Topic: New Rode stereo bar

[carlbeck]

Have you guys seen the new stereo bar from Rode microphones? Pretty cool bar at about $50.00 online. There's a YouTube video as well when they launched it, not a bad alternative to the higher priced bars with graduated markings for spacing & a mark for ORTF. It's probably best for actives since the cm spacing won't work with full bodies.

http://www.performanceaudio.com/item/rode-sb20-stereo-bar/44159/

[Jhurlbs81]

It looks like the bar also comes with spacing clips that allow full-bodies mics to be used.  I have a similar bar and use a riser to let me run (most) any config with the telefunkens..

[Fried Chicken Boy]

It looks like the bar also comes with spacing clips that allow full-bodies mics to be used.  I have a similar bar and use a riser to let me run (most) any config with the telefunkens..

In the pictures it looks that way to me, too.  And if not, risers can be picked up for a few bucks from B&H.  Definitely a cool bar.

[pohaku]

Ordered one.  We'll see what it's like once I get it.

[carlbeck]

Ordered one.  We'll see what it's like once I get it.

Nice! I can't wait to hear your thoughts. I'm resisting temptation on this one currently, we'll see how long that lasts if you come back & tell us how awesome it is.....

[waltmon]

I wonder if you can get extra knobs for it

[carlbeck]

I couldn't resist & ordered one as well, it will be here later today. I don't know about extra knobs but I'm hoping I can use my K&M stereo bar knobs so I don't have to use theirs, I am worried about the plastic spacers falling off & leaving me stranded at a show. I don't know if they snap into place or are just loose fitting but the slot in the spacer has me concerned. I'll let everyone know once I get it.
edit: Another thing that has me concerned is that in one of the descriptions online it states that the bar is made out of a "durable" plastic, I'm not too crazy about that idea but we'll see.

[voltronic]

Not to hijack the thread, but I just came across this new bar also.  Looks very well made for the price ($25).  No specs published anywhere, but a sales rep at VK went the extra mile and contacted the distributor to open one up and measure it for me.
http://vintageking.com/lewitt-lct-40-m2#description

On Aug 13, 2014 3:53 PM, "Scott Iulianelli" <scotty@vintageking.com> wrote:

    Hey Anthony,

    Okay, I have heard back from my guy at the distributor, he said that they are 6" 3/4" apart from each other on center max. I hope this helps you out!

    If you would like to pick one up call me at 248-591-9276 ext 199 and I'll be happy to get one on order for you.

    All best,

    scotty

    Thanks,
    Scotty

[carlbeck]

No thread jack at all, that's what this forum is for. I struggled finding any measurements in my search for stereo bars as well so it's appreciated. That looks like a nice bar as well but has the same measurements as the K&M stereo bar part#23550 that I'm currently using.  The K&M is available on Amazon for $18.00, also a nicely made product that's light & strong.

[pohaku]

I couldn't resist & ordered one as well, it will be here later today. I don't know about extra knobs but I'm hoping I can use my K&M stereo bar knobs so I don't have to use theirs, I am worried about the plastic spacers falling off & leaving me stranded at a show. I don't know if they snap into place or are just loose fitting but the slot in the spacer has me concerned. I'll let everyone know once I get it.
edit: Another thing that has me concerned is that in one of the descriptions online it states that the bar is made out of a "durable" plastic, I'm not too crazy about that idea but we'll see.

The spacers snap on and off.  They fit fairly snugly, so I am not concerned about losing them.  They either snap on top to raise the mount or on the bottom if the mount is on the bar, so you shouldn't have then floating around loose.  The mount is plastic, but seems substantial.  We will have to see how durable.  It is marked for spacing with an angle reference marked in the center.  The knobs are relatively large, which I think is good.  Small knobs are a bit more difficult to manipulate.  I haven't taken it to a show yet, perhaps this weekend.

[DF81]

Finally, I was considering building one... the market lacked a $50-$100 stereo bar w/ measurements for SDC's/non-active mic's.  I'l buy one soon.  Thanks for posting.

[flipp]

Finally, I was considering building one... the market lacked a $50-$100 stereo bar w/ measurements for SDC's/non-active mic's.  I'l buy one soon.  Thanks for posting.

At the high-end of that price range (at $104) is the Superlux MA-90 Stereo Bar and how one TSer modified it for four mics.

[carlbeck]

I got the Rode bar today & I'll be running it tonight. I'm still not thrilled with it being plastic & it's a little bulky in the bag but otherwise it's nice. I think for the money it's a good deal, the spacers do in fact snap in & seem secure, the knobs being large as previously mentioned is a bonus & the fact that it allows for a 20cm spread between bodies that will equate to an even further distance between caps is the real kicker for me.

