Topic: Usefulness of Shock Mounts

[Charlies]

What do you guys think?  How often do these really make a difference?  (I've always run with mounts when on a stand.)

My shockmout/mount situation for my AKGcaps/JK is kind of flimsy (1 Schoeps a20s mount->Schoeps m100c miniature stereo mic bar) and am considering foregoing the a20s and just  mounting the mount to the top of my stand.  I tape the same kind of (generally loud) music as everyone else, except (s)moke  

[barren4]

Insurance.  Not too long ago at KDTU, I was taping from seats.   During the last song before encore, I'm standing w/ my eyes closed, head dancing, completely lost in the music.  I don't know if the guy next to me slipped on the spilled beer wet floor or spazzed out or what, but he body slammed me so hard that I was knocked hard into my stand.  I caught it, luckily, but knew that that was going to be recorded for posterity.  Suprisingly, unless I'm studying it w/ headphones, I can't hear it.
    Moke, I use 3>4" squares of 1/4" antifatigue floormat  foam under my stand.  It may help with vibes, is good for leveling on the sloped floor, and prevents slippage.  Don't see anyone else doing it though.

[Kevin]

thanks for the link, I think im going to pick a few of these up

[Rick]

(1 Schoeps a20s mount->Schoeps m100c miniature stereo mic bar)

Could do the same thing with a Vark bar. (http://www.posthorn.com/Macvk_4.html) At a fraction of the cost, though clips for caps might be a problem  

[Chapper]

I've only used shock mounts a few times and can tell absolutely no difference.  I've heard they help with the low end, but I don't hear it.  

I'm not convinced they help if your stand get's bumped either...during a Modest Mouse show, out stand went over, we caught it about half way to the floor, can't hear it at all on the tapes (you'd think just from the movement you'd hear it..perhaps it was because it was so loud).  

YMMV....
Chapper

[DaryanLenz]

I have always used shocks and never heard one bump, and I mean ever!  That's good enough reason to use them I think!

Daryan

[busknuckle]

I've only used shock mounts a few times and can tell absolutely no difference.  I've heard they help with the low end, but I don't hear it.  

I'm not convinced they help if your stand get's bumped either...during a Modest Mouse show, out stand went over, we caught it about half way to the floor, can't hear it at all on the tapes (you'd think just from the movement you'd hear it..perhaps it was because it was so loud).  

YMMV....
Chapper

Chapper,

what Modest Mouse show were you taping?

[busknuckle]

(1 Schoeps a20s mount->Schoeps m100c miniature stereo mic bar)

Could do the same thing with a Vark bar. (http://www.posthorn.com/Macvk_4.html) At a fraction of the cost, though clips for caps might be a problem  

I'm liking the avatar ihatetostealth  

[Charlies]

Hey Chapper, that's what I'm thinking, depending of course on the venue.  For example, for a gig in a sit-down music hall, where there's an elevated stage and hard-ass concrete under the seats, it seems to me that the need for shocks is little if any.  That's the situation in which I'm considering going without shocks.

[JAH]

CES, what is so flimsy in the a20s set up.  Ya know shock mounts are a god sent from that one bump or little oopsy from someone walking by OR that drunk needing a hand hold to stablize themself.  It insurance and I love 'em.  If you need to be stealther than that's the trade off. Iffin' you on a stand then I'd recommend the mounts.  Of course your call.  The A20S are more than capable of supporting the jk/ck's rig.
I was taking my umbrella off at Bonnaroo and the damn thing had such fine threads that it took a long time and I was shaking the mounts through the effort to get the umbrella off and not a bump was heard...my other friend was way impressed, as he crimged at the sight of the movement.  It's insurance.
If you aren't stealthing it you may elect not to use 'em (although  I use 'em when fobing).

So whatsyagonnado?

peace
jah

[Kevin]

last night at panic it was loud and my stand was set up on bleachers which moved when the crowd moved.  If I didnt have shock mounts the recording would be moving back and fourth.  IMO there crucial!!

[BCostigan]

At RatDog the other night my stand was bumped several times.  I was right next to the cattle grate by the soundboard and of course that's the best place for everyone to ditch extra clothes.   Some people were actually pretty funny when putting stuff/or taking stuff from the other side of my stand as they had to get very close to it.  Looking at me like I'm about to bite!!

Moral of the story...I didn't give a rats ass if they bumped the stand because of the shocks.

[Kindguy]

Go to a panic show when Sonny blows that digido (sp) the whole fuc~~n place shakes, Your mics included. In Gainesville my damn nose hairs were vibrating.

Or how about STS9 at B'roo? Crazy bass!

You need shocks for things like that.

If your tight on cash. You can pick up a pair of  www.tensimounts.com for under 30 bucks shipped. Thats what I'm using at the moment to get by.

[gonads]

it really does help clean up the bass, tightens things up a bit for sure!

[Rick]

One word, well maybe two..... Beach Balls

My stand always seem to be magnets for beach balls. Not once can you tell that I've been hit on my tapes


If you got them, use them.