AKG H85 (shockmount) alternative

[Guitarking]

Hi everyone,

Wanted to buy the AKG H85 shockmount as it not only fits my C414 BULS's perfectly, but also my TLM102 and X1R fit in it well (I borrowed a friend's to check this out). But it seems they are no longer available.

What shockmount would be a good and handy alternative(with the H85 you just put in the mic and turn so it lockes...), and maybe even cheaper?
I really like that the mic is firmly locked so you can also use the shockmount to have your mics horizontally.

I see lots of shockmounts but it's not always clear for me whether the mics can be firmly locked so you can use the mic horizontally.

Best regards,

[Wonks]

They still are available in the UK, though mainly not immediately:

https://www.andertons.co.uk/recording/r ... shockmount

If they weren't available to order by stores, Andertons wouldn't display that message.

There may just have been a short-term problem with manufacture or delivery.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Rycote USM-L

https://mymic.rycote.com/products/shock ... tudio-kit/



H

[Wonks]

Got several of those. Horizontal or upside-down - no problem!

[Guitarking]

Are the Rycote USM-L considered as 'better' than the AKG H85?
What are the differences between the two?

[Wonks]

Yes, they are better. About the best shockmount you can get. They certainty work better than Neumann shock mounts on mics like a U87. As long as the mic is within the weight range of the particular USM shockmount, then its damping is properly tuned to minimise transmitted noise. Something that isn't as good with simple elastic cord mounts.

Hugh's review of the USM. https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/ry ... on-usm-tlm

[Mike Stranks]

Yup! What the esteemed gent just said.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Are the Rycote USM-L considered as 'better' than the AKG H85?
What are the differences between the two?

As shock mounts go, the H85 is not too bad and was designed with the C414 specifically in mind. I have some and generally use them with my 414s... mostly because they came with them and are stored in the same box.

But if I didn't have them, it would be a toss up whether to buy the H85 or the Rycote InVisions. The latter are more expensive, but they are technically better and you'll never need to replace the suspensions.

The Rycote clamp arrangement isn't as elegant or quick as the H85, and it is slightly more fiddly to fit a mic, but it is also much more secure. I've seen several 414s fall out of H85s ober the years, either because they weren't fitted properly (not by me, I hasten to add ) or the clamp itself was broken. And I've seen H85s with broken suspension bands...

If you specifically want the AKG model or want to minimise expenditure, the H85 is fine.

If you want longevity, total security, and slight technical superiority, go for the Rycote.