[pohaku]

I got the Rode bar today & I'll be running it tonight. I'm still not thrilled with it being plastic & it's a little bulky in the bag but otherwise it's nice. I think for the money it's a good deal, the spacers do in fact snap in & seem secure, the knobs being large as previously mentioned is a bonus & the fact that it allows for a 20cm spread between bodies that will equate to an even further distance between caps is the real kicker for me.

Yeah, as enamored as I am with machined aluminum, it would have likely doubled the price.  The 20cm spread is nice.  Let us know what you think after you run it.  I hope to get out to a small festival this weekend and put it up.

[voltronic]

I got the Rode bar today & I'll be running it tonight. I'm still not thrilled with it being plastic & it's a little bulky in the bag but otherwise it's nice. I think for the money it's a good deal, the spacers do in fact snap in & seem secure, the knobs being large as previously mentioned is a bonus & the fact that it allows for a 20cm spread between bodies that will equate to an even further distance between caps is the real kicker for me.

Yeah, as enamored as I am with machined aluminum, it would have likely doubled the price.  The 20cm spread is nice.  Let us know what you think after you run it.  I hope to get out to a small festival this weekend and put it up.

If machined aluminum is what you're looking for, I doubt you'd do better than followinbob's wide bars:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=162285.0

[carlbeck]

I used the Rode the other night, I think it's a great bar but a little bulky because of the risers. I now have four different stereo bars, buying spree obviously, but the Rode is a good compromise if you don't mind the bulk & plastic construction. I think for my needs the Followinbob 12" bar has the lowest profile & weight so I may return the Rode since it's redundant. Regardless the 20 cm spacing is great , it will support LD microphones, the 90/110 degree angle templates on the top are nice & the ability to move spacers to the top or bottom gives it great flexibility.

[pohaku]

I got the Rode bar today & I'll be running it tonight. I'm still not thrilled with it being plastic & it's a little bulky in the bag but otherwise it's nice. I think for the money it's a good deal, the spacers do in fact snap in & seem secure, the knobs being large as previously mentioned is a bonus & the fact that it allows for a 20cm spread between bodies that will equate to an even further distance between caps is the real kicker for me.

Yeah, as enamored as I am with machined aluminum, it would have likely doubled the price.  The 20cm spread is nice.  Let us know what you think after you run it.  I hope to get out to a small festival this weekend and put it up.

If machined aluminum is what you're looking for, I doubt you'd do better than followinbob's wide bars:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=162285.0

Got one of those too.  But, I'm a slut.

[jbell]

Super cheap stereo mic bar! 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Microphone-Stereo-T-Bar-Thread-Adapter-Stand-Mount-Two-Apart-H50-Bar-Pro-Black-/252115757402?hash=item3ab345295a

[voltronic]

Super cheap stereo mic bar! 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Microphone-Stereo-T-Bar-Thread-Adapter-Stand-Mount-Two-Apart-H50-Bar-Pro-Black-/252115757402?hash=item3ab345295a

Same one also sold here:
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Professional-Mic-Stereo-Bar-Black-T-Bar-Thread-Adapter-Stand-Mount-Two-Apart-H50-Professional-New/404390_821363549.html

And I have two of the longer ones which I've recommended before:
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Professional-Microphone-Stereo-Bar-T-Bar-Thread-Adapter-Beam-Two-Stand-Adjustable-Drum-Mount-Wholesale-Hot/404390_514425580.html

The only thing I'll say against the longer one is that the knobs are 5/8" and one of them I cross-threaded one of the knobs by accident and it's pretty chewed up now.  I actually haven't used it since getting my Followinbob 24" bar, since his knobs are nice machined 3/8" and will probably last forever.

[cybergaloot]

I have one of the Rode bars and yes it is plastic but it is well designed and has worked fine for my ADK-tl mics so it can handle weight. No flexing or bouncing. It also worked well recently for my Line Audio CM3 mics and made for a nice light setup that I was able to just stuff in my bag at the end of the day. The included risers work well for X-Y setups. I thought $50 was a bit pricey for molded plastic but it has been a handy stereo bar so I guess its worth it.

[voltronic]

I wonder if and when Rode is going to release the wide version of that bar shown here and described around 2:30:

http://youtu.be/2kKgzJSLdIM

[jagraham]

Just picked up one of these. I’m a little confused at the listing though. Does anyone know what size thread is on the underside? Also what will I need to run my Naks on this with standard mic clips?

[cybergaloot]

It's standard 5/8X27 thread. I wish somebody made an affordable tap and die and thread chaser for this size.

[cybergaloot]

I wonder if and when Rode is going to release the wide version of that bar shown here and described around 2:30:

http://youtu.be/2kKgzJSLdIM

That would be nice! I have one of the Manfroto three mic bars but something lighter with measurements would be great. I also wish Manfroto made additional mic fixtures for their bar. Maybe they do as a replacement part. I haven\t looked into that.