Topic: Neumann KM-184/KM100 Shock mount/mic clip alternative

[robotaper]

I've been doing some searching for shock mounts for my KM140's.  I've found the following Sennheiser shock mount which looks like it might suit.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/73119-REG/Sennheiser_MZS6_MZS6_Microphone_Shock_Mount.html

It's made for the K6 which is 22mm diameter, same as the 184/KM100's.  Any experience with these mounts?

[acidjack]

I'd consider spending a bit more and getting Rycote INV-6s, which fit a variety of mic sizes (including 140s, which I've tested with them).

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554998-REG/Rycote_041106_INV_6_InVision_Indoor_Microphone.html

[John Willett]

I'd consider spending a bit more and getting Rycote INV-6s, which fit a variety of mic sizes (including 140s, which I've tested with them).

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554998-REG/Rycote_041106_INV_6_InVision_Indoor_Microphone.html

I would spend less and get the Rycote INV-6.

The Rycote InVision series are vastly better and are actually cheaper - in the UK at least.

And the Rycote is better than the original Neumann.

[hi and lo]

I'd consider spending a bit more and getting Rycote INV-6s, which fit a variety of mic sizes (including 140s, which I've tested with them).

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554998-REG/Rycote_041106_INV_6_InVision_Indoor_Microphone.html

I would spend less and get the Rycote INV-6.

The Rycote InVision series are vastly better and are actually cheaper - in the UK at least.

And the Rycote is better than the original Neumann.

Both AJ and John are right. The Rycote mounts are fantastic and something that many people on this forum will attest to. Personally, I would not get anything else.

If you wanted to run the active cables (not sure if you have them), the INV-7 INV-5 would probably work for those as well.

[acidjack]

I'd consider spending a bit more and getting Rycote INV-6s, which fit a variety of mic sizes (including 140s, which I've tested with them).

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554998-REG/Rycote_041106_INV_6_InVision_Indoor_Microphone.html

I would spend less and get the Rycote INV-6.

The Rycote InVision series are vastly better and are actually cheaper - in the UK at least.

And the Rycote is better than the original Neumann.

John, I believe the mount he linked to is $40/ea, whereas the Rycote INV-6 retails for $62/ea in the U.S.

Either way, I agree it's the better mount

[F.O.Bean]

Those InVisions look badass, but theyre just not lo-pro enuf for me

And what about a Busman shock on the cheap. He makes them for 20mm AND 22mm mics

[robotaper]

Great suggestions.  Thanks fellas.   

[John Willett]

Those InVisions look badass, but theyre just not lo-pro enuf for me

Then look at the INV-2 or 3.

These are much smaller than the INV-4 upwards.

The larger INV-4/5/6/7/8/9/10 are designed to be thrown about on a fish-pole, the smaller INV-1/2/3 are designed more for studio use and are much smaller (and just as effective).

[robotaper]

That pic looks pretty sexy.  And the cable clip.  Wow.   

Looking forward to getting these delivered soon....

[stevetoney]

How rigid is the clip that holds the mic?  Is it rigid enough that there's no mic sagging but flexible enough to adequately provide sound isolation from shocks to the mic stand? 

If the mic stand falls over, what are the chances that lyre piece will crack or break?

[OOK]

I have the inv-7.  These are with out a doubt the best shocks I have ever had.  Rock solid.  Provides excellent shock, no sag, always goes right back to center when jostled, no chance of mic slipping out of shock....I will never own anything but inv....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03eQKtftojE&feature=relmfu

OOK

[bhadella]

How rigid is the clip that holds the mic?  Is it rigid enough that there's no mic sagging but flexible enough to adequately provide sound isolation from shocks to the mic stand? 

If the mic stand falls over, what are the chances that lyre piece will crack or break?

Best sound isolation I've ever encountered.   The inner ring or "clip" is harder and more rigid, the outer section or "lyre" is very flexible. 

The clip would handle a fall as well as any non-metal shockmount I've seen.

[stevetoney]

How rigid is the clip that holds the mic?  Is it rigid enough that there's no mic sagging but flexible enough to adequately provide sound isolation from shocks to the mic stand? 

If the mic stand falls over, what are the chances that lyre piece will crack or break?

Best sound isolation I've ever encountered.   The inner ring or "clip" is harder and more rigid, the outer section or "lyre" is very flexible. 

