I record live classical guitar in stereo using matched mic pairs. I made do with a K&M microphone bar for years: an easy carry but awkward and slow to position. Worse yet, the mics shifted out of alignment with the slightest bump. Hence my purchase of the Shure A27M Stereo Microphone Adapter.
A27M design is simple but ingenious: a vertical adapter with mic mounts on rotating tubes. Loosen the cap to adjust mic angle by rotating the tubes. Unscrew the cap and reverse the tubes to change spacing for different mic sizes. The vertical orientation of the A27M means less bulk than a stereo bar, allowing use in tight spaces. However, this vertical design adds 6.75" to stand height, just enough for the top of the adapter to poke into the video frame when shooting seated classical guitarists. I could, of course, have moved the mics back or lower, but I preferred the sound where it was, hence the strange silver cap in the center of some of my videos.
Frary Guitar Duo | "Father I Adore You" | Tascam DR-60D MKII | Neumann KM184 (2X) | Shure A27M | EOS 70D
I’ve only used the A27M with a pair of small condenser mics, Neumann KM-184, in X-Y configuration but it worked great: easy to fine tune position, balanced well on stands and held alignment without drift, even when moved around the studio. It’s is a hefty adapter—weighs more than my mics—so use a beefy stand.
It’s pricey for an adapter but worth it just for for the time and frustration saved during setup. Plus, the bulletproof build, secure locking and ease of positioning make me a happy camper.
Price: $75
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Peter Kun Frary | Allegretto Op 147a No. 16 (Giuliani) | Tascam DR-60D MKII | Neumann KM184 (2X) | Shure A27M | EOS 80D
Peter Kun Frary | Omen (Frary) | Tascam DR-60D MKII | Neumann KM184 (2X) | Shure A27M | EOS 70D
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Final Blurb