Topic: stand clamping

[djphrayz]

So...newbie here wondering about the ins and outs of clamping to others' stands.  I have a pair of AT 4031s, if that matters, and I am wondering if a super clamp will be my best bet.  I am curious about how clamping creates top heaviness and may be deterrent to allowing clamping.

What is the current "best practice" for stand clamping with minimal adverse effect?

-Rick

[jbell]

I'd grab one of these

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298908-REG/WindTech_MPC_10_Multi_Position_C_Type_Clamp.html

and one of these bars and you'll be in good shape

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/286149-REG/AKG_KM235_1_KM235_1_Stereo_Microphone_Bar.html

[newplanet7]

Personally I think the superclamp is overkill for clamping a pair of 4031's to someones stand.
EVERY clamper has had and/or still has at least one in their bag.
The ultra heady  uber universal  windtech c-clamp.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298908-REG/WindTech_MPC_10_Multi_Position_C_Type_Clamp.html

You can find it cheaper i am sure but it's well worth it weight. I could've sworn I bought one for like $7 when I started.

[F.O.Bean]

The Rowi 76 or 103. Best stand clamp out there IMO

[jibooer]

The On Stage Stands TM01 will do the trick IMO.

This is an alternative to the windtech on fleabay, for a pretty good price:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/On-Stage-Stands-TM01-Clamp-On-Table-Stand-Microphone-Mount-/350562142144?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item519f21c7c0

Works for me. Every gearbag shud have 1.

[NSL]

Superclamp works best (IMO) for clamping to a rail/extension pole.  I use one of these to clamp onto others stands - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/239972-REG/Ultrapod_PD05020_Ultra_Clamp_Assembly.html

[F.O.Bean]

Superclamp works best (IMO) for clamping to a rail/extension pole.  I use one of these to clamp onto others stands - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/239972-REG/Ultrapod_PD05020_Ultra_Clamp_Assembly.html

These are sweet too! Been meaning to buy one for awhile now! Thanks for the link

[bryonsos]

The Windtech style are great all around stand clamps, but I find myself grabbing either of these first lately:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/572347-REG/Manfrotto_386B_386B_Nano_Clamp.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/232847-REG/K_M_23800_500_55_Microphone_Mount.html

[hi and lo]

I would recommend an Ultraclamp and believe it's by far superior to all other clamps for small diameter poles/stands/etc.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/350845-REG/ATS_UCAT_Clamp_Ball_Head.html

[Brian Skalinder]

I've found the Windtech clamp works well for both LDC and SDC mics.  I owned an UltraClamp while I was using LDCs (AKG C414B-XLS), and it was not up to the task.  But I think it would work great for SDCs.

[Fried Chicken Boy]

I'm in agreement with everyone who suggested the Windtech C-clamp.  I've been using mine for years, with both SD and LD mics and have never had an issue with them failing to hold what I've put on them or slipping.  You'll find that the plastic cap on the end of the screw bar doesn't hold up very well but just buy a pack of plastic tire valve covers and you can easily replace them as they wear out or split.  BTW, B&H also sells the On-Stage version that jibooer mentioned.  Virtually the same thing and a lot cheaper.

The AKG stereo bar that jmbell linked to is also solid and a good suggestion.

[acidjack]

I would recommend an Ultraclamp and believe it's by far superior to all other clamps for small diameter poles/stands/etc.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/350845-REG/ATS_UCAT_Clamp_Ball_Head.html

I own a superclamp, a windtech "C" and the ultraclamp and have owned a Manfrotto nano.  Have to agree w/ hi and lo on the ultraclamp. The superclamp is crucial for balcony mounting with extra weight but clamping to virtually anything else, the ultraclamp gets the call from me almost all the time. Super-light and tough. I have clamped 414s to it with no problem multiple times.

[Hypnocracy]

I must have a knock off ultraclamp....I only use it for my AT853's...that is the only thing it has ever not sagged under the load of...

If I had only one clamp I would go with the windtech...I have the Nano and will get another one to make a Blumlein with my LDC's on the vertical of my light stand...It is useful but needs a rapid adapter to be as flexible as the windtech

[acidjack]

I must have a knock off ultraclamp....I only use it for my AT853's...that is the only thing it has ever not sagged under the load of...

