How To Set Up A Microphone Stand

Information technology doesn't take long for anyone to realize…

Proficient microphone stands don't go virtually every bit much credit equally they deserve.

Because while novices recollect they're all the same…experienced musicians know better.

If you've always owned a crappy mic stand…then y'all know how scary information technology is to swoop after your $1000 condenser mic only before it hits the floor..

The truth is…quality mic stands are one of the all-time investments y'all can make for whatsoever studio or live rig.

So for today'due south mail service, I've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you find the best possible stands to fit your needs.

Let's brainstorm. Beginning up…

The six Categories of Mic Stands

The vi basic categories of microphone stands are as follows:

Tripod Stands – which are the well-nigh common and designed for general-purpose employ.
Tripod Boom Stands – which offer a longer reach than standard tripod stands.
Round Base Stands – which are ideal for singers on stage, because they use less flooring space and are harder to trip-over than tripod stands.
Low-Profile Stands – which are commonly used for kick drums, guitar cabs.
Desktop Stands – which can look like to low-profile stands, but are intended more for podcasting and sleeping room recording.
Overhead Stands – which are the largest and about expensive of all stands, and are used when extreme heights and angles are required, such every bit with pulsate overheads.

Once y'all know which of these you want, the next pace is…

Choosing the Best Stand in your Price Range

Ane thing y'all've probably noticed virtually mic stands is…their cost can vary from $ten to $500 or more . And within each price range, there are both adept options, and bad ones.

The problems is…you tin't just get to your local music shop and "try-out" a stand to see how good it is.

Because really…you need to use information technology for several weeks before yous really "get-a-feel" for its quality. And merely in that time-frame, will you lot discover whether information technology's your best friend, or worst nightmare.

But since you obviouslytin't do that with every stand you buy, the best way to find a practiced stand is to just read the reviews from users who already ain them.

Luckily for y'all, I've already washed this research. And in these side by side three sections, I'll show you my list of the well-nigh well-reviewed microphone stands at every cost range.

Starting with…

The Best Budget Mic Stands (under $50)

While nigh musicians on a upkeep won't spend any more than the absolute minimum necessary for a semi-decent stand…

The trouble is, that many cheaper stands claim to practise a good job…then but don't .

So to spare you lot this pain, here'southward a listing of the all-time cheap mic stands that really deliver on their promises:

Tripod:
- Samson MK-10 – (Amazon/B&H)
- On Stage MS7700B – (Amazon/B&H)
Tripod Blast:
- On Stage Stands MS7701B – (Amazon/B&H)
- Ultimate Support JSMCFB100 – (Amazon/B&H)
- Samson BT4 – (Amazon/B&H)
Round Base:
- On Stage Stands MS7201B – (Amazon/B&H)
- Pyle-Pro PMKS5 – (Amazon)
Low Profile:
- Samson MB1 – (Amazon/B&H)
- ProLine MS112 – (Amazon)
Desktop:
- On Stage Stands DS7200 – (Amazon/B&H)
Overhead:
- (none)

Up side by side…

The Best Mid-Range Mic Stands ($l-$100)

For bedchamber studios, any of the previous stands we've covered should serve their purpose well…

Simply when you utilize those stands, day-in and day-out , sometimes holding multi-grand dollar microphones…

Information technology makes sense to spend a little more for some added security and durability.

One common problem with cheaper stands is that they gradually sag when positioned at extreme angles. And that tin can be frustrating, especially later on you've worked then hard to find the exact perfect mic position.

Which is why well-nigh people believe information technology's well-worth-it to spend a few actress dollars on a stand that will actually stay-put once positioned. And usually, stands which are that reliable toll around $50-$100 .

Among stands in this cost range, hither are the ones with the best overall reviews:

Tripod:
- DR Pro Quick Release – (Amazon)
Tripod Boom:
- Hercules Stands MS533B – (Amazon/B&H)
- K&Yard Telescopic Boom – (Amazon/B&H)
- DR Pro Telescopic Nail – (Amazon)
- Atlas Sound PB21X – (Amazon/B&H)
Round Base:
- Atlas Sound MS-10C – (Amazon/B&H)
- Ultimate Support PRO-ST – (Amazon/B&H)
Low Contour:
- K&M Depression-Level Boom – (Amazon/B&H/Thomann)
- DR Pro MS1500BK – (Amazon)
Desktop:
- Rode PSA1 – (Amazon/B&H)
- On Stage MBS5500 – (Amazon/B&H)
Overhead:
- (none)

Upwards next…

The Best High-End Mic Stands ($100+)

While yous might call them overkill for a typical home studio…

The fact is that pro studios are more happy to pay top-dollar for premium mic stands…because if you can afford them, they're worth every penny.

