Author Topic: Favorite New Microphone Stand (Read 19874 times)

DATPAT · « **on:** January 20, 2018, 07:04:57 PM »

Howdy,Folks ,
I've been on the section for some time, but i rarely post. However, i have recent found a really unique stand that i'd like to share with you. I have been using the Manfrotto Nano Stand for years in situations where i don't need to run particularly high or when i need a compact travel stand to take when i fly out of town for festivals, or shows. In the past i have used a Mathews extension pole to extend the height of my Nano Stand. With the pole i can get about 10 ft. high. However, when i do this the stand is kind of unstable if i fully extend both the pole and the stand. Based on a recent experience i had at a New years show i decided to look for a stand that would be able to reach at least 10 ft. high, and would fold down into a small foot print (close to 2 ft. long). If you look at B & H for something that fits that criteria you'll be hard pressed to find anything that is close. In fact, i did another search and there is no other stand available on B&H that will meet those parameters. It's considerably larger in diameter than the Manfrotto, but it's much more stable, and with the adjustable extension feet you can set it up on un-level surfaces. I'm already envisioning how this will help me at a mountain fest i go to in Wyoming where the stage is at the bottom of the Ski Run and the FOB area is a bit uneven, and steep. I have to say for the money i can't imagine there is a better stand available for a location recordist who needs a compact stand that will extend that high while still being stable. I don't typically get excited about accessories, but i got to say i'm pumped about applications for this stand. I have attached a link below to the stand, and i took a few photo's with both this stand and my trusty nano stand. If you decide to get one keep in mind it will take a few weeks to take delivery of it as B and H doesn't stock the stands. I'm in California so it took a week to deliver, and about 10 days for them to first ship the stand.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1074706-REG/photek_ls_8122_3_section_10_folding_light.html
Regards,

nolamule · « **Reply #1 on:** January 20, 2018, 07:18:53 PM »

Great find! How do the legs lock into place at the various angle showed in the photos?

capnhook · « **Reply #2 on:** January 21, 2018, 09:47:18 AM »

The legs "click" into position, and then you can flip the clamp on each leg to level the stand.

I've been using this stand for about 2 months. Niiiice and compact, and the rubber feet are great to gaff tape to the floor.

Handy in tight locations, too....easy to narrow the footprint when needed.

It's not an "air stand", so you have to be a bit more careful.

capnhook · « **Reply #3 on:** January 21, 2018, 09:50:54 AM »

It's got a 5/8 stud, with a 1/4-20 threaded stub on top.

dmcculh · « **Reply #4 on:** January 21, 2018, 09:51:59 AM »

This stand has looked interesting. There is a thread with a few more photos here: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=184199.0

DATPAT · « **Reply #5 on:** January 21, 2018, 04:11:05 PM »

Quote from: nolamule on January 20, 2018, 07:18:53 PM

Great find! How do the legs lock into place at the various angle showed in the photos?

The leg's lock into place via a latching mechanism which are released by depressing a tab at the top of the latch. I have a Manfroto travel tripod (Camera Tripod) that uses the same mechanism. It's very Stable. The Nano stand never seemed stable once fully extended. I really think while it shows a 74" extended length it's best to keep in in the < 5 ft. range which isn't very useful for our applications as you typically want to be at least a ft above the crowds head. I thinkwhere the Nano really shines is for a on stage situation where you have the option of running on stage. However, the Photec should have you covered in 90% of the situations you'll come across. For $60+ you can't beat it.

vwmule · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2018, 08:16:41 PM »

Nice find, Pat. Ordering one.

goodcooker · « **Reply #7 on:** January 24, 2018, 05:29:40 PM »

Nice! I've been using a heavy as hell 9 footer for the past couple of years. Might look into getting one of these.

How big is the footprint if extended out all the way? One thing I like about my current stand is that you can shore up the legs quite a bit and cut the footprint almost in half.

rigpimp · « **Reply #8 on:** January 24, 2018, 06:38:28 PM »

Thanks!

