GRACE DESIGN SB-30/66

Product overview

The GRACE DESIGN SB-30/66 is a Spacebar stereo microphone positioning kit with both the 30 cm and the 66 cm horizontal bar, one stand clamp, two standard mic holders and one tall mic holder: one system for close and wide stereo pairs.

The Spacebar allows precise and repeatable setting of microphone capsule spacing, angle of incidence and rotation around the x axis. With precision scales for angle and distance engraved on the components, it is easy to make perfectly repeatable stereo microphone setups, in standard configurations such as XY, ORTF, NOS and AB 50 cm or anywhere along the continuum of angle and spacing, to tailor the pickup to virtually any recording environment.

Key features

• Two bar lengths: 30 cm (7-26 cm spacing) and 66 cm (7-61 cm spacing), interchangeable in the field
• Engraved scales: 5 mm ruler on the bar, 5° angle scale on each holder, ±90° vertical scale on the clamp
• Tall mic holder for microphone bodies that would overlap
• Machined aircraft-grade aluminium, brass and stainless steel
• Standard 5/8-27 or BSW 3/8-16 mic mount threads

One clamp, one system

This kit is supplied with one stand clamp and is intended as a single system used with either the 30 cm or the 66 cm bar. For two complete systems, the individual SB-30 and SB-66 kits are used.

Changing the bar

Loosen the 8-32 set screw about four turns with a 5/64" hex wrench, loosen the clamp handle and slide the bar out. Insert and centre the other bar, tighten the set screw until it stops and back it off a quarter turn: the bar rotates freely but cannot slide out.

In the box

• 30 cm horizontal bar
• 66 cm horizontal bar
• Stand clamp
• 2 x standard mic holder
• 1 x tall mic holder

Available versions

• Standard 5/8-27 mic mount threads
• BSW 3/8-16 (British Standard Whitworth) mic mount threads

GRACE DESIGN SB-30/66: frequently asked questions

Can I use both bars at the same time?

The kit has one stand clamp, so one bar is used at a time. Two complete systems need the individual SB-30 and SB-66 kits.

What spacing does each bar give?

30 cm bar: 7 cm to 26 cm. 66 cm bar: 7 cm to 61 cm.

How precise are the scales?

Spacing is read in 5 mm steps on the bar ruler and the angle of incidence in 5° steps on each holder; measure the actual capsule spacing with a tape.

Where can I buy the GRACE DESIGN SB-30/66 in India?

The GRACE DESIGN SB-30/66 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: XY or ORTF pair on a stand

Engineers recording ensembles, choirs and acoustic instruments in stereo.

Connections

Setup

1. Set both holders to 0° and lock them.
2. Fit the clips, aim the mics straight forward and lock the jam nuts.
3. Rotate each holder to the angle of incidence for the chosen technique.
4. Set the capsule spacing with a ruler and lock the position nuts.

Tip: Note the scale readings: the same setup can be repeated exactly at the next session.

Workflow 2: Spaced pair with the 30 cm or 66 cm bar

Recordists who tailor the stereo width to the room.

Connections

Setup

1. Slide the holders to the required spacing on the ruler.
2. Measure the actual capsule spacing with a tape.
3. Set the angle of incidence in 5° steps.
4. Tilt the bar with the stand clamp handle to aim the array.

Tip: The ruler is a reference: measure the real capsule spacing with a tape or ruler.

Workflow 3: Close-spaced pair with the tall holder

Stereo setups where the microphone bodies would overlap.

Connections

Setup

1. Remove the position lock nut while holding the assembly.
2. Loosen the angle lock screw and swap in the tall holder body.
3. Refit the assembly in the bar slot.
4. Set angle and spacing, then lock.

Tip: The tall holder raises one microphone so the bodies clear each other.

Workflow 4: Aiming from above

Recording an ensemble from a tall stand.

Connections

Setup

1. Loosen the stand clamp locking handle.
2. Rotate the bar to the required vertical angle on the ±90° scale.
3. Tighten the handle.
4. Check the aim from the listening position.

Tip: Pull the handle back to set a convenient handle angle before tightening.

Workflow 5: Documenting a session

Studios that recall setups between sessions.

Connections

Setup

1. Read the spacing on the ruler.
2. Read each holder's angle scale.
3. Read the vertical angle on the stand clamp.
4. Log the values with the session notes.

Tip: Engraved scales make every parameter readable and repeatable.

Workflow 6: More than two microphones

Recordists adding microphones to the bar.

Connections

Setup

1. Slide extra holders into the bar slot.
2. Set each angle in 5° steps.
3. Set the spacing.
4. Lock all position nuts.

Tip: Additional microphone holders are available for more than two microphones.