Microphone stands come in all shapes and sizes and are essential for hands-free live performing as well as for recording vocals in the studio. To help you find the perfect microphone stand, we’ve answered a number of frequently asked questions and compiled them in this Buyer’s Guide. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, feel free to contact us!
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1. What’s a Microphone Stand?
Microphone stands are used on stage and in studios to set up a microphone so it can accurately capture audio. Having a height-adjustable stand can be really useful, and the same goes for a model with a boom arm for horizontal adjustments. Most microphone stands come with a 3/8” screw thread, while some feature a 5/8” screw thread. This is used to mount the microphone, which almost always comes including a microphone clip fitted with a 5/8” screw thread and an integrated 3/8” thread adapter.
If in doubt, always pick a microphone stand equipped with a boom arm. In most cases, the arm can be removed whenever you don’t need it, so you can just mount your microphone onto the vertical part of the stand. A microphone stand with a boom arm is even more versatile, since it can also be used to suspend a microphone above a drum kit or a piano and can give you some space to move when you’re singing and playing the guitar the same time.
If you know you’re going to be singing or talking into a microphone without any instrument in hand, a straight microphone stand without a boom arm is probably good enough.
3. What Kind of Microphone Stand Do I Need to Record Podcasts?
When you’re recording a podcast, it’s best to set your microphone up near your computer. A tabletop stand is the obvious choice here, but if you’re already short on free desk space, a broadcast microphone stand is a great alternative. These look a little like a table lamp, with the microphone cable integrated into the design. If this is what you need, then make sure you pick the right model since there are XLR as well as USB versions.
Microphone clips are almost never included with stands because it’s impossible for one clip to be compatible with every microphone that exists. In most cases, a microphone clip comes included with the microphone itself and, if not, can be picked up separately. Most microphone clips are fitted with a 5/8” screw thread and feature an integrated 3/8” thread adapter. Screw thread adapters are also available separately.
Both straight and boom-arm stands are mainly used by vocalists and for recording instruments such as pianos and drum kits from a suspended position.
When extended above 2 metres, regular boom arms generally don’t offer enough stability, especially when you’re using heavier microphones. In that case, it’s best to opt for an overhead microphone stand. These are built using thicker tubes, a wider base and in some cases even come loaded with counterweights.
In most other situations, a medium-height boom-arm stand is your best option. These are a touch smaller than normal boom-arm stands and, as such, are short enough to be set up in front of a kick drum or guitar amplifier and tall enough so you can play an acoustic guitar while sitting down.
Occasionally, an extremely short stand is required. If you want to place a microphone inside a kick drum, it’s worth considering a stand where the boom arm is mounted almost directly to the base of the stand. A table-top stand may also work for this.
There are various accessories and extensions available for microphone stands. Accessories include things like cup holders that can be mounted to the stand, while extensions are used to extend the reach of a stand, or mount multiple microphones or instrument clamps.
For more unusual mic stand set-ups, it’s worth having a look at a flexible gooseneck stand fitted with a screw thread for direct installation onto a mic stand. Goosenecks equipped with an XLR input can be used to plug a talk-back microphone directly into a mixing console.
7. What’s the Best Kind of Base for a Microphone Stand?
The bases fitted to the bottom of microphone stands can be divided into two types. First off, there are the tri-pod models, which are especially lightweight and often feature a collapsible design. Secondly, there are the heavier, solid metal base models, which take up less space and generally look a little cleaner.
8. Can I Mount a Recorder or Camera Onto a Microphone Stand?
Cameras and recorders usually don’t come fitted with a 3/8” or 5/8” screw thread and cannot be directly mounted onto a microphone stand. However, there are screw thread adapters available that you can use to convert the screw thread of a microphone stand to 1/4” to make it compatible.
