RAD-2 Shock Mount, Dark Edition

Professional Shock Mount for Discreet Field Recording

The RAD-2 Shock Mount, Dark Edition provides professional vibration isolation for shotgun microphones in a subdued matte black and grey finish. This shock mount eliminates the standard blue accent colours found on regular RAD models, making it ideal for broadcast applications where visual discretion is essential.

Engineered for use with standard length shotgun microphones and small condenser pencil microphones measuring 19-25mm in diameter, the mount accommodates microphones up to 250mm in length. The design specifically supports front-heavy shotgun configurations while maintaining secure positioning during boom operation.

Construction and Materials

Manufactured using high-precision injection moulding with thermoplastic elastomers, the RAD-2 incorporates enhanced structural design compared to earlier models. The hoops feature increased thickness and an additional 3mm of bracing along the top section to support heavier shotgun microphones effectively.

Production takes place in an ISO-9000 certified facility in England, ensuring consistent quality and dimensional accuracy. The mount utilises soft-coated universal microphone clips that accommodate the full 19-25mm diameter range without requiring additional adapters.

Hoop Configuration System

Each RAD-2 Dark Edition includes three pairs of interchangeable hoops designed for different isolation requirements. Standard firmness hoops in black provide balanced isolation for general recording applications. Soft firmness hoops in dark grey offer enhanced vibration dampening for sensitive recording environments. Extra firm hoops in dark blue deliver maximum stability when working with heavier microphones or demanding movement scenarios.

The 360-degree rotatable XLR holder allows precise microphone positioning while maintaining cable management flexibility. This rotation capability proves particularly valuable during dynamic boom operations where microphone orientation must adapt to changing acoustic requirements.

Compatible Microphone Systems

The shock mount supports professional shotgun microphones including the Sennheiser MKH416, MKH8060, and MKE600 models. Additional compatibility extends to Schoeps CMIT 5, SuperCMIT, and MiniCMIT shotguns, along with the Sanken CS-3, Rode NTG-3, and DPA 2017 models.

The mount accommodates slide-on windshield systems including Radius Nimbus deadcat configurations and other fur windshield designs. This compatibility ensures seamless integration with existing wind protection workflows for outdoor recording applications.

Professional Broadcasting Applications

The all-black finish addresses specific requirements in television production and film environments where equipment visibility must be minimised. News gathering teams benefit from the reduced visual signature during on-camera boom operation, while documentary crews appreciate the subdued appearance during intimate recording scenarios.

Location sound recordists find the multiple hoop options valuable when adapting to different acoustic environments and movement requirements throughout a production day. The ability to quickly change hoop firmness without tools enables rapid response to changing isolation needs.

Operational Workflow Integration

The shock mount integrates with standard boom pole threads and mounting systems commonly used in broadcast and film production. The XLR holder design maintains secure cable connection while allowing natural boom movement patterns.

During handheld recording applications, the enhanced vibration isolation reduces handling noise transmission to sensitive condenser elements. This capability proves essential when working in confined spaces or situations requiring close operator proximity to the recording subject.

Maintenance and Storage

The thermoplastic elastomer construction resists environmental degradation and maintains elasticity across temperature ranges encountered in professional field recording. Regular inspection of hoop tension and mic clip alignment ensures optimal isolation performance over extended service periods.

Storage considerations include protecting the elastomer hoops from sharp objects and extreme temperature exposure. The interchangeable hoop design allows replacement of individual components without complete unit replacement, supporting long-term operational economics in professional rental and production environments.