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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: lsd2525 on June 18, 2019, 12:51:40 PM

Title: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: lsd2525 on June 18, 2019, 12:51:40 PM
I did run a search but nothing popped out at me. Looking for a small, cheap solution for taking mics out in the field. I currently use a Cigar Caddy 3400 (five cigars) which worked great for longer mics like the AT4041's and Nak 300's, but looking for something smaller for the KM184's and CM3's. Will take some advice on a solution for 2 or 4 mics. About to pull the trigger on a Cigar caddy 3140 for 2 mics, but I know it will be a bit long.

So, whatdaya using out there?
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: heathen on June 18, 2019, 01:39:51 PM
For my CM3s I'm happy with the little plastic containers they came in.  The foam is molded to the right size and everything.  I guess there could be smaller solutions though.
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: IMPigpen on June 18, 2019, 01:52:19 PM
I keep my KM184s in a Pelican 1040 Micro case which was $14.95 + $4.99 for the Pick N' Pluck foam for it.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/257874-REG/Pelican_1040_025_100_1040_Micro_Case_Clear.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/293183-REG/Pelican_1040_400_000_1042_Pick_N_Pluck.html
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: DSatz on June 18, 2019, 02:53:10 PM
Just in case it ever comes to this, be sure not leave any equipment in this type of case for years at a time unattended (I mean, like, ten, twenty years or more). The foam degenerates into a sticky mess that is very difficult to remove, and can stain any metal surfaces with which it is in contact. Guess who is speaking from sad, first-hand experience ...
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: EmRR on June 18, 2019, 04:29:06 PM
The Rycote 3-pack of tubes works pretty well. 
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: lsd2525 on June 18, 2019, 04:33:16 PM
The Rycote 3-pack of tubes works pretty well.

Wow, never seen that before. I can't believe something that says "Rycote" is that inexpensive
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: ArchivalAudio on June 19, 2019, 02:22:39 AM
works great may be a bit longer that you need.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007VU67O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007VU67O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71bOOrcxxrL._SL1500_.jpg)
Quote
Cigar Caddy 3140 2 Cigar Waterproof Travel Humidor, Black Matte
Pay $14.99 $0.00 after using available Amazon Rewards Visa Card Points.
Note: Available at a lower price from other sellers, potentially without free Prime shipping.
Holds up to 2 churchill cigars
Made from super strong abs molded plastic
Floats on water, airtight seal, waterproof to 100 feet deep
2 Removable/replaceable locking clasps, stainless steel latch hinges
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: voltronic on June 19, 2019, 07:09:59 AM
You can get those tubes far cheaper here, and sized to fit the mics you are using.  The 0.79" models are the ones you want for 20mm mic bodies.
https://www.mcmaster.com/shipping-tubes (https://www.mcmaster.com/shipping-tubes)

I bought part 2108T21 for the CM3s, and they fit perfectly.  The next size up would be right for Schoeps CMC and similar mics, and the largest size for shotguns.

I put the mics in these tubes, and then into a Cigar Caddy.  This keeps everything protected, keeps the mics from rattling against each other inside, and avoids the foam contamination DSatz described.

Note that you can fit 4 Line Audio mics in one of those 2-cigar caddys.
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: aaronji on June 19, 2019, 07:19:28 AM
I keep my KM184s in a Pelican 1040 Micro case which was $14.95 + $4.99 for the Pick N' Pluck foam for it.

I also use one of these.  It is the perfect size for a pair of DPA compact bodies with capsules (which are a little smaller than the CM3s, but not by much), plus their clips.  Waterproof, dust-proof, and practically indestructible!
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: dactylus on June 19, 2019, 07:50:36 AM
You can get those tubes far cheaper here, and sized to fit the mics you are using.  The 0.79" models are the ones you want for 20mm mic bodies.
https://www.mcmaster.com/shipping-tubes (https://www.mcmaster.com/shipping-tubes)

I bought part 2108T21 for the CM3s, and they fit perfectly.  The next size up would be right for Schoeps CMC and similar mics, and the largest size for shotguns.

I put the mics in these tubes, and then into a Cigar Caddy.  This keeps everything protected, keeps the mics from rattling against each other inside, and avoids the foam contamination DSatz described.

Note that you can fit 4 Line Audio mics in one of those 2-cigar caddys.

^
Thanks voltronic!
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: lsd2525 on June 19, 2019, 09:06:35 AM
You can get those tubes far cheaper here, and sized to fit the mics you are using.  The 0.79" models are the ones you want for 20mm mic bodies.
https://www.mcmaster.com/shipping-tubes (https://www.mcmaster.com/shipping-tubes)

I bought part 2108T21 for the CM3s, and they fit perfectly.  The next size up would be right for Schoeps CMC and similar mics, and the largest size for shotguns.

