Triad-Orbit Starbird SB-1

Those versed in the golden age of audio recording know George Starbird’s legendary Model No.180 studio boom stand has earned a place alongside the most revered vintage analog microphones, consoles and outboard gear of the era.

Starbird started Meletron Corporation in Los Angeles in 1939 to manufacture radio parts. He designed the Model 180 studio boom stand for large broadcast environments in the 1940s and recording studios soon discovered its unrivaled reach, range of motion and stability and adopted it as the large mic stand of choice.

Meletron turned its focus to manufacturing pressure sensitive mechanical switches for the lucrative aeronautics, military and industrial markets in the early 1950s and ceased operations in 1970.

Manley Laboratories, Inc., celebrated maker of professional studio and hifi audio equipment, purchased the tooling and trademark for the Model 180 in 1991 and produced an updated version of the Starbird in their California facility until 2010.

Now in its third iteration, Starbird by Triad-Orbit (T-O SB-1) incorporates patented T-O innovation to impart new levels of performance, versatility and stability to the storied Model 180 platform.

Most importantly, All Triad-Orbit Starbird stand base, boom swivel and clutch components retrofit to legacy Starbird stands.

Features

• Heavier cast Iron base with 38" footprint and legs that swivel and tuck away under the base for a smaller footprint for storing the stand. The legs can also be used in offset positions to accommodate smaller rooms and tight spaces.
• Larger Triad TC™ industrial grade dual-bearing, dual-locking studio casters.
• Thicker 2mm 6063 T5 Aluminum tubes.
• Pneumatic auto lift / assisted lift in heavy situations. By releasing the mid clutch on the riser tubes the stand raises automatically with air-lift assist.
• Stronger main swivel using tested technology from the Orbit 2 center swivel
• New Safety Stop Spring Pin System.
• Adjustable positioned ballast counterweight that opens fully for adding optional shot bags for more weight.
• Triad-Orbit IO Quick-Change compatible and includes the OA ball joint for 360° of mic adjustment.

• Stand Height Range: 1.6 m / 63 in -2.6 m / 102 in
• Boom Length Range: 1.4 m / 55 in - 2.5 m / 98 in
• Base Footprint Range: 46 cm / 18 in - 98 cm / 38 in
• Stand Weight: 30 kg / 66 lb