Best Budget AB Stereo Bar for Field Recording
When it comes to stereo bars, there are a few really good examples out there. But for anyone just starting out and not wanting to spend over $100, I found a very affordable alternative. You can use it with DPA 4060s or any other affordable omnidirectional lavalier microphones.
The magic really lies in the mic spacing and with this option I found on Lazada, it’s a super lightweight alternative to heavier metal or aluminum bars. I paid $15, so if you’re in Southeast Asia, you might even get it cheaper than on Amazon where it’s almost double the price. Of course, that depends on your location.
Build Quality and Flexibility
The arms should be used with care. They’re not made to be bent aggressively. I read some people had breakage issues, so just keep that in mind. That said, both ends can spin 360°, which is amazing if you want to experiment with direction. It’s even helpful for mono recordings where, for example, you want to record a door with multiple locks and point the mics at different angles.
The A-B Set plate itself is aluminum and super light. I attach it to the Ulanzi Zero Y tripod, which just came out around $300 USD. It’s a great alternative to Peak Design’s tripod. Also carbon, super stable, and works perfectly with my Cinela Wind Protection as well.
Gear I Used
• AB Stereo Bar: Lightweight aluminum stereo bar from Lazada
• Tripod: Ulanzi Zero Y (~$300 USD)
• Microphones: DPA 4060s (attached with Blu Tack)
• Wind Protection: Radius Windshield
• Recorder: TASCAM FR-AV2 — fits perfectly on the stereo bar
• (Optional alternative: Zoom F3 — for a more compact rig)
Quick Swaps and Easy Setup
The A-B plate fits the tripod without using the original tripod plate, so gear swapping becomes quick and fun. I no longer have the original mic clips for the DPAs, but BluTac works like magic. I can pop them on or off in seconds, and it’s great even for mounting to a tree or wall for separation.
Where the Idea Came From
This A-B set idea isn’t new. Colin Hunter from World Sounds made a quick video about it nearly nine years ago, which was actually two years before I even started recording sounds myself.
I always believe in giving credit where credit is due. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed that not many people do that anymore. Too often, great ideas are recycled and presented without credit to the original creator. That’s not how I work. I saw Colin’s setup, I liked the simplicity, and I adapted it for my own needs. Simple as that.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a travel-friendly, budget-conscious way to record in stereo, I highly recommend this setup. If you’d like to hear how this rig sounds, check out our latest video linked above.