I put the mics in these tubes, and then into a Cigar Caddy.  This keeps everything protected, keeps the mics from rattling against each other inside, and avoids the foam contamination DSatz described.

Note that you can fit 4 Line Audio mics in one of those 2-cigar caddys.

Nice, thanks!!
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: goodcooker on June 19, 2019, 07:13:24 PM

I use a memory foam fly tackle box for several of my mics. The SP C4s and the KM140s  fit in there just right so it should work for either of the mics you mention.

Bonus is that it floats.
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: EmRR on June 19, 2019, 09:57:50 PM
You can get those tubes far cheaper here, and sized to fit the mics you are using.  The 0.79" models are the ones you want for 20mm mic bodies.
https://www.mcmaster.com/shipping-tubes (https://www.mcmaster.com/shipping-tubes)

Dang, look at that.  Good catch!  They only lack the foam inserts. 
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: voltronic on June 20, 2019, 07:04:54 AM
You can get those tubes far cheaper here, and sized to fit the mics you are using.  The 0.79" models are the ones you want for 20mm mic bodies.
https://www.mcmaster.com/shipping-tubes (https://www.mcmaster.com/shipping-tubes)

Dang, look at that.  Good catch!  They only lack the foam inserts.

You don't need the foam inserts, because the tubes stay snug against both ends of the mics.  There is no need to cushion the mics when they cannot move.  I use the outer Pelican / Cigar Caddy for impact protection.  It also is good to keep foam away from the capsule because of the degradation / adhesion DSatz mentioned.
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: mfrench on June 20, 2019, 12:54:55 PM
For my CM3s I'm happy with the little plastic containers they came in.  The foam is molded to the right size and everything.  I guess there could be smaller solutions though.

this is essentially what I do as well.
I've also added a bit of kit that Sarge bought for me at the Dollar Store, a cheap nylon toiletry pouch, for lack of better terms.  The pouch is the same width as the plastic storage boxes (ever so slightly loose fitting), and just long enough to add the L.A. shockmounts into the kit bag, as well. This all fits into an area in my recording bag that is defined by an old Target shelf rack that I use for a divider in my recording bag (the recorder fits into another slot in this same shelving concept inside of the bag).
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: lsd2525 on June 21, 2019, 11:11:41 AM
You can get those tubes far cheaper here, and sized to fit the mics you are using.  The 0.79" models are the ones you want for 20mm mic bodies.
https://www.mcmaster.com/shipping-tubes (https://www.mcmaster.com/shipping-tubes)

I bought part 2108T21 for the CM3s, and they fit perfectly.  The next size up would be right for Schoeps CMC and similar mics, and the largest size for shotguns.

I put the mics in these tubes, and then into a Cigar Caddy.  This keeps everything protected, keeps the mics from rattling against each other inside, and avoids the foam contamination DSatz described.

Note that you can fit 4 Line Audio mics in one of those 2-cigar caddys.

I'm probably overthinking this but....Part 2108T21 is .79 inches which works out to 20.66 mm, which as Volt stated is perfect for the CM3's which are 20 mm. I'm thinking about pulling the trigger for part number 2108T24 for the KM184's - .87 inch which  works out to 22.098 mm. The 184's are 22 mm, I'm just concerned that the additional .098 mm won't be big enough to accommodate the Neumann logo badge that is affixed to the body.  Oh well, the tubes are certainly cheap enough to give it a shot.

The length of a CM3 + 184 is a total of approx. 7 1/4". The cigar caddy is 8" long (I assume OD). So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the 2-cigar caddy will hold both the CM3's and the 184's. If I can fit both sets securely in the 2-cigar caddy, I'll be golden.

Will report back how it goes
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: IMPigpen on June 21, 2019, 12:31:34 PM

I'm probably overthinking this but....Part 2108T21 is .79 inches which works out to 20.66 mm, which as Volt stated is perfect for the CM3's which are 20 mm. I'm thinking about pulling the trigger for part number 2108T24 for the KM184's - .87 inch which  works out to 22.098 mm. The 184's are 22 mm, I'm just concerned that the additional .098 mm won't be big enough to accommodate the Neumann logo badge that is affixed to the body.  Oh well, the tubes are certainly cheap enough to give it a shot.

The length of a CM3 + 184 is a total of approx. 7 1/4". The cigar caddy is 8" long (I assume OD). So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the 2-cigar caddy will hold both the CM3's and the 184's. If I can fit both sets securely in the 2-cigar caddy, I'll be golden.