I will take a look at your link as I have been noticing more and more of a need for a 10'+ since moving back to chatty California.

FWIW, I have the predecessor to your 5001B, the 3373. If you pull those tiny plastic feet off, hacksaw several inches off of each leg, and then glue the feet back on you can get it to fold up a lot cleaner. Yes, you lose a little bit of height but you aren't using the 5001B to soar with the eagles, right? It make an awesome FOB or on-stage stand which is primarily what I do these days.

Cheesecadet · « **Reply #9 on:** January 25, 2018, 04:59:02 PM »

Thanks Pat. Ordered. My current stand is over 15 years old and a total PITA.

nolamule · « **Reply #10 on:** January 25, 2018, 05:14:06 PM »

I ordered one too!

Cheesecadet · « **Reply #11 on:** January 25, 2018, 05:15:24 PM »

So glad to have a compact option that gets up there if need be.

spyder9 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 26, 2018, 05:04:55 PM »

There's even a smaller one, more expensive, but collapses down to a measly 16". Max height is 6' 3" inches. Just add a Matthews 48" Extension pole.

It's the exact same stand as the Photek, just smaller.

Promaster LS-CT Compact Travel stand

https://www.amazon.com/Promaster-LS-CT-Compact-Travel-Light/dp/B00EO4WRNG

Cheesecadet · « **Reply #13 on:** March 04, 2018, 12:45:42 AM »

Quote from: spyder9 on January 26, 2018, 05:04:55 PM

There's even a smaller one, more expensive, but collapses down to a measly 16". Max height is 6' 3" inches. Just add a Matthews 48" Extension pole.

It's the exact same stand as the Photek, just smaller.

Promaster LS-CT Compact Travel stand

https://www.amazon.com/Promaster-LS-CT-Compact-Travel-Light/dp/B00EO4WRNG

So after a month long backorder fro B&H for the Photek stand with no arrival date in forseeable future, I cancelled that order. Next day I ordered the smaller promaster stand and matthews baby extension that Spyder recommended.

My life is changed when it comes to mic stands. Seriously. This combo is amazing, compact, and super sturdy. Still has a small footprint when fully extended. Can fit both pieces into a backpack and combned they weigh a little under 4lbs.

Thanks for the recommendation, so stoked.

down2earthlandscaper · « **Reply #14 on:** March 04, 2018, 03:23:03 PM »

Quote from: spyder9 on January 26, 2018, 05:04:55 PM

There's even a smaller one, more expensive, but collapses down to a measly 16". Max height is 6' 3" inches. Just add a Matthews 48" Extension pole.

It's the exact same stand as the Photek, just smaller.

Promaster LS-CT Compact Travel stand

https://www.amazon.com/Promaster-LS-CT-Compact-Travel-Light/dp/B00EO4WRNG

What is the footprint of this Promaster when the legs are fully extended?

Cheesecadet · « **Reply #15 on:** March 04, 2018, 04:13:20 PM »

Quote from: down2earthlandscaper on March 04, 2018, 03:23:03 PM

Quote from: spyder9 on January 26, 2018, 05:04:55 PM
There's even a smaller one, more expensive, but collapses down to a measly 16". Max height is 6' 3" inches. Just add a Matthews 48" Extension pole.

It's the exact same stand as the Photek, just smaller.

Promaster LS-CT Compact Travel stand

https://www.amazon.com/Promaster-LS-CT-Compact-Travel-Light/dp/B00EO4WRNG

14" without the second extension of the legs out. 21" when both sections of legs are fully extended. This thing is really awesome. You can also lay the legs flat to run on stage eliminating the need for a separate stand.
What is the footprint of this Promaster when the legs are fully extended?

