Gear article

K&M 26009 Microphone Stand Base Plate

The K&M 26009 is a heavy-duty cast iron base plate designed to provide enhanced stability for K&M microphone stands in studio and live sound environments. It features a high-mass design to accommodate heavy microphones and long boom arms, integrated with acoustic isolation to prevent mechanical noise transmission.

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Overview

The K&M 26009 is a professional-grade base plate engineered for high-stability applications. Manufactured by König & Meyer, it serves as the foundational component for modular microphone stand configurations. Its primary function is to lower the centre of gravity of a microphone stand, ensuring that setups remain secure even when using significant offsets or heavy equipment.

Design and Construction

The unit is constructed from high-density cast iron, providing the necessary weight to counterbalance top-heavy microphone rigs. A key functional feature is the rubber ring situated on the underside of the plate. This ring serves two purposes: protecting the floor surface from scratches and acting as a decoupling mechanism to absorb impact sound and reduce unwanted transmission noise from the floor to the microphone.

Applications

Due to its 'extra heavy' classification, the 26009 is specifically suited for supporting substantial microphones and extended boom arms. It is commonly paired with industry-standard microphones that require stable positioning, such as:

  • Shure SM7B or Electro-Voice RE20: Large-diaphragm broadcast microphones.
  • Sennheiser MD 441-U: Long-bodied dynamic microphones.
  • Boom Arm Extensions: For overhead miking where the weight of the boom could cause a standard tripod or light base to tip.

Stability and Performance

The performance of the K&M 26009 is defined by its ability to dampen vibrations. In live environments, floor vibrations from drums or footsteps can travel up a stand and reach the capsule. The integrated rubber ring helps mitigate these low-frequency disturbances, providing cleaner audio capture for sensitive dynamic microphones like the Sennheiser e945 or Shure Beta 58A.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the K&M 26009?
The base plate is constructed from extra heavy cast iron to provide maximum stability and a low centre of gravity.
How does the base plate reduce unwanted noise?
It features a rubber ring on the underside that absorbs impact sound and reduces the transmission of floor-borne vibrations.
Can I use this base with a long boom arm?
Yes, the K&M 26009 is specifically designed to support larger accessories, including longer boom arms that would otherwise tip a lighter base.
Is the 26009 suitable for studio use?
Yes, its heavy-duty construction and vibration-dampening features make it an ideal choice for professional studio environments.
Does the rubber ring protect the floor?
Yes, the rubber ring on the bottom prevents the heavy cast iron from scratching or damaging studio or stage floors.
What is the typical price for the K&M 26009?
The typical price range for this specific K&M model is approximately £38.00.
Will this base support a Shure SM58?
While it can easily support a Shure SM58, its heavy-duty design is particularly beneficial for much heavier microphones or complex stand setups.
Is this base compatible with the Electro-Voice RE20?
Yes, the extra heavy cast iron base is perfect for larger, heavier microphones like the Electro-Voice RE20.
Can it be used with a Sennheiser MD 441-U?
Yes, the stability of the 26009 makes it a suitable base for the relatively long and heavy Sennheiser MD 441-U.
What type of stands is this plate compatible with?
This base plate is designed to be compatible with K&M microphone stands and accessory tubes.
Is the K&M 26009 portable for touring?
While it can be used in live environments, it is an extra heavy base, meaning it is more about stability than lightweight portability.
How does it compare to standard tripod stands?
Unlike tripods, this round base plate has a smaller footprint while providing high stability through weight and superior floor decoupling via its rubber ring.