GRACE DESIGN SB-BL

Product overview

The GRACE DESIGN SB-BL is a Spacebar modular Blumlein positioner that holds standard large diaphragm microphones in a vertical Blumlein configuration (53 cm): two figure-8 microphones on the same vertical axis at a precise 90 degree angle of incidence.

Two types of mic holder are available depending on the microphones: for large classic-style ribbon microphones the SB-AMHRA right-angle holder is used (SB-BLRA); most other microphones mount with the SB-MH standard mic holder (SB-BL). A unique feature of the Spacebar Blumlein configuration is that the whole vertical tube assembly can be rotated on a horizontal axis, so the microphones can be aimed up or down relative to the horizontal plane: very useful when miking an ensemble from above on a tall stand.

Key features

• Vertical Blumlein configuration, 53 cm
• 2 x SB-MH standard mic holder
• Whole vertical assembly tilts up or down on a horizontal axis
• Right-angle stand mount with 90 degree tube joiner
• Engraved centimetre scales on the 7/8" tubes
• Machined aircraft-grade aluminium, brass and stainless steel
• Standard 5/8-27 or BSW 3/8-16 mic mount threads

In the box

• E422 right-angle stand mount
• SB-TJ90 90 degree tube joiner
• E407 53 cm tube
• 2 x SB-MH standard mic holder
• 2 x E414 tube end plug
• E405 24 mm nuts and screws

Available versions

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

GRACE DESIGN SB-BL: frequently asked questions

Which microphones does it hold?

The SB-BL holds standard large diaphragm microphones; the companion Blumlein model with the other holder type covers the remaining microphones.

Can the pair be aimed downwards?

Yes. The whole vertical tube assembly rotates on a horizontal axis to aim the microphones up or down.

Where can I buy the GRACE DESIGN SB-BL in India?

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

Workflow 1: Blumlein pair for an ensemble

Engineers recording choirs, orchestras and rooms.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount both microphones on the vertical tube.
2. Set the 90 degree angle of incidence between them.
3. Rotate the vertical assembly to aim up or down.
4. Clamp everything tight.

Tip: The tube assembly rotates on a horizontal axis: ideal when miking from above on a tall stand.

Workflow 2: Repeatable room recording

Studios using a Blumlein room pair.

Connections

Setup

1. Read the positions on the engraved centimetre scale.
2. Note the tilt.
3. Log the values.
4. Restore them next session.

Tip: Engraved scales make the setup repeatable.

Workflow 3: Overhead pair on a tall stand

Recording an ensemble from above.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the SB-BL on the stand.
2. Tilt the vertical assembly downwards.
3. Check the aim.
4. Lock the stand mount.

Tip: Tilt is set by rotating the whole vertical assembly.

Workflow 4: Acoustic instrument in stereo

Piano, guitar or strings with a coincident pair.

Connections

Setup

1. Position the stand at the instrument.
2. Set the height.
3. Aim the pair.
4. Record.

Tip: A coincident pair on one vertical axis keeps both capsules aligned.

Workflow 5: Changing holders

Owners of large classic-style ribbon microphones.

Connections

Setup

1. Remove the SB-MH holders.
2. Fit SB-AMHRA right-angle holders.
3. Set the angle.
4. Clamp.

Tip: For large classic-style ribbon microphones GRACE DESIGN specifies the SB-AMHRA holder (SB-BLRA).

Workflow 6: Building on the modular system

Users expanding their Spacebar.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose further modular parts (tubes, joiners, holders).
2. Join tubes with the tube joiners.
3. Add mic holders.
4. Set positions on the scales.

Tip: The modular system builds a virtually limitless range of microphone holding structures.