Pro Boom Op discusses buying a boom pole

When you're buying a boom pole, there's a lot to consider. Manufacturers will try to convince you that their boom poles are best because of certain features but are those features right for you? There are resources online that cover the basics but if you want the real deal, you'd need to ask someone that uses one all day long.
As a professional boom operator I've studied boom poles for years and am happy to share my knowledge with you. In this video I go over 15 things you need to consider when buying a boom pole and accomplish this in under 10 minutes.
If you're interested in a long form deeper dive, check out my 3BO video on this topic: • 3BO: What To Consider ...
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[@pingpongowo]

Not me taking in all this amazing information that I'll probably never use in my life. If Allen has anything to say, I listen.

[@SoundSpeeds]

If only my daughter's had the same mentality.

[@AdamBA380]

Just curious based on your phrasing… do you live in the UK?

[@SoundSpeeds]

No. I've been there though.

[@AdamBA380]

@@SoundSpeeds oh sorry, I meant Pingpongowo 😆 The world renowned Allen from SpoundsSpeeds is definitely based in Atlanta, but Pinewood Studios would be lucky to have you haha While I’m messaging though, thank you for such fantastic insight and knowledge over the years!! Details like no other!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you Adam. That's the goal and why I do what I do on this channel.

[@steinaune]

I just started following you here on KZbin and I'm so grateful for how much I learn every time I see an episode of you. You give away heavy knowledge in a light and understandable way that gives me a lot of new information in every episode. I've begun to like sound, yes really like sound, now that I'm starting to understand what sound is so I can catch as well as preserve the sound in the best possible way. It is great that the knowledge is in Focus, and not the person who learns away. The small hints with implied humor, which you mix into your teaching in a masterful way make it even better. The only negative I can say about your KZbin videos, is that they make a person depending on the knowledge that you preach in such a masterful way. I learn a lot in every episode. I thank you for all the time you sacrifice to us.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Wow, thank you. Keep stroking my ego! 🤪 I really do appreciate the kind words.

[@cinegrampro]

This is gold. Your channel is great. I'm very happy I found it. I would love to see a video of you showing your professional production kit.

[@SoundSpeeds]

You mean like this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpO5onymmbl6gtU

[@tombuck]

16-18’ seems huge! Makes sense, but I had no idea 🤯

[@SoundSpeeds]

For TV and film, it's necessary. I also have 3 booms longer than 18' just in case. Last week, I needed 21'

[@DanielSRosehill]

@@SoundSpeeds Interesting! What kind of situations would you need the really long poles for?

[@tinoliberatore7752]

Great and valuable information! Thanks for sharing Allen! :-)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thanks for watching.

[@VidMashUp]

I buy nothing but the best because I always know that's what I'm going to end up buying anyway. May as well do it the first time around. Plus, who always wants to be thinking about the gear they should have gotten? I'm hoping they come out with 100-ft boom pole that is attached to some sort of exoskeleton so that it has a perceived weight of like 8 oz.

[@SoundSpeeds]

100 feet?!?!?! I never want to book something that far away. Breathing would make the end go up and down 3 feet.

[@VidMashUp]

@@SoundSpeeds Just ride the gain. It's perfectly acceptable and will sound great!

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@marcusfrombespokeaudio5372]

Holy f**k you got a lot of info packed in to a small package. Thanks Allen!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Tiring video to produce but a good one. Thank you for watching!

[@VidMashUp]

You always have the best boom poles.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I love them

[@SuChingYu]

this is actually the best guide among all

[@SoundSpeeds]

I aim to please. ;-)

[@RJHEllis]

A great video, as usual.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. :-)

[@KellyAskam_MindExchangeMusic]

Hi Allen! I noticed the EMC connector on your Ambient pole. Any particular reason for placing it at the beginning of your signal path instead of at the end? I use one for the last connector on the coiled cable entering my mixer. I understood the point of placing it last is so no EMI/RFI could be picked up in the boom or coiled cable behind an EMC at the beginning. Also curious if you've had a moment to try the new KTek KPV 5 section poles? Seems a nice hybrid of size/features from the Klassic to the KP 6 section. Replacing the grub screw and threaded tip also seems smart. Thank you! Cheers!

[@SoundSpeeds]

First question, answered here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJSWlJWCo8igppI and: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqnRemisq56MmJo I have a K-Tek V and like it better. They did it the right way. The inner section is the same thickness but the outer most section isn't as thick diameter wise. The modular pieces still work because the base is slightly thicker. It was done right. I like a longer boom with few sections.

[@rsmith02]

Love this format! Please consider revisiting other older vids for a 10 min. version.

[@SoundSpeeds]

There's a lot I want to do on this channel

[@rsmith02]

There's a lot I want to watch, too : ) Keep up the great work.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing.