Neilyboy · « **Reply #16 on:** March 07, 2018, 07:52:33 AM »

Quote from: Cheesecadet on March 04, 2018, 12:45:42 AM

Quote from: spyder9 on January 26, 2018, 05:04:55 PM
There's even a smaller one, more expensive, but collapses down to a measly 16". Max height is 6' 3" inches. Just add a Matthews 48" Extension pole.

It's the exact same stand as the Photek, just smaller.

Promaster LS-CT Compact Travel stand

https://www.amazon.com/Promaster-LS-CT-Compact-Travel-Light/dp/B00EO4WRNG

So after a month long backorder fro B&H for the Photek stand with no arrival date in forseeable future, I cancelled that order. Next day I ordered the smaller promaster stand and matthews baby extension that Spyder recommended.

My life is changed when it comes to mic stands. Seriously. This combo is amazing, compact, and super sturdy. Still has a small footprint when fully extended. Can fit both pieces into a backpack and combned they weigh a little under 4lbs.

Thanks for the recommendation, so stoked.

They must have just gotten them back in stock. I was able to order one last night.
Neil

Cheesecadet · « **Reply #17 on:** March 07, 2018, 11:00:51 AM »

I’m actually glad I went with the smaller one with extension. Much more versatile imo

mccordo · « **Reply #18 on:** March 07, 2018, 12:45:49 PM »

I used the stand Pat suggested for the first time at Dead & Co last week and couldn’t be happier. Set up on the arena floor at the back of the SBD, but they had ice down for the minor league hockey team, so bouncy plywood was our floor instead of solid concrete. Easy to carry, easy to set up and gaff tape to the floor. Not sure if it was because of the rubber feet of the stand or the shockmount, but I had zero disturbances on the recording despite having a girl “dance” around the area behind the stand by stomping back and forth in cowboy boots for a good portion of the 1st set.

nolamule · « **Reply #19 on:** March 08, 2018, 03:17:08 PM »

How stable is it with the extension? I have used a Manfrotto 1051 BAC that I have used for awhile now but it is a little top heavy and wobbly with the extension fully extended.

Quote from: Cheesecadet on March 07, 2018, 11:00:51 AM

I’m actually glad I went with the smaller one with extension. Much more versatile imo

checht · « **Reply #20 on:** March 22, 2018, 02:50:37 PM »

Ordered on Tuesday, got shipping notification today (Thursday)!

Thanks Pat

checht · « **Reply #21 on:** April 28, 2018, 04:44:48 PM »

Love the stand, nice and stable, fits in suitcase.

But a bit larger diameter than my old Shure, so needed a new carrying solution.

Fits perfectly in the bag for our camp chairs, which has shoulder strap. Protects the stand, easy to stash at the base during shows.

A small bit of kit, but I like having everything sorted...

DATPAT · « **Reply #22 on:** April 30, 2018, 07:43:42 PM »

Cheesecadet, bummer. I used a mattews pole with Manfrotto micro stand and there is no comparison! The stand Spyder 9 is talking about would be better than the micro stand though (most likely). However, in general I don't like the extension pole option as I didn't find it to be stable. I distinctly remember my stand blowing over at lockn when using the extension pole on top of the micro stand.

Cheesecadet · « **Reply #23 on:** May 02, 2018, 01:23:31 AM »

Quote from: DATPAT on April 30, 2018, 07:43:42 PM

Cheesecadet, bummer. I used a mattews pole with Manfrotto micro stand and there is no comparison! The stand Spyder 9 is talking about would be better than the micro stand though (most likely). However, in general I don't like the extension pole option as I didn't find it to be stable. I distinctly remember my stand blowing over at lockn when using the extension pole on top of the micro stand.

