Topic: Sennheiser set-up on shock mount

[skimmel]

  Just got a pair of MKH8040's.  They have been fantastic! (and I am grateful to this forum for helping me to make the decision.)  The only problem I'm having now is that when I mount them in a shockmount and the plug in an XLR cable, the cable tends to pull the back of the mic down.  Given how light and short the mic is, it's really hard to balance it in the shockmount.

   Any advice? Thanks.

[flipp]

Attach the cable to the mount so it doesn't place a strain on the bands of the mount (assuming you are using a non-solid mount) or attach the cable to your stand taking the strain off the mount. As long as the mic isn't touching the mount itself, adjust the mount so the mic points where you want it.

Without knowing what specific mount you are using I can only offer generic suggestions.

< Some mounts have a built-in clip for the cable thus taking the weight of the cable off the mounting bands while velcroing the cable to the stand serves the same purpose. Some folks also claim noise can be introduced through the cable if not isolated in the above manner; I've never experienced any noise but I also fix the cable to the stand. >

[danlynch]

I use the Rycote shock mounts and they are far superior the mounts that come with the 8040s.

[John Willett]

  Just got a pair of MKH8040's.  They have been fantastic! (and I am grateful to this forum for helping me to make the decision.)  The only problem I'm having now is that when I mount them in a shockmount and the plug in an XLR cable, the cable tends to pull the back of the mic down.  Given how light and short the mic is, it's really hard to balance it in the shockmount.

If you are using the horrible Sennheiser 8000 series shockmount - don't - it's horrible (the only bad thing about the 8000 series).

Use a Rycote InVision series - EG: INV-3 - it's what I use with my 8000 series mics.  Technically it is also much better than the Sennheiser mount (and cheaper as well).

Also - I strongly recommend using the Rycote S-Series XLR tail to go between the mic and the main XLR cable.  Make sure you put it through the cable grip on the shockmount.  As it is thin and flexible, it decouples the mic. from the main cable and prevents handling noise coming up the cable to the mic.

This is how I do it.

[skimmel]

Thank you everyone for the great advice. 

I am using the Sennheiser shock mounts and I agree, very disappointing.  Will take a look at the Rycote solution. Thanks.

[F.O.Bean]

Thank you everyone for the great advice. 

I am using the Sennheiser shock mounts and I agree, very disappointing.  Will take a look at the Rycote solution. Thanks.

I would do exactly what John says. The money is well worth it IMO, and a small price to pay for peace of mind, and not much $$ at all compared to what you spent on the mics

[John Willett]

Thank you everyone for the great advice. 

I am using the Sennheiser shock mounts and I agree, very disappointing.  Will take a look at the Rycote solution. Thanks.

The MKH 8000 series is a superb series - but the suspension is horrible.  But it is the *only* horrible thing in the series - everything else is excellent.

[cashandkerouac]

Rycote INV-3 if you are not using the MZL remote cable.  (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554995-REG/Rycote_041103_INV_3_InVision_Indoor_Microphone.html)

Rycote INV-2 if you are using the MZL remote cables (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554994-REG/Rycote_041102_INV_2_InVision_Indoor_Microphone.html)

they aren't cheap, but they are well worth the investment.

also, if you don't have the clips that are shown in the picture that John W. posted you can use a small piece of gaff tape to secure the cable to the stand to alleviate tension. 

[John Willett]

..... if you don't have the clips that are shown in the picture that John W. posted you can use a small piece of gaff tape to secure the cable to the stand to alleviate tension.

But *do* make sure you get the Rycote S-Series XLR tails or the Sennheiser remote cables as these are flexible and decouple the mic. from the main cable to eliminate (or virtually eliminate) handling noise coming up the cable.

[skimmel]

Thanks again everyone. I just ordered the Rycote mounts and the Rycote tails.

[John Willett]

Thanks again everyone. I just ordered the Rycote mounts and the Rycote tails.

Great - you made the right choice. 

[BusDriver]

I've enjoyed my 8040s for nearly 2 years. I have had them outdoors only once, but think time has come for more. IF using the rycote shock system, Inv 2 or 3,  what wind protection is most effective? Is Baby Ball Gag the only option? CAn the Shure 81ws even fit without falling off? I have been using them DIN or ORTF with a single Shure donut to this point.

Additionally, I'd like to hear from anyone (PM please) on your particulars using these st*^lth. Chopped XLR or the MZL cables? Do the MZL's really save much in a tight space?

Lastly, has anyone utilized the MZL cable and custom terminated the output to a single connector for use with a Tinybox? Or, if the MZL remote cable is stereo enabled as has been written, just what is needed to run a pair through the single cable?

Thanks

[John Willett]

I've enjoyed my 8040s for nearly 2 years. I have had them outdoors only once, but think time has come for more. IF using the rycote shock system, Inv 2 or 3,  what wind protection is most effective? Is Baby Ball Gag the only option? CAn the Shure 81ws even fit without falling off? I have been using them DIN or ORTF with a single Shure donut to this point.

Additionally, I'd like to hear from anyone (PM please) on your particulars using these st*^lth. Chopped XLR or the MZL cables? Do the MZL's really save much in a tight space?

Lastly, has anyone utilized the MZL cable and custom terminated the output to a single connector for use with a Tinybox? Or, if the MZL remote cable is stereo enabled as has been written, just what is needed to run a pair through the single cable?

Thanks

Rycote do a special basket windshield and mount for a pair of MKH 8040 in ORTF configuration.

They also do a ConnBox that terminates in two MZL tails and outputs on a 5-pin XLR.

I have had a special Y-cable made to put two capsules down a single remote cable.

This picture shows my Y-cable to connect a pair of MKH 8000 series to an MZD 8000.

[danlynch]

To where to you plug in the 5-pin XLR?

[cashandkerouac]

I've enjoyed my 8040s for nearly 2 years. I have had them outdoors only once, but think time has come for more. IF using the rycote shock system, Inv 2 or 3,  what wind protection is most effective? Is Baby Ball Gag the only option? CAn the Shure 81ws even fit without falling off? I have been using them DIN or ORTF with a single Shure donut to this point.

Additionally, I'd like to hear from anyone (PM please) on your particulars using these st*^lth. Chopped XLR or the MZL cables? Do the MZL's really save much in a tight space?

Lastly, has anyone utilized the MZL cable and custom terminated the output to a single connector for use with a Tinybox? Or, if the MZL remote cable is stereo enabled as has been written, just what is needed to run a pair through the single cable?
Thanks

Naiant makes a P48 adapter cable (L-R XLR > 6-pin mini-XLR) that will allow you to connect the MZL cables to the Tinybox without any modifications.  This solution has worked very well for me.  It's less expensive than a mod to the MZL cables, and you'll still be able to use the MZL cables with pres that have an XLR connection.