Topic: Stand and T-bar (and shock mount(s)) for micro microphones

[George]

I've been getting the itch lately about buying a stand and all as I see myself taping more frequently going forward with the occasional opportunity to open tape. So doing some digging around on the this forum has made me  about which stand, t-bar and shock mount(s) I should purchase as I generally  and I'm a bit clueless about what would work for me.

I'm looking for:

1.  Lightweight stand, folds up nicely, can fit into a gym bag with ease.  10' should do. I'm willing to spend $50-$100.  B&H is in the city so I can hop on a train and pick it up, but they are closed till the 15th for Passover so I'm willing to order online from somewhere else.

2.  T-bar - something to hold a pair of SP-CMC-8s, Countryman B3's or Audix M1280/Church Audix cable.  Now that I have the DR-2d I will need something to hold two pairs of microphones and hell, three pairs as I may want to run the M10 with the 3rd pair for shits and giggles.  I was looking at this: http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-GNA-3, but was wondering if there's something better out there for a better price (and obviously, something to hold three pairs of microphones.

3.  Shock Mount(s) - Whatever works for this rig.

tia!

[Todd R]

On the stand -- good luck, that actually is a pretty hard bill to fit.

Most ~8' stands will be at least 26-30" closed, and ~10' stands more like 30-34".  Even 26" is pretty long to get in a gym bag.

I use a 10' Smith Vector stand that closes to 34" for my sturdy stand.  The 8' version folds to 26.5":

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/114161-REG/Smith_Victor_401291_Raven_8_Black_Light.html

If you can live with an 8' stand, this one folds to 21.5":

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/284734-REG/Lowel_UN_55_Uni_TO_Light_Stand.html

I have a 9' stand that I love, it folds to 19-20".  It is an APIC stand (American Photographic Instrument Co.), but I think they are out of business.

[trustthex]

I really like the SP-GNA-3, just saying.  You can get it w/ a shock-mount, could probably get a few on a stand w/ a clamp.  I've also gaff-taped a second pair of mics to the SP mount to excellent results.


Depending on what config you want to run, and the arm length you select  -- it can extend the height of your stand by 1' of more.

 

[hi and lo]

Go to b&h and get a stand from their used section (2nd floor, by the used film cameras). They're in great shape and will easily save you $50 on a like-new stand. Running micro mics open is a foreign concept to me... which I had any good recommendations on what you should use.

Once you get this squared away, just bring stuff to clamp and show up at any show that the NYCtaper crew is at! We'd love to hang out an meet ya and there is almost always room for clampers.

[flipp]

On the stand -- good luck, that actually is a pretty hard bill to fit.

Most ~8' stands will be at least 26-30" closed, and ~10' stands more like 30-34".  Even 26" is pretty long to get in a gym bag.

I use a 10' Smith Vector stand that closes to 34" for my sturdy stand.  The 8' version folds to 26.5":

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/114161-REG/Smith_Victor_401291_Raven_8_Black_Light.html

If you can live with an 8' stand, this one folds to 21.5":

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/284734-REG/Lowel_UN_55_Uni_TO_Light_Stand.html

I have a 9' stand that I love, it folds to 19-20".  It is an APIC stand (American Photographic Instrument Co.), but I think they are out of business.

Last contact info I had for APIC is http://estore.conceptheaven.com/clients/apic/estore/scripts/default.asp  800-600-1147  apic@estore.conceptheaven.com Website is still good so try contacting them.

I have one of their custom extension poles and love it - 5 sections; total height ~9.5' though I have never run it that high; collapsed length is just under 2'; 5/8th thread at each end - male at the top and female at the bottom.

B&H isn't the only store in the city. Lots of music and photographic stores. Adorama seems to get quite a few links from here to items we can use.  I see they are also closed until April 15th.

[adrianf74]

Excuse my ignorance here but I'm not sure if shockmounts on a small open rig are truly needed.   I've run open (both indoors and out) without and have had no issues.

Look at "lighting stands" as they can also run smaller.  I don't know if you'll find much that will fit in a backpack (I usually care mine and then have all my gear in a Tamrac Backpack.   You could look at something like the Sound Professionals SP-GNA-2 which can bought in a 24" arm length which would give you a little more separation.   Depending on how you're mounting your mics (clips, tape, etc.), you can also look at other options:

http://www.fullcompass.com/product/367611.html

You could get the Audix shockmounts if you felt so inclined or you could gaffer tape down your various mics to this (this is a little smaller).

