You may find this:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showpost.php?p=677790&postcount=18

VERY helpful. It isn't half as hard as it looks. I've moded a couple of our cameras this way and unlike every other approach we've tried it a) works and b) nothing breaks.

If you need any more advice let me know, address is in my profile.

Bob.

Inexpensive method. Go to your local bicycle reapir shop and ask for a used bike inner tube. Usually free. Cut a 2-inch length and wrap it around you mike. Longer if you need thicker.

Best method: I like the J-Rod Twin mount.
http://www.thej-rod.com

Simply packing out your average shotgun mic with rubber is not a good idea. The mic holder on the Z1 is only designed to hold the very lightweight plastic mic that Sony sell. Anything heavier and what happens is you compress the rubber vibration isolators in the clamp and start getting handling + camera noise into the mic. Been there, had that problem.

The J-Rod idea we tried for a while, until the plastic mic holder that comes with camera broke, on two cameras. Take a look at the photos in the link I provided above, only took me under 30 minutes to make that mod, cost of parts around $30. Problem solved, for good.

Bob.

I used a small length of clear 3/4" ID vinyl hose at Home Depot or Lowes. I think I used a heat gun to mount it. In the words of one famous Californian, "No problemo".
JJK

had the same problem...took an old mousepad, cut a small rectangular piece big enough to wrap around the mic and fit within the mic holder...peeled off the front (printed surface) of the mousepad to leave just the neoprene type stuff...works like a charm.

I think I'll try that shimming idea with the rubber, like the innter tube or the mouse pad.

Thanks for the advice guys.

I'm not into cutting up my machine as I just got it : )

Aug

The mod I'm recommending does not entail doing any "cutting", only unscrewing a couple of screws that manage to work loose anyway over time.
If you don't want to spend the money for a Rode shock mount at the very least put some Locktite on the screws that hold the existing mic holders shock mount in place. Having the whole thing fall off can be a bit alarming.

Bob.

PS If you want a mic lead with a right angle XLR, AT sell these already madeup.

Bob is correct about "packing" the mike into the clip. Use as little inner tube as will be snug to hold the mike. First thing I looked at was handling noise. Did not have any. I have been in broadcast audio since 1960 (high school) and video since 1962 (college)

As far as the J-Rod, again, Bob is obviously correct. But, as the only person who handles my two cameras that when not is use rest in a Pelican Case with cubed foam with the mikes removed, I have a lot of hours with no issues. Not even loose mike mount screws. If I had others handling my equipment I would have at least HDCAM F355's that could take the abuse by those who just don't care quite as much.

I learned 40 years ago that I handle my own equipment much differently then my employees or subs do. Cost of doing business.

David