree, external straight cable is a pain in the ass (for me). I will definitely try the internal straight cable ! Thanks

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's much easier to manage but note that you have to keep the cable off the ground if it's muddy, wet or something similar. Otherwise you'll pull all that gack inside of your pole.

[@thomasclaire9969]

I need to find the best technique to hold the cable on my body. I guess I'll try and see what fits me the most. All the techniques have good and bad points anyway

[@SoundSpeeds]

And that's the way it always is. There are pluses and minuses to everything. I like my reversed key fob trick but many other people I know just prefer to hand it off something and let gravity hold it or just hold it in their hand.

[@imark7777777]

OK so you HOK headphones on set? That sounds like a story.

[@SoundSpeeds]

What do you mean? HOK? I can find a definition for that acronym and never heard of it.

[@imark7777777]

@@SoundSpeeds I think spellcheck got got a hold of that I don’t know what it is either. It’s supposed to be hocking (I am assuming speech to text got that right if not here’s the definition: selling off-labeled goods usually watches on street sides to individuals). Basically I’m wondering how it became and why you’re selling headset on set?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I only sell surveillance headsets on set. Set are full of walkies and headsets are ideal for ease of use.

[@RobKristjansson]

Allen, what does 3BO mean?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Building Better Boom Operators.

[@RobKristjansson]

@@SoundSpeeds - thank you!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching!