Pair of RAD-2 Hoops, Extra Soft 55-Shore (Dark Green – Hoops Only)

Professional Isolation Hoops for Extended Microphone Support

These extra soft dark green hoops represent specialized replacement components engineered for the RAD-2 shock mount system. The 55-Shore durometer rating provides enhanced isolation characteristics compared to standard hoops, making them particularly effective for sensitive recording environments where mechanical vibration transfer must be minimized.

The distinctive dark green color coding allows immediate identification of the extra soft compound during equipment setup and maintenance procedures. This visual differentiation proves valuable in broadcast facilities and rental houses where multiple shock mount configurations are deployed simultaneously.

Enhanced Structural Design for Heavy Microphones

Each hoop incorporates a 3mm spine and bracing structure along the top edge, specifically engineered to accommodate longer microphones and front-heavy models without compromising isolation performance. This reinforcement addresses the structural challenges presented by large-diaphragm condensers and shotgun microphones that extend beyond standard mounting parameters.

The additional bracing distributes mechanical stress more effectively across the hoop structure, preventing deformation under the weight of heavier microphones. This design consideration ensures consistent isolation performance throughout extended recording sessions and prevents the gradual settling that can occur with softer compounds under sustained load.

Universal Compatibility Across RAD Systems

These extra soft dark green hoops maintain compatibility with all RAD mount bases and Radius windshield blimp systems. The standardized mounting interface allows these hoops to replace existing components or provide specialized isolation characteristics for specific microphone configurations without requiring additional hardware modifications.

The included mounting hardware comprises four precision screws: two 8mm lengths for base attachment and two 12mm lengths for top mounting points. This hardware selection ensures proper engagement with both mount bases and windshield blimp structures while maintaining the mechanical integrity essential for professional broadcast applications.

Professional Workflow Integration

In broadcast environments, the extra soft compound characteristics prove particularly beneficial for dialog recording, voiceover work, and acoustic music capture where floor vibrations and mechanical coupling can introduce unwanted low-frequency artifacts. The 55-Shore rating provides significantly more isolation than standard compounds while maintaining adequate structural support for professional microphones.

Sound recordists working with sensitive condenser microphones often prefer these hoops for location work where building vibrations, HVAC systems, or transportation noise present isolation challenges. The enhanced compliance of the extra soft compound effectively attenuates these mechanical disturbances without introducing resonant frequencies that could color the recorded signal.

Replacement and Maintenance Considerations

The hoops-only configuration allows facilities to maintain inventory of replacement components without duplicating mic clips or mounting hardware. This approach proves economical for broadcast facilities and rental houses where shock mount maintenance represents an ongoing operational consideration.

The extra soft compound may exhibit different aging characteristics compared to standard elastomers, requiring periodic inspection for maintaining optimal isolation performance. Professional users typically monitor hoop condition through visual inspection and tactile assessment during routine equipment maintenance cycles.

Technical Application Parameters

The 55-Shore durometer specification places these hoops in the extra soft category, providing maximum compliance for isolation applications. This compound selection proves most effective with microphones weighing up to the structural limits of the reinforced design, though specific weight ratings depend on the complete shock mount configuration and mounting orientation.

Studio technicians should consider the trade-off between maximum isolation and structural stability when selecting these hoops for specific microphone models. The enhanced compliance may introduce slight positional drift with very heavy microphones, requiring adjustment of mounting tension or positioning during extended recording sessions.