Topic: Mic stand footprint question

[Diamonds]

Hi everyone,

I am curious about what is considered an appropriately sized footprint for a mic stand.  I'm currently considering this stand:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/609051-REG/Manfrotto_1005BAC_1005BAC_Alu_Ranker_Light.html

I think 9' should be a sufficient height for most situations.  The price is good for me and I like that it is air cushioned.  My only concern is that the footprint might be a little too much at 3.5', but I could be very wrong and that could be the norm.  I just don't know.  If anyone would like to offer any advice it would be appreciated.

[ArchivalAudio]

You can always run the stand with the legs not at full extension
you might want a stand that goes higher than 9' at least 10' or maybe even 12' for some events - some fly with 18' stands.
in big rock shows the higher you can fly your mics above the crowd chatter the less chatter you'll get

you can find great stands at B&H that are not Manfrotto  that are as good for less $
check out:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253065-REG/Impact_LS_13HAB_Air_Cushioned_Heavy_Duty.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253069-REG/Impact_LS_96HAB_Air_Cushioned_Heavy_Duty_Light.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42130-REG/Photoflex_LS_B2218_LS_2218_Heavyweight_LiteStand_Black.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/114162-REG/Smith_Victor_401292_RS10_Black_Light_Stand.html

just for starters
the two impacts have the air cushion - which may be important to you - some love it
other TS'ers will chime in

peace
--Ian

[Diamonds]

Thanks for the reply Ian.

I was unaware that the stand could be used with the legs not fully extended.  I am going to heed your advice and buy something that goes a little higher.  I suppose with a 12' stand I could always run it at 9' if I wanted, but not vice-versa.

Thanks again.

[ArchivalAudio]

^^^ exactly
you can always run lower but when you need the extra height is good to know you have it

but wait till more folks chime in
 fully extended legs are the most stable , but usually with most stands you can run them in a bit and not loose much stability

--Ian

[yltfan]

In most indoor situations, you can throw a little tape on the feet. More stability, less footprint, and it helps when the wookies kick it.

[F.O.Bean]

In most indoor situations, you can throw a little tape on the feet. More stability, less footprint, and it helps when the wookies kick it.

I ALWAYS duct tape my stand indoors, and use tent stakes outdoors

[ArchivalAudio]

In most indoor situations, you can throw a little tape on the feet. More stability, less footprint, and it helps when the wookies kick it.

I ALWAYS duct tape my stand indoors, and use tent stakes outdoors

me too
a couple of tent stakes are an essintial outdoor show item to pack if you are on ground- aka dirt/grass
been carrying them since my mishap in the lawn section at Grateful Dead Shoreline 87 when some tripper was climbing up the hill and thought that my tall mic stand would be a great pole grab to stand up with....

duct tape [check]
tent stakes [check]

--Ian

[F.O.Bean]

In most indoor situations, you can throw a little tape on the feet. More stability, less footprint, and it helps when the wookies kick it.

I ALWAYS duct tape my stand indoors, and use tent stakes outdoors

me too
a couple of tent stakes are an essintial outdoor show item to pack if you are on ground- aka dirt/grass
been carrying them since my mishap in the lawn section at Grateful Dead Shoreline 87 when some tripper was climbing up the hill and thought that my tall mic stand would be a great pole grab to stand up with....

duct tape [check]
tent stakes [check]

--Ian

Yep, I havent had it happen to me, but at Phish Y2K I saw some tripped out dude walk in the section and knock a stand over. I bought tent stakes shortly after that so it never happened to me[knocks on wood]

And FWIW, I usually run my stand about 12' high. Less crowd chatter, paired w/ the hypers, makes me a happy tapir

[Diamonds]

Thanks for all the reply's.

Yeah, tent stakes sounds like the perfect solution for an outdoor show.  I did pick-up a roll of Gaffer's tape, so hopefully that will do the trick for indoor shows.