|
|
 |
|
Oct 11, 2007
|
 |
|
 |
 |
Alfa Case protects audio gear
|
|
by Chuck Gloman
|
Alfa Case has developed protection for your audio gear that will keep it looking and sounding its best. I'll start with Alfa Case's largest item and work my way down.
The Boom Tube is a case for your internally-cabled boom pole, much like a case for your tripod. Available in four lengths from 31-55 inches, your boom (collapsed to its smallest size) slides inside.
Basically, it's a length of gray, two-inch diameter PVC pipe, or a lightweight black ABS plastic tube, with a fixed cap on one end and a cap with a lock on the other. The exterior of my 46-inch tube was the ABS plastic, which was literally half the empty weight of the gray PVC model.
The bottom end is glued in place and can't be removed. The top slides on and off easily and has a latching mechanism. A rubber O-ring seals the top to the tube, keeping out dust and moisture. Once the top cover is on, the silver latch is twisted closed and may be locked with a padlock.
Inside the Boom Tube is foam on the bottom and top to prevent your boom pole from sliding within the case. Once protected, an adjustable carrying strap allows you to easily transport the cylindrical tube to your location.
My boom pole was in the 37-46-inch range -- the Boom Tube list price for that size is $89 for PVC and $100 for ABS plastic. With booms costing sometimes close to $1,000, this protection is a cost effective investment.
The fur on my windscreen always gets crumpled (I know, it sounds like a personal problem). Alfa Case has a solution -- its Softi-Case protects the fur while in transport. These ABS plastic cases are available in four colors (blue, yellow, black, and gray) and will safely contain your windscreen and shotgun microphone. A Softie microphone mount also fits inside.
 |
| Alfa Case products, such as the Boom Tube pictured here, protect your audio equipment in transit. |
Softi-Case comes in three lengths; I needed the large, two-foot model. If you are not sure what size to get, Alfa Case has a chart of mics and windscreens on its Web site.
At a list price of $65, I have the same protection with the same locking top as the Boom Tube. For an extra $19, which I recommend, Alfa Case will create a Boom Tube Mounting System, which straps your Softi-Case to your Boom Tube. Combining both your boom pole and Fuzzy is a great idea.
Last but not least is the MicTube, a watertight, weather resistant case for your shotgun. I wasn't going to slide my $2,000 mic in an empty piece of PVC -- until I opened it. The inside of the Mic Tube is foam lined, so your shotgun microphone is very well protected and easy to transport.
Available in three sizes from 10 inches up to 18.5 inches (for my antique Sennheiser 815), these foam-lined tubes have the same locking mechanism as the other offerings from Alfa Case. Ranging in price from $56 to $63, with an available mounting system, it's an inexpensive way to keep your shotgun protected from damage and the elements. The Mic Tube was only available in gray PVC at the time of my review, though a new black ABS version should be available soon.
"Real protection for the reel world" is the company motto, and it's been true for me so far. My equipment has been under Alfa Case's protection for some time, and the cases have received their share of nicks -- but my equipment inside is still in pristine condition.
Chuck Gloman is an awarding-winning producer/director of photography with more than 800 commercials to his credit, and is program director of the TV/Film Department of DeSales University. Contact him at chuck.gloman@desales.edu.
MORE INFO
Alfa Case alfacase.com
|
|
|
Government Video is part of the NewBay Media Community
copyright 2007© NewBay Media LLC.
810 Seventh Avenue, 27th Floor New York, NY 10019 T (212)378-0400 F (212)378-2160
|
|
|
