Ambient have just announced the new QXS boom pole line. The QXS are a replacement for the current QX series, and they have been specifically designed for documentary and ENG applications. The QXS series poles are built out of extremely durable but lightweight pull-wind carbon fiber – with five segments for a better collapsed-to-extended ratio. Ambient claims they deliver ideal balance and perfect control over the microphone, and are easy to transport while providing long reach when needed.
The all-new collars feature a machined knurl that provides better grip, especially with gloves, and the optimized angle of the new compression rings deliver increased locking of the segments. The new locking system design is said to lock faster and easier than previous designs while providing a stronger lock between segments, reducing slipping and twisting.
The new boom poles have been manufactured using pull-wind carbon fiber tubes with a 1mm wall thickness to achieve a lightweight but durable construction. All the mechanical parts are machined out of aircraft aluminium, the 3/8″ thread is made out of solid stainless steel to survive thousands of microphone changes. The internal bushings are made of soft felt to allow for rattle free operation and prevent seizing by dirt, humidity or cold temperatures. When necessary, the collet and felt can easily be replaced by the user at minimal cost.
For use in ENG applications, Ambient offers two different internal cabling options with multiple connector outlet variations to prevent cable tangles. The cabled booms are equipped with in-house manufactured, ultra-thin cables optimized for field audio conditions. Using shielding and a polyurethane insulation, the cables are claimed to provide excellent endurance while maintaining flexibility even in temperatures as low as -40° C (-40° F).
The QXS Boom Poles are available in five different sizes:
QXS 550 – Length: 50 – 195 cm (1.64 ft – 6.40 ft) Weight: 445 g (15.70 oz.)
QXS 565 – Length: 65 – 260 cm (2.13 ft – 8.53 ft) Weight: 535 g (18.87 oz.)
QXS 580 – Length: 80 – 330 cm (2.62 ft – 10.83 ft) Weight: 620 g (21.87 oz.)
QXS 5100 – Length: 100 – 420 cm (3.28 ft – 13.78 ft) Weight: 745 g (26.28 oz.)
QXS 5130 – Length: 130 – 540 cm (4.27 ft – 17.71 ft) Weight: 925 g (32.63 oz.)
There is no price listing yet, but don’t expect them to be cheap. The previous QX series started from around $340 US for the 6′ version and went up to around $700 US for the 18′. For more information you can head over to Ambient Recording.