[@GiancarloBiondi]

Allen, what else? 😅😅 a super compendium!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks. I don't know what else in an "under 10 minute" video. :-) Thanks for watching.

[@TheElFuppo]

Hi Allen, Great video as always! A litte off- topic question: From a boom operator's business standpoint, would you say it might make sense to get your own wireless boom kit? Say, something like a Shure ADX5D and a AD3 plug on transmitter? Thx, Philip

[@SoundSpeeds]

No. Mixers get paid to rent such things to the show and boom ops aren't.

[@TheElFuppo]

@@SoundSpeeds Ok, thx for the swift reply! 👍

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing

[@HopeProphecy]

Does it matter what kind of boom pole you get for a stationary shot-gun mic in a youtube studio? Or is a cheap one just the same?

[@SoundSpeeds]

If you're not holding it, it doesn't matter.

[@HopeProphecy]

@@SoundSpeeds thanks!

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@TheElFuppo]

Hi Allen, great review as always! I’m in the market for a new boompole, mainly for docu work, but not exclusively. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the VDB QT series poles, if you have any, since their feature set and available lengths would fit my needs quite well. Thx and keep up the good work! Philip

[@TheElFuppo]

Oh, just realized that this video’s comment section seems to be my goto for asking questions. 🙂

[@SoundSpeeds]

The only VDB I've used on set was one of the old school VDB poles before the company changed ownership. I've seen and played with the new VDB poles but not used on set. I've emailed them and have never heard back from them.

[@TheElFuppo]

@@SoundSpeeds I understand. Sounds weird, that they wouldn't reply... I heard of a similar issue, concerning their customer service for oversees elsewhere. Thx for your input!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Sorry I can't be more help.

[@user-nu8bf3bf9m]

Could you please do tutorial for 'how to wire your boom pole'? I really want to know how to do it properly!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Each brand is different and if it's a standard value just run thru, it's like wiring an XLR.

[@DanielSRosehill]

Simple logistical question: how do you guys get those long (18ft +) boom poles when travelling between shoot locations. Presume you guys have access to oversized luggage arrangements etc. Thanks for the informative content as always!

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's correct. Oversized luggage. Can't be carried on. Thanks for watching. A few years ago a few boom ops had their booms cut in half by the TSA to verify nothing was inside.

[@sanjacobs6261]

@@SoundSpeeds God, I hope they got reimbursed for that?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Me too! Luckily those days seem to be past us.

[@stanleyestrella8506]

Please make a review about RODE Boom Pole Pro. I see it has a hole for internal cable setup but XLR doesn't fit. 😢

[@SoundSpeeds]

You're supposed to thread the cable thru and then solder the connector on.

[@SteadicamCologne]

i have used all sort of booms and boom setup . internally coiled booms have never been my thing , but that is always a discussion , that usually backfires and just ends in uncomfortable situations. Due to the wireless systems i use - the wisycom mtp40s - i tend to use a wireless boom, but if i use different equipment , coiling the cable around the boom is fine aswell ... the ambient ump has been a great accessory so far and the booms i use are the panamic ( it is just a joy to work with ) and a ktek boom ... i have used all sort of booms and a vdb is fine as well. never liked ambient quickpoles that much due to their weight and handling ... the older ones yes, the newer ones ... just not my cup of tea ... and lets not talk about the rode aluminium booms - its like waterboarding .

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's what's great about having so many booms to choose from. I've used all brands of boom too and have a difference of opinion. That's one reason I tell me to try as many brands as they can though. It's a very personal thing - your relationship with your boom pole.

[@MorphilmAcademy]

Hi, great video as always. I'm looking to finally upgrade to a real professional boom. I'm hesitating between the following options : - Ambient QP 5100 CCM - K-TEK KP12TA Mighty Boom - VDB L-QT I know you have experience with Ambient and K-Tek, do you also with VDB? Do you have any notes, comments, recommendations or things to consider between these 3 boom poles? There’s no place for me to physically try them out where I live, so it's hard to decide. Thank you for your help.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I've used all major brands of boom pole and yes, VDB (VanDenBerg) too. Old school VDB was totally different than modern VDB and far superior to my experience. They were extremely light (lighter than a K-Tek) but straight like an Ambient. I have no reason why they change them but the newer versions have 1/4 lock knuckles, high gloss segments, are often 6 segments and the segment measurement marks are now multicolor. Not my thing but don't let me turn you off of them if you are into them. Ambient and K-Tek I have much more experience with in the past decade but the first boom I ever used, and used for at least a year, was a VDB. I can't make the decision for you but can advise you to consider what is important to you in a boom, go down my list and make a list answering each of the 15 parts. Decide from there unless you can try them for yourself

[@MorphilmAcademy]

