Hanging with Ben...

[Remoteness]

Ben,

Quit some time ago you sent me a link to a page with a few photos of your microphone hanger system. I liked what I saw...

How is that device working out? Have you made any updated to the design? Will it be available for sale?

I feel your clever device needs to be seen by the Remote Possibilities Crew. I hope you don't mind that I mentioned it...

I tried to included the link in this post but, it didn't take. Can you kindly show us your mic hanger?

Keep up the good work!

[fifthcircle]

I haven't had the time lately to mess with it more... But a couple more have been made. The new ones are a smaller plate size and screws that are a bit easier to use.... I had some issues with the screw threads we cut so I need to try again.

As for doing something commercially with it... I'm considering it, but once again the time thing... Not completely sure of what direction to go.

the site is: http://photos.yahoo.com/fifthcircle2004 (then click on mic hanger)

--Ben

[hollywood_steve]

Hey Ben,

Could you please explain the idea behind this unusual hanger? A couple of parts are obvious; like the clamp to hold the rig from it's signal cable, and the cyclindrical stud with 5/8 27 thread to attach your mic mount. But what does the second flat plate do? The piece that does not clamp to the mic , the plate with the oblong hole cut into it......... what is it's purpose?

I have also been trying to fabricate a "better hanger" but I've been approaching the problem from a different angle; using 3 elastic cords (similar to the AEA hanger) and also NOT using the mic's signal cable for support (I want to be able to hang big mics; 4038s, my Bottle, maybe some big old RCA ribbons, etc.) I have duplicated the AEA hanger, for about $10 in parts, but all that means is that I've built a cheaper hanger, not a better one.

The problem with the AEA product (and my early attempts) is that the mics have a tendency to twist in the breeze. Even the slightest contact with the boom stand can send the mic twisting, and result with the mic pointing away from the source. I've been trying to put my college knowledge to use, but it's been a LONG time since I calculated moments. My solution will likely come from trial and error, not an elegant mathematical solution.

I see countless old photos of 4038s hanging from their three attachment points, so I'm assuming that a workable solution can be found that utilizes a three point suspension mount. But I haven't figured out how they kept the mics steady (motionless)

Anybody got this figured out already?

[fifthcircle]

The thought process was hanging mics like I have to for Symphony orchestras...

There is a standard 5/8"-27 thread on a stud. The cable goes in the trough and is clamped down. The hole is for the 2nd cable to tie it back (allows for easy tie or a clip). That way when you are moving the microphone forwards and backwards the angle of the mic stays the same.

When I hang in an auditorium, the mic is suspended by 2 wires- one is the microphone cable that goes up into the fly gallery and attaches to my snake. The other is a piece of monofilimant or string that is tied either to the back of the stage or a balcony (depends on the room). With this mount even extreme angles are an easy hang...

--Ben

[Remoteness]

Hey, Ben:

Apparently the Flickr link you provided use a while back is dead. Page Not Found


Can you upload those photos on the GS server?

[fifthcircle]

I'm not sure I remember the photos that I had posted from way back when... I do have an auditorium hanger that I designed that is pretty cool and a decca tree that uses the same principle to get it to hang level... I have not had the time to get them to a point where they could perhaps be sold. I have thought about it, but just haven't done anything.

--Ben

[Remoteness]

I hear you loud and clear.

That's why I prefer when people upload their files to the GS server.
For the most part, nothing ever gets lost.
There are so many threads with missing links because of closed accounts and such.

In any event, it's all good - I just wanted to see if you had the jpegs to share.

[fifthcircle]

You can see the rig in action here:

Best of flying mics

--Ben