ALZO Shock Multi-Mount for Audio Recorders and Shotgun Microphones Plus Gear

After getting a Tascam DR-44WL and finding it picking up every slight vibration, even from the handle of the fluid tripod head, I tested a variety of shock mounts.I started with a small, cheaper unit to find that it didn't fit the DR-44WL due to the protrusions of the mic protectors.Ordered 3 others, including this one. I had expected this one to perform the best, since it uses elastic bands like microphone shock mounts, and the others use stiff rubber pieces.Surprisingly, the stiff rubber pieces blocked more vibration than the elastic bands. I even tried replacing the included elastic bands with regular rubber bands, but that ended up giving worse results. Have thought about trying something like a hand towel instead of the bands, but haven't gotten to that yet.BTW, my testing process was to mount the recorder onto the camera with each shock mount, and record a series of actions, including tapping the tripod legs, the handle of the fluid head, and the camera itself. With each test cycle, the tapping would start as lightly as I could and gradually increase in intensity.All test recordings were brought into the computer and a loudness meter was used to determine how much vibration got through to the recorder. This unit allowed at least 3dB more vibration to get through than the stiff rubber mounts.I kept this unit because of the utility options with the heavy metal frame and additional cold shoe mounts. Thought it would come in handy when I needed to mount something in addition to a recorder to the camera.Since that time, though, I purchased a small V-mount so I could attach the better shock mount and another device. Cheaper AND better. Guess I should have returned this mount.

Got this shock mount along with the Alzo DSLR Transformer Rig. Together they make a solid and super functional combination. The aforementioned Transformer Rig (cage/rig) is incredibly well built and solid. The shock mount is well designed and built but in assembly has some slightly loose points - which is a problem for a supposedly sound dampening piece of pro-audio equipment.So, the build quality is great, but, in assembly it needs a little tweaking (additional washer in my case) to get the pieces to lock down tight enough to eliminate any play - which is essential for audio accessories with live mics.In my case the shock mount was to mount my Tascam DR-40 recorder on my Panasonic GH2. I was worried that it would handle a shotgun mic but not something larger like a DR-40 or Zoom H4n. After using it one time the worries are gone. This thing holds my field recorder so well I'd say it's darn near perfect!The additional cold shoe mounts on the exterior cage of the Alzo shock mount easily and securely fit my smaller Rode shock mount and Audio Technica shotgun mic to perfection. Nice! No problems whatsoever mounting other accessories on top of the Alzo shock mount. So the Transformer rig and shock mount together have me easily sporting an Audio Technica AT897 pro audio shotgun mic going xlr into my mounted Tascam DR-40 then into my GH2. It's a pretty sweet setup thanks to Alzo's equipment.Can't knock the shock mount's 5-star rating even with the small amount of play I had with my unit. The positives of solid build and overall function for the very reasonable price still warrant a 5-star rating. So far I'm very impressed with the Alzo line of pro audio/video accessories.

Good product for isolating my digital recorder (Tascam DR100 MkII). It's an all aluminum construction and well made. Overall very smooth meaning no sharp edges or bumps in the metal. Comes with 6 rubber bands, small wrench and one L wrench. Well packed and received in a timely manner.Fits my Tascam well and isolates the recorder from vibration or handling noise. But unfortunately there were problems with the tightening screws that attach the two recorder brackets to the long shoe mount. No matter how much I tightened the brackets, they would rattle loosely. The other reviews also stated the same problem so I don't think my situation was isolated. I would assume the manufacturing process isn't so efficient. I ended up using black electrical tape to thicken the areas on the shoe mount where the recorder brackets screw on. The solution worked and now the whole thing doesn't rattle. It's a problem the manufacturer should address. If you're trying to eliminate noise, unnecessary rattle from the product itself kind of defeats the purpose.The brackets have additional mounting areas to mount a shotgun mic and other accessories which is really nice.As for the price it is a bit much for the product. Could see it going for 10 to 15 less for what it is. But the options out there are limited for Portable Digital Recorders unless you want to spend some mega money.Overall a good product in spite of the loose screws. Easy fix and you've got yourself something pretty nice, adaptable and so far sturdy.

Bought this to pair with a zoom h6 to reduce handling noise. The best setup I found was to have both rings facing inwards. The screen of the zoom to be on the side of the bigger ring. The smaller ring to be set to one setting inward on the rail it sits on. This way you have access to all 4 xlr ports.Tested it with a mono pod, walking and slight jog and had no handling noise so it works as described. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 was the smaller ring the screw didn't line up properly. There was a bit of tape that was stuck to the it that caused the rail not to line up, i didn't realize this at first and filed down the rail so that it will fit.So if anyone else has this issue, take a pair of tweezers or a blade to the U shape in the ring that holds the rail and peel of the tape (its black and looks like paint, but once you start scraping at it you'll realize quickly its not paint.Other than that it works great, It would've been nice for them to include a few extra screws but this can easily be fixed with a trip to the hardware store.