Become a Site Supporter and Never see Ads again!

Author Topic: Universal Actives Mounting Bar for DIN, DINa, ORTF, NOS, XY90, XY110  (Read 11603 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

stevetoney

  • Guest
  • Trade Count: (0)
In two weeks, I will start ordering Delrin and aluminum materials for constructing my own Universal Mounting Bar for active microphones.  I've tried to interest our resident makers of these types of things in doing this for their own profit, but there has been no active interest expressed.  This has been sitting around as an idea now for four months...so its time to take action.

The design is my own.  It's simple, yet effective and will be able to provide every major mounting configuration in a single bar, including DIN, DINa, ORTF, NOS, XY90 and XY110. 

Within reason, I'll also make the same thing for others.  I'm not gonna do this for anything other than to offer it up for others to have a MUCH needed solution to a currently unsolved problem (that there is no cheap universal mounting bar).

The reasons I'm doing this are
a) I have a good design,
b) I'm tired of not have a good mount in my own bag myself,
c) prices for such a simple device as a mic mount are just too high ($500 for a DPA, several hundred for Schoeps... gimme a break!).

Here is a conceptual drawing of my design...



In addition to this providing a universal mounting solution in one assembly, you'll notice that the cradle concept will not hinder windscreens and furballs.

The concept is that the cradle will hold the mics.  There will be a rubber O-ring or bungee that holds the capsule in place in the cradle.  I will provide plenty of extra O-rings for loss, but I'll try to incorporate into the design a feature that captures the O-ring.  In case of emergency, rubber bands are a commonly available resource that will work. 

The cradle will be sized to fit most major mic capsules.

Detents or grooves will be milled into the mating surfaces of the cradles and the center bar in order to lock-in-place the cradles at the correct mounting angle.  The assembly pieces will be attached with basic Home Depot hardware (nut, bolt, lockwashers, etc.).

The center bar will have a simple center telescoping tube that enables the bar to be expanded to a width that allows capsule spacing from 17cm to 30cm.

The center bar and cradles will be constructed from Delrin.  The XY attachments will be aluminum and will be sized to ensure that they extend around the skeleton of the Schoeps A20 mount, the Busman mount, or the Joe Meek mount.  The reason these attachments will be aluminum is a) to make them VERY low cost, and b) to provide for ease of construction (simply bending the bar stock to get the proper capsule offset.)

The center bar outside diameter will be the same diameter as the interfacing cradle on the shockmounts (I believe that's 22mm).  The split in the center bar will be offset so that the center bar will always be able to be properly centered in the shockmount.

I can't make any promises on when I will have these ready to go, but it will probably depend on how many others want to join in.  I also can't promise that this will be a slickly packaged completely professional end product...say with professional silk screening and bells and whistles and lots of Quality Control built into it.  However, I will promise that if I can't give you something that works, I won't ask for anything in return.  Obviously, I will be making and testing prototypes to ensure the quality is there and it will withstand the rigors of the club environment.

I don't know right now how much this will cost.  I know the approximate cost of materials and I can't imagine we're talking much different than the $80 - $100 range...just not sure at this point.  I do know that I can only do this price by accomodating a small enough number that I do the machining myself. 

Please let me know if you're interested in having a similar product made for your rig.

As stated above, I will be ordering materials for my prototype(s) in two weeks.  As soon as I receive these materials, I will begin making my prototype and probably post some pictures seeking feedback.  After agreement is reached on the final design, I'll solicit requests from people that want their own.

Take care.

Steve
« Last Edit: January 14, 2009, 06:16:25 PM by tonedeaf »

stevetoney

  • Guest
  • Trade Count: (0)
Re: Universal Actives Mounting Bar for DIN, DINa, ORTF, NOS, XY90, XY110
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2009, 06:28:36 PM »
PS to my post above.  The reason I'm posting this two weeks in advance of ordering the prototype materials is that I'm on my final 2 week trip to Slovenia for work.  When I get home, I'll finally have the time I hope to tackle such a project.

I also figure that by posting this now, it makes it more of a real commitment rather than something to sluff off another four months longer on...or maybe forever.  Course, if nobody else is interested, I might sluff it off forever.   :P

Offline Brian Skalinder

  • Complaint Dept.
  • Trade Count: (28)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 18873
  • Gender: Male
Re: Universal Actives Mounting Bar for DIN, DINa, ORTF, NOS, XY90, XY110
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2009, 06:36:09 PM »
How will the sliding center bar be secured at a fixed length and be prevented from rotating around the long axis of the rod?  Friction?

Not that it matters all that much, but...are you certain the Busman Audio, Joe Meek, and Schoeps shockmounts all have the same diameter?  The Schoeps A20(S) is 20mm.  Not sure about the others.