If I had only one clamp I would go with the windtech...I have the Nano and will get another one to make a Blumlein with my LDC's on the vertical of my light stand...It is useful but needs a rapid adapter to be as flexible as the windtech

Mine are just these $20 pedcos from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/PEDCO-P-UCA-Pedco-UltraClamp-Assembly/dp/B000ABB4HC/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1336662301&sr=1-1

I tape a fairly heavy amount and probably use the thing at least once a week.  Besides the 414s I've run Schoeps CMC6 bodies on it countless times with no issues.  And in the spot where I use it most often, the mics would be completely destroyed if they fell, so I am pretty careful.

[F.O.Bean]

AcidJack, my best friend just moved to Brooklyn. Hes going to Lotus tmw nite I'll tell him to stop by and say Hi

[djphrayz]

OP here: I decided to heed the windtech advice and am quite pleased.  Feels very solid and I can see why everyone finds them versatile and a must have in every bag.  But the question is...

If I came up to you at a show and said do you mind if I clamp this to your stand, what would you say?

[newplanet7]

I would say sure.
What's the big deal with some AT SDC's and a windtech?

Now the shocks on the other hand, I would ditch those.
There are many other shocks that are a ton more low-profile and lighter than those beasts.
I just use mic clips myself. But you could get a pair of busmans or shure donuts etc.
They are effing huge.

[newplanet7]

I must have a knock off ultraclamp....I only use it for my AT853's...that is the only thing it has ever not sagged under the load of...

If I had only one clamp I would go with the windtech...I have the Nano and will get another one to make a Blumlein with my LDC's on the vertical of my light stand...It is useful but needs a rapid adapter to be as flexible as the windtech

Mine are just these $20 pedcos from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/PEDCO-P-UCA-Pedco-UltraClamp-Assembly/dp/B000ABB4HC/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1336662301&sr=1-1

I tape a fairly heavy amount and probably use the thing at least once a week.  Besides the 414s I've run Schoeps CMC6 bodies on it countless times with no issues.  And in the spot where I use it most often, the mics would be completely destroyed if they fell, so I am pretty careful.

What else do you need? 1/4~> 5/8" thread adapter?

[StuStu]

OP here: I decided to heed the windtech advice and am quite pleased.  Feels very solid and I can see why everyone finds them versatile and a must have in every bag.  But the question is...

If I came up to you at a show and said do you mind if I clamp this to your stand, what would you say?

You'd be welcome to clamp. Unless a stand is already overloaded with way too many, very few tapers would say no.

[stevetoney]

OP here: I decided to heed the windtech advice and am quite pleased.  Feels very solid and I can see why everyone finds them versatile and a must have in every bag.  But the question is...

If I came up to you at a show and said do you mind if I clamp this to your stand, what would you say?

You'd be welcome to clamp. Unless a stand is already overloaded with way too many, very few tapers would say no.

Absolutely!  I get asked to get clamped to and I ask others for clamp space fairly often.  I've only had one instance ever of a person denying me...Zman sorry I love you, but gonna have to call you out here.

I would also say that if someone came up with a monstrous rig that took my stand over the top with top heavy, that might be a situation where I'd have a problem. 

[ArchivalAudio]

I've been at shows where I couldn't get a clamp space.
So I always carry astand.
however until recently my clamp of choice was a superclamp, not small by any means.

I have gotten a couple of these:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/232847-REG/K_M_23800_500_55_Microphone_Mount.html


Not a windtech, but if you are only clamping on stands thsi is an awesome clamp.

easy and compact.

I'd use it with one busman (nady - style) shock in the center , then a DIY  "kwon" like bar, with some smaller active caps.

--Ian

[F.O.Bean]

I've been at shows where I couldn't get a clamp space.
So I always carry astand.
however until recently my clamp of choice was a superclamp, not small by any means.

I have gotten a couple of these:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/232847-REG/K_M_23800_500_55_Microphone_Mount.html


Not a windtech, but if you are only clamping on stands thsi is an awesome clamp.

easy and compact.

I'd use it with one busman (nady - style) shock in the center , then a DIY  "kwon" like bar, with some smaller active caps.

--Ian

Sorry Ian, but that clamp is the biggest piece of shit I have ever used Stay away from that cheapass lil sucker

[ArchivalAudio]

I've been at shows where I couldn't get a clamp space.
So I always carry astand.
however until recently my clamp of choice was a superclamp, not small by any means.

I have gotten a couple of these:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/232847-REG/K_M_23800_500_55_Microphone_Mount.html


Not a windtech, but if you are only clamping on stands thsi is an awesome clamp.

easy and compact.

