[Richard Crowley]

"Ben Bayliss" wrote ...
So I figure it's time to invest in a set of slings that I can use for
location recordings. I work in a number of venues, so the ability to set
up different arrays with different lengths etc.. is essential.

So far in my travels I've only seen two extremes, the extremely expensive
sort with pvc-coated steel wire, rings and other assorted rigging/climbing
gear, or the uber cheap bit-of-rope with stereo bar tied to it (with all
its associated problems of sagging etc..

Is there a package somewhere in the middle that I could put together which
will last but which will cope with different venues etc?

In a similar related question, what mic cable does everyone use? Mini
quad would be nice, but there doesn't seem to be much choice over here.
Again the balance is quality vs. diameter + weight.

For both questions, any UK-based links would be awesome.

I use non-coated 3/32" diameter "aircraft cable" which is small-
diameter "wire rope". I get it at my neighborhood hardware store
which stocks 6~8 different sizes. They also sell the U-clamps,
etc. needed to safely tie-off the ends. I would think that kind of
"aircraft cable" is a generic product available in most places
(perhaps under different names?)

Some of my microphones came with an adapter for the clip
which has a 3/8" threaded hole in the middle and the outside
is the 5/8-27 thread that the mic clips use. I got some short
3/8" bolts and drilled a hole just under the hex head which
the aircraft cable fits through. When threaded onto the cable,
you can use one of those "adapters" to screw up against the
cable and secure the gadget along the cable wherever you
need. Then thread the mic clip (or bar, etc.) onto the 5/8-27
outside of the adapter. Works like a champ for me and I
don't think I spent more than 10~15 USD on the whole kit.