Among the small pick of stands in this cost range, here are some of the meridian options I recommend:

Tripod:
- Ultimate Support TOUR T TALL – (Amazon)
Tripod Boom:
- K&K 21021 – (Amazon/B&H/Thomann)
Round Base:
- Atlas Audio MS25 – (Amazon/B&H)
- Atlas Sound MS20E – (Amazon/B&H)
Low Contour:
- (none)
Desktop:
- (none)
Overhead:
- Ultimate Support MC-125 – (Amazon)
- On-Stage Stands SMS7650 – (Amazon/B&H)

And that's it. Now up next…

How to Supercharge Your Mic Stand

In a cramped home studio, where flooring-space is scarce…it's frustrating to run into how much expanse one stand tin can occupy, when its merely task is to concord the microphone.

The skillful news is…with a few clever additions, you can easily transform yoursingle-purpose mic stand into amulti-purpose recording station.

All it take is these half dozen super-useful accessories:

ane. The IK Multimedia iKlip

As "solo recording" setups get increasingly common…

These new "DAW remote apps," controlled from your smart phone or tablet, are now more of a necessity than luxury…

Because they're the only good manner to control your transport functions of your DAW from behind the mic at any location in the room.

Of course, to use this tool efficiently, you need to mount information technology on your stand…and the easiest manner to do so is with the iKlip Expand , which comes in two versions:

iKlip Expand for Tablets – (Amazon/B&H/Thomann)
iKlip Expand Mini for Phones – (Amazon/B&H/Thomann)

Up next…

2. On-Phase Posi-Lok Sidemount Nail

A common question singer/songwriters ask is:

How do I record both my guitar and vocals together ?

Well to mike-up both simultaneously, you could utilize two separate stands, or…

To salve yourself some infinite, y'all could only attach the On-Phase Posi-Lok Sidemount Boom to one stand, and apply this configuration to record both.

Click to compare prices – (Amazon/B&H)

Up side by side…

3. Stedman Headphone Hanger

Doesn't it suck to accept to roll-upwardly and put away your headphones each solar day…

Only to immediately unpack them over again the next mean solar day?

Well with the Stedman Headphone Hanger , you can forget most all that nonsense…

Because with this simple attachment, you but hang them on your stand up…and they volition be correct at that place waiting for yous at your next session.

Click to compare prices – (Amazon)

Up adjacent…

four. 1000&One thousand Potable Holder

Some may think it'southward frivolous, but the truth is…

Y'all gotta put your water (or beer) somewhere…

So information technology tin either be right in front end of yous, safe and secure in your One thousand&M drink holder …

Or it tin can exist elsewhere in a less convenient location, where information technology might get knocked over, such as on your desk or guitar amp.

And then for the few measly dollars it costs, it'southward a pretty good investment.

Click to compare prices – (Amazon/Thomann)

Up side by side…

5. Primacoustic Tripod Mic Stand Isolator

While they might be the standard solution for excessive foot dissonance…

The problem with shockmounts is…they're only designed to work with a single model of microphone.

And if y'all don't have a shockmount for the mic you're using…you're screwed.

But with the Primacoustic Tripod Mic Stand up Isolator , which works by decoupling the stand from the floor and then vibration transfer is minimized…

Yous at present have a single solution to this problem, that volition work with whatever mic.

Click to compare prices – (Amazon)

And finally…

half dozen. Audix CabGrabber

While the Audix Cabgrabber isn't technically a "mic stand accessory "…

It is still…a mic stand replacement , which is specifically designed for miking guitar cabs.

In cramped studios, where floor infinite is precious, the Cabgrabber is a great way to avoid using an actress stand.

On-stage information technology's even better, considering it eliminates the possibility of accidentally kicking over your stand during a performance.

And since information technology'southward uniform with any chiffonier, and any mic, it's a great tool to have in whatever recording arsenal.

Click to compare prices – (Amazon/B&H/Thomann)