Double Ear is a mounting clip with two lateral eyelets for securely attaching light modifiers to C-stands.
Technical Details
Standard double ear mounts support loads up to 25kg on 16mm spigots and up to 50kg on 28mm versions. The distance between the two mounting points is standard 120mm, ensuring even weight distribution. The mount allows for ±90° horizontal pan and -45° to +30° vertical tilt. High-quality versions feature friction brakes with adjustable resistance between 5-15 Nm torque. Materials are typically anodized aluminum or, for high-performance versions, steel with black powder coating.
History & Development
The double ear construction evolved in the 1950s from the need to safely position heavy studio lights. Mole-Richardson introduced the first standardized system in 1953, following several accidents with simple suspensions. By 1967, the 28mm standard was established for lights weighing over 10kg. Modern CNC-milled versions since the 1990s offer more precise tolerances and reduced play in the bearing points.
Practical Use in Film
Double ear mounts are primarily used with heavy tungsten lights such as 5kW or 10kW Fresnel spots. In "Blade Runner 2049" (2017), DoP Roger Deakins used over 200 double ear-mounted Arri T12 and T24 for interior lighting. The rigid mounting prevents unwanted movement during vibrations but leads to longer setup times compared to quickly adjustable systems. During rigging, two people must work in coordination as both mounting points need to be engaged simultaneously.
Comparison & Alternatives
In contrast to a single ear mount, the double ear offers significantly higher load capacity and stability. Junior Pins (16mm) and Senior Pins (28mm) as direct connections are faster to handle but less flexible in orientation. Modern quick-release systems like the Manfrotto Super Clamp combine the stability of the double ear with tool-free mounting but cost three times as much. Lighter-weight LED panels are increasingly making double ear mounts redundant.