VDB XL-QT Microphone Boom Pole

The VDB XL-QT is a six-section carbon fiber microphone boom pole that runs out to 5.6 m (18 feet 4 inches) and closes to 110 cm (44 inches). It weighs 690 g (1 lb 8 oz) with its top screw.

It is the longest pole in the QT range and suits feature films, where its light weight lets the boom operator move freely through long takes.

Each section locks and releases with a quarter turn of its collar, so the pole runs out quietly and folds away quickly between takes. The tubes are high-modulus carbon fiber with thin walls to keep the weight down, so the pole is best kept clear of hard knocks. The polished outer tube keeps handling quiet and gives a sure grip, and the matte black inner tubes do not reflect light on set. A machined slide ring between sections keeps them from shifting in fast swings and turns.

Colored rings on the inner sections mark the length, so you can fold the pole between takes and run it back out to the same setting. It comes with a brightly colored foam heel that sets the pole down quietly and stays easy to see on a dark set. The foam heel can be swapped for the standard heel or a threaded aluminum heel for a stand.

The removable quick-lock top screw comes with the pole. With a top screw fitted to each suspension, you can change microphones with a quarter turn. Internal cable kits, mono or stereo, coiled or straight, can be added when you order. They fit through the tubes without tools or soldering, with a straight XLR exit at the base or a right-angle exit at the side. Every part of each section, from the tube to its locking ring, can be repaired or replaced.

Features

• Six high-modulus carbon fiber sections
• Extends to 5.6 m and closes to 110 cm
• 690 g (1 lb 8 oz) with the quick-lock top screw
• Quarter-turn locking collars
• Polished outer tube for quiet handling; matte black inner tubes
• Colored marking rings for a repeatable length
• Foam heel included
• Takes an internal mono or stereo cable kit, offered as an option
• Every section part can be repaired or replaced