This is what I got: (https://s31.postimg.org/ycma0oj3v/stands01.jpg) From left to right:
Footprint
Height As we all know, with stands, size (or height) matters. And again, with the variable legs, the height of the three stands vary. Here are my measurements.
Unlike both Manfrottos, the Muraro even has a leg setting that makes it even taller, up to 251cm. This setting is shown on the first picture (center stand). However, in this setting, it also appeared to be the least stable (but still stable enough for a pair of SD microphones). While the Manfrotto 1052BAC should work well for FOB taping, the 1051BAC is just not tall enough (at least for my tastes). At a max. height of 251cm, the Muraro is the clear winner in this category. Stability No big surprises here. The big footprint of the 1052BAC make it the most stable, while the short legs of the 1051BAC make it the least stable and most suspectible to tipping over. The Muraro's stability is somewhere in between the two Manfrottos. However, I guess all three stands work inside areas that are protected from the crowds (like inside the FOH area). It's just that the 1052BAC and the Muraro are noticeably more stable than the small Manfrotto. They just make me feel more secure. The 1052BAC's long legs may be a tripping hazard, though. Transport size & weight
Conclusion Before ordering, I was a bit biased towards the Manfrottos. And they deliver in terms of build quality. However, the footprint of the 1052BAC and the short height of the 1051BAC are a bit disappointing. The Muraro, on the other hand, probably has all the height I'll ever need and looks like a solid stand overall. While its build quality is probably not on the same level as the Manfrottos, it's far from feeling cheap. And it's damn compact, while still being the tallest of the three stands. Therefore, I think I'm gonna go with the Muraro. I found out about this brand by chance and I must say I'm happy that I did. It sure looks to be a good alternative to the Manfrottos. The only drawback is that the Muraro is not air-cushioned, but I don't think this is a problem with SD or active mics due to their low weight. However, Muraro is also selling an air-cushioned version of the same stand at 6 EUR more. |
I'm considering using using my 099B extension pole in the future with my Impact Back Light stand (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253077-REG/Impact_LS_3S_Two_Section_Back_Light.html) base when doing a light weight / low footprint setup.
I'm considering using using my 099B extension pole in the future with my Impact Back Light stand (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253077-REG/Impact_LS_3S_Two_Section_Back_Light.html) base when doing a light weight / low footprint setup.
I've done this exact setup many times with a single set of mics (SDCs or actives) and it works fine with a few caveats:
1. It obviously won't be as stable as a tripod stand and is not ideal for a high traffic area. If you can isolate it from the crowd, preferably inside the soundboard cage, etc, that would be ideal. It will not stand up to drunks or wooks grabbing it like a stripper's pole.
2. If you can gaff-tape or bungee-cord it to something it will increase stability substantially. I've also been successful parking my gear bag between, and on, the feet and wrapping the shoulder strap snugly around the pole.
I'd probably gaff the legs down to the stage floor and also add a couple sandbags as insurance.
I'd probably gaff the legs down to the stage floor and also add a couple sandbags as insurance.
As a more portable alternative to sandbags: Collapsible water bottles (with carabiners attached) also work nicely as counterweights.
They weigh next to nothing, take up almost no space in your gear bag and you can easily refill them at sinks.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dsporting&field-keywords=collapsible+water+bottle+2l
I'd probably gaff the legs down to the stage floor and also add a couple sandbags as insurance.
As a more portable alternative to sandbags: Collapsible water bottles (with carabiners attached) also work nicely as counterweights.
They weigh next to nothing, take up almost no space in your gear bag and you can easily refill them at sinks.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dsporting&field-keywords=collapsible+water+bottle+2l
Neat stuff. I've seen regular water bottles used as counterweights suspended from the bottom of a tripod, but never thought of the collapsible ones. They could even go inside the pockets of a photo weight bag (what I typically use).