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Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: jj69 on August 26, 2017, 11:59:41 PM
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I've been stealth taping for years, just new to open taping. Found a couple of venues that allow open taping and I'm not sure where to begin with a stand.
I would prefer something with a small footprint for when space is limited, and adjustable with plenty of height when needed. It would also be nice if the stand would allow mounting of two pairs of mics, as I usually go to shows with another taper.
Is there some kind of beginner's guide to mic stands?
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Manfrotto stands are popular and are good quality. In small clubs and small outdoor venues, I often use their Nano stand because it is so light and compact:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/612771-REG/Manfrotto_5001B_5001B_Nano_Black_Light.html
The certainly have other larger stands if you are looking for something with more height or that is more sturdy. I also have a couple of those, but they tend to have bigger footprints:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/644444-REG/Manfrotto_1004BAC_Alu_Master_3_Riser.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/609058-REG/Manfrotto_1052BAC_1052BAC_Alu_Air_Cushioned.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/609055-REG/Manfrotto_1051BAC_1051BAC_Alu_Mini_Air.html
Kind of depends how much height you want, how big a footprint you can manage and how much you want to carry.
There are other good brands as well and I am sure others will suggest those.
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The 1051BAC seems to have the smallest footprint (at least based on these photos), but 7' seems a bit short. Wouldn't at least 8' be necessary to get above standing room crowds? Do these stands have any kind of height adjustment, or are they just a fixed height?
Do I also need something to go on top of the stand? A T-bar or something? If it matters, mics are Church CA-14 and Sound Professionals SP-CMC-8 (AT 900 series).
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The 1051BAC seems to have the smallest footprint (at least based on these photos), but 7' seems a bit short. Wouldn't at least 8' be necessary to get above standing room crowds? Do these stands have any kind of height adjustment, or are they just a fixed height?
All of these can be adjusted. As to your question about what height is necessary, it depends on where you'll be setting up. Are you going to be in venues that would allow you to get the stand really high? Will it even be optimal in those venues? (Higher isn't always better. There can be a point of diminishing returns.) If you're just using those small mics, you could probably get away with the smaller stand and then later on add an extension if you really need it.
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Manfrotto makes amazing stands. Check out B & H or another place that sells them. Get something that can go higher than your needs, this gives you growing room and additional support within the stand itself. You may also need longer cables if you don't already have them. Happy taping!
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This is what I'm using:
Stand: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BI3WX9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BI3WX9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Paired with this:
Extension: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/33185-REG/Matthews_429499_Telescopic_Baby_Stand_Extension.html (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/33185-REG/Matthews_429499_Telescopic_Baby_Stand_Extension.html)
Together, I can safely reach 11' with four mics, yet the collapsed length is still only 32", easy enough for my petite wife to carry. :bigsmile:
And I agree with Heathen, you CAN get too high. Indoors or out.
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This is an interesting setup. So you can mix and match brands? Is everything pretty standardized?
Also, what would I need for a T-bar (or whatever it's called) for use with Church CA-14 and AT900-seires mics?
This is what I'm using:
Stand: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BI3WX9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BI3WX9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Paired with this:
Extension: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/33185-REG/Matthews_429499_Telescopic_Baby_Stand_Extension.html (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/33185-REG/Matthews_429499_Telescopic_Baby_Stand_Extension.html)
Together, I can safely reach 11' with four mics, yet the collapsed length is still only 32", easy enough for my petite wife to carry. :bigsmile:
And I agree with Heathen, you CAN get too high. Indoors or out.
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Also, what would I need for a T-bar (or whatever it's called) for use with Church CA-14 and AT900-seires mics?
A coat hanger and some electrical tape is more than enough to replace a T-Bar for those little mics.
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This is an interesting setup. So you can mix and match brands? Is everything pretty standardized?
Also, what would I need for a T-bar (or whatever it's called) for use with Church CA-14 and AT900-seires mics?
