6 Boom Pole Positions You NEED to Know

In today's 4 Minute Film School, Ted and Stephen go over the most common boom pole holding positions - 3 "active" stances and 3 "resting" poses.
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How to Lav 17 Different Outfits: • How to Lav 17 Outfits ...
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Edited by: Valentina Vee
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[@douglasdomingue2980]

best "accessory" i've ever seen. Sound guy pulls out a wooden owl from the trunk of his car, sets it right next to him on the ground, instantly scares off a noisy bird that wouldn't quit chirping during every take. Then he was like "what?" like it was something everyone has in their kit.

[@youtubetv3474]

@Ryder Walker Even bigger weirdo

[@amdanico]

Thanks, I'm operating boom for the first time on a feature starting Monday and this has been a huge confidence booster... now to see if my arms can hack the 6 day weeks, 12 hour days and night shoots :)

[@TheDMSCorp]

Always keep a collapsible step-stool in my sound kit in case I need extra height. Has saved me more than a few times when booming on wide shots!

[@vanneedakeowmang1832]

My fave sound accessory are fingerless gloves. Reduces my handling noise by a lot and still leaves my fingers free for grip and to cue!

[@Comedyschule]

and you can still use your cellphone when you are bored

[@MateFilep]

Since we didn't have a proper boom pole for our short film, instead we used a mop handle to attach our mic on. It was a great and handy tool for our crew. :)

[@stephenharrod948]

Painters poles also work.

[@dontfrown3593]

It absolutely has to be a Wireless Transmitter with 48V power. Booming without a cable relieves such a stress on a Boom Swinger its unreal. Allows for tracking greater distances and swifter, quieter movements. A must for any professional production.

[@chrisgerdener2790]

I've got a couple of things that I try to always have with me when I'm doing sound work. -a leatherman multitool, never do a production without one -one of those military style hip bags for all the small bits and pieces, from a v-mount battery to gaff tape -costum made in ear monitors, for those shoots where you are just in the middle of most extreme noise and need to block out everything but your sound mix -a quality mixer bag That's everything I can think of

[@camerasquad]

As a lazy mook, I'm going with a Boom pole holder! If the talent is going to be stationary and there's a c-stand lying around, for $25 you made the audio person's life a lot easier. Now they can focus on riding those levels instead of killing their arms.

[@BohemianSurfer]

Maybe a boom op. Will do better

[@camerasquad]

BohemianSurfer don't be a patronizing moron, I'm obviously talking about those 30+ minute stationary interviews where the producer is running through a list of questions. It would be ridiculous to use a boom pole holder for regular narrative setups.

[@AAARvideos]

My favorite accessory is probably using a light stand as a boom pole. I know, I know but hear me out. The legs on the light stand provide a counter weight when booming which actually makes booming a lot easier. There's less stress on your arms because of that. Also, I don't like the twist locks on boom poles since they slip very often in my experience. The twist/flip locks on light stands are much better usually. When you're at rest, you can just open up the legs and put the stand down. You can also use them as stationary stands when you don't necessarily need to boom over a subject. Lights stands are also pretty cheap to get as well and they can also serve as well...light stands. All these reasons make them a pretty good cheap alternative for indie filmmakers.

[@digitalmyles]

So far my favorite accessory is my articulating arm rod that I use to hold my Zoom H4N to my boom pole. I'm new to sound and this has been a huge help. It keeps my Zoom close to my eye line so I can watch my levels during the action.

[@jimfoon]

The Lav Bullet is the best accessory by far. Always a taking piece, makes you look like a super pro.

[@EnricoGerominProd]

Cool video, personally I Love my RodeLink NewsShooter Kit, wich provides Phantom +48 to the mic, while transmitting to the recevier the wifi digital signal! No more cables needed!

[@neil32524]

I once use a bamboo stick and tied the mic with spiders web and instead of batteries, I used some Lemons and potatoes so that's what I call diy lol! Just kidding guys. I love this Chanel. Great content! Please keep going, it's very helpful and instructive. I really appreciate your work. Thanks!

[@wellingtonbosharpe]

Best mic accessory: Moleskin roll, by ProFoot! Not to guard against blisters or prevent chafing but really, really durable and handy when using lavalier microphones. Super sticky, minimal rustling and cheap. I wrap the end of the lav in a rectangle strip then another 2 pieces to attached inside the shirt (or scarf etc), create a loop and tape that, then tape a several intervals down the wire for support. Awesome!

[@maytsehay9145]

Loved this video!!!!

[@mikeyfl]

Great video as usual, I'm sharing it with one of my guys in training! I'm all about redundancy and we like to also lav a subject too if possible. My favorite audio accessory for great lav audio is rycote undercovers! Those things are genius accessories and super affordable.

