Tips on the use of your (original style) RoboPole mic boompole
by Fred Ginsburg
Amount of extension
Whenever you extend a boompole, do not lock the pole sections extended all the way to
the safety stops.
The proper technique for achieving maximum reach is to slide the pole section to the
stop, and then back it in a couple of inches. A slight overlap will make the pole
sturdier (no wilting at the locking collars) and quieter.
Preventing cable noise
Conductance is noise or rumble (physical vibrations) that travel along the sheath
of the cable. To prevent this, the inside tube section of the boompole is foam dampened.
In the Robobole® the cable is fully enveloped in compressed foam rubber for the entire
length of the inside section.
To maintain the pliability and cleanliness of the mic cable, routinely wipe it down
with a restorative solution such as Armor All™.
Percussion is noise created by the cable banging against the remaining tube
sections of the boompole. Since the pole telescopes, it is impossible to foam dampen any
but the innermost tube.
The best technique for controlling cable percussion is to keep the cable taut while
holding the boom. As the cable exits from the pole, loop it around the little finger or
thumb of your supporting hand and keep the line snug. Do not allow the cable to merely
exit the pole and drop to the floor!
The final cause of cable noise can be the mic connection.. XLR connectors on mics as
well as cables have been known to loosen from continuous usage. Place a strip of cloth
camera tape over the junction where the microphone connects to the boom cable to protect
against intermittent connection occurring when the mic is moved around.
Always maintain some slack in the cable connection between boompole and microphone. A
taut cable will conduct handling noise.
On the same token, excess cable can flap around and cause noise. This excess can
simply be wrapped once or twice around the pole beneath the shockmount.
The cable on the RoboPole® is cable-tied in a small loop where it exits the tip
of the pole in order to reduce conductance as well as to serve as a strain relief. Do not
remove this tie!
Another useful trick is to use a short jumper cable inside of your blimp windscreens.
This cable should terminate at the handle of your shockmount, and be permanently attached
with cable ties or tape. It will simplify the process of mounting your shockmount to the
pole, because it will no longer be necessary to open up the windscreen and dress the cable
every time you need to use the mic. DO NOT attempt to lengthen the cable at the top
of the pole by forcefully pulling it out of the metal tube. Remember, this cable is foam
wrapped for 3 or 4 feet inside, and pulling it out will damage the cable!
The amount of cable at the tip of the boom should be sufficient to attach
the mic when using an open style (indoor) shockmount without a zeppelin.
But when an enclosed zeppelin is used, the cable from the boompole attaches to a jumper
cable already inside the zeppelin and terminating at the handle.Excess boom cable at the
tip of the pole can be secured with tape or a rubber band to prevent it from flopping
around.
When you store or ship a boompole, it is extremely important that you take the time
to properly coil up the mic cable exiting the bottom of the pole. The exit cable
should be wrapped in a circular loop, as you would any microphone cable. Use velcro or
twine to tie off the cable.
A circular wind will prevent the cable from kinking during storage. Note that a cable
full of kinks will tend to snag inside the pole when the pole is telescoped and may have
more of a tendency to rattle during a take.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Wipe the mic cable regularly with Armor All™ to keep it clean and pliable.
Stubborn adhesive residue (such as from Gaffers tape) can be removed with WD-40™ or
Hoppes No. 9 Gunpowder Solvent™.
If you do use a petroleum based solvent such as these, make sure you clean the excess
off with some alcohol to remove the oil, and then treat the clean cable with Armor
All™.
The pole sections are designed to come apart for access and cleaning. Unscrew the
locking collars completely and then gently tug the inner metal tube away from the outer
tube. The mic cable and XLR connector will pass through the cable exit port without having
to de-solder the connector. Do not attempt to remove the mic cable from the top section
(the tube where the shockmount attaches).
Wipe the metal sections clean and blow out the dust inside of any tubes. Clean the
surface of the tubes with general househould cleaner, such as Formula 409™,
Windex™, etc. If needed, use a stronger solvent to remove sticky tape residue, but
remember to clean off the excess oil (with cleaner or alcohol) or else the pole sections
will not lock up.
Re-assemble the pole sections the same way you took them apart. Remember to replace the
knurled handle on the pole first, followed by the plastic inner bracelet. Then insert the
metal pole into the outer pole.
If your pole does not lock up firmly when the outer collar is tightened (finger tight,
not pipe-wrench tight) — check to see if there are any plastic filings or burrs on
the plastic bracelet or inside of the collar. Scrape those off with the side of a knife.
Squeeze the plastic bracelet with your fingers. It should compress snugly around the
pole and still have a small gap remaining. If the bracelet has stretched due to heat, etc.
it may not be able to compress enough to grip the pole section. Simply snip a little strip
of the plastic away to make a wider gap.
Please feel free to call us anytime you have any questions or problems with your
RoboPole boompole. We're happy to discuss boom techniques, cleaning, or emergency repairs.
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