So far it has been great. The promaster stand is very stable and the exnesion pole is sufficient. I would hang several sets of mics on it when fully extended but it holds my two pairs nicely. The stand a quality built either way people choose to go.

rippleish20 · « **Reply #24 on:** June 15, 2018, 01:59:23 PM »

I bought one of the Photeks also. Very nice stand. Great find...

adrianf74 · « **Reply #25 on:** August 27, 2018, 11:13:00 AM »

So, anybody have some feedback here on either the Photek or the Promaster LS-CT with Matthew Extension? For outdoors, I generally have access to another stand that's a lot more stable, but for when travelling to shows on transit where I'm indoors, I want something lighterweight/more compact.

Interested in real-world feedback with either since I've got a show coming up next month where I'll need a stand.

TIA

checht · « **Reply #26 on:** August 27, 2018, 11:53:39 AM »

Quote from: adrianf74 on August 27, 2018, 11:13:00 AM

So, anybody have some feedback here on either the Photek or the Promaster LS-CT with Matthew Extension? For outdoors, I generally have access to another stand that's a lot more stable, but for when travelling to shows on transit where I'm indoors, I want something lighterweight/more compact.

Interested in real-world feedback with either since I've got a show coming up next month where I'll need a stand.

TIA

The PatStand™ is awesome! Used it for 7 shows so far. It's slightly shorter than my Shure from 25 years ago, maybe 11' vs 13' but that's only downside.

Super stable; adjustable legs make it perfect for sloping lawn shows. It's compactness means it'll fit in a not too large (non-carryon) suitcase for away shows.

Throw a 1/4" to 5/8" adapter on it, and ready to go!

goodcooker · « **Reply #27 on:** September 06, 2018, 10:07:34 AM »

I picked up one of these Photek stands from B and H. I like it! Being able to adjust the legs from very narrow to super wide will come in handy. Doesn't weigh half as much as my aluminum 8 footer and collapses down pretty small. Not small enough to attach to my gear bag or anything like that but small and light enough for me - and my GF who is often the stand bearer when we head out to shows. Not having to open the legs at all - or being able to open them but keep them all the way in - when bungeeing or taping the stand to a rail or seat will be nice too.

The top section is a little wobbly at full extension even without anything attached to it so I'll likely just slide it out enough to attach my clamp/Vark/MK41 setup to it and use the larger diameter poles to extend up. I don't usually go crazy high anyway and I'm unlikely to need the full height.

Cheesecadet · « **Reply #28 on:** September 11, 2018, 12:21:09 AM »

Quote from: adrianf74 on August 27, 2018, 11:13:00 AM

So, anybody have some feedback here on either the Photek or the Promaster LS-CT with Matthew Extension? For outdoors, I generally have access to another stand that's a lot more stable, but for when travelling to shows on transit where I'm indoors, I want something lighterweight/more compact.

Interested in real-world feedback with either since I've got a show coming up next month where I'll need a stand.

TIA

I use the promaster w/ matthews extention and it is great for everyday shows. Sturdy and have been able to run this combo in small bars and a recent Phish Dick's show. Very happy with the combo FWIW.

Also breaks down small and easy to carry.

adrianf74 · « **Reply #29 on:** September 21, 2018, 01:22:30 PM »

Hey everyone,

Thanks for the feedback. I'll likely go with the original Photek solution as it just seems a little more stable than using the other stand with the Matthews extension pole (although maybe I'm mistaken here).

Either way, does anybody have a good, reasonably priced lead on a bag for carrying said stand? Quite often, I'm either lugging the stand from a vehicle or taking public transit to a venue so something I can wear over my shoulder would be ideal. TIA!

checht · « **Reply #30 on:** September 21, 2018, 01:35:02 PM »

Quote from: adrianf74 on September 21, 2018, 01:22:30 PM

Hey everyone,

Thanks for the feedback. I'll likely go with the original Photek solution as it just seems a little more stable than using the other stand with the Matthews extension pole (although maybe I'm mistaken here).

Either way, does anybody have a good, reasonably priced lead on a bag for carrying said stand? Quite often, I'm either lugging the stand from a vehicle or taking public transit to a venue so something I can wear over my shoulder would be ideal. TIA!

