Tilta Zombie Rig Light Introduced

by Jürgen MoorsJune 5^th, 2023

Tilta has introduced a brand-new product for audio boom pole operators that will make life on film sets a whole lot easier. The Zombie Rig Light is a mic boom pole support system that allows you to operate an audio boom pole with both arms in a comfortable position. At this year’s Cine Gear at the Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, we had the chance to talk to Jared Cohn who developed the Zombie Rig Light together with Tilta. It will be available in July for a retail price of around $700. Let’s take a closer look at this unique and innovative system!

We have seen very lightweight audio boom poles like the K-Tek Mighty Boom graphite pole, and we have seen static boom pole support systems, including a tripod. But this method only applies to fixed situations like interviews, whereas everyday sound recording involves using a flexible boom pole. This means staying in sync with performers and consistently adjusting the microphone’s position to capture sound from the appropriate direction. It means continuously holding both arms above your shoulders for several hours each day!

Recording sound

When it comes to filmmaking, I cannot stress enough how important good sound recording in the field really is! If you can’t hear or understand what your performers are saying, then your shots are worthless.

Small Lavalier microphones such as the RØDE’s Lavalier GO, in combination with wireless transmitters like the RØDE ME microphones, might work very well for documentaries, but when you want to record the original sound of your actors, you have to hire a sound engineer using a mic boom pole. Together with tripods, mic boom poles are amongst the oldest tools in the industry, and so far, the concept hasn’t changed much.

How it works

When I saw the Tilta Zombie Rig Light for the very first time, I thought ‘What a clever idea, and why didn’t someone invent this system decades ago?’ The Zombie Rig Light works like a Steadicam for microphone boom poles, designed for a one-women or one-man operation. It uses adjustable counterbalance weights on the back end and a support beam at the center of gravity that locks at the edge of your sound mixer bag. With the second beam, you can control the height and position of the microphone and easily rotate it.

As a result, you gain the freedom to move around while maintaining precise control over the microphone boom pole, even with just one hand. Everything is lightweight – the rig has less than 900g/32oz/2lb and it works with every existing boom pole and professional sound mixer bag. There are several joints for different diameters and sizes of boom poles available, and it takes just a few minutes to assemble.

Zombie Rig Light conclusions

If you have ever tried to boom operate longer than 5 minutes by yourself, you might understand the big difference this product will make on a film set! No more shaking boom poles, and no more operating with the boom pole on top of your head or on your shoulders. Even if you don’t use the Zombie Rig Light in every scene, it will help operators protect their backs and concentrate fully on the important sound recording. Congratulations to Jared Cohn for this clever concept! Well done Tilta!

Price and availability

The Tilta Zombie Rig Light will be available in July to pre-order for around $700. For further information, please visit the website of Tilta here.

What do you think about the Zombie Rig Light mic boom pole support system? Have you ever operated a boom pole yourself? Would you be interested in using a Steadicam for microphones? Please leave us your thoughts in the comment section below.