TEST: K&M iPad Mounts

In the meantime, it is more than rare for a company of German origin in the music trade not to have relocated its production facilities abroad for cost reasons, but to maintain or expand jobs in domestic regions. The fact is even rarer when this company is also one of the leading manufacturers, if not the world leader, in its sector. If environmental protection, which is explicitly mentioned in the company's profile, is given central importance as an i-point, one has to search for a very long time to find anything comparable.

Industry insiders have long known who they are dealing with, since the above descriptions only apply to the company König & Meyer, or K&M for short, which has been supplying musicians and musical service providers with accessories of all kinds for over 60 years. In particular, the microphone stands have made it tempo handkerchief immediately to a fixed designation in the music sector and represent a fixed unit of measurement in terms of workmanship, durability and quality.

In the course of the smart conquests of the music market by Apple and its ilk, it was a logical development to design robust, precisely fitting or flexible mounts for the iPad, iPhone or direct competitors such as Samsung, Kindle, etc., which can cope with all possible applications in the everyday life of a musician. The first classical orchestras are now displaying their sheet music on the iPad, and a new market is emerging. As expected, König & Meyer has already thought about this topic.


Design

A total of 7 different designs and applications are available for testing, as there are:

K&M 19712: Is screwed onto a microphone stand instead of the boom, suitable for all stands with 3/8" thread. The holder has a plate of 197 x 253 mm and accommodates the iPad 2, iPad 3 and iPad 4 accurately in both portrait and landscape format. Weight 0.32 kilograms.

K&M 19722: Attaches to microphone stands with a tube diameter of up to 30 mm using a metal side clamp screw design. Plate also measures 197 x 253 mm and accommodates iPad 2 and iPad 3 in both portrait and landscape orientation. Weight 0.72 kilograms.

K&M 19732: Screws directly to a wall via 3 screws. The iPad can be rotated 360 degrees, but cannot be tilted. Plate also 197 x 253 mm and accommodates iPad 2, iPad 3 and iPad 4 in both portrait and landscape orientation. Weight 0.15 kilograms.

K&M 19740: flexible tablet PC holder up to a size of 120 - 220 mm, attachment via a clamping screw on the side. The tablet can be quickly removed and fixed again via tension springs. Tube diameter of the tripod up to 30 mm possible. Weight 0.75 kilogram.

K&M 19742: A tablet tripod holder which can hold not only the iPad but also smaller variants such as the iPad Mini, Amazon Kindle or even the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Fits all tripods with 3/8" thread. Can be used in portrait or landscape format. Weight 0.42 kilograms.

K&M 19745: Universal smartphone and MP3 player holder for devices between 46 - 76 mm wide. Fixation via tension springs, tube diameter of the stand up to 30 mm possible, usable also in portrait or landscape format. Weight 0.18 kilogram.

K&M 19752: very robust table tripod for the iPad 2, iPad 3 and iPad 4. A solid steel base provides the iPad with a secure stand and can be individually adjusted in inclination. In addition, rubber feet have been placed on the underside to protect the surfaces. Weight 1.28 kilograms.

All products are manufactured in black and have a surface sealing, which protects against oxidation. The workmanship is classic König & Meyer in all areas, meaning the quality of the individual components and their processing is at the highest level.




Practice

If you take the individual products in hand, it quickly becomes clear why K&M enjoy such an excellent reputation in the scene. Nothing wobbles here, nothing rattles here, only solid sheet metal, abrasion-resistant hard rubber and even the plastic parts used have nothing of inferior plastic, which is often used by competitors.

All mounts fit snugly around the iPad and give the tablet the necessary stability, or rather hold. The iPad, for example, is first inserted into the lower guide holders and then fastened at the top via a clip. Due to the exact fit, the iPad has to be removed from a possibly used protective case beforehand. It is also very nice that all existing ports such as USB connector and headphone jack are not covered by the holder in any way and are freely accessible, for example, to ensure the power supply during the performance.

Also the flexibly designed mounts for other tablet manufacturers suggest a long service life due to the valuable individual components. No matter whether you want to use your tablets / smartphones for the purpose of note reproduction, mini telepromter for texts, remote control for mixing consoles or simply for reading, K&M has at least one suitable holder for all uses in the program.

If I remember correctly, the first microphone stand I bought over 30 years ago was a K&M stand. It has more than 3 decades of hard rock'n'roll behind it in sometimes dirty rehearsal rooms and dirty club stages and is still doing its job in my recording studio today. So much for durability.




Conclusion

There are a lot of manufacturers that offer stands for the iPad, with the consumer products being at the forefront. When a product is introduced to the market, they are ready at the drop of a hat and vie for the buyer's favor with flashy colors, plush surfaces and mostly simple plastic components.

Once a product has established itself and is able to gain a foothold in the professional and semi-professional sectors of the music world, the next level of the accessories industry enters the scene. K&M covers this level with its rich product range from the current iPad to the smartphone in terms of professional mounts.

All mounts impress with very high quality, best workmanship, long durability and once again consolidate the core statement of the label "Made In Germany". Not for nothing König & Meyer gives a warranty of 5! Years, one would not be more than sure of the quality of its products.