I've run usally run with something similar to the deal at full compass but am thinking about the SP-GNA-2.  In another thread, a few people have also made some mounts as well.

Running open is a lot easier (when you can).

[George]

Thanks guys!  I'm gonna do reading up and wait for B&H and Adorama to re-open so i can take a good look at their offerings.  Todd, that eight footer actually sounds ideal, as I'll be lugging everything via mass transit so the lighter, the better.  Adrian, that t-bar looks really good!  Wasn't sure about the need for a shock mount.  Thanks for the link. 

[vanark]

When I was running my Church Audio mics in an open taping situation, I was using Tensimount shock mounts.  Worked great.  I also think clipping them to a flat piece of aluminum works well too.



http://www.tensimount.com/

[Fried Chicken Boy]

I think Todd's probably linked the stands closest to your needs.  Impact also makes a few of similar size but, closed, they're no shorter.  Tough bill to fill.  I have an APIC stand that I bought years ago and have no real complaints with it.  That said and not to slight the company, but in hindsight I think I could've gotten a similarly sized stand with better construction for a little less money if I had gone with a Manfrotto or Impact.  Where APIC really shines is in their custom built stuff; that's personally what I would use them for.

Like adrian said, I'm not sure how much you need shock mounts for lavalier-type microphones if they're mounted on a stand.  But since I've never run them other than in stealth situations, I guess I wouldn't be the one to know.  If you're interested in vanark's suggestion of the Tensimount, I have a pair collecting dust that I would sell you cheap.

And to echo hi and lo's sentiments, give any of us in the NYCtaper crew a shout about hitting some shows.  Would be great to catch up with you!

[acidjack]

Since I know what venues you're probably recording in, let me also make a recommendation - consider acquiring a primarily clamp-based rig first, as I think you will use it more.  Assuming you mostly tape at the same indoor clubs we all do, you will find yourself needing a decent clamp setup more than you do a stand.  Plus, with a manfrotto 099B and a base, you've got at least an OK stand that you can use in a place like Mercury Lounge or somewhere where your stand is not exposed just fine.  I probably would not run such a setup at, say, Brooklyn Bowl, but again for most place you will probably be, it will work. 

For such a clamp rig, the basics would be Manfrotto Superclamp, Manfrotto 099B, and then whatever simple mount you want to use. I'd probably just grab one of the shockmount/SP-GNA-x mounts from sound professionals because it's easy.  For clamping, you will DEFINITELY need the shock mount.   I got burned badly once at T5 running superclamp>099B without shockmounts once....

[George]

Thanks so much acidjack!  I'm heading to BH and will certainly look into a clamp as well. It would certainly be beneficial for some venues :-)

[George]

Quick update, I purchased this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/371927-REG/Impact_KCP_700B26_Super_Clamp_with_Standard.html

And following hi and lo's advice, I purchased a used stand, a Westcott light stand which goes up to 9.5' for $40.  It's practically in mint condition.  I also purchased the correct adapters so I can mount the GNA-3 onto it (which I'm going to order shortly).  I'll post pics up as I get everything together for advice, etc 

[acidjack]

Quick update, I purchased this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/371927-REG/Impact_KCP_700B26_Super_Clamp_with_Standard.html

And following hi and lo's advice, I purchased a used stand, a Westcott light stand which goes up to 9.5' for $40.  It's practically in mint condition.  I also purchased the correct adapters so I can mount the GNA-3 onto it (which I'm going to order shortly).  I'll post pics up as I get everything together for advice, etc 

Nice work!  And welcome to the open taping game

[George]

Quick update, I purchased this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/371927-REG/Impact_KCP_700B26_Super_Clamp_with_Standard.html

And following hi and lo's advice, I purchased a used stand, a Westcott light stand which goes up to 9.5' for $40.  It's practically in mint condition.  I also purchased the correct adapters so I can mount the GNA-3 onto it (which I'm going to order shortly).  I'll post pics up as I get everything together for advice, etc 

Nice work!  And welcome to the open taping game

(gulp)   Sure gonna be intimidating setting up a stand for the first time in a venue.