Gear article
Gear4music Guitar Amp & Cab Microphone Clamp (30-58cm)
The Gear4music Guitar Amp & Cab Microphone Clamp is a specialist utility designed for securing microphones directly onto guitar amplifiers and speaker cabinets. Adjustable between 30cm and 58cm, it serves as a space-saving alternative to traditional floor stands in both studio and live sound environments.
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The Gear4music Guitar Amp & Cab Microphone Clamp is a hardware solution engineered to streamline the process of miking electric guitar speakers. By attaching directly to the chassis or outer casing of an amplifier, it eliminates the need for bulky tripod or weighted-base stands. This is particularly advantageous on small stages where floor space is at a premium or in high-traffic studio environments where accidental knocks to a stand could ruin a take.
Design and Functionality
The clamp features an adjustable mechanism that spans from 30cm to 58cm, allowing it to accommodate a wide variety of cabinet depths and sizes. Once fixed to the amplifier, the arm can be manipulated to position the microphone at specific angles and distances from the speaker cone. This flexibility is essential for engineers who need to capture the 'sweet spot' of a driver, whether that be directly at the dust cap or further toward the edge of the cone.
Compatibility
The clamp is designed to hold standard microphone clips and is commonly used with industry-standard dynamic microphones. Frequent pairings include the Shure SM57, known for its presence in guitar miking, and the Sennheiser e906 or MD 441-U. Because the clamp secures to the cabinet itself, the microphone remains in a fixed position relative to the speaker even if the cabinet is moved or tilted, ensuring consistent phase and tone throughout a performance.
Comparison to Traditional Stands
Unlike traditional boom stands, this clamp offers a low-profile footprint. While stands like those used for the Electro-Voice RE20 or Sennheiser e945 are versatile, they are prone to mechanical vibrations transmitted through the floor. The Gear4music clamp couples the microphone directly to the source, though it typically requires the use of a shock-mount or a microphone with good internal dampening, such as the Shure Beta 58A, to avoid excessive chassis vibration.
Related gear
£563.00 ($715)Electro-Voice
Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Cardioid Microphone
£148.75 ($189)Sennheiser
Sennheiser e935 Dynamic Vocal Microphone
£142.25 ($181)Shure
Shure 520DX Green Bullet Harmonica Microphone
£161.50 ($205)Shure
Shure Beta 58A Dynamic Microphone
£259.00 ($329)Shure
Shure SM58 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone
£149.00 ($189)Sennheiser
Sennheiser e945 Dynamic Vocal Microphone
£103.50 ($131)Shure
Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone
£1,080.00 ($1,372)Sennheiser
Sennheiser MD 441-U Dynamic Supercardioid Microphone
Frequently asked questions
- What is the maximum width this clamp can accommodate?
- The clamp is adjustable to a maximum length of 58cm, making it suitable for most standard guitar amplifiers and speaker cabinets.
- What is the minimum width for smaller amplifiers?
- The clamp can be adjusted down to a minimum of 30cm, which allows it to secure firmly onto smaller practice amps or compact 1x12 cabinets.
- Can I use a Shure SM57 with this clamp?
- Yes, the Shure SM57 is one of the most common microphones used with this type of clamp due to its lightweight profile and suitability for guitar speakers.
- Is this clamp suitable for live sound use?
- Absolutely. It is specifically designed for live sound engineers who need to save stage space and ensure consistent microphone placement throughout a show.
- Will this clamp hold a heavy microphone like the Electro-Voice RE20?
- While the clamp is sturdy, heavy microphones like the RE20 may require careful balancing and tightening of the adjustment arm to prevent sagging over time.
- Can it be used on bass cabinets?
- Yes, provided the depth of the bass cabinet falls within the 30-58cm range, the clamp will function effectively for bass miking.
- Does the clamp include a microphone clip?
- Usually, these clamps provide a standard threaded stud. You will need to use the specific microphone clip that came with your microphone, such as those for the Shure SM58 or Sennheiser e935.
- How does this compare to using a tripod stand?
- This clamp takes up zero floor space and prevents the microphone from being moved if someone trips over a stand leg, though it is limited to attaching only to the cabinet.
- Can I use this for a Shure 520DX 'Green Bullet'?
- If your amplifier is being used for harmonica and you wish to mic the cab, the clamp can hold a compatible clip for the 520DX, though that microphone is typically handheld.
- Is the position of the microphone adjustable once clamped?
- Yes, the stand portion can be manipulated to sit at various angles and distances from the speaker to achieve the desired recorded tone.
- Will the clamp damage my amplifier's finish?
- The clamp is designed to grip the edges of the cabinet. Most users find that provided the clamp is tightened correctly and has appropriate padding, it does not damage standard Tolex or wood finishes.
- Is this product suitable for studio recording?
- Yes, it is ideal for studios where engineers want to maintain a precise microphone position across multiple sessions without the risk of a floor stand being moved.
