RAD-2 Camera Shoe Microphone Shock Mount

Professional Camera Shoe Shock Mount

The RAD-2 Camera Shoe Microphone Shock Mount provides professional-grade isolation for shotgun and small condenser pencil microphones mounted directly to cameras. This machined aluminium mounting system effectively isolates microphones from camera handling noise, movement vibrations, and mechanical transfer through standard camera shoe connections.

Universal Microphone Compatibility

Soft-coated universal mic clips accommodate any microphone with a diameter between 19-25mm. The rubber-coated clips maintain secure contact without marking or damaging microphone finishes. This diameter range covers most professional shotgun microphones including the Rode VideoMic NTG series, Sennheiser MKH416, MKH8060, MKE600, Schoeps CMIT 5, SuperCMIT, MiniCMIT, Sanken CS-3, CS-M1, and DPA 2017 and 4017C models.

The mount includes standard firmness hoops in black as the default configuration. These hoops provide balanced isolation performance across different microphone weights and filming scenarios without compromising stability during active camera work.

Ratcheting Shoe Lock System

The integrated ratcheting shoe lock mechanism ensures secure attachment to camera shoes and quick-connect systems. Unlike friction-only shoe mounts, the ratcheting system maintains consistent clamping force and prevents gradual loosening during extended filming sessions. The mount operates with standard camera shoe plates and ARRI-compatible adaptors accepting square shoe connections.

A significant workflow advantage is the mount’s ability to be reversed 180 degrees on the shoe plate. This positioning flexibility allows the microphone to be moved further backwards relative to the camera lens, keeping the front capsule or wind protection systems out of the camera’s field of view during wide-angle shots.

Machined Aluminium Construction

The bracket design, developed in partnership with MID49, features precision-machined aluminium construction. This material choice provides the structural rigidity necessary for effective vibration isolation while maintaining minimal weight impact on camera balance. The machined finish ensures consistent dimensional accuracy across production units.

The aluminium construction also offers superior thermal stability compared to plastic alternatives, maintaining consistent clamping force across varying environmental conditions encountered during location recording.

Handling Noise Isolation

Effective handling noise isolation is critical for camera-mounted microphone applications. The RAD-2’s suspension system interrupts the mechanical transmission path between camera body vibrations and the microphone capsule. This isolation becomes particularly important during handheld camera work, focus pulling operations, and lens adjustments where camera contact generates unwanted audio artifacts.

The shock mount’s performance extends beyond simple handling noise to include isolation from camera motor noise, autofocus mechanisms, and image stabilization systems that can create low-frequency vibrations transmitted through the camera structure.

Professional Workflow Integration

Camera shoe mounting positions microphones optimally for documentary work, run-and-gun filming, and situations where boom operation is impractical. The secure ratcheting connection allows rapid setup and breakdown while maintaining consistent microphone positioning between takes.

For broadcast applications, the mount’s reliability supports continuous operation during live events where equipment failure is not acceptable. The simple mechanical design requires no batteries or electronic components that could introduce additional failure points.

Care and Maintenance

Regular inspection of the mic clips ensures continued grip effectiveness. The rubber coating should be cleaned with mild soap solutions to maintain surface friction. The ratcheting mechanism benefits from occasional operation to prevent debris accumulation in the locking teeth.

Storage recommendations include keeping the mount in a protective case to prevent damage to the mic clips and ratcheting mechanism. Avoid overtightening the mic clips as this can cause premature wear of the rubber coating.

Professional users operating in challenging environments should inspect the mount regularly for signs of wear, particularly on the shoe plate contact surfaces and ratcheting teeth. More information about shock mount technology and applications can be found through professional audio isolation resources.