Audio Field Recording Tip: Ditch the bag, use a shoulder rig

There are a bunch of other ones that are exactly the same just under different brand names.

While on set I saw that the guy running audio (Brendo) was using one of those common shoulder rigs everyone was buying years ago for DLSR video. I had seen him do this in a few BTS videos and finally decided I was going to switch to that way too. It has been WAY better than the bag I had been using and while I can't take credit for this idea I wanted to spread the idea because I'm sure there are a lot of these rigs sitting in boxes collecting dust.

Yes professional field recorders and bags are probably the way to go when you're running a nicer field mixer but for your more basic setups I have found this to be much more convenient with the gear I'm using.

[GL-uyfd]

Hello, I have watched your video, bought one and run it with an H6 for like 2 years now. You have given me the gift of a great workflow, this is amazing.

The best way to interface with budget recorders, plus it grabs the attention around the set. While budget productions are used to all kinds of clumsy recorder handling this comes out as super professional and ready-for-everything kinda vibe.

Can’t recommend enough

[ronfya]

When recording with a small recorder, I clamp it directly on the boom pole using a super clamp. It's the smallest footprint you can have as a soundguy I think.

[teancumhorning]

Thanks for blowing my mind man. I'm grateful that I was able to find this video. I will say that I'm a little mad now at how simple of a solution this is but hey, it might just work.

[ChrisBrown-wrwf]

I used one of those mounts in a slightly different way. The boom swinger always has to have his arms up above his head to get the mic out of shot. But I put a mount on top of the shoulder rig that the boom pole slips into, and put a counterweight on the opposite shoulder end. Much like a camera jig, the boom pole now 'floats' horizontal, and needs only a little push up from beneath to lift it above the talent. And since the mount has bearings, a simple twisst of the wrist allows the mike to swing left / right 45 degrees

[GaryDmedia]

+heyjustj thanks for your thoughts. Yes recording straight to the camera makes it a lot simpler. Appreciate your comment.

[VitJurek]

It's BLOW my mind! I always have problem with holding a gear. It's genius.

[ktor]

Dude yes, That idea rocks!! Thank you!

[larry]

Sound Devices recorders/mixers are a huge step up in quality.

[OtayMedia]

I love this idea! You have just saved my neck

[MarkDoubleday]

First, great beard! I really like this idea, I get tired of looking down at my rig while booming. I suppose this is optimal for a lighter setup? -- though it would be a treat to see a shoulder rig with 8 lavs Frankensteined out the sides, haha!

[sigridlee]

Sounds like a great idea which I'll definitely try. Thanks.

[j.d.]

Like everyone else, compliments on the beard.

But this is an EXCELLENT tip! I've been trying to find an easier way to do things and to be able to hand off the rif quickly. This is perfect!

[SoundSpeeding]

Oh hey, another big bearded soundie! :-D ;-)

It is an interesting idea, and I can see how it could be beneficial if you're booming at the same time and only recording the boom

However I'd strongly recommend against this approach, as it is does scream out to everyone else on set that you're an amateur, and once you move on up from a simple boom and recorder set up then this approach becomes impractical. (there is no way it would be a smart idea to position a bag like mine that high up! The weight and bulk is just too great)

[inchfromtheground]

I use a tascam dr44 wl and mount it to the pole between my hand grips. I've done 16 hour days like that and it was a breeze.

[alonejourney]

Hii..bro...can I record some professional broadcast quality audio from following Zoom H6 recorder + Rode NTG3 + Rode blimp + Rode Boom ....?

[Mazomedia]

Nice tip! And that beard is majestic...

[justinbrewer]

worked on a job recently where we didn't use an external recorder, but ran it directly into the camera. The wires were EVERYWHERE, nearly tripping, and looking sloppy despite my efforts to fix it up. Do you have any advice on the best way to work together with a cameraman when plugged directly into the camera?

[GaryDmedia]

Thanks +heyjustj for the great tip. Good ideas like those make life a lot easier. It looks like you use a Tascam recorder. Is it working well for you?

[GL-uyfd]

Btw we should all call it “booming brando”

“Tell me bout your audio setup”
“Oh, yknow, I’m going Brando with an H6”

Spread the word

[Channel]

where did you get that shoulder rig from? or where did you order it from?..AWESOME beard by the