Will report back how it goes

On voltronic's recommendation I picked up a couple of the 2108T24 also for my KM184s that will go into my pelican micocase.  They should be here today, I'll report on the fit with the Neumann logo badge too!
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: lsd2525 on June 21, 2019, 12:56:08 PM

I'm probably overthinking this but....Part 2108T21 is .79 inches which works out to 20.66 mm, which as Volt stated is perfect for the CM3's which are 20 mm. I'm thinking about pulling the trigger for part number 2108T24 for the KM184's - .87 inch which  works out to 22.098 mm. The 184's are 22 mm, I'm just concerned that the additional .098 mm won't be big enough to accommodate the Neumann logo badge that is affixed to the body.  Oh well, the tubes are certainly cheap enough to give it a shot.

The length of a CM3 + 184 is a total of approx. 7 1/4". The cigar caddy is 8" long (I assume OD). So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the 2-cigar caddy will hold both the CM3's and the 184's. If I can fit both sets securely in the 2-cigar caddy, I'll be golden.

Will report back how it goes

On voltronic's recommendation I picked up a couple of the 2108T24 also for my KM184s that will go into my pelican micocase.  They should be here today, I'll report on the fit with the Neumann logo badge too!

Also, please note that the website won't calculate shipping. I placed my order today then asked them via the "Contact us" on the site. Got this response:

Hi Daniel,

The estimated shipping cost for your order is $7 and the order will deliver on Monday.

We calculate the shipping charges based upon the actual size, weight and number of packaged required to ship your order.

Until we finalize the ability to obtain shipping estimates on our website, please feel free to e-mail us for a shipping estimate. 

Brian

Ordered four of the tubes; order under $6. I guess having anything shipped for $7 these days isn't terrible. They sure were fast getting back to me.

Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: IMPigpen on June 21, 2019, 05:35:22 PM
FYI, the KM184s fit even with the Neumann badge in the 2108T24 tubes with no issues.
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: voltronic on June 21, 2019, 07:24:45 PM
Suggestion:

Since we now know these tubes can be bought in sizes for various 20 and 22 mm mics, may I suggest changing the thread title to something like:

Storage Tubes for Pencil Mics

That way, other people will be able to find these.  I know I was looking for these for years before coming across the ones from McMaster-Carr.  The only other ones I had ever found were the Schoeps branded ones available at Redding (https://www.reddingaudiostore.com/replacementparts.html), but they are too long for the tiny Line Audio mics, and of course too narrow for Neumanns.
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: lsd2525 on June 24, 2019, 09:01:48 AM
Suggestion:

Since we now know these tubes can be bought in sizes for various 20 and 22 mm mics, may I suggest changing the thread title to something like:

Storage Tubes for Pencil Mics

That way, other people will be able to find these.  I know I was looking for these for years before coming across the ones from McMaster-Carr.  The only other ones I had ever found were the Schoeps branded ones available at Redding (https://www.reddingaudiostore.com/replacementparts.html), but they are too long for the tiny Line Audio mics, and of course too narrow for Neumanns.

That's a great idea. Unfortunately I don't appear to be smart enough to figure out how
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: lsd2525 on June 24, 2019, 09:04:34 AM
Suggestion:

Since we now know these tubes can be bought in sizes for various 20 and 22 mm mics, may I suggest changing the thread title to something like:

Storage Tubes for Pencil Mics

That way, other people will be able to find these.  I know I was looking for these for years before coming across the ones from McMaster-Carr.  The only other ones I had ever found were the Schoeps branded ones available at Redding (https://www.reddingaudiostore.com/replacementparts.html), but they are too long for the tiny Line Audio mics, and of course too narrow for Neumanns.

That's a great idea. Unfortunately I don't appear to be smart enough to figure out how

Cancel that. Apparently I'm smarter than I thought :cheers:
Title: Re: Storage/field container for KM184's or CM3's?
Post by: voltronic on June 24, 2019, 10:09:07 AM
Suggestion:

Since we now know these tubes can be bought in sizes for various 20 and 22 mm mics, may I suggest changing the thread title to something like:

Storage Tubes for Pencil Mics

That way, other people will be able to find these.  I know I was looking for these for years before coming across the ones from McMaster-Carr.  The only other ones I had ever found were the Schoeps branded ones available at Redding (https://www.reddingaudiostore.com/replacementparts.html), but they are too long for the tiny Line Audio mics, and of course too narrow for Neumanns.

