Boom Uperator, Boom Support System Review!

Holding a boom pole overhead is an art and those that wield a boom must be quick, agile and adaptive in an instant but in some cases, we're just human c-stands. For those times when there's little to no movement, wouldn't it be nice if we could lock ourselves off yet still maintain our ability to adjust to talent if needed?
Enter the Oisphoot Boom Uperator, a boom pole support system that allows us to sacrifice some movement for comfort when we don't need to move. Join me as I test out and review the Boom Uperator and determine if it's right for pro boom ops.
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Find a location to sell you one at the bottom of: boomuperator.com
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Full Disclosure
Oisphoot did send me this Boom Uperator Support System in exchange for a fair and honest review. I keep to keep it following this review and Oisphoot has had no input in this video nor have they seen it prior to release.
Gear Commonly Used In My Videos:
Sony ZV-1: geni.us/Sony_ZV1
DJI Pocket 2: geni.us/DJI_Pocket2
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Sound Devices MixPre-6: geni.us/SoundDevicesMP6
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[@chakerian]

You touched on exoskeletons. Have you tested any of them?

[@SoundSpeeds]

No. From what I've heard from people that have, they are really cool and have promise but aren't quite ready for us just yet.

[@chakerian]

@@SoundSpeeds I tested a paexo/ottobock a couple years ago. It was really useful for long poles outdoors, and was also possible to just pull your arms out for short booming. The main thing it did was reduce the torquing of my spine and push that into my legs, and took almost no time to put on. I'm reasonably skinny, and it did increase the amount of space I took up and reduced my dexterity a little. But overall, it really reduced fatigue and back pain from some inevitable positions you might find yourself in as a boom op.

[@SoundSpeeds]

There are a few brands making exoskeletons and I can't wait to see where it goes in the coming years. Thanks for the info you provided. I've never heard of that brand but have a tab open with their website now.

[@lukasgiese2331]

@@SoundSpeeds I had the chance to play around with the newest HILTI flavour of that Ottoblock system on a recent shoot with a RED camera setup, pinning it against the easyrig system. It wasn´t for me because it, funny enough, did such a good job keeing my arms up and supported overhead. Also it was rather nice to have it still be an "analog" system, much like the easrig working of resistance bands springs. So not another battery to charge. I will say: Getting it set up is a bit of a process, but then it was super easy to put on and take off. It packs light (I´d say little less weight and space than an easyrig) and my best way to describe it is someone rather strong holding up your arms. Biggest negative for your field of work would be that you are a bit locked in and you work against a bit of resistance coming down again, maybe to quickly catch someone taking a knee or something. I´d say give it a shot for sure,

[@SoundSpeeds]

I will if given the opportunity. Ken Strain tried one variation and said you only need lift supplied to the leading arm. I look forward to trying one.

[@SuChingYu]

always the best review video 👍👍

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. :-)

[@d-sx560]

I usually duct tape a stand to a utility guy and cover his feet with sandbags but this also works.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's the old school way. I like it.

[@DoctoreDoom]

Seems possible to add a silicone rubber band across the U holder to help with vibration & noise while walking around so you don't have to lift the boom

[@SoundSpeeds]

That would keep it from coming off but the wobble and transfer noise would still be there.

[@robdisner]

Nice review! Was curious about this thing. I keep a spare pole around with a shotgun “yoke” attached for reality OTFs etc. when we don’t have a C Stand handy. It just sits in my boom caddy and I can extend it out and use it the same way, without having a bunch of stuff attached to me.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's a quick solution but I'd rather use this if given the choice.

[@IMDABROWN]

two thumbs up? wow you really did enjoy it. The price is not bad, I'm shocked you haven't designed something like this yet.

[@SoundSpeeds]

As I said in the video, I was waiting for someone to make it likely better than I could. I just modded mine. I am thinking about other things though.

[@Sosha666]

That looks very cool. Not being at that end of the market, and usually on my own with a bag I’d stick to “throw up the crappy pole as a rest” Quick, cheap and the weight is on the floor. I did pick up a used boom swinger the other day though to upgrade my modified mic mount rest. Lose the bag though and that would be on the list for tidiness.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ahhhh, yes. I still love the Boom Swinger.

[@BasicFilmmaker]

Amazing for BoomOPs.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It certainly come in handy.

[@marraskudd]

Great review, went ahead and purchased one, can't wait to try. Quick question: Is the rubber "U" where you rest the boom detachable? Can you for instance replace the"U" with a boom swinger? Thanks!