This is what I'm using:
Stand: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BI3WX9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BI3WX9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Paired with this:
Extension: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/33185-REG/Matthews_429499_Telescopic_Baby_Stand_Extension.html (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/33185-REG/Matthews_429499_Telescopic_Baby_Stand_Extension.html)
Together, I can safely reach 11' with four mics, yet the collapsed length is still only 32", easy enough for my petite wife to carry. :bigsmile:
And I agree with Heathen, you CAN get too high. Indoors or out.4 mics
I use this for AT853's. I don't know if the mounts fit the 900 series mics, you might call Sound Pros and ask: https://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-DTS-11 (https://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-DTS-11)
These quick-release devices help me set up and tear down faster: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007SL86A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007SL86A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
You don't have to stick to one brand. Most mic mounts are 5/8"-27 thread and you'll find adapters to take that down to 3/8" (Euro standard) or 1/4" (photog standard). For instance, the stand I use (a photography lighting stand) is topped with a 1/4" threaded stud so I use adapters to take that up to the 5/8" thread needed to mount quick release base. Here's just one example: https://www.amazon.com/CAMVATE-Convert-Screw-Adapter-8-27/dp/B01BNAYIVC/ref=sr_1_12?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1504137387&sr=1-12&keywords=5%2F8+-+3%2F8+adapter (https://www.amazon.com/CAMVATE-Convert-Screw-Adapter-8-27/dp/B01BNAYIVC/ref=sr_1_12?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1504137387&sr=1-12&keywords=5%2F8+-+3%2F8+adapter)
So yeah, the hardware is somewhat standardized.
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Manfrotto is a great stand. If you're just starting out Adorama sells some air cushioned stands very affordably.
9.5' High and a footprint a little under 3'
https://www.adorama.com/fpls9.html
8.5 ' High a little bigger footprint but folds down to 22".
https://www.adorama.com/fpls8n.html
and a 13' Stand for when you have space. 4' Footprint.
https://www.adorama.com/fpls13.html
That last one is long when folded up but not heavy at all.
I own the 13' and 9.5' and they cover very well for much less than I paid for the non air-cushioned PITA known as the Shure S15A.
They're not as solid as Manfrotto in the lower leg section but they're 85% the way there for 1/4 of the cost.
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Manfrotto is a great stand.
But not generally worth the extra expense. If you want to cut prices, a stand is the first place to do so. I am not familiar with Adorama, but I have a Savage and Bosh that have served me well for over 10 years. As long as it is air cushioned, I would not recommend spending more for a name.
Get something that can go higher than your needs, this gives you growing room and additional support within the stand itself.
This is even more important. You do not want to have to extend the stand to its limits. Without some of the lesser tube inside the bigger one, there is only the joint holding it together. They can be quite wobbly, extended fully, with nothing mounted. My stands are 13', but I rarely run higher than I can reach. While it might not be a problem with tiny mics, if I only had a 7' or 8' stand, it would be wobbly, and I would have to be more concerned about it getting knocked over from a little bump.
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^^^ YES ^^^
Perhaps I should have explained myself when originally writing the comment, but truth be known, I just took it for granted you'd understand why.
I've been using the same Bogen (Manfrotto) 17 foot stand for over 30 years now...for a reason. The quality is excellent, and I do not extend any of the poles to it's max height. I always leave a minimum of a few inches. I would say an average height for me is between 10 and 12 feet, something extending to 13 feet high. Sure, I've hit the 15 foot mark a couple times, but it's not the norm. Extenders, whereas a great idea, have no support other than being clamped to the very top of the shorter stand you buy to accommodate it. Why would you do that if you are first buying a stand now? Do it right the first time, and there won't have to be a second time. Air cushioned stands are cool, but seriously unnecessary. Unless I'm mistaken, they are wonderful when bringing them down (you can just let them drop by themselves. You are going to be using shock mounts anyway, so shock absorption is covered. If I remember correctly, they cost a lot more money. My advice is clear, but check all of what is being given to you, and use your best judgement for what will be best for you...just keep in mind, there is a reason most people suggest Manfrotto...sometimes, you really do get what you pay for - and your mics and recording depends on it.
