How to Build a Boom Pole

Sound production is one of the most important and least obvious aspects of film and video production. A movie or TV show could be beautifully shot and edited, but if dialogue comes in at a low volume, or contains an echo from being recorded too far away, it the overall quality of the work will be negatively affected. At the same time, a microphone in the actors' hand or clipped to their shirts can ruin the suspension of disbelief. That's why many shows use a boom microphone held above or below the actors, just out of the frame. But basic boom poles retail for more than $100. Frugal videographers can build their own boom poles at home for a fraction of the price.

Things You'll Need

• Telescoping painter's pole with plastic tip
• 2 3/8 inch hex nuts
• 3/8 by 2 inch hanger bolt
• Power drill
• 5/16 inch drill bit
• 5/8 inch - 27 male thread to 3/8 inch - 16 adapter
• Shock mount clip for microphone
• Safety goggles

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Drill a 5/16-inch hole in the center of the painter's pole's plastic tip. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from plastic debris.

   • 2

     Thread the hex nuts onto the 3/8-inch side of the hanger bolt (the other side, designed for screwing into a wall, is 5/16 inch—the same as the hole you drilled). Screw the hanger bolt into the painter's pole, being careful not to over-tighten it.

   • 3

     Thread the adapter onto the end of the hanger bolt. Thread the microphone shock mount onto the adapter. The result is a boom pole with all the functionality of its retail equivalent.