That's a great idea. Unfortunately I don't appear to be smart enough to figure out how

Cancel that. Apparently I'm smarter than I thought :cheers:

 :coolguy:
Title: Re: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: DSatz on June 25, 2019, 06:36:46 PM
McMaster-Carr is so efficient it's almost uncanny. I ordered two tubes from them yesterday afternoon at around 4:30, and they arrived a few minutes ago.
Title: Re: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: voltronic on June 26, 2019, 07:09:56 AM
McMaster-Carr is so efficient it's almost uncanny. I ordered two tubes from them yesterday afternoon at around 4:30, and they arrived a few minutes ago.

The call is coming from inside the house!
Title: Re: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: wvmaine on June 26, 2019, 07:15:32 AM
Thanks for the tip on these. They arrived yesterday and are perfect for the 184's.
Title: Re: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: aaronji on June 26, 2019, 07:43:11 AM
Anybody ever try these with 19 mm mics? Is the fit pretty tight with 20mm? I am interested in getting a couple for 4015Cs; the shortest ones are about a half inch too long and the 0.79" is the closest diameter. I figure I can glue a piece of felt or something into the bottom to close the half inch gap...
Title: Re: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: voltronic on June 26, 2019, 01:48:12 PM
Anybody ever try these with 19 mm mics? Is the fit pretty tight with 20mm? I am interested in getting a couple for 4015Cs; the shortest ones are about a half inch too long and the 0.79" is the closest diameter. I figure I can glue a piece of felt or something into the bottom to close the half inch gap...

The fit on the 0.79" is just slightly snug with my CM3s, which are 20mm.  Not snug enough that you would worry about scratching.

As for making up some extra space, I put 3/4" silica gel cylinders in the capsule end, which are good to have on hand anyway.  I had some that came in medication, but you can buy them in large quanities.  You just want to get the 3/4" diameter, which for these comes out to be a 2g size.
https://www.amazon.com/Desiccant-Canister-Approved-Pharmaceutical-Packaging/dp/B07LGFBQZX/ (https://www.amazon.com/Desiccant-Canister-Approved-Pharmaceutical-Packaging/dp/B07LGFBQZX/)
Title: Re: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: aaronji on June 27, 2019, 12:17:36 PM
^ Thanks! That was helpful. I was afraid that if the 20mm had a kind of loose fit, the 19mm might be even worse (although it is only about 1/25th of an inch difference). Especially with something slightly compressible in the ends, it should keep things from moving around too much.

With that in mind, I went ahead and placed an order only to receive this response:

Quote from: McMaster-Carr
Thank you for considering McMaster-Carr for your purchase.  However, we will not accept orders from your facility due to the cost of complying with US export regulations.

Sigh. I must admit I am pretty surprised, as I order stuff from the States all the time. As long as I am willing to absorb the added costs, it has never been a problem.  Oh, well. I will be over there in mid-July, so maybe I will try to get some delivered to my hotel...
Title: Re: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: wvmaine on June 27, 2019, 02:49:38 PM
aaronji, If you wanted, I could forward them to you. PM me if you would like to go that route. It only took a couple of days for mine to arrive.  Probably another week to get from W.V. to your location.
Title: Re: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: voltronic on June 27, 2019, 06:22:02 PM
^ Thanks! That was helpful. I was afraid that if the 20mm had a kind of loose fit, the 19mm might be even worse (although it is only about 1/25th of an inch difference). Especially with something slightly compressible in the ends, it should keep things from moving around too much.

With that in mind, I went ahead and placed an order only to receive this response:

Quote from: McMaster-Carr
Thank you for considering McMaster-Carr for your purchase.  However, we will not accept orders from your facility due to the cost of complying with US export regulations.

Sigh. I must admit I am pretty surprised, as I order stuff from the States all the time. As long as I am willing to absorb the added costs, it has never been a problem.  Oh, well. I will be over there in mid-July, so maybe I will try to get some delivered to my hotel...

That's really unfortunate.  I'm surprised that an operation of that size will not do international orders.
Title: Re: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: DavidPuddy on June 28, 2019, 05:19:51 PM
I ordered some of the 0.87" tubes for my 480s. I'll update on the fit after I get them.
Title: Re: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: if_then_else on June 29, 2019, 12:12:19 AM
^ Thanks! That was helpful. I was afraid that if the 20mm had a kind of loose fit, the 19mm might be even worse (although it is only about 1/25th of an inch difference). Especially with something slightly compressible in the ends, it should keep things from moving around too much.

With that in mind, I went ahead and placed an order only to receive this response:

Quote from: McMaster-Carr
Thank you for considering McMaster-Carr for your purchase.  However, we will not accept orders from your facility due to the cost of complying with US export regulations.