When you say the cradles and center bar mounting area will have detents on the mating areas for locking the cradles to the center bar at the correct angle, I'm not sure I follow.  Is this to enable locking into 90º included angle (e.g. 45º on each side), or 110º included angle?  If so, consider skipping the detents so users may vary the included angle to any angle they wish.  It's easy enough for users to create a mark on the center bar (with a pen or etch) for easy alignment at standard angles.  Personally, I would find the the ability to vary the included angle an important feature.  But others may not.  $0.02
Milab VM-44 Links > Fostex FR-2LE or
Naiant IPA (tinybox format) > Roland R-05

Offline Jhurlbs81

  • Trade Count: (20)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 3076
  • Gender: Male
    • My LMA collection
Re: Universal Actives Mounting Bar for DIN, DINa, ORTF, NOS, XY90, XY110
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2009, 06:54:00 PM »
Yes, i like the variable angle option, too.
FREE JERRYFREAK!

stevetoney

  • Guest
  • Trade Count: (0)
Re: Universal Actives Mounting Bar for DIN, DINa, ORTF, NOS, XY90, XY110
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2009, 07:25:11 PM »
Good questions!  Thanks Brian!

How will the sliding center bar be secured at a fixed length and be prevented from rotating around the long axis of the rod?  Friction?

Initial thoughts were either friction or a locking pin of some sort that protruded both the bar and the tube.  Proper length indicated by some sort of marking convention on the tube.  This is a definite issue that prototype 'playing around with' with ferret out.

Not that it matters all that much, but...are you certain the Busman Audio, Joe Meek, and Schoeps shockmounts all have the same diameter?  The Schoeps A20(S) is 20mm.  Not sure about the others.

Not sure.  Pretty sure I'd read somewhere that they're all same.  I have the busman at home that I'll base an initial measurement from and compare with your 20mm for the A20 and the owners of the Meeks.

When you say the cradles and center bar mounting area will have detents on the mating areas for locking the cradles to the center bar at the correct angle, I'm not sure I follow.  Is this to enable locking into 90º included angle (e.g. 45º on each side), or 110º included angle?  If so, consider skipping the detents so users may vary the included angle to any angle they wish.  It's easy enough for users to create a mark on the center bar (with a pen or etch) for easy alignment at standard angles.  Personally, I would find the the ability to vary the included angle an important feature.  But others may not.  $0.02

Thats what the intent of the detents were, so that they could lock-in-place at specified angles.  The thought was that this would be a little less 'flimsly' or apt to slide away from the desired angle.  If two flat surfaces are joined together with just the pressure of the nut and bolt holding them together, the cradle angle might slip a bit when it's at the top of a stand and cables are tugging away...just a thought.

Marks work for me too and, with no detents on the mating parts, would be easier to manufacture.  I had considered that also but figured that prefabbed mounting angles would be a more attractive feature for peeps and easier to setup in a dark club environment.  But I'd actually prefer variablility on angles too! 

Opinions/votes are heartily welcomed, as well as any other comments on the design or my responses to questions!
« Last Edit: January 14, 2009, 07:34:54 PM by tonedeaf »

Offline Javier Cinakowski

  • !! Downhill From Here !!
  • Trade Count: (11)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 4325
  • Gender: Male
Re: Universal Actives Mounting Bar for DIN, DINa, ORTF, NOS, XY90, XY110
« Reply #5 on: January 14, 2009, 07:36:37 PM »
the telescoping center peice is brliiiant....
Neumann KM185mp OR DPA ST2015-> Grace Design Lunatec V2-> Tascam DR-100mkIII

Offline dmonkey

  • Trade Count: (7)
  • Taperssection All-Star
  • ****
  • Posts: 1087
  • Gender: Male
Re: Universal Actives Mounting Bar for DIN, DINa, ORTF, NOS, XY90, XY110
« Reply #6 on: January 14, 2009, 08:37:03 PM »
You can count me in the interested category. Cool idea!
MK4's, KM140's or MC930's >  Tinybox or Aerco MP-2 > R-09, M-10, R-44 (Oade CM) or MixPre-6

Offline ArchivalAudio

  • Trade Count: (19)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 2891
  • Gender: Male
  • Teams Milab | MBHO | TeamVW:2011 Touareg TDI
Re: Universal Actives Mounting Bar for DIN, DINa, ORTF, NOS, XY90, XY110
« Reply #7 on: January 14, 2009, 09:51:03 PM »
Nice to see your idea coming to fruition

looking forward to seeing the results

peace
-- Ian
~ Archival Audio ~
Archiving Worthy Music
since 1986 & digitally since 1995

https://www.facebook.com/ArchivalAudio/

Main Mics: Milab VM-44 Links • Milab DC-196's (Matched  Pair)  • MBHO KA500 or KA300 •
PreAmps:  BaybNbox  • Naiant LittleBox • Naiant [Milab VM44] TinyBox • Naiant PIPsqueak
Recorders: MixPre 10T •  Tascam DR-100 mkIII • Sony A-10 • Sony M-10 

macMini 3Ghz i7 16GB Ram 500GB SSD • MOTU UltraLite
Naiant MSH-2's •   TOA K1's • Beyer TG 153c's •  AT 853 (4.7kmod darktrain) • Countryman B3's (1 k mod)  + other assorted mics

Offline 69mako

  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 653
Re: Universal Actives Mounting Bar for DIN, DINa, ORTF, NOS, XY90, XY110
« Reply #8 on: January 15, 2009, 03:35:34 AM »
Looks nice.  Count me in.  I'm a machinst by trade, so if you need a hand fabricating any of it, drop me a PM.

