Best stand for a cab mic?

Dash Rantic · #1 07-23-2012, 01:38 PM

Hi all,

I did a quick search on this and didn't come up with much useful info, so please forgive me if this question has come up before

I'm going to be picking up a mic for my cab in the near future, likely a Heil PR40 (yes, I know the whole mic vs DI argument, let's not go there), and I'm curious what some of the better options for a small mic stand for my cabs are? I'm currently running 2x GK NEO 4x10s. I've seen some nifty boom arms that can clamp onto some cabs, but they don't appear to work with my cabs unfortunately.

So, what do you guys use for a small, sturdy, and reliable mic stand for your cabs? Obviously cheaper is better, but if I need to shell out for something quality (that won't break/constantly tip over), that is an option.

Thanks!

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nickrs540 · #2 07-23-2012, 01:49 PM

Pick up a kick drum mic stand. Got one at GC for bout $30

Dash Rantic · #3 07-23-2012, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickrs540

Pick up a kick drum mic stand. Got one at GC for bout $30

Yeah, that's probably what I'll just end up doing, but I keep reading reviews online of people using kick drum mic stands as amp mic stands and having a lot of issues with them falling over. Hoping to get some recommendations to avoid that

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derrico1 · #4 07-23-2012, 06:26 PM

Are the GK NEO 410s too deep for the Audix Cab Grabber? If not, that should work well with the PR40.

nickrs540 · #5 07-23-2012, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dash Rantic

Yeah, that's probably what I'll just end up doing, but I keep reading reviews online of people using kick drum mic stands as amp mic stands and having a lot of issues with them falling over. Hoping to get some recommendations to avoid that

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The one I have has a ong side and a short side to counteract the mic weight. all you have to do is make sure the weight is on the right side. It's not rocket science.

Dash Rantic · #6 07-23-2012, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derrico1

Are the GK NEO 410s too deep for the Audix Cab Grabber? If not, that should work well with the PR40.

Ooo interesting, I hadn't seen that before--sadly don't think it'll work, the GK NEO 410s are 18" deep and it looks like the Cab Grabber only goes to 14". I might look into trying to build something like that myself though...

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JimmyM · #7 07-23-2012, 06:48 PM

I was using a Z Bar:

http://www.performanceaudio.com/buy/...uff/Z_Bar/5469

Great choice on the mic, BTW.

Dash Rantic · #8 07-23-2012, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derrico1

Are the GK NEO 410s too deep for the Audix Cab Grabber? If not, that should work well with the PR40.

Actually, looks like they make a "Cabgrabber XL", which would fit. This should fit the bill perfectly, thanks!

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georgestrings · #9 07-24-2012, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I was using a Z Bar:

http://www.performanceaudio.com/buy/...uff/Z_Bar/5469

Great choice on the mic, BTW.

Yeah, I like those...

- georgestrings

T-Bird · #10 07-24-2012, 08:26 AM

Hi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I was using a Z Bar:

http://www.performanceaudio.com/buy/...uff/Z_Bar/5469

If I would need to mic a cab, I'd use one.

Very DIY-friendly as well, if You want something more special.

Regards
Sam

TreVice · #11 03-28-2013, 06:38 AM

Anyone have issues with too much vibration interfering with the sound from either of those stands? The CabGrabber or the Z bar? Would one be better than the other for this? Seems to me maybe the CabGrabber due to it holding the cab tighter? But it looks like the Zbar is better able to place the mic further into the middle of the cab.

Anyone use both? any issues?

Thanks!!

code911 · #12 03-28-2013, 12:40 PM

I use ampclamps on all my cabs. http://www.ampclamps.com/ They work great for me,I bought one system then extra bases mounts for each cab.

derrico1 · #13 03-28-2013, 01:01 PM

^The AmpClamp's a sturdier alternative to the cab grabber, and it sets up spot-on night after night.

The only downside is that it uses a base plate that you screw into your cab. (Marring the cab isn't a big deal with a ratfur cab, but it's less appealing with a custom composite Arnopol fEarful—or my Bergie AE212. Depending on where you want the mic located, you could mount the base plate to the bottom of the cab.)

tbirdsp · #14 03-28-2013, 02:57 PM

I just use the amp head's DI for my bass - but I use a Z bar on our guitaist's cab.

Calaverasgrande · #15 04-01-2013, 06:17 PM

I used to use one of the LP mic Claw gizmos. They changed the design a few years back so now it's more flexible and doesnt hang up on the adjustment knob, but it also isnt as bombproof either.
I've also bought a million (ok maybe 10,000) Atlas Soundolier mic stands. They are pretty standard in most studios and stages. If you get one with the big round cast iron base and not some tiny square desk stand base it will have no problem with any of the kick mics that usually end up on bass cabs. I dont know why folks use those tiny desk stands, sure you save $10, but when it falls over holding your $2000 microphone and dents the grill...what did you save?

P-oddz · #16 04-02-2013, 01:05 PM

Was just inquiring about this as well.
Jimmy - I'm looking at the PR40 too (you have some good recommendations, sir

)

Does the Z bar just sit directly below the amp (doesn't grab onto anything) so the weight of the amp is what is keeping it in place?

This one looks like a great and cheap fix, but if the weight of the amp is what keeps it in place, I'd have to figure something to jam in between (Orange AD200B head has feet lifting it away from the cab). Maybe a chunk of foam or something(?)

P-oddz · #17 04-11-2013, 03:08 PM

Just got my PR40 in the mail today and a Z Bar on its way!

This is noob question (having no previous experience), but do you guys recommend a shock mount for the PR40, or is this not really needed?

And also, the ZBar users - do you find the mic picking up any undesirable vibrations from the cab? Or am I just prematurely paranoid?

**Ukiah Bass** · #18 04-11-2013, 04:31 PM

$30 bucks, free shipping:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...boom-mic-stand

HarlowSound · #19 04-11-2013, 04:36 PM

K&M makes great products get a short stand with a boom you can use it for multiple purposes

JimmyM · #20 04-12-2013, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-oddz

Just got my PR40 in the mail today and a Z Bar on its way!

This is noob question (having no previous experience), but do you guys recommend a shock mount for the PR40, or is this not really needed?

And also, the ZBar users - do you find the mic picking up any undesirable vibrations from the cab? Or am I just prematurely paranoid?

Sorry man...didn't see the follow up question before. Good call on the PR40! And yes, the Z bar hangs and is held down by the weight of your head or cab, or if you have one that allows it, you can slip it into a handle. It can also be set upright between two cabs, but most people hang them. I'd also suggest some tape on the part that goes in between stuff. That way you won't scratch your amp or gouge your cab covering. I never shockmounted or got undesirable vibrations from the cab...YMMV.