The microphones are attached to the boom pole rather than mounted on the camera in filmmaking. The best output comes when you accurately hold the boom pole. This article explains the right process of holding the boom pole for perfect sound quality.
How to hold a boom pole:
Before learning the proper way, we must know,
Why do we use a boom pole with a mic?
Using a boom pole for the mic keeps the microphone closer to the performers. When pointed directly to the subject, it eliminates the ambient noises for perfect audio ramification.
The process of holding a boom pole:
Follow the procedure explained below to use the boom pole perfectly. Professional boom operators working in the industry follow the same approach and get outstanding audio output.
- First of all, use a high-quality shock mount to reduce the handling noises.
- Crisscross the bands when putting a shock mount in it. In this way, the microphone is mounted securely.
- After inserting the microphone into a shock mount, attach the audio cable.
- When you are done attaching the microphone to the boom pole, now set up a frame line of the microphone with the cameraman.
- Point the microphone towards the nose of the actor at a bit slight angle to get phenomenal audio results.

Boom pole holding positions angles:
You might see boom operators in the following standard positions and angles:
- On the back of the shoulder with hands making “W”
- On the head with hands making “U”
- Lower inclined with the microphone pointing above
- Lower inclined with the mic pointing on a normal plane
- Sitting on the ground and holding with the left hand
Video demonstration on holding a boom pole:
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