Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you can’t afford to be without a good mic stand. A bad one can ruin your mic recording or even make your expensive condenser microphone fall to the floor – no music lover wants that!
A quality mic stand can help you achieve a smoother, more accurate sound. But which stand is right for you?
1. Stability
Stability is one of the most important factors when buying a mic stand. You don’t want to risk wrecking expensive gear like microphones, mixing consoles, rackmount effects and computers if you use a stand that collapses or flips over.
In addition, a stable stand makes it easier to position a microphone at the right height and angle for recording or performance purposes. This can make a big difference to the quality of your recordings.
Some stands are more sturdy than others, and that’s largely down to the type of base they use. Flat bases are lightweight and usually smaller in footprint than tripod bases, but they can be less stable from a variety of angles.
Tripod bases have three legs that serve as the base of the stand, and they can straddle cables or other equipment on potentially cluttered stage floors. They also provide slightly more height adjustment than flat bases.
2. Durability
Microphone stands are crucial to maximizing a musician’s performance. They provide a stable and safe environment for the microphone, reduce the risk of equipment damage and increase the overall sound quality.
When buying a stand, look for one that has a durable design and is built to last. This will mean the stand will have been tested to ensure it can withstand years of use without breaking.
A mic stand should be able to be adjusted quickly and easily, and it should have a strong clutch system that locks its height in place. Typically, you’ll find twistable clutches on cheaper stands that tighten slowly and may require several turns to lock in place; however, high-end boom stands are usually designed with grip clutches that require one single squeeze.
There are many different kinds of stands to choose from, including tripods, boom arms and round-base stands. They all have different benefits and drawbacks, but the right type will make a difference to your sound and performance.
3. Weight
Microphone stands vary in weight. A desk stand weighs about 2 pounds, while an overhead or boom mic stand can range up to 13 pounds.
It also depends on what type of stand you’re buying. Overhead stands and booms are typically more heavy-duty than desk or low-profile mic stands, as they’re meant to support larger microphones, which need to be sturdy enough to stand up to movement.
This also means they can be more expensive, although the price doesn’t always mean a better quality mic stand.
A good quality mic stand will be stable, durable, and feature joints that won’t slip. They should also be able to hold the weight of your microphone and have a lifespan that’s long enough to last you through several recording sessions.
If you’re just starting out, don’t worry about spending more than $50 for a microphone stand. You can easily find plenty of good, cheap options in that price range.
4. Height
Microphone stands have different heights, depending on the application. The lowest ones are typically suitable for kick drums, while the highest ones are ideal for overhead microphones.
There are also boom-arm stands, which have an attached arm that can be adjusted to any angle. They are often the best choice for those who need to move around a lot in their studio or other settings.
Another type of stand is the low-profile stand, which is similar to the tripod boom stands but shorter in all respects. These are popular with live streaming and podcasters, as they are easy to adjust and do not flip over easily.
A third type of stand is a desk-mounted stand, which can be clamped to a desk or other surface. These are popular with podcasters and broadcast talent, as they are versatile and can be quickly moved around the studio.