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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: MBHOTAPER on January 28, 2018, 02:13:01 AM

Title: Favorite a20 shock mount clone
Post by: MBHOTAPER on January 28, 2018, 02:13:01 AM
Another of my a20 clones has a broken plastic nipple that holds the suspension elastic in place.
Which is your favorite a20 clone?
I like the low profile of the a20 clones but are there other low profile mounts you prefer?
Are any available in the usa and don't take a month to be slow boated here from the orient?
Are any more sturdy than the others and less likely to be damaged in the field?
Which models don't need some gaff tape to fit the mic capsules snuggley?
Any experience/insight is appreciated.
Title: Re: Favorite a20 shock mount clone
Post by: voltronic on January 28, 2018, 09:48:41 AM
I was going to recommend this cheap clone (http://www.wgtcenter.com/microphone-accessories/shock-mount/microphone-clip-clamp-holder-shock-mount-suspension-22mm-shotgun-pencil-pro-a20-elastic-swivel.html) which I have a few of, and actually like better than the authentic A20, but they do come from China and need to have the cradles lined with felt to hold 20mm mic bodies.  (I see this as a plus actually, as they bodies are thus protected from scratching.)

Honestly, I hardly use them anymore though.  Rycote INV mounts are so much better in every conceivable way that you should just buy those.  Once you use them, you will find that they are not expensive at all, given their performance and durability.
Title: Re: Favorite a20 shock mount clone
Post by: jbell on January 28, 2018, 09:57:14 AM
The Shure A53M are much nicer and more low profile than the a20 clones!  I do agree with the Rycote Inv 7 Mkiii are the best mount you can buy.

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-A53M-Stopper-KSM141-KSM137/dp/B0002F6ZUM


You could also buy one of theses to fix your mount!

https://www.shapeways.com/product/VPHPSP8WH/a20-center-piece?optionId=63927268

https://www.shapeways.com/product/YTNR5Z3MX/ring-schoeps-ac-shock-mount?optionId=62894987

You could also buy just the Rycote Lyre and SRS mounting base and never replace a shock mount again!

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1054451-REG/rycote_40138_model_duo_lyre_68_19_34.html

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mounting-Base-for-Rycote-Single-and-Duo-Lyres/132229336237?hash=item1ec97b8cad:g:N-0AAOSwA3dYas5M
Title: Re: Favorite a20 shock mount clone
Post by: voltronic on January 28, 2018, 10:24:46 AM
You could also buy just the Rycote Lyre and SRS mounting base and have never replace a shock mount again!

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1054451-REG/rycote_40138_model_duo_lyre_68_19_34.html

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mounting-Base-for-Rycote-Single-and-Duo-Lyres/132229336237?hash=item1ec97b8cad:g:N-0AAOSwA3dYas5M

I have that exact combo.  Be aware that the Duo-Lyre is MUCH stiffer than the standard INV lyres.  I would only recommend it if you're mounting a stereo bar (such as the excellent SRS bars) to hold a pair of mics, or holding one very heavy mic.  It's designed to hold a shotgun mic with a windscreen.

Otherwise for holding single 20mm mics, you want the INV-6 (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554998-REG/Rycote_041106_INV_6_InVision_Indoor_Microphone.html) or INV-7 (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554999-REG/Rycote_041107_INV_7_InVision_Indoor_Microphone.html).

You could purchase the SRS base jbell linked and then the pairs of lyres alone, but that will only save you about $5 over buying the complete INV-6 or INV-7 assembly.  Those mounts have recently dropped in price by about $10 each.
Title: Re: Favorite a20 shock mount clone
Post by: jbell on January 28, 2018, 10:34:04 AM
Here is my setup using the Duo-Lyre 68, SRS base, 1 inche Derlin riser, and DIN Kwon bar.  I don't find it to be to stiff and is the best shock I've owned.  I use the shure A53M with my DINa bar.
Title: Re: Favorite a20 shock mount clone
Post by: splumer on January 29, 2018, 10:05:23 AM
I was going to recommend this cheap clone (http://www.wgtcenter.com/microphone-accessories/shock-mount/microphone-clip-clamp-holder-shock-mount-suspension-22mm-shotgun-pencil-pro-a20-elastic-swivel.html) which I have a few of, and actually like better than the authentic A20, but they do come from China and need to have the cradles lined with felt to hold 20mm mic bodies.  (I see this as a plus actually, as they bodies are thus protected from scratching.)