Unreservedly recommended, top score!

Additional informations:

- König & Meyer (K&M) is a renowned German company specializing in the manufacturing and distribution of high-quality music stands and accessories. With a rich history spanning over 70 years, K&M has established itself as a global leader in the industry, catering to the needs of musicians, orchestras, and music enthusiasts worldwide. This report provides an in-depth analysis of K&M, covering its history, products, market presence, innovation, sustainability initiatives, and future prospects.

Company History and Overview König & Meyer was founded in 1949 by Karl König and Erich Meyer in Wertheim, Germany. Initially, the company focused on producing piano benches and stands. Over time, K&M expanded its product range to include music stands, instrument stands, microphone stands, and various accessories for musicians. Today, the company's headquarters and production facilities are still located in Wertheim, showcasing their commitment to local manufacturing.

Product Portfolio K&M offers a diverse range of products, each meticulously designed and crafted to meet the needs of professional musicians and music enthusiasts. Some of their key offerings include:

Music Stands: K&M produces an extensive selection of music stands, including orchestral stands, conductor's stands, and portable stands. These stands are known for their durability, stability, and ergonomic design.

b) Instrument Stands: The company manufactures instrument stands for a wide range of instruments such as guitars, keyboards, brass instruments, woodwinds, and more. These stands are engineered to provide optimal support and protection for instruments during performances or storage.

c) Microphone Stands: K&M offers a variety of microphone stands, including boom stands, desktop stands, and floor stands. These stands are designed to provide stability, adjustable height, and versatility for different recording or live performance scenarios.

d) Accessories: K&M also produces a range of music accessories like music lights, equipment holders, tablet holders, and carrying cases, catering to the evolving needs of musicians in the digital age.

Market Presence K&M has established a strong global presence with their products being highly regarded in the music industry. Their commitment to quality and precision has earned them a loyal customer base, including professional musicians, orchestras, music schools, and retailers. The company's products are distributed worldwide through a network of authorized dealers, ensuring accessibility for customers in various regions.
Innovation and Technology K&M has consistently demonstrated a focus on innovation and technological advancement. The company invests in research and development to enhance their product offerings and incorporate the latest advancements in materials, design, and functionality. Their innovative features include ergonomic adjustments, quick setup mechanisms, lightweight materials, and compatibility with modern devices like tablets and smartphones.

Sustainability Initiatives König & Meyer places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. They strive to minimize their ecological footprint by using environmentally friendly production processes, optimizing energy consumption, and employing sustainable materials whenever possible. K&M is committed to complying with international environmental regulations and continuously improving their sustainability practices.

Awards and Recognitions K&M's dedication to quality and innovation has been acknowledged through numerous awards and recognitions. Their products have received prestigious accolades for design, functionality, and craftsmanship, solidifying their reputation as a leader in the industry. These awards serve as a testament to the company's commitment to excellence.

Future Outlook Looking ahead, K&M is poised to continue its growth and maintain its position as a leader in the music stand manufacturing industry. By staying true to their core values of quality, innovation, and sustainability, K&M will continue to meet the evolving needs of musicians and adapt to changing market dynamics. The company's dedication to customer satisfaction and their ability to anticipate industry trends will be instrumental in shaping their future success.

Conclusion König & Meyer has firmly established itself as a leading manufacturer of music stands and accessories, garnering a global reputation for excellence. With a rich history, diverse product portfolio, commitment to innovation, and sustainability initiatives, K&M continues to provide musicians with top-tier products that enhance their musical experience. As the company forges ahead, its unwavering focus on quality and customer satisfaction ensures a promising future in the music industry.


- iPad holders, also known as tablet holders or mounts, are accessories that allow users to securely attach their iPad or other tablet to a variety of surfaces. They come in a range of styles, sizes, and materials, each offering unique advantages and features.

One of the key benefits of using an iPad holder is the increased convenience and accessibility it provides. With the ability to mount an iPad in various locations, users can free up their hands and maintain a comfortable viewing angle while working or consuming multimedia content. Additionally, iPad holders can help protect the device from damage by keeping it secure and limiting the risk of drops or accidents.

Several types of iPad holders are available to suit different needs and preferences. For example, some holders attach directly to a flat surface using screws or adhesive pads, while others use adjustable clamps to secure the device to an object. Some holders are designed to be portable and easy to use on the go, while others are intended for more permanent installations.

Another important consideration when choosing an iPad holder is the size and weight of the iPad or tablet being used. Most holders will accommodate a range of different device sizes, but it is important to check the specifications to ensure that the holder will fit your specific device model.

The materials used in iPad holders can also vary, with some made from lightweight plastics or metals, while others may be made from more durable materials such as aluminum or steel. The choice of materials will depend on the intended use of the holder and the level of protection required.

In summary, iPad holders are incredibly useful and versatile accessories that can enhance productivity and improve the user experience when using an iPad or tablet. With a range of styles and features available, there is sure to be an iPad holder to suit any need or preference.