Mako
http://db.etree.org/69mako

007: Church Audio CA-14c -> Church Audio St-9100 preamp -> R-09HR

Open: Busman BSC1 mics (X2) -> Hydra Cables (X2) -> Tmod R4

Offline krsb

  • Trade Count: (15)
  • Taperssection Regular
  • **
  • Posts: 174
  • Gender: Male
Re: Universal Actives Mounting Bar for DIN, DINa, ORTF, NOS, XY90, XY110
« Reply #9 on: January 15, 2009, 07:35:17 AM »
I'm in, if Euro members can hop on board.

Great project!

cb


Busman BCS1, Busman BSCS-L, DPA 4023, Neumann KM 184, KM 183
Lunatec V3, Naiant Midbox
Oade ACM Marantz PMD 661, Sony D50, Tascam DR680
+ lotsa darktrain cables :-)

stevetoney

  • Guest
  • Trade Count: (0)
Re: Universal Actives Mounting Bar for DIN, DINa, ORTF, NOS, XY90, XY110
« Reply #10 on: January 15, 2009, 08:26:49 AM »
I'm in, if Euro members can hop on board.

Great project!

cb




Of course!  There's no Euro discrimination in my blood, although the Parisians could use an attitude adjustment!  LOL!

Offline nottingham

  • Trade Count: (18)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 371
  • There's wisemen hiding in the mountains
Re: Universal Actives Mounting Bar for DIN, DINa, ORTF, NOS, XY90, XY110
« Reply #11 on: January 16, 2009, 07:49:25 PM »
 ;D I'm in.
Schoeps MK4-MK41>cmc6/Nbob actives/Naiant LB/Naiant TB > Sony M10/PMD620

Offline beeco

  • Trade Count: (19)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 277
  • Gender: Male
  • Copyright 2008, a production of Camp Totally Lit
Re: Universal Actives Mounting Bar for DIN, DINa, ORTF, NOS, XY90, XY110
« Reply #12 on: January 16, 2009, 08:31:14 PM »
Sign me up for one of those for sure.  Great project.   :cheers:
Now you see it:  ADK 51TL,  or MK4/41>KC5>CMC6, or AT4051b/4049a > Wendt X2 > R-09HR
Now you don't:   CA-14c  or DPA4061 > CA ST-9100 > R-09HR


"Wait a minute, this sounds like rock and or roll!" Reverend Lovejoy

Offline tgakidis

  • Trade Count: (552)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 5759
  • Gender: Male
    • My Recordings on the Archive:
Re: Universal Actives Mounting Bar for DIN, DINa, ORTF, NOS, XY90, XY110
« Reply #13 on: January 16, 2009, 09:58:44 PM »
Me too please....
GAKables: Custom XLR, Digi & Batt Cables http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=133186.0

Mics:
Schoeps: CMC6 x 4, CMC1K x 4, KC5 x 2, MK4,MK4V,MK41,MK21,MK22,MK8 x 2, nBob actives/pfa x2
Austrian Audio OC818 Dual Set+
Telefunken: TF-11 x 2, ELA M 260 x 4, M960FS x 2, TK60,TK61,TK62 x 2, M60,TK60 x2
AKG: c426b, nBob Actives>PFA x4, CK61,CK63,CK8 x 2
AT853 4.7k Mod (Card,Sub)
Pres:
Sonosax SX-AD8+ / Sonosax SX-M2D2 / Sonosax SX-M2 / Lunatec V3
Recs:
Sonosax SX-R4+ / Sound Devices MixPre-6ii / Marantz PMD-661 / Roland R-07 / Zoom F3

My Recordings: https://archive.org/search?query=taper%3A%28ted%20gakidis%29&sort=-date

Offline krsb

  • Trade Count: (15)
  • Taperssection Regular
  • **
  • Posts: 174
  • Gender: Male
Re: Universal Actives Mounting Bar for DIN, DINa, ORTF, NOS, XY90, XY110
« Reply #14 on: January 17, 2009, 12:01:00 PM »
Agreed!

Vive le universal actives mounting bar!

Of course at some point, you will have to think of a name for this baby.

My first proposal: le UAMbar

cb



I'm in, if Euro members can hop on board.

Great project!

cb




Of course!  There's no Euro discrimination in my blood, although the Parisians could use an attitude adjustment!  LOL!
Busman BCS1, Busman BSCS-L, DPA 4023, Neumann KM 184, KM 183
Lunatec V3, Naiant Midbox
Oade ACM Marantz PMD 661, Sony D50, Tascam DR680
+ lotsa darktrain cables :-)

 

RSS | Mobile
Page created in 0.058 seconds with 39 queries.
© 2002-2024 Taperssection.com
Powered by SMF