Create Digital Music » How to Build a Mic Flag and Look Like a Real Broadcaster

Jan 15 2008

How to Build a Mic Flag and Look Like a Real Broadcaster

We’ve all seen newspeople interviewing the “average guy on the street” with this sort of device affixed to the handle of their mic:

Ever wanted to add a veneer of professionalism to your otherwise ameteurish audio/video production? It’s easy! Here’s how:

First things first- you could just buy a blank one, but where’s the fun in that?

The CDM staff wanted a mic flag for use at the upcoming NAMM show, and I couldn’t say no to a MAKE-type challenge. Liz McLean-Knight clued me in to this instructional Youtube video:

I found the video to be a bit overly complicated, but it gives you the general idea. You need a small box with a hole through the top and bottom, and you pack the interior with foam to hold the mic snugly. No sweat (theoretically).

I’ve had this little metal project box hanging around for a long time, and it was the perfect shape. A bit of measuring, guessing, and heavy Dremel action gave me a nice mic-sized (if irregular) hole through the center. After a quick consultation with Peter, the decision was made to emulate the feel of this vintage NBC flag. (NBC logo photo from vintagemicflags.com, which has lots of other mic flag images.)

Two coats of black paint later, I was ready to affix the CDM logos. A little bit of paint touch-up, making sure the foam is perforated to allow the mic tight passage, and ta-da! My Superscope condenser is a little slim for the flag, but Peter’s Shure Beta 87C should fit like a glove.

All we need now is a big, foamy windscreen for those hard-hitting reports…

NAMM: Unofficial CDM Afterparty, Live in LA, Friday Night

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18 Comments

Create Digital Motion » DIY: Look Like a Real Broadcaster with a Mic Flag

[...] How to Build a Mic Flag and Look Like a Real Broadcaster Related: Related: broadcast, DIY, hardware, mobile, production, projects, recording, sound & more. Comments 0. By Peter. 2008-Jan-15@11:23. HD4NDs Blue Ray is Going To Win [...]

January 15, 2008 @ 10:23 am

poopoo

Can i just use cardboard, sticky tape and a magic marker?

January 15, 2008 @ 8:40 pm

Noise Is Information » Blog Archive » How to Build a Mic Flag and Look Like a Real Broadcaster

[...] This looks pretty fun! Good for your next clever hoax or getting access to restricted places. Posted in media | [...]

January 15, 2008 @ 8:41 pm

Peter Kirn

@poopoo, you could, but then your fake DIY media credentials project isn’t as convincing.

January 15, 2008 @ 10:59 pm

In The News: Music Tech Test Run « Merodi Media

[...] Finally, here’s a fun project for you DIY-broadcasting enthusiasts out there: How to Build a Mic Flag and Look Like A Real Broadcaster [...]

January 16, 2008 @ 8:48 am

Look like a pro with that homemade microphone flag | Do it Yourself

[...] Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments [...]

January 17, 2008 @ 2:35 pm

Craft Paper Online Blog » Blog Archive » HOW TO - Make a Mic Flag

[...] Ever wanted to look super legit when interviewing someone on camera? Try making your own microphone flag! The folks at Create Digital Music made one and can offer you some advice for how. - Link. [...]