Rycote is a company known for manufacturing best-in-class windscreens for microphones as well as other professional sound accessories. But now they’ve ventured into new waters with the introduction of an entirely new line of Rycote mic boom poles.
Rycote is part of the Vitec Imaging Soultions brand and so are a number of other well-known companies in the Pro Video sector. One of them is Gitzo, an Italian manufacturer of premium tripods, mostly made of carbon fibre compounds.
So why not join forces and produce something new, the executives must have thought. As a result, Rycote is announcing a new line of carbon fibre mic boom poles, aimed at the professional audio market.
Rycote mic boom poles
These new mic boom poles come with some of Gitzo’s heritage built-in: The locking mechanism is new and improves but it builds on their vast experience making quality tripods over the decades. I once operated one of Gitzo’s mic boom poles myself and it was the lightest I’ve ever used ( but that’s a good 15 years ago and I’ve barely touched a boom pole again, to be honest).
The new Rycote mic boom poles sport a clever twist-lock mechanism which is attached to each segment of the pole. All it takes is a quarter-turn of the knurled aluminium grip to open or lock each section and since the tubes are designed to be sturdy and stiff, yet smooth and silky to the touch, you also can extend the boom pole while recording.
Both the 3/8” threaded male tip and the rubberised bottom end cap are removable to allow for easy internal cabling or cabling adjustments.
Three lengths to choose from
The Rycote 5-section carbon fibre microphone boom poles are available in three different lengths to suit most applications, each with a rated payload of 5kg/11.02lbs.
Mic Boom Small:
Collapsed length: 57cm/22.44”
Extended length: 200cm/78.74”
Weight: 0.48kg/ 1.03lbs
Mic Boom Medium
Collapsed length: 83cm/32.67”
Extended length: 330cm/129.92”
Weight: 0.65kg/ 1.43lbs
Mic Boom Large
Collapsed length: 100cm/39.37”
Extended length: 420cm/165.35”
Weight: 0.78kg/ 1.72lbs
Availability
All three models are available for pre-order through official retailers, shipping should start soonish.
Link: Rycote
What do you think? Is Rycote a brand you trust? Would you buy such a boom pole by Rycote in conjunction with Gitzo? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
