Rode SB20 Stereo Bar with ORTF and XY Markings for Coincident and Spaced-Pair Recording

Rode SB20 Stereo Bar: Repeatable Stereo Recording From a Single Stand

The Rode SB20 is the stereo mounting bar that converts any single microphone stand into a stereo recording rig. It holds two microphones — small-diaphragm condenser pair, large-diaphragm pair, or mixed sizes — at the precise spacings and angles that define professional stereo recording techniques. Pre-marked positions for ORTF and XY eliminate the per-session re-measurement that derails workflow on drum overhead sessions, choir recordings, and acoustic guitar stereo captures. One stand, one bar, two microphones, repeatable results.

Pre-Marked ORTF and XY Positions for the Two Most Common Stereo Techniques

ORTF is the French Broadcasting Organization stereo technique: two cardioid microphones angled at 110 degrees apart with capsules spaced 17 cm apart. The result is a stereo image that translates to mono without phase issues and captures the natural ambience of the recording space. The SB20 marks the ORTF position explicitly — set the angle indicators to 110 degrees, set the spacing to 17 cm, and the pair is positioned. XY is the coincident stereo technique: two cardioid microphones with capsules touching, angled at 90 degrees apart. The SB20 marks the XY position with the same explicit indicators. No measuring tape, no protractor — just set the markings and record.

Spacing Markings Up to 7.8 in (20 cm) for AB and Spaced-Pair Configurations

The SB20's linear spacing markings extend from 0 to 7.8 in (20 cm) for AB and spaced-pair stereo. Drum overhead engineers use spaced pair (typically 12-18 in apart on a wide bar configuration) for kit-wide stereo width. Acoustic guitar stereo capture often uses AB with closer spacing for tighter imaging. Choir and orchestra recording uses ORTF for natural ambience or spaced pair for wider stereo when the room is the desired sound. The SB20's explicit measurement markings handle all four techniques on the same bar.

Dual 3/8 In Threads + 5/8 In Adapters Included

The SB20 has two 3/8 in mic-mounting threads (the European standard) and includes two 5/8 in to 3/8 in adapters (the US standard). Every standard microphone clip and shockmount fits either thread size — the SB20 handles both. The stand-mount thread is a standard 5/8 in - 27 male thread, which fits every microphone stand from On-Stage, K&M, Atlas, DR Pro, and every other manufacturer.

Lightweight ABS Construction Designed for Boom Arm Use

The SB20 is built from ABS plastic at a total weight of 1.6 oz (45 g). The light weight matters because the SB20 typically sits at the end of a boom arm on a tripod microphone stand — adding two large-diaphragm condensers to a heavy steel bar at the end of a 24-in boom unbalances the tripod and risks tipping. The SB20's ABS construction keeps the load minimal while still securely holding two large-diaphragm condensers without flex. The ABS material is the same engineering plastic Rode uses across its accessory line.

Use Cases: Drum Overheads, Choir, Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Field Recording

The SB20's most common use case is drum overhead stereo recording — a matched pair of small-diaphragm condensers on the SB20 in either XY directly above the drummer's head or in spaced-pair across the kit. Other common uses: acoustic guitar stereo capture at the 12th fret with an XY pair, choir recording from a single stand with ORTF spacing, piano overhead stereo recording with the pair directly above the strings, and field recording with a matched pair on a portable tripod.

Compatible With Every Standard Microphone Clip and Stand

The included 5/8 in adapters extend compatibility to every US-standard microphone clip — Rode, Shure, Audio-Technica, Audix, Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, and every other manufacturer. The 5/8 in - 27 stand thread fits every microphone stand from every brand. The SB20 is the universal stereo bar that works with whatever microphones and stands a studio already owns — no system lock-in.

Who This Stereo Bar Is For

Working recording engineers tracking drum overheads in XY or ORTF stereo from one stand instead of two. Home studio producers recording acoustic guitar, piano, or solo vocal performance in stereo. Field recordists capturing ambient sound, location dialogue, and natural soundscapes with a matched microphone pair. Choir and orchestra engineers using a single stand to capture an ensemble. Songwriters and demo studios needing repeatable stereo configurations without per-session setup time.