Sigh. I must admit I am pretty surprised, as I order stuff from the States all the time. As long as I am willing to absorb the added costs, it has never been a problem.  Oh, well. I will be over there in mid-July, so maybe I will try to get some delivered to my hotel...

That's really unfortunate.  I'm surprised that an operation of that size will not do international orders.

@aaronji: I've ordered some shipping tubes for my matched pair of Soyuz SU-013M-B from a supplier here in Europe. Apparently, these tubes are also available in various shapes and sizes. Give it a try.

https://www.rose-plastic.de/products/plastic-packaging-tubes/twistpack/ (https://www.rose-plastic.de/products/plastic-packaging-tubes/twistpack/)
Title: Re: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: DavidPuddy on June 29, 2019, 01:52:02 PM
I ordered some of the 0.87" tubes for my 480s. I'll update on the fit after I get them.

Wow you guys weren't kidding about how fast McMaster Carr is. I ordered the tubes yesterday and they just arrived.

The 0.87" 5-8" tubes fit the 460s and 480s very well with no movement.
Title: Re: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: aaronji on June 30, 2019, 05:48:49 PM
That's really unfortunate.  I'm surprised that an operation of that size will not do international orders.

No doubt. I was also really surprised. To be honest, when I saw the e-mail from them, I was certain it would say, "We will need to assess a $20 shipping charge for your $5 purchase request. Do you approve?" I definitely didn't expect them to cancel my order.

aaronji, If you wanted, I could forward them to you. PM me if you would like to go that route. It only took a couple of days for mine to arrive.  Probably another week to get from W.V. to your location.

That's very generous of you; thank you very much! More evidence (if it's needed) that taperssection is one of the rare true communities on the web. I am going to try to find something from if_then_else's source on this side of the pond, but I will definitely be in touch if it doesn't work out!

@aaronji: I've ordered some shipping tubes for my matched pair of Soyuz SU-013M-B from a supplier here in Europe. Apparently, these tubes are also available in various shapes and sizes. Give it a try.

https://www.rose-plastic.de/products/plastic-packaging-tubes/twistpack/ (https://www.rose-plastic.de/products/plastic-packaging-tubes/twistpack/)

Thank you very much as well! Did you buy them from a retailer of some sort (and do you have a link)? I went to that site and could only order a couple of thousand pieces, which is kind of overkill! They look perfect, though...

Title: Re: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: if_then_else on July 01, 2019, 12:03:55 AM

@aaronji: I've ordered some shipping tubes for my matched pair of Soyuz SU-013M-B from a supplier here in Europe. Apparently, these tubes are also available in various shapes and sizes. Give it a try.

https://www.rose-plastic.de/products/plastic-packaging-tubes/twistpack/ (https://www.rose-plastic.de/products/plastic-packaging-tubes/twistpack/)

Thank you very much as well! Did you buy them from a retailer of some sort (and do you have a link)? I went to that site and could only order a couple of thousand pieces, which is kind of overkill! They look perfect, though...

Some (but not all sizes) of the Rose Plastic shipping tubes are also available via Amazon. I picked up the Ø 30 x 120-200 mm version for the Soyuz mics.

EDIT: Looks like they're also availabe in smaller quantities and various sizes from https://www.sichtboxen.com/boxen-und-kisten/drehpack/ and https://www.modulor.de/en/drehpack-plastic-transport-tubes-120-200-pp-clear.html
Title: Re: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: aaronji on July 01, 2019, 06:43:11 PM
^ Thanks for all of your help. Neither of those places has the size I am looking for, unfortunately. I found a Swiss retailer that has what I want; they have a minimum order of 10 pieces, but, at 0.9 CHF each, I figured what the heck. Turns out they only ship to Switzerland and Lichtenstein. Looks like I will either take wvmaine up on his offer or have some shipped to my US hotel in a couple of weeks (if McMaster-Carr will do that; I e-mailed them already to inquire).
Title: Re: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: lsd2525 on July 02, 2019, 11:17:39 AM
McMaster-Carr needs to start paying Voltronic a commission  :cheers:
Title: Re: Storage containers for pencil mics - sources and sizes
Post by: voltronic on July 02, 2019, 12:53:28 PM
McMaster-Carr needs to start paying Voltronic a commission  :cheers:

I would gladly accept.

Honestly I don't know if I found these myself, or if someone else here recommended them to me.  I try my best to give credit where it's due on interesting gear scores, such as DigiGal with the STX Essentials lacrosse stick bag for the 1004BAC stand.