DIY - stand clamp for portable recorder

nolonemo · 2008 August 10th, 21:41

Nolo's latest weekend DIY project....

When I shoot concerts, I often record audio off camera with a portable recorder. I needed a way to attach the recorder to the stand when I use a mic on top of a light stand. This bracket is made out of PVC pipe fitting, and will clamp onto the stand. If I extend the stand to get the mic 6' up, the recorder can still be lower so I can check settings easily.

The PVC "T" fitting is 1" main with a 3/4" aem, the elbow and end cap are 3/4" The pieces are glued together with PVC cement. The head of the 1/4" mouting bolt is hot glued in place on the inside of the end cap, the washer outside is a faucet washer. The faucet washer has enough compression to let you screw the recorder on securely, but have the display in good alignment for viewing.

You will need a 3/16" drill and 1/4-20 tap to make the hole and cut the threads for the thumbscrew.

One thing to be aware of with PVC pipe cement is that it sets virtually immediately, so when you assemble, you apply the cement to the inside of the fitting, then slide the pipe piece into the fitting quicky, smoothly, and firmly. Make sure your alignment is right on the elbow before you slide it on, because the cement sets so quickly, you won't have time to twist to tweak the alignment.

Depending on where the tripod mount is on your recorder, you might want to omit the elbow, or substitute a 90 degree elbow (e.g. for a Zoom H2 that has the tripod mount on the bottom). You also could add a micro-ballhead that would let you adust all sorts of ways.

Here are the pix:

Dodgy Nick · 2008 August 11th, 07:41

Very nice!! Are you willing to make and sell these? I'd be interested for sure.

PS What recorder are you using? I'm in the market for one now.

nagelschip · 2008 August 11th, 10:32

Same here, been looking for something like this!!

Doesn't seem very complex to construct, but I'm no good with such things. I rather pay someone to build it for me, ha ha!

Let us know.

btw, what mic/recorder do you use?

Dodgy Nick · 2008 August 11th, 10:49

also, how is the recorder mounted?

b.soysal · 2008 August 11th, 10:52

very nice. can you send higher resolution photos?

nolonemo · 2008 August 11th, 11:22

Sorry, I'm not going to make them, I need time more than money. I'll post a link to a zip file with big pix tonight. The recorder is a Sony PCM D-50, a very clean rig. I also have a Zoom H2. Most recorders have a socket with a 1/4-20 tripod thread, that's how the recorder is mounted.

2008 August 10th, 21:41	#1
nolonemo Forum Mogul Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Los Freaking Angeles Posts: 743	DIY - stand clamp for portable recorder Nolo's latest weekend DIY project.... When I shoot concerts, I often record audio off camera with a portable recorder. I needed a way to attach the recorder to the stand when I use a mic on top of a light stand. This bracket is made out of PVC pipe fitting, and will clamp onto the stand. If I extend the stand to get the mic 6' up, the recorder can still be lower so I can check settings easily. The PVC "T" fitting is 1" main with a 3/4" aem, the elbow and end cap are 3/4" The pieces are glued together with PVC cement. The head of the 1/4" mouting bolt is hot glued in place on the inside of the end cap, the washer outside is a faucet washer. The faucet washer has enough compression to let you screw the recorder on securely, but have the display in good alignment for viewing. You will need a 3/16" drill and 1/4-20 tap to make the hole and cut the threads for the thumbscrew. One thing to be aware of with PVC pipe cement is that it sets virtually immediately, so when you assemble, you apply the cement to the inside of the fitting, then slide the pipe piece into the fitting quicky, smoothly, and firmly. Make sure your alignment is right on the elbow before you slide it on, because the cement sets so quickly, you won't have time to twist to tweak the alignment. Depending on where the tripod mount is on your recorder, you might want to omit the elbow, or substitute a 90 degree elbow (e.g. for a Zoom H2 that has the tripod mount on the bottom). You also could add a micro-ballhead that would let you adust all sorts of ways. Here are the pix: Last edited by nolonemo; 2008 August 11th at 13:04..

2008 August 11th, 10:52	#5
b.soysal Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Istanbul, Turkey Posts: 150	very nice. can you send higher resolution photos? __________________ It's thirty minutes away. I'll be there in ten.

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2008 August 11th, 07:41	#2
Dodgy Nick Sherminator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: London, UK (expat South African) Posts: 811	Very nice!! Are you willing to make and sell these? I'd be interested for sure. PS What recorder are you using? I'm in the market for one now.

2008 August 11th, 10:32	#3
nagelschip Valued Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Netherlands Posts: 68	Same here, been looking for something like this!! Doesn't seem very complex to construct, but I'm no good with such things. I rather pay someone to build it for me, ha ha! Let us know. btw, what mic/recorder do you use?

2008 August 11th, 10:49	#4
Dodgy Nick Sherminator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: London, UK (expat South African) Posts: 811	also, how is the recorder mounted?

2008 August 11th, 11:22	#6
nolonemo Forum Mogul Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Los Freaking Angeles Posts: 743	Sorry, I'm not going to make them, I need time more than money. I'll post a link to a zip file with big pix tonight. The recorder is a Sony PCM D-50, a very clean rig. I also have a Zoom H2. Most recorders have a socket with a 1/4-20 tripod thread, that's how the recorder is mounted.

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