the t.bone StereoBar 1 Pro

I bought this two years ago so some issues I ran into with this may have been addressed in subsequent production runs. First, this is a great concept - design is great for any two or four mic setup, markings are clear, accessories for height offset work well, and the overall design is light but solid.

However, in my case, each central threaded column that the mic clip attaches to was wobbly. Tried to compensate by adding a 5/8 knurled nut, but the threads were not cut entirely down the shaft, making the last tightening turn nearly impossible. Finally, the set screw for the angle adjustment won't quite stay tight, and is made of a lightweight aluminum that feels like it will strip eventually.

For the very reasonable cost, if the threaded shafts had been solid, I really couldn't have complained. As it is, I find myself now wanting the far more expensive bar that may have inspired this one.

If you need to use multiple mics or 2 stereo pairs in front of one source, especially something like a choir, orchestra, big band or chamber or jazz ensemble, this is a great tool. You can easily set up various useful stereo mic configurations, like ORTF, A-B or X-Y. I use ORTF or X-Y on the centre pair of mic mounts and the outer pair extends for 40 or 60cm A-B using omni microphones. All mounts have a spacer, so you can offset any of them for height which is useful for X-Y where one mic must be higher than the other. It has angle and distance markings for the mic mounts, and a swivel joint where it connects to a mic stand with angle markings.
It is solidly constructed all in metal and seems very strong and durable. My only concern is that the assembly seems slightly inaccurate; the angle scale for the centre mount is off by a couple of degrees when read from either side, and the tightening rings for the mic clips on the mic mounts have jammed on the bottom of the threads. However, it was easy enough to dismantle the mounts and release the stuck threads.
There are equivalent mounts by other brands at unreasonably high prices, the t-bone unit seems like the only one at a fair and realistic price. Many t.bone products seem like this, all have been good (but not perfect) quality and excellent value for money at an affordable price.
I'm glad I bought this, it opens up some great possibilities for my mic setups without spending a ridiculous amount of money. The hardware can be just as important for getting the setup you need but it also needs to be economically viable. Until I found this unit I didn't know of anything at the right price, and it is a real asset to me for some recording jobs.

I just got this sterebar. I have yet to take it into use, but I exammed it thoroughly. It seem to be of very good quality build wise. all pieces feel like they would last a long time, even with heavy usage. The white engraved meterering and angles also look like they would hold up for a long time. The only thing I saw that was not up to standard with the rest, was that the angle metering on the middle where you attach the rail, is offset on one of the side. approx by half degree. It's not gonna pose a problem for me (just pick a side an use that as your baseline). But it looses one star for that. This could be from any number of things during manufactoring/assembeling, and should not be a problem more than an estetic isssue. Other than that this is a great piece of equipment