View Full Version : Balancing the HM70 on the shoulder


Anthony Lelli
July 11th, 2015, 11:10 PM
The HM70 is a little front-heavy for long takes. It needs a counter-weight. This was important to me because I'm not getting any younger and I had to take drastic measures.
the counter weight is just 1.2 lbs and I've decided to attach it to the back of the shoulder pad drilling it to accommodate a 1/4-20 screw and securing with a washer and a nut, leaving enough screw for the weight that comes with a female 1/4-20 thread.

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff416/clistsales1/p2_zpsrcn4hlel.jpg~original

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff416/clistsales1/p1_zpshhaicdxq.jpg

in order to drill the pad follow the instructions here:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TtwNY56gh0Q/U9D7r093BjI/AAAAAAAAARQ/xWgX-H8SrVY/s1600/GY-HM70+Hadware+mic.png

from the blog of Carlos Martínez Herrera
skip the part regarding the XLR mount obviously

with just 1 pound now it stays better on the shoulder not requiring too much from the left hand holding the hood or the lens.

this thing will void the warranty, unless you buy a second shoulder pad (available from JVC part# ly38657-001b and drill that one instead.

regarding the XLR I came to the conclusion that's not necessary anymore (I have an active beachtek that I no longer use). I use a Sony ECM-CG50 on 1 channel and a wireless on the other channel via a hosa splitter. The Sony ecm-cg50 works better than the rode videomic and gets the power from the camera (the 9V battery for the rode was a tremendous pain). The Rode has more presence but the sound is not real (in particular when recording a loud live concert). The Sony gives enough sensitivity to produce with the camera @ -2.