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Review on Optimized for SEO: Samson MB1 Mini Boom Stand by Tom Goodlow

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Great general purpose dart for the price

My realistic rating for this would be 4.5 stars if it was an option. This is based on its value for the price. I've worked with live amplification for over 30 years, back when old Atlas stands with a cast iron base and cast iron counterweight that had to be tightened with pliers to keep it in place were the go-to choice. For a small booth, this one works great. Since the product description doesn't contain any meaningful options, I've added some detailed options at the end of this review. In addition to the boom stand and base, this unit also comes with a clamp for the large end of the stem, a standard Samson mic adapter, and a standard >3/8" mic adapter for mounting on the drum kit. The mic adapter is the only thing I find flimsy as the threads are cut into the plastic. The converter is made entirely of metal. There are many different posts out there and I have found that all rods in this price range (regular size or mini) have limitations but they can be bypass the legs at the base if you are hoping to extend the boom to its full length and have a maintain sufficient stability. Decent mic at the end. This worked the same with a medium weight mic (SM58 / SM57 / CAD C195) The boom mount is metal and uses two rubber plates to lock the angle of the boom like other arrows in this price range. The dipper stick is telescopic and the thinner tube offers a longer reach. This basically allows you to lengthen the smaller tube and leave the larger tube behind to help with the counterweight. Overall, it's great for putting the mic in tight spaces without taking up a lot of space, especially at $30. All of the adjustments were solid and I never had to over-tighten to keep things in place. I see the need for extra tightening when you fully extend the boom, but that goes for almost any boom stance. I've recorded a few measurements below. To make the notation easier to understand, the main post is a vertical post that runs from the base to the T-bracket of the cantilever. This stand is adjustable with a twist lock found on most mic stands. The boom uses a two-stage telescope. There is a larger diameter tube that contains a smaller telescoping tube. Each tube can be expanded independently. My apologies for the rudimentary nature of this description for those experienced in the field, but I want the measurements to be clear to those unfamiliar with the various cantilever stem configurations. Here are the numbers: The diameter of the base is about 11 inches (the legs protrude about 5 inches from the main pole). I didn't weigh the base but it looks like the standard iron material used on heavier bases. Height range (from floor to top of "T" beam) is 16" (minimum) to 21.25" (maximum). Booms, only small boom extended - max 17.25" distance from main post to end of boom, both large and small booms extended - max 23.5" extension when removed. I got a half star from the Rating deducted simply because the included mic adapter is all plastic and doesn't match the rest of what you get, and I would have preferred the more common "sliding rod" tensioner for the boom T-bracket to tighten easier for fully extended arms I agree with other reviewers that this is hardly a great choice for the rigors of touring, but in any case, don't count on too much durability from $30 bars when touring.Overall I found the Stand stable and versatile.

Pros
  • Best in its niche
Cons
  • Not bad

Comments (4)

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June 24, 2023
Great stand - clean the washers
May 20, 2023
A little tall, but still a great stand
March 09, 2023
Compares well to more expensive brand
January 20, 2023
Great Value - Does Exactly What It Should and Well