Topic: Clamp-aholics. The ultimate clamping and rigging team thread

[seethreepo]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEEWER-Microphone-Suspension-Boom-Scissor-Arm-Stand-Studio-Mic-Holder-NEW/252440479894?_trksid=p2045573.c100507.m3226&_trkparms=aid%3D555014%26algo%3DPL.DEFAULT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D36866%26meid%3Df47cc42ba47940548e7020d56b0ce30e%26pid%3D100507%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26

has anyone used anything like this to clamp to / & out over a balcony?   Seems like a cost effective , small, lightweight ,portable solution  as opposed to  a pole/ half pole   / clamp combo.   
thoughts?
 

[voltronic]

^ I wouldn't do it.  These are the type of thing used in radio broadcast.  The clamp on those things is pretty flimsy compared to the super clamps and made to use with a flat desk.  It would never open wide enough for something like a balcony rail, nor would it grab securely.  The arm joints also don't lock down but are made to move easily with a fairly light touch - picture a radio broadcaster grabbing and adjusting it while on the air seated at their desk.

[vanark]

Manfrotto has 2 section and 3 section articulating arms that perform well for that type of situation. They don't cost $20, but they are the right tool for the job.

[DigiGal]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEEWER-Microphone-Suspension-Boom-Scissor-Arm-Stand-Studio-Mic-Holder-NEW/252440479894?_trksid=p2045573.c100507.m3226&_trkparms=aid%3D555014%26algo%3DPL.DEFAULT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D36866%26meid%3Df47cc42ba47940548e7020d56b0ce30e%26pid%3D100507%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26

has anyone used anything like this to clamp to / & out over a balcony?   Seems like a cost effective , small, lightweight ,portable solution  as opposed to  a pole/ half pole   / clamp combo.   
thoughts?
 

Definitely wouldn't recommend that.

This would be better suited for over a balcony (post #35 in TSKB clamps). . .
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=2456.msg1999346#msg1999346

[seethreepo]

Thanks guys re the above advice. What would be the most cost effective option?  I have a pretty modest open rig  dollar value wise and it seems so counter intuitive to spend as much or more than the electronics  compared to the hardware.   

[goodcooker]

Thanks guys re the above advice. What would be the most cost effective option?  I have a pretty modest open rig  dollar value wise and it seems so counter intuitive to spend as much or more than the electronics  compared to the hardware.

Are you running full body mics and heavy shock mounts? Go with a super clamp and a real extension arm. Like this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/850345-REG/impact_bhe_107_2_sec_articulated_arm_w_o.html. You are in for around $60.

For a light setup (actives or small mics with plastic clips) I have used a Windtech C clamp and a flexible gooseneck. Like this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298897-REG/WindTech_GN_19B_19_Flexible_Metal_Gooseneck.html. In for under $30.

When you are clamping a rig and hanging it out over people's heads you need to spend the coin on the safest setup.

[DigiGal]

When you are clamping a rig and hanging it out over people's heads you need to spend the coin on the safest setup.

QFT - Safety has to be priority number one!

Safety cables are a must too but even then the venue may not let you clamp to their balcony rail or over people's heads.

Good shock mounts are important, people sometimes pound on the balcony rails or bump into them etc. Without proper shock mounts the thumps would be transferred right into the mic's.

[seethreepo]

Thanks guys re the above advice. What would be the most cost effective option?  I have a pretty modest open rig  dollar value wise and it seems so counter intuitive to spend as much or more than the electronics  compared to the hardware.

Are you running full body mics and heavy shock mounts? Go with a super clamp and a real extension arm. Like this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/850345-REG/impact_bhe_107_2_sec_articulated_arm_w_o.html. You are in for around $60.

For a light setup (actives or small mics with plastic clips) I have used a Windtech C clamp and a flexible gooseneck. Like this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298897-REG/WindTech_GN_19B_19_Flexible_Metal_Gooseneck.html. In for under $30.

When you are clamping a rig and hanging it out over people's heads you need to spend the coin on the safest setup.

