Topic: Grace Design Spacebar SB-30

[gormenghast]

I'm curious to know if one of these has been seen in the field, or has someone used one of these?  Looks very nice and should be for the price.  A little less than the Schoeps UMS.  Speaking of which, what happened to the Schoeps stereo kit you could buy and use mainly ( only? ) the caps on actives or the CCMs?

[hi and lo]

I have one and of it's a beautiful piece of engineering, but is a giant pain in the ass to use in the field. There was some previous discussion (see link below), but I'll reiterate that in order to use it proprerly you need to a) have practiced at home with the same microphones (body and capsule) you intend to use in the field b) will probably still need a tape measure c) need adequte lighting. If you don't have any of these in the field, it's no better than a simple k&m bar. The spacebar is an amazing tool for replicating accurate configs, but it's not a quick process contrary to what others might claim.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=162882.msg2043391#msg2043391

[John Willett]

I don't agree with the above post.

I have both the 30 and the 66 versions and find them very easy to use in the field.

Accurately setting up an ORTF pair takes seconds - only the first time takes longer.  Once you have done it once and noted the bar position, the next time takes seconds.

Love them and would not be without them.   

[connloyalist]

I agree with John. I have an SB-30 and find it very easy to use. Excellent engineering. Wouldn't like to do without it.

One thing to be aware of: when you screw the SB-30 or 66 all the way on to the 5/8-27 thread of a mic stand it will probably inhibit the rotation of the bar. Solution is to either use a locking ring, or two opposing 5/8-27 thread adapters to give just that little bit of extra space (a thread adapter is included with the SB-30). I use a Manfrotto 1004BAC stand which has a 3/8-16 thread, so the thread adapter included with the SB-30 does the trick.

Perhaps in dark(-ish) setup situations you could pack one of those small LED flashlights? I have on that is about two inches long and about 1/2 an inch in diameter. Very convenient for lots of dark situations.

Anyway, I intend to get the SB-66 bar for my SB-30 at some point in the future.

Regards, Christine

[jhfinn]

This bar by superlux looks similar to the schoeps at a fraction of the price. Never used one so can speak as to its quality but looks nice in the photo.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/171260860389?nav=SEARCH
Regards,
Jim

[John Willett]

I agree with John. I have an SB-30 and find it very easy to use. Excellent engineering. Wouldn't like to do without it.

One thing to be aware of: when you screw the SB-30 or 66 all the way on to the 5/8-27 thread of a mic stand it will probably inhibit the rotation of the bar. Solution is to either use a locking ring, or two opposing 5/8-27 thread adapters to give just that little bit of extra space (a thread adapter is included with the SB-30). I use a Manfrotto 1004BAC stand which has a 3/8-16 thread, so the thread adapter included with the SB-30 does the trick.

I don't have any problem with the horrible 5/8" threads as my SpaceBars are the European version with the standard 3/8" mic. thread.   

[jhfinn]

Here's another similar bar made by AEA. This bar looks better than the superlux. Currently $150. I think these retail for $250+.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/231182068903?nav=SEARCH