I use a bag that a folding camping chair came in. Zero cost...

capnhook · « **Reply #31 on:** September 21, 2018, 03:11:28 PM »

Quote from: checht on September 21, 2018, 01:35:02 PM

Quote from: adrianf74 on September 21, 2018, 01:22:30 PM
Hey everyone,

Thanks for the feedback. I'll likely go with the original Photek solution as it just seems a little more stable than using the other stand with the Matthews extension pole (although maybe I'm mistaken here).

Either way, does anybody have a good, reasonably priced lead on a bag for carrying said stand? Quite often, I'm either lugging the stand from a vehicle or taking public transit to a venue so something I can wear over my shoulder would be ideal. TIA!

I use a bag that a folding camping chair came in. Zero cost...

Yeah, just look around for a ground score after taping outdoors. People leave them all over the place. Zero cost is good.

dynamicalories · « **Reply #32 on:** October 03, 2018, 04:35:13 PM »

Just picked one up from B&H. Seems really sturdy and versatile.

adrianf74 · « **Reply #33 on:** October 03, 2018, 05:58:56 PM »

Quote from: dynamicalories on October 03, 2018, 04:35:13 PM

Just picked one up from B&H. Seems really sturdy and versatile.

Any drawbacks on the Photek you might have seen? TIA.

dynamicalories · « **Reply #34 on:** October 04, 2018, 11:18:24 AM »

Quote from: adrianf74 on October 03, 2018, 05:58:56 PM

Quote from: dynamicalories on October 03, 2018, 04:35:13 PM
Just picked one up from B&H. Seems really sturdy and versatile.

Any drawbacks on the Photek you might have seen? TIA.

Not so far, but I'll be using it for a show on Monday and will report back.

goodcooker · « **Reply #35 on:** October 04, 2018, 02:21:27 PM »

Quote from: adrianf74 on October 03, 2018, 05:58:56 PM

Any drawbacks on the Photek you might have seen? TIA.

I have used mine a few times now and the only drawback is that the top section is a little wobbly when fully extended. I don't ever run super high so that's not an issue for me but if you want to use the full height it may be...

Twenty8 · « **Reply #36 on:** January 05, 2019, 09:50:39 AM »

Users of the Promaster LS-CT Compact Travel stand and the Photek 3-Section Folding Light Stand: can either of these stands be opened where the legs are at 180 degrees from the vertical extension pole?

My question goes to versatility. If the legs can be fully opened to parallel with the main extension pole, then I would be able to gaff tape it to my seat at a show (if necessary) rather than opening the legs to less than 180 degrees.
Basically, is full de-tent position 180 or does it only open to ~150-160 degrees from the vertical extension pole?

In looking for pictures of either stand set up this way (fully open to 180 degrees from the main pole), I find none.

goodcooker · « **Reply #37 on:** January 06, 2019, 10:29:22 AM »

Quote from: Twenty8 on January 05, 2019, 09:50:39 AM

Users of the Promaster LS-CT Compact Travel stand and the Photek 3-Section Folding Light Stand: can either of these stands be opened where the legs are at 180 degrees from the vertical extension pole?

My question goes to versatility. If the legs can be fully opened to parallel with the main extension pole, then I would be able to gaff tape it to my seat at a show (if necessary) rather than opening the legs to less than 180 degrees.
Basically, is full de-tent position 180 or does it only open to ~150-160 degrees from the vertical extension pole?

In looking for pictures of either stand set up this way (fully open to 180 degrees from the main pole), I find none.

I have the Photek and I just used it the way you describe - legs folded all the way down parallel to the extension section and gaff tapes to ta theater seat arm rest. I realized later that it probably would have been the same if I didn't open the legs at all since I only had to go up to standing head height around 6.5 ft.

