Mic stand alternatives

  • Thread starter Thread starter dainbramage
  • Start date Start date
dainbramage

dainbramage

Well-known member
So I recently got a stereo pair SDCs but don't have any mic stands yet. I would like to record my acoustic guitar and was wondering if you see any problems with ducttaping them to my interface like this:

________
| .Comp. | ( / and \ = microphones )
\---------/ (Comp = laptop computer)

So the computer is on top of the interface which is a rack unit that runs a little hot (is this a problem?).

In addition I will use a LDC on the only mic stand Ï've got.

The computer will be turned off during recording due to fan noise and the interface will run standalone.

Are there any known problems with this? Other suggestions?
 
Er, do you really mean "interface" or is it actually some form of stand alone recorder? If it's a conventional interface, you can't record anything without the computer. With the computer on, any mechanical vibrations (i.e. a running fan) are likely to be transferred to the microphones.

That issue aside, you'll get something but your ability to position the mics will be severely limited...and, on acoustic guitar, moving mics by even an inch or two can make a big difference to the recording you get. Obviously the answer is to buy a couple more mic stands--but, in the interim, I'd attach the mics to something separate from the computer and interface--maybe the rungs on the back of a dining room chair or something.
 
I guess you don't want glue residue from the duct tape on your mics and laptop. You better use high quality gaffer tape (like Nichiban) for mic-to-laptop-attaching applications and remove it after use.
 
Check the manual of the audio device if you can place stuff on top of it. Some rackmount devices need 1 unit space above it for ventilation. Also, when your laptop and interface are simultaneously on there will be heat from both devices between them.
 
get a stereo bar adaptor for the mic stand. just a few pence on the bay. do an xy array for the sdc's and keep it away from the sound hole.
 
Bobbsy said:
Er, do you really mean "interface" or is it actually some form of stand alone recorder? If it's a conventional interface, you can't record anything without the computer.
Click to expand...

Thanks to everyone for your replies. It is a conventional interface with standalone USB recording capability.

LeadPaint said:
Check the manual of the audio device if you can place stuff on top of it. Some rackmount devices need 1 unit space above it for ventilation. Also, when your laptop and interface are simultaneously on there will be heat from both devices between them.
Click to expand...

I can not find any info on this but I have attached these little rubber "dots" so there is some room for ventilation but not much. Is it common for interfaces to need alot?

...

Great suggestions guys, I think I will go with the dinner chair idea until I get a couple of mic stands which will not happen for a few weeks as I spent all my money on mics and interface ;P

Thanks again.
 
MicMounts01.webp

MicMounts02.webp MicMounts03.webp
 
I don't think that you have posted those picture before have you Miro?
 
Only that I think I can remember you talking about mounting your stands to the ceiling but I had to use my minds eye to visualize it ..... Now I can see it.
 
moresound said:
Only that I think I can remember you talking about mounting your stands to the ceiling but I had to use my minds eye to visualize it ..... Now I can see it.
Click to expand...



:D

There's another ceiling mount I have for an M/S overhead pair over the drum kit.


MicMounts04.webp MicMounts05.webp


If you go to Home Depot, they have aluminum L-bars, of various thicknesses. I got the 1/8" thick bars, cut two pieces and bolt together to create U-mount...drill holes for the ceiling screws and one for the bolt that the mic stand clutch attaches to.
The toothed clutches also let me move the arms all the way up against the ceiling and out of the way when not in use.

For the M/S mount I used one long L-bar with a lot of hole so I could change the position of the mounts as needed.

PS
Hey, ever use the Groove Tubes G-30 FET mics...the top-address cigar mics?
$69 -each used...good/bad?
 
dainbramage said:
Great suggestions guys, I think I will go with the dinner chair idea until I get a couple of mic stands which will not happen for a few weeks as I spent all my money on mics and interface ;P

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

That's a nice interface you have--I've always had a soft spot (if not the budget) for RME gear.

One suggestion: wrap your mics in foam rubber (maybe cut from an old mouse mat or something) or bubble wrap before taping them to anything. The adhesive on many tapes can play havoc with the surface of a mic--somebody once ruined one of my C451s by putting tape on it--it still sounds fine but is a bit unsightly. Have something soft around the mic would also provide a modicum of insulation from accidental knocks and bumps on the chair too.

Also, however you wrap/tape them, be sure not to obstruct the small slots or grills your SDCs will almost certainly have on the side just below the head. Those slots are what control the pickup pattern and blocking them will change the sound of your mics.
 
dainbramage said:
I can not find any info on this but I have attached these little rubber "dots" so there is some room for ventilation but not much. Is it common for interfaces to need alot?
Click to expand...
On page 5 of the manual it says:

Surface may become hot during operation – ensure sufficient ventilation.
Avoid direct sun light and do not place it near other sources of heat, like ra-
diators or stoves. When mounting in a rack, leave some space between this
device and others for ventilation.
Click to expand...
 
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