Topic: Mic mounts for 12mm carbon fiber rod?

[voltronic]

I have a 1m long, 12mm diameter stiff carbon fiber tube that was graciously given to me by Scott Shepherd of SRS Recording to trial DPA 406x clips he 3D printed. The center has a very nice printed 20mm section designed to clip into a Rycote shock.

Instead of buying an expensive 1m bar, I would like to repurpose this tube to mount full-size mics with bodies. Instead of shock mounting the whole rod, I would clamp the center to the top of my stand.
 
I'm looking for ideas on a secure way to attach my mic mounts that will be adjustable without slipping , not crush the carbon tube, and be as small as possible.

My initial thought was to use small clamps such as these, but I don't trust the little double-male 3/8" adapters I'd need to connect my shocks.

The closest thing I can find to what I want is this, but I would need to cut some pieces of rubber tubing to make up the 3 mm difference. That's preferable to wrapping the rod in tape, anyway.

Does anyone have any better ideas?

[mnm207]

Is the rod threaded at each end? If so, maybe a one of these on each end: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1640838-REG/smallrig_mini_magic_arm_with.html

[if_then_else]

https://www.smallrig.com/smallrig-12mm-15mm-single-rod-clamp-for-bmpcc-6k-pro-cage-3276.html

[voltronic]

Is the rod threaded at each end? If so, maybe a one of these on each end: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1640838-REG/smallrig_mini_magic_arm_with.html

No, it's a plain hollow carbon fiber rod. Those arms are way more involved than what I'm looking for. Just something with 3/8" male attachment points.

[voltronic]

https://www.smallrig.com/smallrig-12mm-15mm-single-rod-clamp-for-bmpcc-6k-pro-cage-3276.html

Well the mount itself with the reducing insert is right on the money of what I'm looking for. But the mounting plate needs to be oriented so it's perpendicular to the rod, and with 3/8" instead of 1/4" screw. (Again, I really don't want to trust adapters with the mics I'll be using.)

[if_then_else]

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1692280-REG/smallrig_3598_12mm_15mm_single_rod_clamp.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1434548-REG/camvate_c0979_convert_screw_adapter_1_4_20.html

Yes, I know that these are adapters. But with these video rod clamps 1/4 inch is the industry standard. So, you'll have difficulties in finding any small video clamps with integrated 3/8 screws.

[SMsound]

Ha, Voltronic we always seem to be working on similar projects. I'm building a bunch of custom superlight stereo bars and mounts, too.

Right now you're planning to clamp something onto the 1m tube, where the clamp has a 3/8" stud, and then screw the mic clip onto this stud?

Most mic clips are actually a 3/8" female nut, then a bolt/pivot point that uses a small machine bolt, then the part of the clip that grips the mic. Why not disassemble the clips via the machine bolt, and bolt them directly onto a tube clamp (skip the 3/8" nut and also the need to have a 3/8" stud)? Doing this means you just need to get a small nut onto your 1m tube, rather than a clamp and stud. Unless of course you want to be able to adjust the mics in two planes (so you really do need the 3/8" studs).

In that case, maybe something from this page?
https://www.mcmaster.com/tube-clamps/

Just be sure to check the actual inner diameter -- the 'nominal' size of pipes is never the actual size, and the difference is large (mcmaster will list both but you have to look). Your 15mm bar is just a bit larger than a 1/4" diameter nominal pipe (which is 0.54", despite the 1/4" name).

At any rate, DPA 406x weigh nothing... there should be a simple solution here that doesn't require a lot of metal clamps and adapters.

[voltronic]

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1692280-REG/smallrig_3598_12mm_15mm_single_rod_clamp.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1434548-REG/camvate_c0979_convert_screw_adapter_1_4_20.html

Yes, I know that these are adapters. But with these video rod clamps 1/4 inch is the industry standard. So, you'll have difficulties in finding any small video clamps with integrated 3/8 screws.

Those would have worked, except for the non-removable locating pin.

I think I'm probably going to go with the ones I found and posted above that have a 3/8" mount already and removable locating pins. I just need to get the reducing inserts.

[voltronic]

Ha, Voltronic we always seem to be working on similar projects. I'm building a bunch of custom superlight stereo bars and mounts, too.

