DV Info Net

DV Info Net (https://www.dvinfo.net/forum/)
-   All Things Audio (https://www.dvinfo.net/forum/all-things-audio/)
-   -   K&M Mic stands (https://www.dvinfo.net/forum/all-things-audio/509020-k-m-mic-stands.html)

James Kuhn July 4th, 2012 11:29 AM

K&M Mic stands
 
I just recently purchased two(2) K&M Microphone 'boom' stands. My initial impression of the mic stands is favorable, the overall build quality is pretty good, though I'm sure there are much better stands out there, but for the price, these are pretty decent. My biggest concern was the boom sagging or slipping with a pair of relitively heavy microphones (AKG C414 XLS) and a Grace Bar attached.

I know this is kind of a boring subject, but I've been on a 'search' for a couple of decent mic. stands.

Have a great July 4th!

J.

James Kuhn July 4th, 2012 04:16 PM

Re: K&M Mic stands
 
BTW, they are model number 210/2.

Regards,

J.

Rick Reineke July 4th, 2012 08:51 PM

Re: K&M Mic stands
 
K&M (König & Meyer) make very good stands.
A standard (music type) K&M boom should easily support a 414 with a standard shock-mount and windscreen.
The ultra-cheapo stands are dangerous to equipment and personnel.. You gets what you pay for.

Les Wilson July 4th, 2012 09:47 PM

Re: K&M Mic stands
 
I( recently found replacement clutches for our K&M. What was sagging under the weight of an SM57 and it sags no mo. It was like 50 cents per stand for new clutches..... now I have new booms.

James Kuhn July 5th, 2012 09:04 AM

Re: K&M Mic stands
 
Les....alright, spill the beans, what is the "fix"? Heh, heh!

Regards,

J.

Les Wilson July 5th, 2012 10:44 AM

Re: K&M Mic stands
 
Here ya go:
K&M Stands 03 21 160 55 Swivel Washer for KM211 Boom | Full Compass

But if your stands are new, I would expect your problem to be these clutches.

James Kuhn July 6th, 2012 08:55 AM

Re: K&M Mic stands
 
Les...thanks partner! I don't have an issue at this point, but I think I'll get replacements, which will ensure I never have a problem. Heh, heh!

Best regards,

J.

Les Wilson July 6th, 2012 11:11 AM

Re: K&M Mic stands
 
I meant to say I "wouldn't " expect them to be the problem.

Paul R Johnson July 6th, 2012 11:52 AM

Re: K&M Mic stands
 
Here in Europe - the K&M range is considered 'the' standard that every other manufacturer copies.

James Kuhn July 7th, 2012 12:45 PM

Re: K&M Mic stands
 
Mr. Johnson...it's always a pleasure to hear from my UK cousins. Thanks!

Best regards,

J.

Jacques Mersereau July 7th, 2012 03:12 PM

Re: K&M Mic stands
 
Mic stands like care. I've had some go for 25 years with pros handling them, and new K&M booms worn out in a year by untrained and uncaring students.

Although they will hold two 414s, if you want something heavier, I would suggest something like this:

Atlas SB-11WE | VintageKing.com

and now we enter the land of PRO LEVEL STICKER SHOCK!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/275698-REG/Mole_Richardson_75_Comet_Boom_with_Roller.html

James Kuhn July 8th, 2012 10:44 AM

Re: K&M Mic stands
 
Jacques Mersereau...'sticker shock' indeed. Heh, heh! Going to 'pro-level' equipment is always the best bet, I'll save my pennies and get a couple of the Atlas stands. I don't have a lot of experience with mic stands and the K&M seemed like an okay compromise, I'm sure they'll handle things until I can replace them with something more robust.

Thank you for your recommendations.

Regards,

J.

Seth Bloombaum July 8th, 2012 11:10 AM

Re: K&M Mic stands
 
I use K&M frequently. Their metal-base stands are quite sturdy under normal pro use. I've not had any slippage problems. Most often this is stage use, and there's nothing as versatile as their 2-stage stand with extending boom.

These stands are also about right for many sit-down interviews.

However, for non-stage use and stereo recording, they are frequently just too small. They are still a great stand if you want your array up to 6' high or so. You don't need to use the boom in many such situations.

For a heavier portable stand for, I've gone to chucking an atlas-style boom into a c-stand, and it is great. You have the versatility of a c-stand (folding, heavy, sand-baggable, positioning) with as heavy a mike or array as you want on the end of the stick. Here's the current model Atlas PB15, but I use an old-school version with a chunky weight as was popular in the 60s and 70s, these old stands are going for about $10 these days.

Remove the Atlas head, and just grab the tube with the grip-head on your c-stand, or, for greater reach, the head on the end of your c-stand boom. That then gives you the 5/8" threaded post on the end you can thread your mic clips onto.

James Kuhn July 8th, 2012 05:31 PM

Re: K&M Mic stands
 
Seth...I appreciate your thoughtful and thorough response. I looked around my local pawn shops, but the 'pickens' were slim. I'll keep an eye out for older Atlas stands.

Thanks to all for playing along.

Regards,

J.

Gerry Gallegos July 9th, 2012 08:59 PM

Re: K&M Mic stands
 
A pair of C414s are worth about $1500, why wouldnt you invest a couple of hundred to hold them up securely?

K&M have different levels of quality, they make dirt cheap stuff as well as tour-worthy stuff, spend the extra scratch, fixing a 414 from a fall will cost more than a good quality stand.

Good luck


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:35 PM.

DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network