[@mikeyfl]

This post was a reminder, I needed to order another pack of undercovers. lol

[@zilipendwa-club-covers]

Wow! Im reading the book Location Sound bible by Ric Vierse. The Scooping and lobing techniques. Got them clear!!

[@MadManchris]

For interviews, stationary shots and when shooting myself I love using a stand with a reflector holder. The reflector clips on the arm is a perfect system for cable managing. Before I got my Røde boompole I also took the boom arm off the stand and used it as a boompole mini with some gaffa around the end for grip!

[@bacnic]

my favorite accessory is an extension cable always ready in my backpack to get the video mic closer to the talent as possible when I have nothing but my camera to record with

[@elric62]

Great video! In german "Gaffa" or in english gaff tape is the most important thing on my set. It helps in every situation, so also to record the sound! :D :D

[@thematty2303]

Best audio accessory for me is definitely a 1/4inch to cold shoe adaptor, this enables us to attach the microphone to stands, tripods, monopods for a boom as well as gorilla pods so we can get the microphone in a variety of different positions without needing to purchase a load of dedicated mounts.

[@DJTI99]

The boom operator is totally rocking that Maryland tattoo!!

[@flaviopresutti]

My favorite accessory is velcro straps, to protect, to stack cables it is really great!

[@jordanhurd1988]

I love the foam handles on my cheap boom poles, not only does it feel comfortable, but it reduces handling noise.

[@georgschierbeck3759]

My favourite audio-accessory is a happy sound designer on set. And the sound designer is happy when he os she gets to work with good gear! Cause we're all gear-geeks in the industry! Thanks!

[@chaopka]

Maybe crafty is the most important audio accessory then? Quality lunch on set? :P

[@Luckylukeproduction]

MAKE A VIDEO ON HOW TO FOLEY FOR LOW BUDGET FILMS

[@stephenharrod948]

A really good idea, not my department but Im sure Ted could make that happen. :)

[@chaopka]

AWWW HELL YEAH! I'm on it.

[@aputurelighting]

GREAT idea! We will be sure to make an episode about that.

[@charlesisrecording]

Orca OR-17 allows you to stick your pole to any metallic surface using magnets, you get two in the box, I attach it to c-stands, cars, doors, you name it. I use the 2nd strap on my harness, that way I can attach the boom to the harness and have my hands free!

[@Mushimishi]

My favourite sound accessory is the shoulder harness that comes with Petrol bags. Often what happens when you hire out sound gear with their own bags they can come with neck harnesses where the strap hugs the neck. It might go well if there is something light like a Zoom recorder but for a meaty sound mixer machine there is a lot of weight in the bag and really weighs the whole thing down, straining your neck. I have had several issues in the past with neck problems after hours of shooting, but after I got to handle a sound bag with a harness I left the film set with no strains at all, and eventually brought the bag with the harness for myself.

[@ChrisFrancia]

You can use a Rodelink Newsshooter to plug into the xlr on the boom and now you have a wireless boompole. Wraping some gaff tape around anywhere near the end of the boompole (also lightstand/tripod leg/etc) gives you a more convenient source of gaff tape. And last but not least, a bongo tie or 2 is also handy

[@RichJohannsen]

Favorite audio accessory right now is the triton Fethead inline pr-eamp.

[@TjDelargy]

The best sound accessory has to be a mic stand. You can use the universal 3/8 mount for directly mounting a shock mounted mic, or even have the mic stand hold a boom pole, and put a sand bag on the mic stand arm for counterbalance. If you aren't queuing this is by far the best way to go, and your attention can move to other things so long as you monitor with headphones that have a long cable.

[@LeighMakesVideos]

I use a magic arm to clamp my h4n recorder to my boom pole. awesome for run and gun because it keeps cables extremely neat. wouldn't recommend it for film or long takes as it does ad weight but if it's appropriate to your shoot it's a must!

[@MotionStoryProd]

Very Naice!

[@ab00781]

I didn't know there were so many different techniques, very helpful! Sexy 360 at the end too, lol.

[@stephenharrod948]

And it varies from boom operator to operator. I always learn new stuff watching experienced boom swingers.

[@___Omit]

A favourite extra tool is a zip-tie or little piece of rope to loop around my belt loop on my pants to hang a bit of extra cord from so I have just enough slack to move and adjust without having the cord right at my feet or around them to possibly trip on or tangle up in.

[@reubens14]

I actually don't use an external mic, but when I record, I use my phone for Audio, I hand it to the person who I'm interviewing, and sync the audio and visual in post! It works really well!

[@reubens14]

Connected with a good pair of Bluetooth headphones

[@FOBulous976]

Favorite accessory: Coiled to angled XLR. You can rest the pole on your foot without ruining the XLR connection and the coil to your sound recorder doesn't get all over the place.

