Best Boom Poles for Low Budget Film
A boom pole is used by a sound recordist to get the microphone closer to the actor. This person is known as the boom operator.
Traditionally, the boom operator is an assistant of the production sound mixer. However, in micro budget productions these 2 jobs are often performed by the same person.
The boom is an extendable pole with a screw at one end to attach your microphone mount. The boom operator holds the boom so that the microphone is as close to the correct distance to the speaker’s mouth as possible.
But the boom operator’s task is not as simple as it sounds. The operator must try to keep the microphone out of the frame. They must also avoid casting a shadow from the mic into frame. And one major challenge is holding the boom itself.
The boom pole might not feel heavy when you first lift it. But try holding it above your head, fully extended, with a microphone, windshield and dead cat on the far end, for a 5 minute dialogue scene…
#BoomOpsLife
Although it’s no longer my main job, I was a sound engineer for 20 years. During (and after I stopped doing it full time), I have recorded sound on several micro budget short films and one micro budget feature film (Christopher Lee’s last movie).
I also made 2 feature length micro budget films, one of which I directed while simultaneously recording sound… ah the micro budget filmmaker life.
I’ve only used 1 boom pole since I bought my first one, about 10 years ago. I think it cost me £60 at the time. It’s certainly lasted well, although I did lose the plastic base cap.
One issue with it is the tightening parts of each section. Sometimes you find yourself twisting them around to no effect. Having said that, it’s never been a major issue.
What features should I look for in a boom pole?
Maximum length. How long do you need your pole to extend? You might not choose the maximum because, while it gives you extra options, it can also add weight to the boom.
Minimum length of boom pole. A shorter pole when fully collapsed can make it easier to travel around with.
Boom pole weight. As I just mentioned, there are situations when you’re holding the boom and your muscles start giving up. Especially if this isn’t something you do every day. Trust me, you will thank your lightweight boom after a few days of boom operating.
Cheaper booms tend to be made of aluminum rather than carbon fiber or graphite. The latter material is lighter.
Internal XLR cable or external cable? Traditionally, the mic cable is held along the length of the pole on the outside. But newer poles now have cables running through the middle to remove flapping cable problems. There’s an internal coiled XLR cable that plugs into your microphone and provides an XLR output at the bottom.
Bear in mind, cheaper boom poles with internal XLR may not allow you to replace the cable. More expensive brands, however, sell replacement internal cable kits.
Related to this is the choice of side or bottom XLR output. Poles with internal cable can have an output directly from the bottom of the pole, or to the side of the handle. A cable coming from the bottom means it’s harder to stand when not in use.
Personally, I would be careful before buying a pole with an internal cable. Sometimes inventions which promise to make your life easier have the opposite result. Some of these poles create noise when the cable rattles around inside, which is very difficult to fix when it’s inside the boom.
RØDE Boom Pole
A solid, balanced boom pole for location recording, made from lightweight aluminum. Extends from 0.84m (33″) to 3m (10′). They claim an “easy to use locking mechanism”, however I believe this is the same design as the pole I have been using which experiences similar issues.
Still, it’s last me 10 years and it does the job.
RØDE’s boom poles, like their microphones, are aimed at the serious filmmaker on a budget. There are more expensive poles but also cheaper ones. They also come in 4 different models: Boompole (below), Boompole Pro, Micro Boompole and the Mini Boompole.
The Boompole is made of black anodised aluminium, weighs 950g and extends up to 3 meters.
The Boompole Pro is made of carbon fibre, weighs 535g (1.2lb) and extends up to 3 meters.
The Micro Boompole is made of black anodised aluminium, weighs 396g and extends to 2 meters.
The Mini Boompole is made of black anodised aluminium, weighs 580g and extends to 2 meters.
The Boompole Pro and the Mini Boompole allow you to thread your own XLR cable through the centre. Just remember to remove the female XLR shield though.
Check RØDE Boom Pole on Amazon
Neewer Boom Pole
If you are just starting out as a filmmaker, you might be looking for a budget option to get going.
Neewer are a great brand for the filmmaker on a budget, as they make sturdy reliable products at a very good prices. They also do budget lights, grips, tripods, camera sliders and more. If you check our other best of lists, you will see Neewer items often pop up.
The Neewer boom pole is not the lightest, but it’s a solid aluminium pole. Comes with adapters for the mic mounting end (note: look in the pouch in the top of the bag it comes with). Some of these poles are shipping with an internal cable included, so you might want to check for that too.
In terms of weight, this pole is over a kilogram. So you will get to develop your upper body strength as well as learning to be a boom op…
Check Neewer Boom Poles on Amazon.
Andoer TP-3000C Pro Carbon Fiber Microphone Pole
The Andoer TP-3000C is a sturdy carbon fibre boom pole at an entry-level price. The 4 section pole is adjustable from 92cm to 300cm. There’s an internal threading design plus 3 fastener tapes for external threading. Suitable for 1/4″ or 3/8″ screw mounts.
The pole weighs a nice 528g (18.6oz). So for a 3 meter boom pole made from carbon fibre, this item compares very favourably in price to the RØDE Boompole Pro (see above).
Check Andoer Boom Poles on Amazon
LyxPro MPL-10
Another good boom pole in the entry level price range. Constructed from aluminium, the pole has 5 sections and extends up to 2.82 meters. The weight of this one comes in at a not too bicep trembling 750g (1.65 lb). When collapsed the length is down to 0.73 meters.
Can be purchased with or without an internal cable. One thing you need to watch out for with budget boom poles is the padded handle breaking. This one can be prone to that
The LyxPro MPL-20 comes with an internal coiled XLR cable, weighs almost 1kg, again extends to under 3 meters (280 cm).
Ikan (E-Image) Boompole
If you want your boompole to go to 11 … feet (3.35 meters) then you might want to take a look at this Ikan model. It’s a 5-section aluminum pole, which comes with 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 Mounts. For a few bucks more there’s a carbon fibre version, too.
The aluminium version comes in at a sweat-inducing 1578.5 grams (3.48 pounds). While the carbon fibre version is a third less at 920 grams (2.03 pounds). There’s also room to thread an internal cable.
Check Ikan Boom Pole on Amazon
Keepdrum MPB03
For our European readers, this is a nice little starter deal. At an entry level price, this pole extends to 3 meters and comes with a microphone shock mount for your shotgun mic included. The boom weighs a very reasonable 630 grams.
Check KEEPDRUM MPB03 Boompole on Amazon
Check out the Official MoMo Smartphone Filmmaker’s KIT LIST.
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