Reduce sub vibration for camera tripods

[Ryno]

We run three camera setup...all cameras are on wooden floor platforms. We like to run our subs hot and we are getting so much vibration that the cameras or shaking. Any thoughts on how I can remedy this issue (besides the obvious of reducing low end)...lol...?

[[Admin] osborn4]

Call it a cutting edge shooting style and go for it.

OK Maybe not. Sorry I don't have anything useful to share.

[[Director] Joseph B]

The only way to get rid of the camera shake is to get rid of the vibration.

[cmchamp]

Increase the mass and rigidity of the platforms remembering that if the platforms are against a wall, they are in a pressure zone where LF frequencies will build up.

If you're running that much LF to cause vibrations in your cameras, I would begin to ask a couple of questions:
1: are my camera platforms safe enough to begin with?
2: does the desire for such a high SPL service outweigh the possible health and welfare issues with your congregates?

[Paris MkVI]

Basically, the subs and your camera heads are connected by structure that is transmitting the LF vibrations. The solution is isolation.

All things being equal, isolation is most effective at the source.

If you have any common transmission areas other than the floor, eliminate them. An example would be having both the subs and camera platforms in contact with or close proximity to the same wall.

Try some dense cell foam padding under the subs to decouple them from the floor. The floor is a likely LF transmitter to your camera platforms.

If the subs are close to a rear or side wall, move them away from those walls.

[prochlea]

Yeah... I agree with Paris. Decouple the subs.

Also - to second Cory... what SPL are you running at? Maybe it's just the construction of the building or something, but it seems like it's probably too loud.

[[Director] drew ryan]

The main issue that you will run into with decoupling the subs from the floor or walls is that you will effectively reduce the amount of VLF in your room. This will mean that you will have to run your subs even hotter to get the same SPL in the VLF range.

I would look at what CMchamp said. You may also try throwing some neoprene pads under the camera platforms. This may help to isolate them from the vibration by floating them off the floor.

[cmchamp]

Unless it's the structure of the platform itself that is the source of the vibration - aka plywood box resonating.

[Ryno]

Thanks for the responses. In response to Cory's question, we are running 95db and rarely go over that (we have a db meter measuring throughout service). However, I recently started pushing the subs a bit more to create that concert chest thump.

The neoprene pads sound like they would work. I may look into that.

[cmchamp]

Is that A or C weighted, fast or slow?

[Toetagger]

I don't know a ton about all this but to me it seems a quick fix solution would be instead of placing padding under the subs wouldn't it be easier to place carpet pads or foam padding under the camera legs? Just a thought.

[Ryno]

been slammed cmchamp...we are running 95db peak with c weighting at fast. We rarely go over that. However, our stage volume is crazy...looking to enclose the drums and move band to in-ears once budget opens up a little.