The Grace is pretty and for many techniques works well but for the easiest way to set up ORTF with the correct angles and spacing, using pencil type mics (up to 20mm diameter - or maybe 21mm if you don't mind snapping the odd mic clip from time to time!), the Schoeps UMS20 has the edge.
Just set everything to the click stops next to the green dots, and, if you're using Schoeps mics, underline the engraved word "SCHOEPS" in the logo on the body with the edge of the mic clip, then twist the clips to take care of the height offset and you're ready to go. (If you're not using Schoeps mics, you'd need to measure and perhaps mark your mic bodies for the correct spacing but once done it's a doddle to use.
The UMS20 is also designed to fit into a Schoeps shock mount (the A20S with the thicker elastic) at which point you get shock mounting, with cable strain relief clamp, and the option of angling the bar without needing to use a boom stand. It can also set several other configurations that would be fiddly with other bars
It's useless with anything other than pencil mics though. And the settings do develop a tiny bit of 'play' over time. A quick trip back to Schoeps for some TLC cures this, or you could brave the spring loaded ball bearings inside the sliding clips yourself and replace the little slilicon slip washers to tighten things up again. (Don't underestimate this job though - I opened one of these on the stage at the Royal Albert Hall in London and after a small 'PING' and the soft clicking and rolling sound of very small things landing and vanishing on a very large floor, I rapidly came to regret having bothered! Lucky I have spare UMS20s!)
Or there's always the various fixed spacing/modular bars for use with active capsules/compact mics which are even easier to set up but tend to be very model specific.
The A27 is a dinky idea but I find that even with the tightest spacing, it sets the mics too far apart vertically for my liking.
Topic: Best ORTF mounting solution? (Read 14373 times)