It’s a strong and versatile microphone boom stand, but when needed it doubles as an Apple Box, able to support up to 350 pounds (159 kg). Discover the K-Tek Boom Box .
K-Tek introduced at NAB 2017 a new addition to their audio product lineup: a Boom Box. The Boom Box is a strong and versatile Microphone Boom Stand, which doubles as an Apple Box. Not only does it provide an ingenious way to stand and store a boom pole on set, it also provides a dedicated working platform and station for the boom operator. At 13 pounds (5.9 kg) this versatile accessory is easy to move around, yet thanks to its hefty built-in center rib, it can support up to 350 pounds (159 kg).
With dimensions of 12x12x20 inches, (30.5cm x 30.5 x 50.8cm) this useful wooden box features numerous flush cut-out handles for easy carrying, and a large center cylinder for the boom pole. Two sides are left solid to stand on. Finished with two coats of take-whatever-you-throw-at-it marine varnish, it resists sun and moisture for a long life on the set.
It’s an accessory designed to solve multiple problems, following the spirit of Apple Boxes, which are an important element of any film production. From the initial crates that proved to be excellent to support temporarily props, light stands or even an actor in need of extra height – and then jokingly referred to as “Man Makers”, as Wikipedia tells us – the industry moved on to an essential piece of equipment: the Apple Box. Designed with a purpose and available in multiple dimensions, the Apple Box is a specialized wooden box that belongs to the grip department… and no cinematographer leaves behind these days.
The Boom Box from K-Tek is another example of the importance of… wooden boxes. Boom Box designer William Munroe explains, “I created the Boom Box because I needed it on the set based on my own location needs. Folks kept asking for it so now I am excited to see that by partnering with K-Tek, more boom operators around the world the can have access to the practical advantages it offers.”
K-Tek also makes the new Sidekick KTA2B, a more compact solution to connect wireless transmitters to K-Tek Klassic Boom Poles. The new KTA2B Sidekick not only plugs a transmitter into the bottom of an audio pole, but also takes up less room, making it ideal for use with the Boom Box. Due to the modular structure of K-Tek’s Klassic boompoles, switching to the Sidekick is a breeze.
Back to the Boom Box, the product is handmade, sanded and varnished in Southern California. The KTA2B Sidekick module is listed at $125. The multi-functional Boom Box boomstand is listed at $185.