Thanks  Cooker !  the articulated arm looks great    but do you think  the gooseneck   would it support a tbar 2 small shocks and  pair of Studio projects c4 's do you think? or would it only "hang"    ie is it rigid enough to point straight out  or would the weight of the proposed gear bend it?

[rocksuitcase]

When you are clamping a rig and hanging it out over people's heads you need to spend the coin on the safest setup.

QFT - Safety has to be priority number one!

Safety cables are a must too but even then the venue may not let you clamp to their balcony rail or over people's heads.

Good shock mounts are important, people sometimes pound on the balcony rails or bump into them etc. Without proper shock mounts the thumps would be transferred right into the mic's.

After I posted a picture of my balcony mounted set up of naiant PFA's AKGck61's someone here pointed me to these safety cables; I bought two and have yet to need them, but they are cool:
https://www.amazon.com/Chauvet-CH-05-Safety-Cable/dp/B0013YGMRC

[Fried Chicken Boy]

QFT - Safety has to be priority number one!

Safety cables are a must too but even then the venue may not let you clamp to their balcony rail or over people's heads.

Good shock mounts are important, people sometimes pound on the balcony rails or bump into them etc. Without proper shock mounts the thumps would be transferred right into the mic's.

This.  Don't even think about clamping and hanging your rig off a balcony, and over people's heads, unless you do it right and also use safety cables.  Make sure every piece of your mounting gear is somehow attached to the cables.  Bad enough if one of your microphones takes a dive, but hitting an attendee down below with a piece of your falling rig is unacceptable.  Not only is it bad juju to injure someone but you'll put the venue in a position where they're liable and they could very easily pull the plug on open recording.  Happened at a few venues I regularly taped in, thank goodness nobody got hit by the mics/gear. 

I would suggest the articulated arms and/or extension poles due to rigidity as opposed to goosenecks, but that's a personal opinion. 

And DigiGal's suggestion of shockmounts is a must.  Unlike rolling from a stand where the stand itself can absorb vibration, you really don't have such a buffer when clamping.  All it takes is a single ADHD case hammering away on the railing all night to make your perfect recording painful to listen to.

[seethreepo]

glad to see we are a safety conscious crew  here.    Despite my thrifty tendency  I wouldn't risk anyone's safety.   Preferences between c style clamps and superclamps ?   in terms of safety  / secure grip / versitlity?

[Fried Chicken Boy]

Having one/a few of both types (Superclamps and C-clamps) would be a good thing for your gearbag.  Different tools for different jobs, you also need to take into account the weight of whatever the clamp is supporting.  The Superclamp is the heartier of the two and able to hold more weight, the C-clamp is a little smaller and better for tight spaces and poles.  goodcooker's comment is a good rule of thumb:

Are you running full body mics and heavy shock mounts? Go with a super clamp and a real extension arm. Like this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/850345-REG/impact_bhe_107_2_sec_articulated_arm_w_o.html. You are in for around $60.

For a light setup (actives or small mics with plastic clips) I have used a Windtech C clamp and a flexible gooseneck. Like this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298897-REG/WindTech_GN_19B_19_Flexible_Metal_Gooseneck.html. In for under $30.

When you are clamping a rig and hanging it out over people's heads you need to spend the coin on the safest setup.

[Gordon]

I was given a rowi clamp (thanks jbell)!  I'm terrible at figuring out what adapter I need.  I think 5/8 to 1/4?




something like this?  it's reversible so does 3/8 as well

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1083039-REG/auray_ad_combo_s_5_8_to_3_8.html

[jbell]

That should work Gordon!  This would also work with your existing adapters.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/999216-REG/flm_10_00_020_3_8_16_to_1_4_20_female.html

[F.O.Bean]

I was given a rowi clamp (thanks jbell)!  I'm terrible at figuring out what adapter I need.  I think 5/8 to 1/4?




something like this?  it's reversible so does 3/8 as well

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1083039-REG/auray_ad_combo_s_5_8_to_3_8.html

That's a Rowi 76, nice And that's a 1/4"-20 male thread on the Rowi, so figure out what you need from that And +T to JBell for giving you a Rowi Clamp Don't forget there is a tree screw at the end of the tightening rod