König & Meyer stands, known for their durability and groundbreaking designs have stood the test of time for over 70 years. The most recent additions to the company’s extensive product lineup are two new “Wind-Up” speaker/lighting stands, models 24730 (max height 118”) and 24740 (max height 157”). These heavy-duty stands incorporate an innovative Dual-Crank mechanism, allowing the stand to be set lower for loading speakers or lighting fixtures. Their wide base footprint, and an 88-pound load rating offer a stable support for easy and safe deployment.
The maintenance-free sealed crank assemblies with brass alloy gears eliminate cables and pulleys. The internal gearing design minimizes the pinch hazard of external gear track on the main poles while rubber stops on the crank assemblies prevent fingers from getting pinched when the sections are lowered. A ratcheting safety engages as the poles rise and a push button release mechanism with a large locking knob on each crank assembly averts uncontrolled reverse motion for additional safety. When not in use, the crank handles can be removed to prevent tampering.
Sturdy aluminum double-braced legs feature large rubber feet and wide spacing for maximum stability on level surfaces. For use on uneven surfaces, König & Meyer offers an optional leveling accessory. Clamped to one leg, the leveling adapter allows up to 7.87” of height adjustment, enabling the stand to sit securely on uneven surfaces, steps, or slopes. If no leveling is required, the adapter simply remains in the initial position on the stand base.
The sturdy steel top pole will fit a standard 35mm (1.38”) loudspeaker pole socket. Additionally, an integrated M10 thread socket allows direct mounting of crossbars and brackets.
To protect the stand during transport, a fitted carry case with wheels is available. Made of heavy-duty 1680D nylon, the padded case features heavy-duty zippers, dual-strap carry handles and an internal compartment for storing the crank handle.
Stand By Me…
For this review, König & Meyer sent two 24730 stands along with two optional padded carry cases. After unpacking the stands and cases, I set the stands up in my shop for initial shakedown. I liked that compared to other stands, the base leg assembly opened smoothly. To prevent the legs from bottoming out, König & Meyer has a ring stop on the center tube. Closing the legs was effortless as well.
Next, I placed a 30-pound powered speaker on the center pole. For a tall stand, the dual-crank system enables the lowest position to be at a comfortable height for mounting the speaker. Once I had the speaker mounted, I placed the crank handle on the upper crank assembly and cranked away. The process was smooth and effortless and as the pole rose, the safety ratchet responded with a series of satisfying clicks. Once the top pole was where I wanted it, I tightened the lock knob for additional safety, quickly moved the crank handle to the lower crank assembly and continued to raise the speaker. To lower the speaker, simply press in on the release button and hold it in while cranking. If you release the button, the stand’s autolock gearing will engage like an “elevator safety,” preventing the speaker from dropping.
Next, I placed the crank handle in the upper mechanism and cranked it up to its limit. When you reach the allowable limit, the crank assembly automatically stops to prevent you from cranking the pole out of the assembly. I moved the handle to the lower crank assembly and continued raising the speaker to maximum height. With the speaker almost 10 feet in the air, the stand still felt stable and secure.
Taking a Stand at the Gig…
For the first gig, I used the stands with my small line array boxes, which have internal pole sockets. I set two boxes on the stand and placed the crank handle in the upper assembly. As the line array was wider than a typical powered speaker, it was in the way of the crank handle. I simply rotated the speakers 90 degrees until I had crank clearance. For this gig, I raised them about eight feet using the lower crank assembly for most of the lift. Again, even with 60 pounds of speakers loaded, the stands were extremely stable.
I do parade sound where I need to get speakers above the heads of the street-side crowds and typical lightweight speaker stands don’t cut it. The 24730 made these gigs easy. Their stable base was easy to place next to a streetlight and the removable crank handles kept parade-goers from tampering with my setup.
Come High with Me….
I also provide area paging/announce systems to cover spectator areas at hot air balloon flight events. With 24730 stands and dual speaker mounts I can quickly raise my paging horns high enough to be heard throughout the spectator area. The wheeled, padded carry cases made it easy to transport the stands and had enough room to include my extra mount.
Tripping the Light Fantastic…
I loaned the stands to a friend who does lights. He used them for front “towers” holding LED PAR heads. After the gig, he told me “Compared to my current gear-track crank up stands, the 24730’s operated much smoother and safer.” His only complaint is that they didn’t go higher. I happily informed him that König & Meyer also offers the 24740 with a maximum height of 13 feet.
Like other König & Meyer products I own, these are built like a tank and the high-quality workmanship shows. The tough, padded carry cases keep the stands looking factory-fresh with wheels for easy transport. For someone looking to raise the bar with solid support, the König & Meyer Dual Wind-Up stands are a worthwhile investment.
At a Glance:
König & Meyer Dual Wind-Up Stands
Large heavy-duty stands that are easy to deploy and take down, yet provide strong, stable support for a wide range of equipment.
PROS
- Dual-crank assembly for lower loading height
- Internal gearing design with built-in safety ratchet
- Removable crank handles
- Wide, stable base
CONS
- Heavier than typical speaker stands
- Expensive (but worth it)
STATS
Construction: 3 double cross-braced aluminum tube legs
Height Adjustment: Hand-crank with push-button system and locking screw
Max Load Capacity: 88 pounds, based on centric-loading, on a horizontal surface without lateral forces (wind, shocks, etc.)
Tube End: 35mm, w/integrated threaded M10 insert
Options: Wheeled carry bag; leg extension accessory for uneven surfaces
Size When Folded: 66.7” x 7.9” x 6.5”
24730 SPECS
Base Diameter: 61”
Height: 55” to 118”
Weight: 26 pounds
Street Price: $789.99
24740 SPECS
Base diameter: 78”
Height: 67” to 157”
Weight: 31 pounds
Street Price: $909.99
MANUFACTURER: König & Meyer
MORE INFO: www.k-m.de/us/
