Alternate shockmount for U87?

[James Guitar]

hi:
i read in the archives that a Rode shockmount is a decent substitute for the pricey U87 shockmount. Does anybody know which shockmount that is (is it for the K2, for example?) and does anyone have any other suggestions for alternate shockmounts? i want to avoid spending $175 on a shockmount if i can help it.
thanks!
-J

[rimbaud234]

I just used a BLUE Baby Bottle shockmount with a U87 and it worked great.

[shamrock]

Probably the one for the NT2. There's also a guy on eBay, I think his username is "miketube" that sells aftermarket old style (two metal bands) U87 shock mounts. They're 88 bucks. Hope this helps! thumbsup

[zemlin]

I use slightly modified Samson (or Peavey) shock mounts on my Oktava mics. They are $30 each. If you can reply with the thread diameter of the mic base I'll let you know if they would work for your U87.



I have other uses for the binder-clip Oktava mounts.

[James Guitar]

sure does, thanks!
-J

[James Guitar]

Originally Posted by zemlin

If you can reply with the thread diameter of the mic base I'll let you know if they would work for your U87.

i'll check it and get back to you.
thanks!
-j

[Crushed]

Go with miketube on ebay. It's actually Peluso Microphone Labs. They're great mounts for only 88 bux.

[squeegybug]

All I can say is, you might get pretty much what you pay for IMO. I've had a bunch of different types of "generic" design spider mounts, including some that came with high-end mics ( )

They don't even compare to the real Neumann mounts. Just touch the knob on those things, and it is *there*. Will not move. No more sore fingers or chasing pliers to tighten or loosen, no more flopping over and banging an instrument or singer in the middle of a session. They don't ring or bend, or have barely-soldered little pieces break off. Yes they are expensive, so is dropping my mics on the floor...

Steve

[James Guitar]

Originally Posted by squeegybug

Yes they are expensive, so is dropping my mics on the floor...

that's interesting to note and very true. has anybody had any problems with the peluso shockmount? i'm not counting out purchasing an original and can understand the *get what you pay for* maxim but i would appreciate user opinions on the peluso.
thanks
-J

[Crushed]

I just purchased the Peluso shockmount. Very well built, sturdy, and solid. Good stuff for a good cost.

[James Guitar]

Originally Posted by Crushed

I just purchased the Peluso shockmount. Very well built, sturdy, and solid. Good stuff for a good cost.

this might be a dumb question, but are you using it on a u87?
-J

[squeegybug]

Originally Posted by James Guitar

that's interesting to note and very true. has anybody had any problems with the peluso shockmount?

You mean like this one? --




That looks to be the similar/same mount as supplied with the Soundelux U195. I had tons of problems with that thing, those little hooks that hold the elastic bands are very thin cheap metal that is easily bent, they are barely spot-welded to the braces and broke twice, the braces are crooked and cause the mic to lean, the knob wouldn't stay tight, etc. If you have pattern/filter switches the straps can block access to them. They are a pain to remove and attach since the little thumbscrews are hard to get to. Soundelux replaced the first one and the second one did the same things. There are several threads here about others' similar experiences.

The "ADK" type screw-on mounts are a little sturdier, but also won't tighten reliably. If you buy any of the "cost effective" mounts, better stock up on elastic bands too, they sure don't last long, they stretch and break easily. Another sure way to drop a mic.

Steve

[Rick Sutton]

I use Audio technica shock mounts that are made for the 4033 for my pair of U87's. They work very well and I've picked them up used on Ebay for about $35 each. There's a "trick" to using them but it is easy and they have been flawless for 10 years of use.

[James Guitar]

Originally Posted by Rick Sutton

There's a "trick" to using them but it is easy and they have been flawless for 10 years of use.

what's the trick? or do i have to send $1 to your p.o. box?
-J

[Musiclab]

I have a peluso shockmount for my U87, it works great,

[Rick Sutton]

Originally Posted by James Guitar

what's the trick? or do i have to send $1 to your p.o. box?
-J

Nope. You just take that $1 and go down to your local hardware/home supply place and get a large flanged plumbing gasket that is perfect for fitting around the 87 and keeps it from backing out of the shockmount. The other end (capsule end) is held in place by the AT shockmount's rubber band and is also "backed-up" by the metal frame of the shockmount.
Although it may sound flimsy, it is not. The 87 balances beautifully in all orientations suspended on the two rubber "gaskets". The rubber gasket has about a 3/4" grip all around the case of the mic. I have two 87's with Innertube retro kits installed that have lived in these mounts for about ten years.
Now for the fine print.
These are mounts that you can't take the mics in and out of quickly. Mine live in the mounts and I put plastic bags (cut to size) over the heads of the mics when not in use. I prefer to leave my "big gun" mics always on stands as I have found them to be much safer this way as opposed to taking them on and off stands.
The AT mounts need to be in good shape. If they are not, contact AT and get several band rebuild kits (very cheap) and rebuild the mounts. This goes for ANY mount. My 87 mounts are 10 years old and still operate like new. In the same time period I have had to be-band a very expensive Neumann mount for my U47. No mount, no matter how expensive, is immune to this.
Even though I trust my mounting method, ALL my large mics that are in mounts on stands have their cable "cable-tied" to the boom about 6 inches back from the mic with several inches of slack so the mic can be positioned easily. This is for a situation where the mic and mount dismount from the stand. The cable tie will keep the mic from going all the way to the floor. I do this with two U87's, a U47, a C12 and a C24. If you want me to post a picture let me know.
There's your "Rube Goldberg" solution!

[squeegybug]

Originally Posted by Rick Sutton

I use Audio technica shock mounts that are made for the 4033

Just don't put your 4033s in them!


Steve

[Rick Sutton]

87 in Audio Technica mount.

[zemlin]

Someone should send me a U87 so I can see how it works with the Samson mount.