Topic: SuperClamp versus Quick Action SuperClamp?

[RobertNC]

Happy New Years to all.

So my New Years resolution is to experiment with running Blumlein.

I can set the A51TLs up vertical coincident with my tbar and a K&M sidebar but it's a hassle and the stability is pretty sketchy.  Shure bar is not suitable with the A51TL shockmounts and I would like to expand my general clamping capabilities anway so I'm leaning towards a pair of superclamps.

The question is would you go with the "standard" or the "quick action"?  Links to each below:

Standard Superclamp 2915

Quick Action Superclamp 635

TIA

[bhadella]

The cheapest way to blumlein with LDs is to go the Windtech route....

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,5871.0.html

[RobertNC]

Thanks for the suggestion. 

I'm more interested in the superclamps because I would like to have something more versatile.  The Windtechs will get me coincident no problem  but the jaw width is pretty limited to do much else with them.

[barren4]

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,59714.msg790173.html#msg790173

[RobertNC]

Still leaning towards the superclamps.  The price of one shure bar, which only does one thing, gets me two superclamps which do more than one thing.   

[Brian Skalinder]

Not what you want to hear, I know, but...

I prefer the Windtech clamps for this kinda thing, too.  The price of the Shure A27M bar gets you two SC's, but the same price also gets you one SC + two Windtech's with greater flexibility and stability for stand-clamping, as well as maintaining the option to clamp onto biggish stuff like railings, tables, chair arms, etc..

I find the SuperClamps are too bulky and heavy for most stand purposes (especially considering I run a compact Bogen 3373), and are better for biggish stuff.  The Windtech's are nice and compact, so I'm able to easily carry 2-3 of them in the space a SuperClamp takes up.  (Of course, I also carry a SC, but not for stand-clamping.)

The Shure bar resulted in my mics jutting out pretty far from the stand's vertical axis.  (Like this.)  Perhaps this is what you mean by the "Shure bar is not suitable with the A51TL shockmounts"?

The SC, in its stock configuration, juts out even further and only allows clamping perpendicular to the stand's vertical axis, like the Shure bar.  The addition of a right-angle mini-extension arm will resolve that problem.  In fact, I recommend getting one of the mini-extension arms for flexibility clamping onto biggish stuff.  But if you go with two SC's, you'd need two in order to prevent the shocks from sticking out so far, and it's just more stuff to schlep around.

The Windtech clamps, on the other hand, will work better, with a smaller footprint, for a lower price and allow you to run the mic's as close to the stand's vertical axis as possible, which helps with stability:

[sygdwm]

i also use 2 windtechs when running xy/blumlein w/ the tl's and shockmounts.

[RobertNC]

OK so maybe Windtechs are the way to go.  I'm a little worried about whether they will fit on my stand though.  The top riser is 1 inch diameter.  The specs on the Windtechs say it will fit a 1.25 inch tube.  Seems like cutting it pretty close...

[Brian Skalinder]

OK so maybe Windtechs are the way to go.  I'm a little worried about whether they will fit on my stand though.  The top riser is 1 inch diameter.  The specs on the Windtechs say it will fit a 1.25 inch tube.  Seems like cutting it pretty close...

It'll be fine.  Mine open to > 1.5".  And when the plastic cap breaks or falls off the screw (it will), just use a screw-on plastic valve stem cover, like the kind for your car (thanks, Bean).

[RobertNC]

Thanks for the info.  Will order a couple and give it a try.

[RobertNC]

Clamps arrived today ...    +ts to everyone Thansk!

[ShawnF]

Just for the record, it is possible to do this with a single Superclamp with extension arm ("front" would be to the right in this pic, in case that's unclear).  I just run this on a normal $10 mic stand, but I would think with the adaptor on top of the Bogen it would work that way as well.  The mics may be out a bit further than with the Windtech, but nowhere near the distance incurred with the Shure bar.  I've not had stability problems, at any rate.  On the other hand, if you're running Blumlein as intended, shouldn't there be a bit of space to the rear?  Probably not too critical, I suppose.

[RobertNC]

Interesting point. 

I think the way I have my setup in the photo the stand is at the side of the rear lobe for both mics, not directly behind it.  I could flip my shockmounts "out" away from the stand and get still more clearance in the rear lobe, at the price of some stability.

I would be curious to know what the experts think about stand clearance/rear lobe interference. 

Could not find length specs on the 4050s but they look short compared to the TLs.  I wonder if that extension bar is long enough for TLs.  Will have to look at the specs - I bought a couple of superclamps too just to round out my gear.  Maybe a DIY extension bar is in order.

[rowjimmytour]

Not what you want to hear, I know, but...

I prefer the Windtech clamps for this kinda thing, too.  The price of the Shure A27M bar gets you two SC's, but the same price also gets you one SC + two Windtech's with greater flexibility and stability for stand-clamping, as well as maintaining the option to clamp onto biggish stuff like railings, tables, chair arms, etc..

I find the SuperClamps are too bulky and heavy for most stand purposes (especially considering I run a compact Bogen 3373), and are better for biggish stuff.  The Windtech's are nice and compact, so I'm able to easily carry 2-3 of them in the space a SuperClamp takes up.  (Of course, I also carry a SC, but not for stand-clamping.)

The Shure bar resulted in my mics jutting out pretty far from the stand's vertical axis.  (Like this.)  Perhaps this is what you mean by the "Shure bar is not suitable with the A51TL shockmounts"?

The SC, in its stock configuration, juts out even further and only allows clamping perpendicular to the stand's vertical axis, like the Shure bar.  The addition of a right-angle mini-extension arm will resolve that problem.  In fact, I recommend getting one of the mini-extension arms for flexibility clamping onto biggish stuff.  But if you go with two SC's, you'd need two in order to prevent the shocks from sticking out so far, and it's just more stuff to schlep around.

The Windtech clamps, on the other hand, will work better, with a smaller footprint, for a lower price and allow you to run the mic's as close to the stand's vertical axis as possible, which helps with stability:

I totally agree w/ Brian and I just got two windtech clamps yesterday and I am going to try it tonight. I also own a super clamp but w/ the weight (2x Super Clamps+TL's w shocks=10LBS) and yes I weight this out before I decided to buy windtech. Also if ya have a light stand like I do ya might want to take that in consideration.
Peace

[rowjimmytour]

Woow, what a difference the windtech clamps make for stability and ease of use. I ran XY on Tuesday and had my manfrotto light duty stand all the way 9' and it was sturdy ( of course I still had my stand legs duct taped down).
Peace

[Brian Skalinder]

Just for the record, it is possible to do this with a single Superclamp with extension arm ("front" would be to the right in this pic, in case that's unclear).

Slick!  I'm having difficulty visualizing, though:  how does one adjust the vertical spread between the mics, e.g. to accommodate broader spacing for big-ass windscreens?