@@SoundSpeeds Great. Thank you for the info. Any thoughts on PSC boom poles (Professional sound Corp.)? I can't find any reviews on youtube. Are they on par with Ambient and k-tek? Thank you very much :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

They are another one of the major film industry brands. I've used them before but it's been a while. They don't promote a lot and when I reached out to them and asked if they'd like me to review a boom, they told me I could buy one then review it. At least they're better than VDB who doesn't even respond to warranty issues (according to two posts I saw on Facebook last week). To answer you question, they are probably in middle between a K-Tek Classic and Mighty Boom regarding flex but slightly thinner than both. The knuckles are smaller and the boom itself looks kind of like a Loon. The ones I've used were 5 sections and we're great inside but didn't lock well so a heavy zeppelin had it flip upside down. That was years ago (probably 10) and a longer pole though. I'd love to review one again but PSC hasn't been interested in sending me anything to review and I'm not about to spend $700 on a boom to promote them. My logic on that is that I've been doing sound in some capacity for nearly 3 decades and boomed my first movie over 20 years ago. I have an established brand with weekly pro sound content with a worldwide audience that's been watching for over 5 years. If they don't want to send me a boom to use on set for a couple months then produce a highly detailed breakdown of that boom, cool by me. I don't have to and I'll be perfectly fine recommending the brands I have extensive knowledge over because I was in analysis mode when producing a review for the boom. I can absolutely answer your Ambient, K-Tek, Really Right Stuff, Loon and Panamic questions though because they've worked with me in the past. Loon was for an in person class I did before I started Sound Speeds and that brand died when founder Don Wetzel did.

[@MorphilmAcademy]

​@@SoundSpeeds Thank you so much for all the info. So I've narrowed it down to Ambient QP or K-tek Mighty. The better price makes me lean towards K-tek, but Ambient has the Intersectional twist protection. Could I have your opinion on this? Because it seems like, in the professional brands, only the newest Ambient boompoles use the anti-twist mechanism of the pole-sections. So I was wondering why that is. On cheaper prosumer poles like Auray, E-image, or even the super cheap Neewer one, they all have that anti-twist mechanism, which I find absolutely amazing. It assures the internal cable doesn’t get twisted, that the section won't twist if we’re extending the pole horizontally with the blimp at the end, and of course, that the poles will never twist when locking/unlocking each section (which happened to me a lot with k-tek, VDB and even Ambient QXS poles that i’ve used in the past. ). So, in your professional opinion, is there a reason pro boompole brands don’t use that technology most of the time? Thank you very much for your help! (sorry, I know I ask a lot of questions)

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's nothing they mention because it goes without saying on a professional pole... it should lock when you lock it and unlock it when unlocked. That wording isn't anything that I'd brag about. All segments will twist if you twist them either intentionally or accidently while moving. I can't make up you mind on which boom to get but I have reviewed the Series 5 Ambient booms and K-Tek's Mighty Boom. Be sure to check them out in my reviews playlist

[@danniv13]

Hi Allen, I am interested in purchasing a PSC boom pole and there isn't nearly as much information, reviews or videos about PSC as K-Tek or Ambient. But I can tell they are of quality and that I could be satisfied owning a PSC. Can you give a few pros and cons about them in your opinion? And are they on the more flexible or rigid side when fully extended? I'm interested in the FBPLCCRA 12' 6" pole. Thank you.

[@SoundSpeeds]

PSC doesn't advertise or promote their boom poles. A fellow pro told me two months ago they aren't even making them anymore but that's unverified so don't consider it as fact. PSC booms are premium but there's nothing outstanding about them - no unique features. They weigh the same as other similar length professional booms and have a linear weight distribution as you extend them. Their naming scheme is easy to understand - Large, Extra Large, etc. Their response and flex is between a K-Tek Klassic and an Ambient QS when I tested them about 10 years ago.

[@danniv13]

@@SoundSpeeds Thank you very much.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing!

[@danniv13]

@@SoundSpeeds I called PSC and they confirmed that they are no longer making boompoles. So I will be buying an Ambient 5 Series instead. Also, I saw a 2 month old video I believe at NAMM where Ambient will have a black tip instead of silver on a new upcoming boompole. I also wanted to mention that I had never heard of ZipFizz until I saw you down one straight out of the tube in a video with you and Curtis Judd. Let me say that ZipFizz are an energy life saver. I am never without a supply at home now.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I helped Ambient tweak their Series 5 booms and one of the things I pushed for was a black tip. I believe it was NAB when they announced the changes. I also tweaked a couple other things on the Series 5 and was happy to see they implemented those tweaks. In Ambient's Discord, they credited me with the tweaks including redesigned lock that holds better.

[@luisa9628]

If I'm using a boom buddy with one of the longer 16' poles, is it better to use the new style monopods with the 3 legs or the singular leg monopod?

[@SoundSpeeds]

A tripod or a monopod? I'd take a monopod anytime.

