Hanging Mics

[anonymous381]

Ok I gotta ask this one. I just got two AT PRO 45's for a band room and I'm gonna hang them in an XY pattern just above and behind the director. The problem lies in how to tack the cord to the ceiling. I called AT to double check it was safe to have the mic just dangling by it's cord and the said "oh hell yeah" (direct quote ). So now I'm thinking is there some kind of concrete staple or is there a better way to tack the wire to the ceiling which is concrete and where I want to mount them is on a support beam so I'm thinking a really big hole wouldn't be an option.

 

[anonymous381]

HA! I just had a revelation that i could use like a 1" piece of plastic wire channel and use that double super adheasive foam to stick it to the concrete, run the wire thru the channel and snap it closed. I love how this site just gives me ideas on its own

 

[hsaunier]

You may just want to use a tall mic stand, with double clip attachment. Make it a whole lot easier to use in another application if you need to move the mics somewhere else. Please don't say we'll "never" have to move them.

 

[Gretsch]

The cable channel idea sounds good, but I would suggest double stick carpet tape over the double sided foam stuff....carpet tape just seams to weather better especially if you live in extreme environments.

 

[Footer]

You will need some type of physical connection beyond the tape. The tape will hold, for a period of time, but it will break down and fall at some point. Tapcon's would work, as well as ramsets, talk to your maintenance staff about what they have.

 

[1kfresnel]

Double sided tape does not stand the test of time, in my experience. If you're going to use some form of cable channel (raceway), add some simple masonry anchors and screws every few feet when you install it. You don't need to use tapcons or thunder nails as raceway is a minimal load. Most hardware stores will sell you a kit of 100 or more, with drill bit, for about 4 bucks.

The proper way to attach the cable to the beam is to use beam clamps, available at your local hardware store. (Ideally you'd be putting up conduit, to run the wires in -- consult your local code requirements).

As for the mounting of the microphones, I'd advise against hanging them directly off the cords. You're just asking for trouble. You know someday someone is going to think, oh, lets see if I can hit that with [insert random object] and watch it swing. I wouldn't take the risk. Instead, get a short mic stand, and use C-clamps (the woodworking kind) to mount it to the beam upside down. Put the mics in a double-clip, aim, and you're done!

Also, don't forget to attach a safety cable between the stand and a beam clamp! You can never be too safe when putting things overhead.

 

[anonymous381]

great ideas and thanks for the input but I think I'd rather see someone replace the sticky foam in a couple of years than go thru more work than its worth. I will however keep the upside down mic stand idea in mind. And to make ya'll feel better ill put some gaff tape over the channel once I run the wires thru. As for people hitting them...10 points per hit, $100 each if they break. I found out since it's a structural beam I can't drill into it.

 

[avkid]

You could put a bit of epoxy on the ends of the gaff tape to secure it.
It's cheap and easy.

 

[Footer]

great ideas and thanks for the input but I think I'd rather see someone replace the sticky foam in a couple of years than go thru more work than its worth.

So, they will replace it when it falls, right? Seems to me your are asking for trouble with that idea. Do it once, do it right. Otherwise you run the risk of injuring people when it falls, as well as losing the gear.

 

[anonymous381]

[unstick][swing][boof!] "OWWW an overhead mic just hit me!" I would love to be there to watch that **** when it happens