HISTORY & EVOLUTION OF THE STARBIRD

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.

Triad-Orbit Starbird Studio Boom Stand Features

• T.A.F. System - Pneumatic auto lift

• StarBase Retractable Leg System

• BoomStop Safety Lock - Pin locking mechanism

• VariBal - Counter Ballast System

• Triad-Orbit IO Quick-Change compatible

• Thicker 2mm 6063 T5 Aluminum tubes

• All swivel parts, clutches and base can retrofit onto current legacy Starbirds

Specifications:

Footprint Range: 46 – 98 cm. / 18 – 38.5 in.
Max Reach: 2.5 m. / 98.5 in.
Max Height: 2.6 m. / 102.25 in.
Max Recommended Weight Capacity: 10 kg. / 22 lb.
Product Weight: 30 kg. / 66 lb.