The clip would handle a fall as well as any non-metal shockmount I've seen.

Thank you.  Or not.  This thread might end up costing me $130 or so some day soon.

[OOK]

How rigid is the clip that holds the mic?  Is it rigid enough that there's no mic sagging but flexible enough to adequately provide sound isolation from shocks to the mic stand? 

If the mic stand falls over, what are the chances that lyre piece will crack or break?

Best sound isolation I've ever encountered.   The inner ring or "clip" is harder and more rigid, the outer section or "lyre" is very flexible. 

The clip would handle a fall as well as any non-metal shockmount I've seen.

Thank you.  Or not.  This thread might end up costing me $130 or so some day soon.

it will be the best 130$ you will spend for gear....

[F.O.Bean]

How rigid is the clip that holds the mic?  Is it rigid enough that there's no mic sagging but flexible enough to adequately provide sound isolation from shocks to the mic stand? 

If the mic stand falls over, what are the chances that lyre piece will crack or break?

Best sound isolation I've ever encountered.   The inner ring or "clip" is harder and more rigid, the outer section or "lyre" is very flexible. 

The clip would handle a fall as well as any non-metal shockmount I've seen.

Thank you.  Or not.  This thread might end up costing me $130 or so some day soon.

Yeah, same here!

[John Willett]

That pic looks pretty sexy.  And the cable clip.  Wow.   

Looking forward to getting these delivered soon....

If you can, also get the Rycote S-series XLR tail (£15 in the UK).  This is shown in the picture - it's a thin and flexible tail that stops cable noise being transmitted to the mic. via the cable - I use these myself.

[John Willett]

How rigid is the clip that holds the mic?  Is it rigid enough that there's no mic sagging but flexible enough to adequately provide sound isolation from shocks to the mic stand? 

If the mic stand falls over, what are the chances that lyre piece will crack or break?

The Rycote InVision is the toughest mount on the market.  It's made from "Hytrel" - you can tye the lyred in knots and they unfold back to their original position and I have seen them thrown across a room and they don't break.  They are the best there is and I have changed all my mounts for all my microphones to the Rycote now.

[stevetoney]

That pic looks pretty sexy.  And the cable clip.  Wow.   

Looking forward to getting these delivered soon....

If you can, also get the Rycote S-series XLR tail (£15 in the UK).  This is shown in the picture - it's a thin and flexible tail that stops cable noise being transmitted to the mic. via the cable - I use these myself.

So John, I couldn't find the XLR tails on the Rycote site. 

I guess you're saying that the clip shown on the mount that the cable loops into isn't part of the basic mount...it costs extra? 

Does that clip simply slide over the base of the mount then?

Does it click into place such that it's kinda there permanently or do you have to put in on and take it off every time you disconnect the mount or risk losing the clip?   

Thinking out loud about whether I'd want to buy these, 30 pounds seems like a ton of money for two plastic clips that could be easy to lose, but then again I know Rycote stuff isn't cheap. 

Functionally do the clips add anything that a strip of velcro which holds the slack on the cable doesn't?

Thanks!

[it-goes-to-eleven]

For those on a tight budget, they sell just the replacement clips.  You could buy those and attach them to some other pivots, or whatever.

[John Willett]

That pic looks pretty sexy.  And the cable clip.  Wow.   

Looking forward to getting these delivered soon....

If you can, also get the Rycote S-series XLR tail (£15 in the UK).  This is shown in the picture - it's a thin and flexible tail that stops cable noise being transmitted to the mic. via the cable - I use these myself.

So John, I couldn't find the XLR tails on the Rycote site. 

I guess you're saying that the clip shown on the mount that the cable loops into isn't part of the basic mount...it costs extra? 

Does that clip simply slide over the base of the mount then?

Does it click into place such that it's kinda there permanently or do you have to put in on and take it off every time you disconnect the mount or risk losing the clip?   

Thinking out loud about whether I'd want to buy these, 30 pounds seems like a ton of money for two plastic clips that could be easy to lose, but then again I know Rycote stuff isn't cheap. 

Functionally do the clips add anything that a strip of velcro which holds the slack on the cable doesn't?

Thanks!

No - the clip is part of the INV mount.



What I am saying is that the short thin and flexible XLR-3F to XLR-3M tail that Rycote do as an optional extra is well worth getting as it helps decouple the mic. from the normal cable.

