The Starbird is a classic stand from the 40s, 50s and 60s and is literally in every major studio in the world!
It is also the largest format stand to be found anywhere.
Pioneered by George Starbird in the 1940s, the celebrated Model No. 180 studio boom stand has achieved no less than vintage collector status today.
The trademark for the Model 180 was later bought by pro audio and studio equipment manufacturer, Manley Laboratories Inc. in the early ’90s who manufactured an upgraded version of the Starbird stand until 2010.
Triad-Orbit, an industry leader in innovative advanced stand systems, has licensed the rights to the legendary Starbird stand from Manley Laboratories, Inc. and made some major upgrades to it.
Here are the top 5 key features of the new Triad Orbit Starbird SB-1 Studio Boom Stand:
1. Easy maneuverability
One of the key issues with the original Starbird was moving it around in studios. The legs were quite large and transporting it from room to room was cumbersome. With Triad’s new stand design the legs tuck underneath the base completely, making it a lot easier to move around. For a full footprint stand, simply open up the legs and lock them in place.
2. Removing the permanent counterweight
Another issue with Starbird stands was the built-in permanent counter-weight. The newly designed Triad-Orbit Starbird has a floating counterweight that can be locked into place anywhere you want it. You can also adjust the balance by easily adding more weight to the jar-like opening at the back of the counterweight.
3. Durable swivel
The swivel on the old Starbird would eventually break down over time as it was metal on metal. There was also the added issue of the boom drooping or falling if the swivel was not tight enough. Triad has combated this problem by adding a swing-pin safety latch to rotate and stop the boom anywhere the user desires.
4. Microphone quick-release
Triad-Orbit’s Starbird stand also offers an easy quick-release feature on attaching the microphone and a flexible rotating ball and socket joint that offers complete 360° swiveling action to place the mic where you need it.
5. Pneumatic lift mechanism
The newly designed Starbird extends to be 4 meters tall, and you can adjust it as per your needs, depending on the position you want it. With a heavy counterweight and a heavy mic, lifting it up would be a task, right? Well, not with the pnematic shaft mechanism Triad-Orbit has built into the stand. It automatically goes up to its full height and to bring it back down simply pull on the shaft and rotate the clutch back into place.
Want to see the Triad Orbit Starbird stand in action? Watch the video below:
Like most other Triad-Orbit stands, the Starbird SB-1 works just as well with video and lighting products, just as it does with audio equipment. More importantly, the stand base, boom swivel ,and clutch can be retrofitted to the legacy Starbird stand model!
To learn more or to acquire this iconic stand that will last you for many years to come, click below: