Topic: Looking for help on picking out a mic stand, bar and mounts

[Chad]

I am needing a a new mic stand set up. I have been using a Shure S15A Mic Stand with Sure A27M Stereo Mount Bar and Audia Technica AT8410A Shock Mounts. See pics below.

The Sure mic stand is non functional anymore because 4 of the 5 threaded barrel tighteners are messed up. The AT shock mounts cracked several years ago. I had them welded for more support. Since then the screws have become loose and won't stay tight anymore. They have also become twisted. The Sure stereo mount bar is still ok but I may want to go with something else.

I will be using AKG 480 bodies.

For a mic stand I want something without barrel tighteners, is sturdy and easy to use. Are there stereo bars or something similar that has some kind of function that will easily help or guide me in setting up different mic configurations? I always ran XY 90 but I would like to try some other configurations, but I want it to be easy as possible. And for the shock mounts I just want something sturdy and reliable.

Any and all advice is welcome and appreciated. I'm looking forward to getting back in the game.

[newplanet7]

For the stand, search ebay for lightstands not mic-stands. There are some cheaper ones on there. I got one on there
for 20 bucks back in the day. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Impact-Air-Cushioned-Heavy-Duty-Light-Stand-Black-9-5-2-9m-/110823249771?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19cd94976b
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Light-Stands-Booms-/88665/i.html

I normally don't use shockmounts. Never really did with my 460's. A lot of people run with the Lo Pro Shure A53 do-nut shock mount for their 460/480
set-ups. Some people feel you need these or Rycote invision mounts. Both of these mounts are more pricey than some of the
other mounts. For example I own windtech sp20's which are inexpensive.  Never had any issue with them. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298919-REG/WindTech_SP_20_SP_20_Microhone_Shockmount.html
<~ <~ <~I used them at MMW on-stage in my avatar to hold Schoeps cmc64

I have never heard any audible artifacts in any of my recordings so I just used the SA-40 clips that came with my 460's.
Now I just use my milab mic clips also.

[flipp]

That Impact light stand is almost $10 cheaper at b&h
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253069-REG/Impact_LS_96HAB_Air_Cushioned_Heavy_Duty_Light.html
depending on which salesman answers the phone you might have to deal with a nasty attitude

< eta I see the ebay auction accepts best offer - see if they'll meet or beat b&h's price. I'll also add that this stand is what I use when not using an extension pole on a clamp. AFA shocks, the Rycote Invisions get a lot of fluffing here on ts but for something a little less spendy look at the Avantone SSM available from numerous sources including ebay, B&H, Amazon, etc. >

Nice looking pooch waiting in the hallway.

[Fried Chicken Boy]

Both Manfrotto and Impact make reliable stands so you can't go wrong with either of those manufacturers.  That said, less expensive stands can be had at eBay and other retailers.

To the best of my knowledge, the only stereo bar that has markings to make setting up your configurations easier and more accurate is the Grace Spacebar.  The main drawback being that they are very expensive.  Personally, I use the AKG KM235/1 and K&M 23550 stereo bars which are simple. durable and cheap.  No matter which bar you wind up using, I strongly suggest you use a Rapid Adapter to attach it to the top of your stand.

As far as shockmounts, there is the Rycote InVision series and then there's everything else, IMHO.  Running around $60-$65 each, there are much cheaper options and much more expensive ones but nothing, in my experience, isolates your mics as well as the Rycotes do.  They are also fairly compact and can take a helluva beating; the material that the lyres are made from is nearly unbreakable.  For the AKG 480's either the INV-6 or INV-7 will work.

[flipp]

An alternative to the Grace Space Bar is the Superlux MA90. Those two are the only bars I'm aware of that make setting distances and angles a no-brainer.

Pics and tonedeaf's mods to the MA90 @ http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=135108.0

[stevetoney]

Buyer beware the el cheapo light stands on ebay.  Bean and I teamed up to buy 2 for 1 pair for $50 and it was a waste.  The stand hardware stripped and the tubes dented super easy from clamping screws.  The dents deformed the tubes and prevents the stand from telescoping up and down all the way for proper storage.  They seemed great when we first got them, but after several uses in the field, we found out they're junk.  I'm sure some of the generic ebay stands are good, but I don't know how you'd differentiate junk from the good stuff if there's no brand name associated with the sale.  I'd take your $25 or $30 and save it until you can get one from a reputable manufacturer.

[DigiGal]

Chad - Replace those darn AT shocks with Rycote INV-7's for your AKG's they are pricey here in the states but provide the best isolation period and should last you a maintenance free lifetime.  Just get them you won't regret it.

I have a Shure A27M but it is heavy so I don't bother carrying it much anymore.  Found I could use a Vark Bar for most configs, they are an excellent lightweight yet durable alternative.  Vark Bars are available in a couple of sizes and do cost more than a Shure A27M but are less than Grace Space Bars.  An obscure benefit, however, of your A27M is that it can be used to drive tent stakes to secure your stand on a lawn section. 

Impact light stands are inexpensive and work great with the appropriate thread adapter(s).  They are available in different sizes to suit your needs and you have a choice of cushioned for a little more or un-cushioned. 

[F.O.Bean]

Buyer beware the el cheapo light stands on ebay.  Bean and I teamed up to buy 2 for 1 pair for $50 and it was a waste.  The stand hardware stripped and the tubes dented super easy from clamping screws.  The dents deformed the tubes and prevents the stand from telescoping up and down all the way for proper storage.  They seemed great when we first got them, but after several uses in the field, we found out they're junk.  I'm sure some of the generic ebay stands are good, but I don't know how you'd differentiate junk from the good stuff if there's no brand name associated with the sale.  I'd take your $25 or $30 and save it until you can get one from a reputable manufacturer.

100% agreed

[acidjack]

Buyer beware the el cheapo light stands on ebay.  Bean and I teamed up to buy 2 for 1 pair for $50 and it was a waste.  The stand hardware stripped and the tubes dented super easy from clamping screws.  The dents deformed the tubes and prevents the stand from telescoping up and down all the way for proper storage.  They seemed great when we first got them, but after several uses in the field, we found out they're junk.  I'm sure some of the generic ebay stands are good, but I don't know how you'd differentiate junk from the good stuff if there's no brand name associated with the sale.  I'd take your $25 or $30 and save it until you can get one from a reputable manufacturer.

Mafrotto gets that price for a reason.