Twenty8 · « **Reply #38 on:** January 06, 2019, 12:17:22 PM »

Quote from: goodcooker on January 06, 2019, 10:29:22 AM

Quote from: Twenty8 on January 05, 2019, 09:50:39 AM
Users of the Promaster LS-CT Compact Travel stand and the Photek 3-Section Folding Light Stand: can either of these stands be opened where the legs are at 180 degrees from the vertical extension pole?

My question goes to versatility. If the legs can be fully opened to parallel with the main extension pole, then I would be able to gaff tape it to my seat at a show (if necessary) rather than opening the legs to less than 180 degrees.
Basically, is full de-tent position 180 or does it only open to ~150-160 degrees from the vertical extension pole?

In looking for pictures of either stand set up this way (fully open to 180 degrees from the main pole), I find none.

I have the Photek and I just used it the way you describe - legs folded all the way down parallel to the extension section and gaff tapes to ta theater seat arm rest. I realized later that it probably would have been the same if I didn't open the legs at all since I only had to go up to standing head height around 6.5 ft.

Thanks! Good to know. This feature is the key to my purchase.
I am leaning toward the Promaster, but only for one additional reason: the threaded adapter doesn't look like its sticking out when fully collapsed for travel.
So looking to hear from a Promaster user too.

Both look great for travel. My girlfriend jams the truck with camera gear. As small as a footprint as I can have is key for on the road or flying and both these stands seem to fit the bill.

goodcooker · « **Reply #39 on:** January 08, 2019, 12:07:30 AM »

I haven't used the Promaster but from the dimensions it is much smaller when collapsed. It also only goes up to 6.5 feet high which is not enough for me.

One thing to note about the Photek is that the thread on top looks like a regular stud but it does not come out so the top of the stand is permanent 1/4 thread. I didn't realize that so I just picked up some 3/8 adapters at the camera shop.

lmgbtapes · « **Reply #40 on:** February 10, 2019, 04:44:04 PM »

Lil bump- just wanted to say thx for this thread. I have been running the exact micro stand you compared the new stand to in the OP- and this looks like a perfect uprgade for every reason you describe.

Twenty8 · « **Reply #41 on:** April 17, 2019, 11:20:08 AM »

Went with the Pat Stand (Photek LS-8122). Sections with closures that tighten via screws sealed the deal for me. Its folded/closed bulk is greater than the Promaster LS-CT, but I think that is balanced by possibly not needing an extension for *most* applications. You can't fly too high, but it seems sturdy.

Measurements from ground to mic bar:
1st de-tent position, where legs are flat and parallel with the ground: ~7 feet
2nd de-tent position with legs in the shaft: 95 1/4" (nearly 8 feet) / with legs extended out of shaft: 105 1/2" or just under 8'10"
3rd de-tent position with legs in the shaft: 104" or 8' 8" / with legs extended out of shaft: 120 1/2" or just a half inch over 10'

3rd de-tent would be the most common position for taping (footprint with a balance of stabilty and mic height) . 20" between the feet with legs in the shaft/ ~32" with legs extended fully. Obviously adjustable depending on how far you want to extend the legs. 2nd de-tent position is SUPER wide, especially with the legs extended.

Stand also de-tents to fully open for gaff taping to seats. However it does not lock beyond 3rd de-tent.

EmRR · « **Reply #42 on:** September 14, 2019, 01:02:32 PM »

Just received one, seems great for the task at hand. I've been carrying mic stands from my studio that are either far too bulky, or lacking adjustable tripod legs, none of which go so high. Still waiting on the adapter for the 1/4" lighting stud. Also grabbed a light stand boom clamp to see about attaching another short boom near the top for more awkward arrays.

Already had (2) of these weights, got a third which may come in handy with this stand:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/514784-REG/On_Stage_CW_3_Counterweight_3lbs.html/c/product/514784-REG/Counterweight_3lbs

Well, those weights won't fit those legs. Back to the drawing board on that. I needed another of those anyway.