[@mrcroattila]

Hi! Haven't your shoulder, and your back get really sore after a full day of shooting? One of my favourit accessories is a chest mount, or chest harness, which looks like the one used by mountain/wall climbers. You can strap it on your chest, and before the shoot, you can just cling the mixer/recorder on it with 2 carabiners. It takes off a ton of weight of your shoulder, and you won't get a spinal disc hernitation in a year. :)

[@stephenharrod948]

I rarely rest it on my shoulders unless its a super wide shot and im fully extended. If I do bag rig work or a lot of booming I ice my lower back, and I had to learn that the hard way.

[@C4Fernandez]

I use a painters pole as a boom pole and used to use a mini tripod with flexible legs (easily found on eBay) taped around the pole and I'd attach my audio recorder onto it.

[@charlesisrecording]

Kinesio tape works great to keep the lav in place, specially if the talent is going to get wet for some reason, you will need to protect the mic itself, but kinesio stays in place even after getting wet or a lot of sweat

[@coucamaya]

in the past I've used a DIY pvc rig which slots into the laptop sleeve of my backpack. at the to there's a t-joint with the top cut off for the boom pole to rest and pivot on

[@ComputingSound]

In some situations clamps and small bendable tripods can be super useful to mount microphones or handheld recorders. ☺️

[@andrehall6432]

The Saramonic SmartRig+ has helped me record really good audio on my DSLR

[@OchoaProductions1]

I don't own an actual boom mic but I've taped a lav mic the end of a guitar boom stand to direct it toward the scene. That worked pretty good but wasn't very mobile during the scene

[@MurrayFrost]

It may seam simple, but I find mic stands very useful! First you can have it stand there for a long time. Second, you can remove the need for a boom operator for some stuff if you cant pay for one. Three, it makes things easier in certain situations. Four, I have used it as a boom pole before when I couldn't afford a boom pole. Just extend it all the way! It's a life saver in an interview!!

[@carlwelden]

Hey Aperture! A favorite sound accessory of mine, that ALSO happens to be a favorite of the talent, is a lav-bullet I made. It's a small and smooth weighted cylinder with a threaded female mini-jack on one end to plug a lav into. Simply drop the wire with the attached lav-bullet down the talent's shirt, dress and/or pant leg and the wire will follow. It not only speeds up wiring-time and greatly reduces wardrobe hassles, but also offers a much less intrusive means of placing a body-mic on your subject. Talent appreciate the ease, speed and respect shown for their personal space. Keeps it very professional and that effort of consideration makes a good impression.I'd be delighted if my writing earns me a reward. If not, then I at least hope it makes a difference for fellow sound crew.

[@stephenharrod948]

YOU made that? From sound guys solutions? Carl, I'm indebted to you. An amazing accessory. It's made my job all the more easier.

[@chaopka]

Woah. That's incredible! We're in the presence of celebrity, Stephen.

[@carlwelden]

I wish I'd made their version! Haha! No, I made my own

[@chaopka]

still cool! When it comes to tiny stuff, I'm all about DIY solutions too

[@carlwelden]

I have a catalog of DIY and/or re-purposing tricks I have accumulated over the years. In the modern parlance, you could call them "life hacks" or better yet "production hacks" I suppose. Some places, one ought not cut corners (I'm not gonna make my own boom pole) but all the little accessories and trouble-saving solutions we come up with certainly earn their keep!

[@ElishaZakai]

my best accessory is the saramonic smart rig + it has very good pre-amps so I don't have to use the weak ones on my Gh4.

[@chaopka]

nice! that's a fantastic piece of gear

[@KtheOperator]

Good video but what about when you have to reach a mixette tied to your front?

[@JPerkoStudios]

Random Audio hack I've used for no money at all. Hopefully, you still consider them accessories; I would have my talent speak into a plastic water pitcher or through a roll of paper towels for V.O. Recordings. Added a ton of depth and bass haha.

[@Photographicelements]

List all the gear used in the description, thank you. It's important to practice too, just like an athlete. Practice holding the boom pole for hours to build muscles, then on a shoot day, "game day," your arms aren't so fatigued the boom shakes.

[@alextrinder5751]

What boom pole would you recommend to pair with the Deity?

[@fabp1992]

the light stand with boom arm is useful in talking head situations

[@jameshewitt1650]

My favourite sound accessory would have to be headphones because you can't get good sound without monitoring it. And some plastic ties would help too so that all your cables are neat and tidy so that they don;t get tangled up.

[@christopherwatkins2284]

I think gaff tape is a pretty interesting "accessory" for sound. It's so practical for so many situations. You can use it to secure a mic to a unique location like a tree branch, fix broken headphones, or just use it to keep long audio cables taped down to the floor so your crew won't trip. (And if you're desperate enough I've seen it work as a makeshift shock mount in a pinch 😂)

[@chaopka]

Gaff tape is the bees knees.

