DIY-Simple ORTF/DINa Combo Active Bar-VM-44-links
my first try at this ORTF/DINa Active Bar for the Milab VM-44 links, using parts of the supplied mic clips.This configuration is similar to those seen here, and could be adapted for other brands of Mics.
Made from a simple piece of 1/2" PVC pipe I had layin around - I noticed that the "walls" or difference between the OD- and ID were a bit thicker than some of the other PVC pipe I had here.
I cut the piece to 11cm - the distance which I determined that the caps would be at ORTF (17cm at 110° ) in the standard supplied mic clips which use a simple wire clip to hold on the rubber of the end of the active capsule. Then I drilled a hole in each end of the cut pipe. Next was cutting side slots at 90° from the drilled holes, and rounding the created "tabs" or ears, much like any other mic clip end.
here are the standard supplied mic clips and parts. I used the Brass ring with the wire Mic clip, and the nut/shaft to screw in a different longer bolt. The nut/shaft is metric, used a M5 with.80 pitch bolt, also used a few nylon washers on the bolt end. The original nut/shaft was used since it fit into the machined brass ring the "wire clip" was connected to.
did a quick "sanding" with very fine steel wool, cleaned it up with some rubbing alcohol and sprayed it with black textured plastic spray paint. The Shock mount is a Busman shock, with a small piece of foam weather stripping stuck on the bottom to make the clip more snug. I have just left the active bar mounted in the shock mount its still small enough to easily slip into my gear bag.
Finished:
Top ORTF:
Back view ORTF:
This DIY active ORTF/DINa combo bar is a bit rougher that I would have liked- the bottom bolt sticks out more that I would like. mostly this is because it was made with PVC pipe, and I have no machine shop. The Active Bar would be nicer if it were machined from a sold rod of delrin. also If one would have access to more metric parts the same size as the supplied nut/shaft, it could be slicker.
I made this as I almost always run 110° ORTF (17cm 110°) with this bar and the style of how the clips hold the capsules can easily also do DINa (17cm 90°) which still uses the "average human head ear spacing" at a closer angle and work well further from the source (IMO). One could probably run a spaced XY with this bar, though I am not fond of the stereo image XY creates, to me it seems narrow and hollow. I realize this bar may be limiting for many, though like I said, I usually run ORTF, and now can also easily run DINa which works for my needs.
hope this sparks others imagination
peace
-- Ian