Rode SM5 - Shotgun Microphone Suspension

Comments about Rode SM5 - Shotgun Microphone Suspension:

I used this both on camera and on a boom pole. This mount is designed to fit various sizes of on camera microphone mounts. I use it on Canon XL2. On a boom pole, the threaded mid section allows me to just screw it on and go.
The only drawback was the squeaking noise that happens while using this on a boom pole. The microphone slips a little while the pole is in motion. It is very noticeable and makes the audio unusable. As others have noted, twisting the bands a few times to really tighten it up has helped. I guess that's a price of flexibility. I am looking for another specific to the Rode NTG-2 that I can just lock into.

Comments about Rode SM5 - Shotgun Microphone Suspension:

This mount fits into my Sony Z5U microphone holder and extends the mic out of the frame: the problem I was having was using a larger, and better, windscreen than the thin foam one supplied with the Sony shotgun mic that comes with the camera. It kept appearing in wide angle shots, not all the time, but as the mic mount on the camera is somewhat flexible, it would,from time to time, show up in my recorded video (not always noticeable when you're shooting on the fly outdoors using the LCD or viewfinder). So that's why I got this RODE SM-5 mount. The only issue now is that I'll need to get a longer mic to use it, because the shorter Sony mic, with any windscreen on it, is too short for the mount. So...another purchase. Otherwise the mount works as advertised.

Comments about Rode SM5 - Shotgun Microphone Suspension:

Great to have two sizes for various on-camera mounts. I was also able to screw it onto a boom pole for off camera use. The only complaint comes when trying to use it on the boom pole. The microphone slips a little bit between the elastic bands. This creates obvious squeaking sounds. We got around this by twisting the elastic bands a couple of times before inserting the mic. On-camera use normally doesn't get the lifting, turning or twisting that a boom pole mic gets. I would prefer a clip device suspended by elastics so the sound guy doesn't have to work so hard to be still. No sudden moves! I've seen this clip design on other mic mounts.

Comments about Rode SM5 - Shotgun Microphone Suspension:

Gives you that extra height to keep the windshield out of camera view.

Comments about Rode SM5 - Shotgun Microphone Suspension:

Full-disclosure: I am an event videographer and have never owned a suspension shotgun mount before. I never thought I would need one of these fancy gadgets until I bought a Rode shotgun for my EX1, only to find that my hands on the camera were louder than my subjects. This mount solves that problem 90% by plugging into the circular clamp mount on the camera.
I solved the difference of circumference between the EX1 clamp and the mount by wrapping a small piece of gaffer tape around the mount. In the primary interest of looking cool, I used a 12" adjustable, right-angle XLR cable and ran it through the suspension tube so there would be no slack. I had to take the mount apart with a philips screw driver to do this, but the result is very secure. Because I had to disassemble the XLR plug to get it through the tube, there's no chance of it falling out when the mike is disconnected, meaning I have less setup to worry about. Camera fits in my Kata 195 bag with the mount attached because I angled the mount slightly to the side. Mike has to be removed but I can live with this.
So far I have not had the problems with build quality that others have reported. Comes with extra bands. Strikes me as very sturdy (knock on wood). Not being an audiophile you can take me with a grain of salt, but I'd say buy it.

Comments about Rode SM5 - Shotgun Microphone Suspension:

I use this on my XH-A1 camcorder, it reduces added noise when handling the camcorder. All in all a great product and great value. The only thing is that it fits a little loose on the clamp mount for the XH-A1 (maybe it is not a standard size clamp mount?)

Comments about Rode SM5 - Shotgun Microphone Suspension:

It works. There are two diameters to use for mounting inside the on camera mic clamp. I used this on a Canon XH-A1, the smaller diameter wouldn't work and the larger diameter was almost to big. It fits really snug.

I marked this 4 of 5 because I intended on being able to use this on my boom, however this one didn't come with the threads on the bottom of the unit. I also marked "Cons - Limited Functions" because of this as well. The newer revision of this product does have the threads, I just received an older version unfortunately...

Comments about Rode SM5 - Shotgun Microphone Suspension:

I bought this as a replacement for my broken EX-1 shockmount. This requires disassembling the product and an add on "custom" piece but works well. I think that even if you were using it with the existing EX-1 or similar mount it is a good design for shielding vibrations and raising the mic up out of possible view in the image.

Comments about Rode SM5 - Shotgun Microphone Suspension:

I recently purchased a Rode SM5 shockmount to use with theRode NTG1 and the on-camera mic holder on my DVX-100BThe SM5 is well made, machined metal (black) with tappedholes for 1/4 and 3/8 threaded fittings on the underside I also purchased a 3/8 to 5/8 stud adapter so Icould use the SM5 with a light stand as a microphone holder- my mic pole has a 3/8 fitting, so the SM5 can be usedthere as well. I also got a Rycote Extension Handle with a3/8 stud so I can have an assistant use the handle and theSM5 as a handheld mount for the NTG1. (That would make thecost of the SM5 and Rycote as a dedicated handheldshockmount to be only $85 - far below the cost of otherhandheld shockmounts.) You also get a spare full set of fourof the rubber shockmount bands with the SM5.The NTG1 is very sensitive, and even with the shockmount(and the rubber isolation on the DVX mount), it appears topick up a bit of noise from the camera. Also - if you're usinga deadcat wind screen on the NTG - be careful to check thatit is not hanging down into the top of the frame when you'reshooting.If you own a DVX, I would say that the SM5 is the mostversatile of the Rode shockmounts - you'll get the mostutility out of it.As an aside, there was also enough room to mount my Sony UWPwireless lav mic receiver on the accessory shoe mount nextto the SM5 when the SM5 is in the DVX mic holder.

Expertise: Independent Producer

Problems Encountered: None at all

Items I Recommend: Rode NTG1, Rode Deadcat windscreen, Rycote Extension Handle, 3/8-5/8 stud adaptor