As for a T-bar, They're pretty basic. You may laugh, but since I only use my CA-14's for stealth (in a hat) at shows, I use a coaster (yes, from the bar!) when I need to mount them in a bar to record a local band. Mine have clips on them, and a coaster acts as a shock absorber, so it's a win/win for me. I just tap it onto the thread of the stand. Since the mics weigh next to nothing, it works great. I also do the same thing if I need to tape the coaster to a ceiling beam or something else. After a few uses, they are disposable :o
For a regular pair of mics, I like the versatility of this:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/534725-REG/K_M_23510_500_55_23510_Microphone_Bar.html
(double check the thread size, as I only went by the picture)
If in doubt, go to a show that allows taping and check out what others are using and see if those thins would suit your needs. Enjoy!
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If in doubt, go to a show that allows taping and check out what others are using and see if those thins would suit your needs. Enjoy!
^^^Probably the best advice in this thread-
I use an 8' stand and extension so the whole package will collapse down to 32" for transport yet still reach up to 11'. Minimum collapsed size is important to me for a couple of reasons, it may not matter to others. I can fully extend every section of the Matthews extension with no loss of stability (they likely are not fully extended but that's where Matthews placed the stops). My stand though- I have to leave a couple of inches of each section engaged to achieve the stability I want, especially outdoors (wind, uneven ground). So in reality, my 8' stand is actually 7.5' in use. Another reason for the extension.
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I use a Manfrotto 3373 7' light stand with hacked legs (5001b is the newer model.) Folded up with a rapid adapter on the end it is only 19" long. I have only wished I had a 10'+ stand a couple of times and those times I had someone else's stand to clamp onto.
Stand tips:
Bring gaffers to tape to hard floors (I typically attach a few strips on my way out the door)
Bring cheap tent stakes to stake to dirt/grass (cheapo wire ones are best. I keep mine with my dead rat windjammers since they only get used outdoors too)
Extend from top up to keep a big stand's weight down low. (You learn this the hard way when you see the top of your stand swaying in the middle of a set)
Engrave your last name and phone number on it somewhere visible so it comes home after a night out of partying
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I use a Manfrotto 3373 7' light stand with hacked legs (5001b is the newer model.) Folded up with a rapid adapter on the end it is only 19" long. I have only wished I had a 10'+ stand a couple of times and those times I had someone else's stand to clamp onto.
Stand tips:
Bring gaffers to tape to hard floors (I typically attach a few strips on my way out the door)
Bring cheap tent stakes to stake to dirt/grass (cheapo wire ones are best. I keep mine with my dead rat windjammers since they only get used outdoors too)
Extend from top up to keep a big stand's weight down low. (You learn this the hard way when you see the top of your stand swaying in the middle of a set)
Engrave your last name and phone number on it somewhere visible so it comes home after a night out of partying
Great stand, I have one I use for more covert taping that I could still use a stand for. It just fits into my backpack!
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+1 on the gaff tape! I always keep a roll in my stand bag, along with a roll of velcro cable ties. A lot lighter than carrying sandbags. For shows in small clubs, I have rarely needed anything taller than the Nano, especially if people are generally seated. It is sturdy enough for a set of full body pencil condensers, bar and shocks, although I usually use an active rig.
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My stand:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/113773-REG/Shure_S15A_S15A_Microphone_Stand.html
Way more expensive than it should have been, but I got it for $100 when I worked at an AV company. It's hard to loosen the rings between the sections, and it's not cushioned, so be careful lowering it or you'll lose some skin from your fingers.
In short, get something else! :lol:
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I never desired an air-cushioned stand until I started using one. It's an inexpensive option these days.
Now if I could just remember that my extension is NOT air-cushioned.
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My stand:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/113773-REG/Shure_S15A_S15A_Microphone_Stand.html
Way more expensive than it should have been, but I got it for $100 when I worked at an AV company. It's hard to loosen the rings between the sections, and it's not cushioned, so be careful lowering it or you'll lose some skin from your fingers.
In short, get something else! :lol:
Good solid stand...that's a pain in the ass. I never liked this one, I can see why you recommend against it. My tall Bogen has clips, I love it!
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Hi
I use since 1 year this great Manfrotto.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546705-REG/Manfrotto_420B_420B_Combi_Boom_Stand.html
And I am very happy
I use it for 2 stereo mics (1 Ortf, and 1 M/S-Blumlein)
it is Light
Maxi about 13 feet (only vertical)
Maxi about 6 feet horizontal with 6 feet vertical (needs conterweight)
friendly
Kasu