Right now you're planning to clamp something onto the 1m tube, where the clamp has a 3/8" stud, and then screw the mic clip onto this stud?

Most mic clips are actually a 3/8" female nut, then a bolt/pivot point that uses a small machine bolt, then the part of the clip that grips the mic. Why not disassemble the clips via the machine bolt, and bolt them directly onto a tube clamp (skip the 3/8" nut and also the need to have a 3/8" stud)? Doing this means you just need to get a small nut onto your 1m tube, rather than a clamp and stud. Unless of course you want to be able to adjust the mics in two planes (so you really do need the 3/8" studs).

In that case, maybe something from this page?
https://www.mcmaster.com/tube-clamps/

Just be sure to check the actual inner diameter -- the 'nominal' size of pipes is never the actual size, and the difference is large (mcmaster will list both but you have to look). Your 15mm bar is just a bit larger than a 1/4" diameter nominal pipe (which is 0.54", despite the 1/4" name).

At any rate, DPA 406x weigh nothing... there should be a simple solution here that doesn't require a lot of metal clamps and adapters.

This is an interesting idea, but I do need adjustability in all axes. Also, this project is going to be for 4006A's which are quite long and hefty. If it was for 406x mics, I'd just gaff tape them to the bar like I do with my modular carbon fiber kite spur stand.

This bar will be used for pipe organ recording, and up very high (likely 20ft or more).

[if_then_else]

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1692280-REG/smallrig_3598_12mm_15mm_single_rod_clamp.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1434548-REG/camvate_c0979_convert_screw_adapter_1_4_20.html

Yes, I know that these are adapters. But with these video rod clamps 1/4 inch is the industry standard. So, you'll have difficulties in finding any small video clamps with integrated 3/8 screws.

Those would have worked, except for the non-removable locating pin.

I think I'm probably going to go with the ones I found and posted above that have a 3/8" mount already and removable locating pins. I just need to get the reducing inserts.

Probably worth asking the manufacturer (SmallRig) whether or not they'd sell them separately (or if they could send you some samples).

[morst]

off topic but also maybe not:


https://simpsons.fandom.com/wiki/Inanimate_carbon_rod

[marcb]

You inspired me to go down a rabbit hole I've been thinking about for some time because I wanted a wide stereo bar with flexibility for multiple orientations and multiple mics. I bought a 15mm, 61cm carbon fiber rod and two camvate right angle connector clamps which accept 15mm x 2cm rod that has a 3/8 thread for mic mount. I think it's a better solution than having the screw directly on the clamp as you can easily adjust the orientation of the mic by loosening the clamp. The flange on the 2cm rod keeps it from falling through the clamp while loose. I tried including some photos but they are not showing up in preview, will try to repost if it does not work.

With a 12mm rod, you may be able to find a 12mm ID, 15mm OD silicon tube which can be cut and used as an adapter. I did this with a 15mm ID, 20mm OD so I could use my Rycote shock mount to hold the bar, but I think I need a sturdier lyre.
 
Here are the links to products on amazon. If you're willing to wait you can get a lower priced / longer rod in 3-4 weeks.

15mm x 61 cm carbon fiber rod - https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Lightweight-Carbon-Fiber-1-5mm/dp/B07D6XK5TY/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=15mm+carbon+fiber+rod+24+inch&qid=1672962547&sprefix=15mm+24%22+carbon+%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-3


15mm right angle clamp - https://www.amazon.com/CAMVATE-Right-Degree-Rotate-Camera/dp/B07B1TCQ39/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=right+angle+15mm+rod+clamp&qid=1672962288&sprefix=right+angle+15mm%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-3

15mm x 2cm rod w/ 3/8 thread - https://www.amazon.com/CAMVATE-Micro-Female-Thread-Length/dp/B01LZ663R7/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3OPR333PW1QY6&keywords=15mm+rod+3%2F8+thread&qid=1672962491&sprefix=15mm+rod+3%2F8+threa%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-3

[voltronic]

That's a really neat solution, Marc.

[Gutbucket]

^^ Nice!

[allebaug]

Consider also the Rode Micro Boompole Pro for the basic rod substrate - $99 at B&H for 3x 3/8-16 threaded and socketed 29" sections. 

Between your planned use sessions you have a very lightwieght and rigid 7' boom.