Mic stands for FR etc

Geoff H · 29th April 2007, 03:00 AM

Hi all. I have been frustrated getting consistent results using a rat shack SPL meter. I have tracked the problem down to the photographic tripod I've been using. Depends on how far the legs are retracted, how high the centre post is raised etc.

Before I build a non resonant stand, I am open ears for suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

Geoff.

Foxx510 · 29th April 2007, 03:24 AM

I wonder if the angled legs are causing the reflections. I'd be going for a straight, thin round pole with a heavy round base. Maybe even wrap the pole in a felt or simlar fabric. You could try wrapping your current setup in a soft thick fabric and see if that helps also. An isolation mount made from elastic might also be worth trying on the meter to decouple it from the stand.

imix500 · 29th April 2007, 03:38 AM

When we measure a room/system with Meyer's SIM3, we just use the standard K&M 201. It more often is any object near the stand that causes problems with reflections. But of course, you can see them on SIM.

Geoff H · 29th April 2007, 04:29 AM

Thanks guys.

Sounds like a monopole is the way to go. 3 legs of aluminium tube is not exactly anti-resonant. It helps if I grasp the centre pole, but then I'm in the way, and still have to reach the mouse, and I haven't calibrated the grip.

The rubber decoupling sounds like a good idea. Works on tone arms. Some mass between it and the meter or mic may help. I'm on a concrete slab, so at least I don't have to worry about floor vibrations.

Regards,
Geoff

Conrad Hoffman · 29th April 2007, 04:36 AM

I got a mic stand at the music store, a Euroboom, I think. It was cheap. Three small legs at the bottom, a vertical post, and an adjustable horizontal boom. I use it for supporting all kinds of things (like photo lights), but it makes a pretty good mic stand as well.

OzMikeH · 29th April 2007, 04:36 AM

Old photographer's trick with cheap tripods:
hang a weight (usually the camera bag) from the bottom of the tripod to pre-load the legs. kick the feet outward slightly.
adjust the height with the legs, use the largest sections first. Winding the column up is a last resort.

is your floor wood or concrete? You're in big trouble if it's wood.

Isolation mount would be a good idea.

Edit:
How about the low tech solution: get a friend to sit in a chair and hold it out at arm's length?
or if your hands shake too much, stick it to a hat somehow. Make sure you send pictures.

Foxx510 · 29th April 2007, 05:17 AM

Lots of good ideas for shockmounts here

29th April 2007, 03:00 AM	#1
Geoff H diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2006	Mic stands for FR etc Hi all. I have been frustrated getting consistent results using a rat shack SPL meter. I have tracked the problem down to the photographic tripod I've been using. Depends on how far the legs are retracted, how high the centre post is raised etc. Before I build a non resonant stand, I am open ears for suggestions. Thanks in advance. Geoff.

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29th April 2007, 03:24 AM	#2
Foxx510 diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2006	I wonder if the angled legs are causing the reflections. I'd be going for a straight, thin round pole with a heavy round base. Maybe even wrap the pole in a felt or simlar fabric. You could try wrapping your current setup in a soft thick fabric and see if that helps also. An isolation mount made from elastic might also be worth trying on the meter to decouple it from the stand.

29th April 2007, 03:38 AM	#3
imix500 Proud Union Member diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Nashville, TN	When we measure a room/system with Meyer's SIM3, we just use the standard K&M 201. It more often is any object near the stand that causes problems with reflections. But of course, you can see them on SIM.

29th April 2007, 04:29 AM	#4
Geoff H diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2006	Thanks guys. Sounds like a monopole is the way to go. 3 legs of aluminium tube is not exactly anti-resonant. It helps if I grasp the centre pole, but then I'm in the way, and still have to reach the mouse, and I haven't calibrated the grip. The rubber decoupling sounds like a good idea. Works on tone arms. Some mass between it and the meter or mic may help. I'm on a concrete slab, so at least I don't have to worry about floor vibrations. Regards, Geoff

29th April 2007, 04:36 AM	#5
Conrad Hoffman diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Canandaigua, NY USA	I got a mic stand at the music store, a Euroboom, I think. It was cheap. Three small legs at the bottom, a vertical post, and an adjustable horizontal boom. I use it for supporting all kinds of things (like photo lights), but it makes a pretty good mic stand as well.

29th April 2007, 04:36 AM	#6
OzMikeH diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2007	Old photographer's trick with cheap tripods: hang a weight (usually the camera bag) from the bottom of the tripod to pre-load the legs. kick the feet outward slightly. adjust the height with the legs, use the largest sections first. Winding the column up is a last resort. is your floor wood or concrete? You're in big trouble if it's wood. Isolation mount would be a good idea. Edit: How about the low tech solution: get a friend to sit in a chair and hold it out at arm's length? or if your hands shake too much, stick it to a hat somehow. Make sure you send pictures.

29th April 2007, 05:17 AM	#7
Foxx510 diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2006	Lots of good ideas for shockmounts here