Topic: Latest and greatest in mic stands?

[acidjack]

I have several mounting options, but I managed to break my rarely-used "big" stand last night (it was 13.5' and it was cheap, so I guess I got what I paid for).

I have a nice little 8-footer, also cheap, that is fine for most things, but it's not stable enough to run with an extension pole, so I think that idea is out.

I want something that can go high (meaning: between 11-13ft) and compacts down as much as possible and has a small footprint.  Basically what everyone wants, I guess. 

This guy seems to be the latest Manfrotto model fitting the bill:  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/644444-REG/Manfrotto_1004BAC_Alu_Master_3_Riser.html

In a previous post, I also saw this Calumet stand that is Manfrotto OEM supposedly, that is 13.5' - http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/MF6065/  Looks a bit longer when compacted, and a little heavier than the manfrotto.  And cheaper.

Most that will probably ever be up on this thing is 8 pairs of mics.  I don't run anything heavy myself.  My buddy runs some 414s and I could see him clamping to it from time to time.  But generally we are not talking about this needing to bear huge amounts of weight.

Given the cost of the mics that will be on this thing, if we are talking about $50 vs. $100 I'm not going to lose sleep getting the better product if the Manfrotto is the way to go.  But I'm also not in the business of throwing money away, either..

Other things I"m not considering?  I did consider, for example, getting a sturdier 8-footer and running it with the 099B extension pole that I already have..

[OOK]

This guy seems to be the latest Manfrotto model fitting the bill:  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/644444-REG/Manfrotto_1004BAC_Alu_Master_3_Riser.html

Kush on this board has one and its awesome....

That is the one to get...it is Air cushioned, hence you mic stand won't collapse quickly if a knuckle comes loose.

It goes to 11' and it has a high max load at full extension....something like 19lb.  Not that any of us would put 19lb at the top, but it is nice to know it can handle some poundage.... 

I will be replacing my stand soon and that is the one I am going with.....plus its black....

OOK

[rowjimmytour]

Why so high? What are you taping DMB? 

[Kush]

It goes to 11' and it has a high max load at full extension....something like 19lb.  Not that any of us would put 19lb at the top, but it is nice to know it can handle some poundage.... 

Screw 11, it goes to 12.

[rastasean]

It goes to 11' and it has a high max load at full extension....something like 19lb.  Not that any of us would put 19lb at the top, but it is nice to know it can handle some poundage.... 

Screw 11, it goes to 12.

http://lumopro.com/product.php?id=11

That's goes to 13 feet.

[DigiGal]

Here is another 13 footer.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=253065&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

[airbladder]

You had a cheap one and it broke.  Time to get a good stand that will last you for years. 

[jlykos]

I'm looking at the Avenger A0045B.  Goes up to 15', with adjustable leg attachments.  My A.E.A. stand is on its last legs so I am looking for something else too.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002B559TY/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Any comments or user opinions?

[page]

it has a high max load at full extension....something like 19lb.  Not that any of us would put 19lb at the top, but it is nice to know it can handle some poundage.... 

Not for lack of trying though. I can think of some trees that I've had stuff on that probably came real close to 19lbs if not more then... All of that shockmount material adds up.

[su6oxone]

I'm looking at the Avenger A0045B.  Goes up to 15', with adjustable leg attachments. 

Any comments or user opinions?

It's an awesome stand and worth the ~$200 it costs.  Made in Italy with great build quality and extremely sturdy (even when 14-15' high) and makes even my Bogen stands look cheap and flimsy.  Minimal swaying even when fully extended and really rock solid.  The adjustable leg extension should help when taping on uneven surfaces like at an outdoor festival.  Only drawback is the closed length (some 4' I think) and a bit heavy, but not too bad when you carry it on your shoulder. 

[acidjack]

Why so high? What are you taping DMB? 

No.. But there are some venues I go to, two in particular, where added height is more or less required to get anything good.  I ran at about 12' at the last show I did at one of the two (the one where the cheap stand I had broke) and still picked up a shitload of bowling, chatter, etc.  (yes, I said bowling).

[page]

(yes, I said bowling).

I've never recorded where people are bowling. I've been in some odd situations, but that's not one of them.

well done.

[dactylus]

I'm looking at the Avenger A0045B.  Goes up to 15', with adjustable leg attachments.  My A.E.A. stand is on its last legs so I am looking for something else too.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002B559TY/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Any comments or user opinions?

^

I don't like the fact that this is NOT air cushioned.  I've seen some jarring drops / falls on non air cushioned stands.

[scb]

(yes, I said bowling).

I've never recorded where people are bowling. I've been in some odd situations, but that's not one of them.

well done.

http://www.brooklynbowl.com/

[acidjack]

^^^ That's the one.   In the short time it has existed I have come to really hate that place.  It's great as a high-end bowling alley but horrible for shows.  The sound system is good, but that cannot compensate for the cavernous space, the fact that at least 50% of the crowd is specifically NOT there to see music, and the fact that in addition to people cheering for random bowling accomplishments during songs, the fact that they are, you know, bowling. 

Other than a 4-channel with a board feed that I just posted, I only have one recording - of Galactic - of mine that I like from there.  Had I not been at something like 12ft, it would have been a wreck.