Shure A27M Stereo Microphone Adapter

Although this thing is a little pricey for an adapter, its probably the best design and build quality there is compared to everything else out there on the market. Ive used it a few times already with a pair of pencil mics and it stays put in any configuration. Its also really nice to be able to use one stand for two mics on acoustic guitar. Highly recommended!

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 pricey Shure A27M Stereo Microphone Adapter. In contrast, it’s a snap to adjust A27M mic angle and spacing and it locks down tight.The 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.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.Yes, it’s pricy for an adapter but is worth it: bulletproof build, locks tight and easy to position precisely.

The A27M does the job of keeping the microphones nicely aligned for the various configurations possible X-Y and so forth. It does so with minimal bulk so there is hardly anything to get tangled with the mic cables (but it is weighty.) The whole thing is well constructed and made of high grade materials, which probably accounts for the weight. Simple in design with very clean lines. It does have limited spacing options between the two mounting screws for the mic holders, but for work for me . . . for now with my C1000s units. There really isn't anything else like it in the market. It probably does not solve every possible problem you might encounter with mic positions possible with the choice of mics you have but it works really well with pencil / tube / cylindrical body mics. THe only negative I can think of for now is the cost. It is not cheap but it will well out last any microphone you will ever put on it.

Setting up ORTF pointing down for guitar / other handheld instruments took a bit with my limited boom stand but was still much better than using my old spaced bar configuration. (I was using a bar that came with my mics that was pretty finicky to tighten and would come undone unless I really applied pressure on it. Also I had to use a spacer to raise one mic up so I could position them correctly. It worked but I wouldn't want to move it at all after setting it up.) The build of this thing is tank-like and feels very smooth to operate. I bought this adapter with two Shure A53Ms and the total price was laughably high (like $150 with tax) but at least they play well together. I don't think you could use this as easily with bigger shockmount mic holders so the A53Ms are pretty essential if you want that capability.So in the end I would stick with whatever horrible mic spacer you have if you are never going to move it, but if you are ever going to take it down and try different configurations then this is pretty essential. The design really shines when you want to make minute adjustments after getting the initial setup. My old adapter made it really annoying to make those same subtle adjustments.

These things are made of solid metal not tubing and feel like they are going to last forever. Another reviewer correctly said that they lack registration marks which does seem like a true oversight but isn't an issue for my work flow as I tend to work by eyeing things instead of marks but I totally understand the need for marks in certain circumstances. there are some marks on the top knob which seems like the wrong place for them as they move when you tighten or loosen the knob. All that said, these have worked very well in my studio.What you can't see in the pictures is the fact the top silver section screws off and the 2 mic threads can be removed and then put back on in different 4 different configurations.1) With the 2 mic threads close together in the center of the post (as pictured).2) With the 2 mic threads at opposite ends of the post.3) With the 2 mic threads medium distance apart toward the top of the post.4) With the 2 mic threads medium distance apart toward the bottom of the post.This can be very handy depending on the size of the mics or shockmounts you are using. We use it with the Audio-Technica AT8410a small mic shockmounts to good result. This combination works well with pencil mics like Neumann KM84s and Royer 122s.

This is a clever way of handling stereo microphone techniques. This device offers a variety of options for how to set the height and angle of your microphones that make it easy to use different styles of mics in different stereo configurations. This made X/Y and ORTF setups really easy on both my Rode M5 mics (which are very short) and on my SM-81s (which are rather long). It's expensive, but totally worth it if you do stereo setups often.

This is a really good stereo microphone adapter, even though some markings would be helpful, and I am sure it will last forever, Unfortunately someone stole mine after a performance I was hired to do the FOH and multi-track recording for. Just one of the reasons it pays to do all of your own tear-down after an event. It may take more time, but everything is put back the way you want it and all items will (or at least should) be accounted for.

Very flexible and versatile. Has multiple ways for adjustment. Holds steady a pair of small diaphragm condenser (SDC) microphones. Ideal for placing an SDC pair in XY, Blumlein or ORF configuration.

feels solid and keeps position and angle solidly. Good purchase