[@emmybunn0]

As bad as it looks on set, gorilla pods are my go-to mounting solution for audio. Low budget, very versatile, and no matter where I'm shooting I can always be guaranteed to have at least a chair or handle to clamp onto just out of frame without damaging anything.

[@chaopka]

Whatever works, right? Sounds like a great idea to me.

[@PiImage]

my favorite sound accessories Vampire clip

[@PunkWithACamera]

anyone know what shockmount he is using?

[@westleymoore6774]

I use a Dinkum flex clamp for some plant mic situations. If you are actually booming frequently I would lose the pistol grip and spring for a rycote invision 7 mount straight to the pole. It's worth the $70 and you will be glad you spent it for the weight savings. And lastly the ambient quicklok's are awesome for switching between mics during fast setups. I'm sure there is more those are just the first few that come to mind.

[@stephenharrod948]

I love those clamps, I have four.

[@AustinSpace20]

I don't like how the set screw dings up the threads on the pole tho

[@westleymoore6774]

Austin Moore I'm not sure what you mean. I don't use the clamp to hold the pole only to put a shock mount with the mic somewhere close. Or occasionally I will mount my antennas to it and bring them around a corner or outside a building when my cart can't go in a more effective spot.

[@AustinSpace20]

Westley Moore ahh sorry I meant the Ambient quick locks

[@westleymoore6774]

Austin Moore Ah! Yea I totally get that. I've been using them on my poles and and as long as I don't over tighten them they seem to be alright. But I was definitely concerned about that when I get them.

[@diazfilms]

I once used a coontail hat I cut and used the tail (Daniel Boone hat) for a dead cat. at that time for my need, worked like a charm.

[@chaopka]

Hahaha I died reading this. Any photos?

[@diazfilms]

Ted Sim no I wish. that was for a film school project 9 years ago...gosh I'm old.

[@diazfilms]

any winners of the aputure mic? I could really benefit from one:-)

[@Ng1u]

how do I correctly hold the wires if there are any? would that just be looped around my arm?

[@LowLightVideos]

Favorite Sound Accessorys: Spring Clip: encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRluHN9DsCyz2Y1D-HYiM9flL_EytJHI9lxTUzsiMOa654X4Djq Removable Zip Tie: encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcRYPevhzPbBskw_fU5f8Dc7RwWHdRXvsg9Ur-mlu3ubNkmDjJ YT, Rob

[@casualking4548]

The rode smart lav is my favorite audio accessory. It's inexpensive and does a great job of removing the sound of rustling clothes.

[@casualking4548]

Also what boom pole is that? (It looks like it may be k-tek, but I've never seen one with an xlr port on the side)

[@stephenharrod948]

Your eyes do not deceive you. It is a k-tek, www.trewaudio.com/product/k-tek-k-102/ Having the port on the side for me is super helpful instead of having it on the bottom.

[@spider1g5]

My favorite accessory is a boom stand, especially when my operator is unavailable.

[@1986radioful]

One thing i found handy was hair ties. i use them to strap my zoom h1 to my camera rig.

[@stephenharrod948]

A bongo on budget.

[@chaopka]

If you go to any of the trade shows likes IBC or NAB or Cinegear, find me and I'll give you a bajillion bongo ties.

[@JordanCrowderFilms]

My favorite mic accessory is this little 3/8" to Mic Stand adapter. I use it to mount my shotgun mic + shock mount (works with blimp and pistol grip too) and all to a music microphone stand whenever I don't have a boom operator handy. Just a few bucks and has saved me a lot of trouble. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HUN3FRY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@lakeone777]

How nows the name of the rod/bare?

[@boomrightmasterclass]

This is barely scratching the surface of how to use a boom pole, and the second position has errors in hand positioning. I've been booming for 27 years, and I've figured out exactly how to hold a boom pole for the best sound and least amount of effort. Come to my Masterclass sponsored by K-Tek (the boom pole you're using in the video is K-Tek). Munich and London, end of September.

[@A12Diary]

What boompole is that?

[@JoeDurd]

My Broomstick. Definitely.

[@chaopka]

No, MY broomstick. Definitely.

[@NABaldwin4]

I'd recognize that Maryland Flag anywhere!

[@cbjonsey5785]

I'm looking or a good boom pole and I don't want to buy a crappy Chinese knockoff. Any ideas?

[@bobunitone]

Boom in shot.

[@krakiii]

Deadcat always.

[@balmighty81]

A good pair of headphones to monitor sound input helps me the most. Let me know when you need my address to mail me the new diety mic. :0)

[@Project_2501]

That was... underwhealming. Common sense stuff if you ask me.

[@Masterminion1]

crappy audio

[@johncolton7129]

Sorry but this is terrible