K-Tek's K-Mount (Model#: K-MT) is an inexpensive, yet effective shock mount for shotgun microphones. It utilizes a pair of the company's tried and true 4-point "spider" suspenders, the K-SUS. The special polymer used in the bands are not only strong enough to support longer shotguns, but are also very supple for increased dissipation of bumps and vibration. The handsome aluminum frame is rugged yet lightweight and has a professional feel that invokes confidence.
Ease of Use
For a universal shock mount, the K-Mount could scarcely be any easier to use. It screws on to the end of a boom using the standard 3/8"-16 threading. Simply push the body of a shotgun mic through the mounting holes in the K-SUS suspenders, scooting them a little at a time until they're both on the body of the mic at approximately the same spacing. The longer the shotgun, the more you may want to "hike up" the shock mount to better balance the weight. (However, be careful to leave enough room to fully insert the mic into a windscreen if necessary, though.) Voila, you're ready to move with your boom without the handling noise!
Depth of Options
The freedom a good shock mount offers the user opens up doors for moving with your boom, mounting a mic on a tabletop (without the "thump" when someone puts their hands down), etc. Also, using the K-Tek Universal Clamp Adapter Kit (K-CA) or Shoe Adapter (K-SA), the K-Mount can be mounted on most DV cameras. The K-SUS suspenders seem to be made of high quality material, but should they break you can replace them for just $20 per pair.
Performance
The K-Mount offers great performance for the price, bringing effective isolation and great build quality! Beware, even great shock mounts don't allow you to just do anything you want with it without ever allowing a bump to produce a tone in the mic! Use some common sense, try to cushion your movements, and you'll be fine here.
Value
The K-Mount offers the design, build quality, and isolation of more expensive shock mounts. I honestly didn't know the price when K-Tek first sent this to me, and I would have guessed the price to be at least 50% more than it is. Bravo!
Final Comments
A shock mount is an essential mic accessory for recording on location. This model offers many great features of more expensive models in an attractive, durable package. What more do you want?!
Ease
of Use
10.0
Depth
of Options
10.0
Performance
9.0
Value
10.0
Overall
Score
9.8
John Howard has been perfecting sound as an audio engineer for over 10 years. When he's not reviewing gear and software for Microfilmmaker Magazine, he's in the studio recording vocalists and bands, as well as doing post for TV shows and films, through his audio post/recording company, Oakwood Sound Design.
K-Tek's K-Mount (Model#: K-MT) is an inexpensive, yet effective shock mount for shotgun microphones. It utilizes a pair of the company's tried and true 4-point "spider" suspenders, the K-SUS. The special polymer used in the bands are not only strong enough to support longer shotguns, but are also very supple for increased dissipation of bumps and vibration. The handsome aluminum frame is rugged yet lightweight and has a professional feel that invokes confidence.