[@luisa9628]

@@SoundSpeeds Not a tripod, have you seen one of those new ones that's a monopod but on the bottom there is a small 3 footed platform. ifootage Cobra 2 is a popular one.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Oh, I've seen those. Personally I'd stick to just the monopod. All I'd need is support and a low profile is better. The last thing I'd want is a dolly parking on a foot

[@luisa9628]

@@SoundSpeeds I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. Have a wonderful month.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you Luis. :-)

[@ferociousbung]

Do you have any recommendations for someone looking to buy an 18’ carbon fiber externally cabled boom pole on the stiffer side for around $400-500?

[@SoundSpeeds]

None of the majors and I haven't used any of the minors. I would do a Google or KZbin search for carbon fiber boom poles under $500 and the like to see what you find. The ones I use are twice that.

[@ferociousbung]

@@SoundSpeeds after further research it appears that spending the $900+ and getting one internally cabled might be worth it. Although the K-Tek KEG Avalon series looks pretty good in the $500-600 range for shorter poles.

[@SoundSpeeds]

K-Tek makes great booms regardless of which series. They back off on features until they can make one at a certain price point but won't release a boom unless it's top tier in it's class.

[@PDU_Tutorials]

I am no where near a pro so my POS Neewer boom pole hanging from a boom pole holder on a c-stand will do for my one man band shenanigans. 😀

[@SoundSpeeds]

When I watch your videos, I don't pay attention to what brand of stand you use, I'm watching and learning. I even use cheap stands when I can - for permanent installs and such

[@PDU_Tutorials]

@@SoundSpeeds 👍🏾

[@SoundSpeeds]

:-)

[@SparkY0]

I would like to see a side-by-side comparing and contrasting a boom pole to a boom stick. Particularly, which is better at handling a shotgun microphone.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Boom pole to boom stick? What's the difference?

[@SparkY0]

@@SoundSpeeds I don't totally remember why I wrote this, but I'm reasonably sure it is some kind of a joke about how a boomstick is a literal shotgun.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I know. That was sarcasm. You saw my first reaction video, right? kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ3Ko4qBbLOoiqs

[@SparkY0]

@@SoundSpeeds actually I haven't seen that one yet. Since I'm a one man show I watch a little sporadically. Usually I watch the one video that sounds useful plus a couple more, for fun. So for me the boom pole videos are like this: "Oh hey, that sounds like a useful and fun skill to learn" "Hmm but how do I learn to boom myself without friends, and a cameraman that is just a gimbal I can sorta program to move a little" "Oh right.. Microphone stands exist" "But my mic stands can't hold up my unnecessarily heavy King Bee 2, the most expensive mic I own" But then you taught me how to tape that to a wall, so all good there. I guess it could be helpful if you have advice on alternatives or fixes to a using a very cheap/tinny wireless lav when you want a wide shot in a big empty echo-y room. I'm not sure if I'm having a "you're trying to do the wrong thing" problem, or a "buy gear that costs more than $50" problem.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Do 3 things: 1) Hold the lav pointing upwards and place it directly in the center of your chest nipple height. Talk with your face looking straight out like normal. 2) Hold the mic upside down and put at the top of your head so that the capsule is right at where the hairline is or would be. 3) Hold the lav mic at mouth level 1 foot out from your mouth but pointed right at it. These are the best possible places those lavs will sound. If if sounds good in any of those positions, you can make them work with proper technique or appliances. If it doesn't, get something better. If it sounds good in one or some and not others, only use it in those applications.

[@shutyourmouthup6928]

Hi,sorry for bothering. I am considering the Rode Micro Boompole,that’s a really cheap one(due to my low budget),Do you think I should buy it? Or just don't buy it.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I've never used it so I have no opinion on it

[@shutyourmouthup6928]

@@SoundSpeeds I think my question is that do you think a cheap boompole will influence the sound quality?( l am just start to learn filmmaking,sorry for my ignorance)

[@skakdosmer]

Wow! What a lot! And all of that is probably true. I mean, you're obviously a man who knows a thing or tw... I mean, a thing or a million about boom poles. I just bought my first boom pole (Røde BoomPole Pro) - which I may (or may not) use in the future, and I was looking for whatever information I could find on how good it is, how to best use it, what its strengths or weaknesses might be - etc etc. And then the link to this video popped up. But MAN! I wouldn't even know how to process all that. I've no plans of becoming a professional. This of course is none of your fault. But hey, I'm a 63 year old bus driver with a love of photography and an interest in video making. I'm only stating this to give you an Idea what kind of people ALSO visit your channel - apart from the young aspiring movie makers that I'm sure you imagine. I hope your young followers have been given just the nudge they need to explore the market and consider their options. Me? I'm sure I'll recover, so don't worry!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for the comment and watching.