[@SoundSpeeds]

I don't know about that one. I haven't tried to remove the tip but with the proper adapters, it may be possible.

[@persquad8998]

Interesting Video, saw this product a couple months ago, but didn't think to much of it, but I just might buy it for Interviews

[@SoundSpeeds]

I kept an open yet skeptical mind and am now convinced that it's a valuable tool when used at the right times.

[@persquad8998]

@@SoundSpeeds exactly, it really is nice for long static takes 👌

[@SoundSpeeds]

Agreed!

[@liantopoedijono5794]

Nice! Best Review... Looking forward to buy this after destroying my Boom Kit Cool or sell it off. Whichever earlier.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. :-) I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts about the Boom Uperator vs the Kit Cool once you try it.

[@andyreins3390]

How do you like the Kit Cool? I remember seeing it when it was available years ago but seems like it was discontinued pretty quickly.

[@SoundSpeeds]

In never tried one. In was interested in trying it years ago but never did.

[@andyreins3390]

I would also be curious to know your thoughts on the new XO-Boom.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It looks huge complicated. I'd be interested in seeing more.

[@Baeyonetta.]

Hello! I’m new to your channel, currently a student in film school and growing a passion for sound. While my uni has decent sound equipment, during the summer we have to work with what we have at home so i was wondering if you could list kit for a one man band sound person for short film/student projects totalling budget under £1000 ? Or if you have already covered this please share the link to the video? Thanks! :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm not 100% what is available in your country but all in for 1000 doesn't allow much wiggle room. I'm leaning towards something like a used Zoom F4 with the cables you'd need, a K-Tek Airo boom, Rycote Inv-7 Lyre and Deity S-Mic 2. Then you could buy some dirt cheap UHF wireless from Saramonic, Movo or Comica (which I've never used but if you need wireless, it may be the best for your remaining price range) for the remainder of your budget. You'd also need cables, rechargeable batteries and chargers but that would probably put you over. Forget the wireless and concentrate on a great quality boom track. You can also get Rode M5 or Samson C02 pairs of pencil condensers which would allow you an indoor mic option and additional cables. Unless you go used or consigned, that's the best I could suggest with your budget.

[@NotesProd]

Can you use it with a sound bag ?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Depends on the bag and how far over you'd mount the plate. I imagine you could make it work if you were determined.

[@martysender5539]

excellent. I use my Pocket 2 to record bands and music Marty Sender You Tube. give u LIKE. good advice

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you Marty and Thanks for watching.

[@emodate]

Not gonna lie! I coulda used this back when I was a one man sound mixer!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Probably so. It's light and low profile so easy to pack and travel with.

[@andyreins3390]

What was the product you mentioned for the Kit Cool? Support-a-Pole?

[@SoundSpeeds]

? I'm not sure I understand. I asked pictures of the older systems.

[@andyreins3390]

Sorry, I meant to type “before the Kit Cool”… what is the product show at 9:09?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Support-A-Pole. I say that right before I say "Kit Cool".

[@andyreins3390]

@@SoundSpeeds Thanks. Just wasn't sure if I heard it correctly.

[@SoundSpeeds]

You did

[@frostbite9492]

It’s been several months since this was posted, I’m wondering if anyone has any additional feedback? Has anyone had any success integrating this into a bag system for shooting reality or doc?

[@SoundSpeeds]

My opinion is unchanged. I know that's not what you are looking for but it's important to note regardless.

[@frostbite9492]

@@SoundSpeeds I’m happy to hear you’re still satisfied with it. Do you find that you use it regularly, or is it more of a special use item in your quiver?

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's a specialty product and if I ever have to take a boom overhead, I'll determine if I can use it for the moves necessary to capture the scenes. If I can, I will use it.

[@imark7777777]

So you're telling me chainmail gloves are not what the industry uses and that I should not be using that? Also sidenote I seem to have a jingling noise in all my recordings... haha lol.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's too early for jingle bells. Just wait 4 more days and we're part Thanksgiving so everything's fair game.

[@ColinZiemer1]

Wait till you see how I use a steadicam to boom a mic

[@SoundSpeeds]

I can't be blamed when you point at it.

[@ColinZiemer1]

@@SoundSpeeds all I need to do is find a way to fit a Steadicam Pilot gimbal sleeve/handle on a boom pole. I’m so close yet so far

[@SoundSpeeds]

You'll be holding the boom, not me...