Hanging condenser microphones with pulleys.
Placing microphones above the source is a great way to capture an authentic recording, because sound naturally travels up and away from instruments. This also allows you to get rid of bulky microphone stands that can get bumped or knocked over. You can use an antique (pre-electricity) lighting trick to rig up your condenser microphones to the ceiling--if you don't have the money to buy an adjustable ceiling-mounted boom.
Instructions
1. Determine the exact spot that you want to hang your condenser microphone from the ceiling. Use the pencil to mark that spot. Set the microphone cable down by the wall from which you want to run the cable to the pulley system (preferably nearest the PA system).
2. Use the electric screwdriver to install the hanging pulley directly on top of the ceiling mark.
3. Move the ladder about one to two feet over towards the wall where you set the microphone cable down. Use a pencil to mark a spot on the ceiling here.
4. Use the electric screwdriver to install the wall-mounted pulley directly to the ceiling. Place it on top of your second mark.
5. Use the electric screwdriver to install the adjustable wench onto the wall where you set the microphone . Set the wench at a comfortable chest or waist level.
6. Run the microphone cable from the wall through the wench and into the wall-mounted pulley. Pull out enough extra cable to reach the second pulley.
7. Run the through the hanging pulley. Pull out enough cable so that it rests on the ground.
8. Place the two-pound hanging weight between the pulleys. Adjust the slack and get the right microphone height by using the wench from the wall.
Tags: microphone cable, cable down, electric screwdriver, electric screwdriver install, microphone