[Massive Dynamic]

For those on a tight budget, they sell just the replacement clips.  You could buy those and attach them to some other pivots, or whatever.

+T
No pic, but I think this is what you might be looking for- http://www.adorama.com/RY042202.html Also available at B&H for the same price. If you can afford Neumann, the INV-3 look like a great accessory. For those who can't, a little DIY to the rescue.

[Massive Dynamic]

Some photos of my prototype made from 3/4" wide red oak trim. Might make one with a base of plexiglas later.







Total cost was less than $35 with shipping figured in. You'll need M3 x 16mm bolts and M3 nuts. Hole needed is 1/8" for the M3 bolts. I drilled a 1/4" hole for the center mounting hole.

[OOK]

                                                  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
                                                             Gheto Style..But they should work

[John Willett]

Some photos of my prototype made from 3/4" wide red oak trim. Might make one with a base of plexiglas later.







Total cost was less than $35 with shipping figured in. You'll need M3 x 16mm bolts and M3 nuts. Hole needed is 1/8" for the M3 bolts. I drilled a 1/4" hole for the center mounting hole.

Interesting - but it does strike me as rather silly to spend lots of money on a mic. and then try and save a few pennies by cobbling together such a mount - and it still does not swivel.

The original Rycote InVision retails at only £30 +VAT in the UK and the XLR tail only about £15 +VAT - compared to several hundred for the mic.itself. 

[axomxa]

Some photos of my prototype made from 3/4" wide red oak trim. Might make one with a base of plexiglas later.







Total cost was less than $35 with shipping figured in. You'll need M3 x 16mm bolts and M3 nuts. Hole needed is 1/8" for the M3 bolts. I drilled a 1/4" hole for the center mounting hole.

Interesting - but it does strike me as rather silly to spend lots of money on a mic. and then try and save a few pennies by cobbling together such a mount - and it still does not swivel.

The original Rycote InVision retails at only £30 +VAT in the UK and the XLR tail only about £15 +VAT - compared to several hundred for the mic.itself. 

With John's point well taken it still says something about uniqueness and of course ingenuity 

[jdwtyl]

Have you looked into the JM27 shock mount? It's cheap, has an open top (so the neumann logo doesn't get pulled off), and it's a perfect fit for the mics. I used them before I sold my 184s with no problems at all.

[Massive Dynamic]

Interesting - but it does strike me as rather silly to spend lots of money on a mic. and then try and save a few pennies by cobbling together such a mount - and it still does not swivel.

The original Rycote InVision retails at only £30 +VAT in the UK and the XLR tail only about £15 +VAT - compared to several hundred for the mic.itself. 

I think I agreed with you a couple of posts ago; if you can afford Neumanns, the InVision is a cool accessory. Sometimes customizing something to fit your specific needs is necessary when the mfgr doesn't do so. I really think there is something to be said for encouraging creativity, though.

At any rate, it took me about 5 minutes to come up with two different options to address your swivel criticism; took only an hour and a half to make them. Here are the parts needed.


Here is one option mounted on a vert bar I "cobbled together" as a low-weight alternative to the A27M.




Here is the other option using a 1/4" eye-bolt. Can be maneuvered into almost any position.

[Fried Chicken Boy]

Very cool, MD.  If memory serves me correct, you're also using this mount with Milabs, no?

FWIW, you could also use a Manfrotto Rapid Adapter and screw its stud directly into the base of your mount and affix it to the stud on top of your stand.  Would give you the horizontal rotation if you require it.

[Massive Dynamic]

Very cool, MD.  If memory serves me correct, you're also using this mount with Milabs, no?

Yes, but without continuing this threadjack, I've started a new thread, http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=155687.0

[page]

Very cool, MD.  If memory serves me correct, you're also using this mount with Milabs, no?

FWIW, you could also use a Manfrotto Rapid Adapter and screw its stud directly into the base of your mount and affix it to the stud on top of your stand.  Would give you the horizontal rotation if you require it.

Thats what I do. There are some pictures in the clamp thread with it IIRC.

I think i own 3 or 4 rapid adaptors as a result...

I've found that using anything heavier than standard actives with a standard ortf delrin bar and the inv-6 sags more then I like. For wider spacings or heavier stuff, I use the inv-hg. If I could get the stiffer lyres with the inv-6 openings, I'd buy them and replace the middle bar section, but I don't want to give up the stiffer lyres.

John?