Honestly, I hardly use them anymore though.  Rycote INV mounts are so much better in every conceivable way that you should just buy those.  Once you use them, you will find that they are not expensive at all, given their performance and durability.

Have you ordered from that site before? They have the exact mount I was planning on buying, only several dollars cheaper.
Title: Re: Favorite a20 shock mount clone
Post by: Hypnocracy on January 29, 2018, 10:59:21 AM
Regarding wtgcenter...I used them when they were on eBay and was very pleased...but the online store got mixed reviews back in 2016

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=176492.msg2177481#msg2177481

I own both the wtgcenter A20 knock off and Shure Doughnut...Get the Shure A53M...you will be happy with it I guarantee.
Title: Re: Favorite a20 shock mount clone
Post by: HealthCov Chris on January 29, 2018, 01:33:53 PM
I found the Shure A53M mount to be quite flimsy when holding my SRS DINa mount with full body akg c481.  I imagine it is great for the SRS active setups though.
Title: Re: Favorite a20 shock mount clone
Post by: splumer on January 29, 2018, 04:58:28 PM
Regarding wtgcenter...I used them when they were on eBay and was very pleased...but the online store got mixed reviews back in 2016

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=176492.msg2177481#msg2177481

I own both the wtgcenter A20 knock off and Shure Doughnut...Get the Shure A53M...you will be happy with it I guarantee.

I was planning on getting this one:
http://www.wgtcenter.com/microphone-accessories/shock-mount/sm3-low-profile-shock-mount-for-shotgun-microphone-with-solid-metal-camera-hotshoe-suspension-1-4-20-3-8-5-8.html

for 25mm shotguns.
Title: Re: Favorite a20 shock mount clone
Post by: jbell on January 29, 2018, 05:18:01 PM
Yeah, they aren't made for that much weight!!  Works great with actives.

I found the Shure A53M mount to be quite flimsy when holding my SRS DINa mount with full body akg c481.  I imagine it is great for the SRS active setups though.
Title: Re: Favorite a20 shock mount clone
Post by: Gordon on January 29, 2018, 05:52:05 PM
Yeah, they aren't made for that much weight!!  Works great with actives.

I found the Shure A53M mount to be quite flimsy when holding my SRS DINa mount with full body akg c481.  I imagine it is great for the SRS active setups though.

and velcro cables to stand or mount is a must!  besides that I love my doughnut!
Title: Re: Favorite a20 shock mount clone
Post by: tim in jersey on January 29, 2018, 06:08:44 PM
Yeah, they aren't made for that much weight!!  Works great with actives.

I found the Shure A53M mount to be quite flimsy when holding my SRS DINa mount with full body akg c481.  I imagine it is great for the SRS active setups though.

Ditto. And I feel as though the Shure is beefier design.
Title: Re: Favorite a20 shock mount clone
Post by: voltronic on January 29, 2018, 08:48:59 PM
Regarding wtgcenter...I used them when they were on eBay and was very pleased...but the online store got mixed reviews back in 2016

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=176492.msg2177481#msg2177481

I own both the wtgcenter A20 knock off and Shure Doughnut...Get the Shure A53M...you will be happy with it I guarantee.

I was planning on getting this one:
http://www.wgtcenter.com/microphone-accessories/shock-mount/sm3-low-profile-shock-mount-for-shotgun-microphone-with-solid-metal-camera-hotshoe-suspension-1-4-20-3-8-5-8.html

for 25mm shotguns.

Don't.  I had one.  The bands are crap and break easily.  I replaced them with some elastic hair bands which were more durable, but those were less grippy on mic bodies and stereo bars.


In answer to Hypnocracy - Yes, I have ordered from WGT a few times and they are a totally reliable seller.  That said...

I strongly advise anyone who really cares about their mics to abandon all of these cheap mounts and go with Rycote.  I know some of you don't believe me and think you can get away with the cheapies - I used to be one of those people until I actually tried my first set of Rycote INV-6's.  They perform so much better than any of these other options (I've used them all) and are nearly impossible to break.

The only situation I'd recommend going with the cheap mounts is if you are using very cheap mics that are not vibration-sensitive, such as omnis.  I find the A20 knockoff works fine with my Naiant X-Qs.  Those mounts are not up to the task for my CM3s - only the Rycote mounts isolate those mics properly.