I'd use it with one busman (nady - style) shock in the center , then a DIY  "kwon" like bar, with some smaller active caps.

--Ian

Sorry Ian, but that clamp is the biggest piece of shit I have ever used Stay away from that cheapass lil sucker

OK Bean, thanks.
 I have 2 and actually like them, they seem to grip round stands very well.
That's just my experience, I'll see it that changes over the next year or so..
Peace out
--Ian

OK Bean

[F.O.Bean]

Sorry Ian, I didnt mean to bust your balls I just have had bad experiences with that clamp!

[F.O.Bean]

Ian, the ones you linked look like theyre ALOT more HQ than the old cheapies I used back in like 2002-2003 or so. So disregard everything I just said

[ArchivalAudio]

Ian, the ones you linked look like theyre ALOT more HQ than the old cheapies I used back in like 2002-2003 or so. So disregard everything I just said

Ok - Thanks for the update... They are solid and have rubber on both sides of the "clamp", so far they are very solid!

[acidjack]

Ian, the ones you linked look like theyre ALOT more HQ than the old cheapies I used back in like 2002-2003 or so. So disregard everything I just said

Ok - Thanks for the update... They are solid and have rubber on both sides of the "clamp", so far they are very solid!

I tend to agree more with Bean's first post about that clamp. Not b/c it won't hold YOUR mics, but it is positioning the mics way forward of the stand.  Depending how heavy your mics are/how stable the stand is, it'll pull the whole thing forward.  The Windtech or Pedco allows you to keep the mics closer to the stand, even behind the stand with just part of the body pointing forward of it, which I think is much more stable.

[acidjack]

I must have a knock off ultraclamp....I only use it for my AT853's...that is the only thing it has ever not sagged under the load of...

If I had only one clamp I would go with the windtech...I have the Nano and will get another one to make a Blumlein with my LDC's on the vertical of my light stand...It is useful but needs a rapid adapter to be as flexible as the windtech

Mine are just these $20 pedcos from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/PEDCO-P-UCA-Pedco-UltraClamp-Assembly/dp/B000ABB4HC/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1336662301&sr=1-1

I tape a fairly heavy amount and probably use the thing at least once a week.  Besides the 414s I've run Schoeps CMC6 bodies on it countless times with no issues.  And in the spot where I use it most often, the mics would be completely destroyed if they fell, so I am pretty careful.

What else do you need? 1/4~> 5/8" thread adapter?

IIRC the pedco comes with a 1/4" to 3/8" adapter which is what I use, but otherwise, yes, you'd need a 1/4" to 5/8" adapter. 

I really like it.  Versatile as hell, very light. 

[bryonsos]

Ian, the ones you linked look like theyre ALOT more HQ than the old cheapies I used back in like 2002-2003 or so. So disregard everything I just said

Ok - Thanks for the update... They are solid and have rubber on both sides of the "clamp", so far they are very solid!

I tend to agree more with Bean's first post about that clamp. Not b/c it won't hold YOUR mics, but it is positioning the mics way forward of the stand.  Depending how heavy your mics are/how stable the stand is, it'll pull the whole thing forward.  The Windtech or Pedco allows you to keep the mics closer to the stand, even behind the stand with just part of the body pointing forward of it, which I think is much more stable.

I like mine because it creates enough space/clearance for full bodied mics. Yes, it could create an imbalance by putting weight forward of the stand, but I've always made sure that it is "over" one of the legs. Haven't had a problem yet.

[hoppedup]

OP here: I decided to heed the windtech advice and am quite pleased.  Feels very solid and I can see why everyone finds them versatile and a must have in every bag.  But the question is...

If I came up to you at a show and said do you mind if I clamp this to your stand, what would you say?

I'd say sure. I have noticed a few folks with Windtech (and others) clamps that don't have any rubber foot on the end of the clamp screw. I'd prefer not to scar up my stand unnecessarily.

Ian, the ones you linked look like theyre ALOT more HQ than the old cheapies I used back in like 2002-2003 or so. So disregard everything I just said

I've used the cheap version for a while with fine results. It gives me space away from other mics. But my Church rig weighs about as much as the average internet poster's brain, so it doesn't really put much forward stress on the stand. If I run two sets of mics, I run one clamp back and one forward. I'm clamped to an extension that is clamped rock solid to something most of the time anyway these days.