Microphone Stands | page 5

A microphone stand holds the microphone at the right height and angle so it can be used comfortably without handling noise. Stability, adjustment range, load capacity and the place of use are the key choice points. A vocal rehearsal, drum kit, podcast desk and studio table all need a different type of stand. A good stand should be firm, easy to adjust and compatible with the microphone holder or shockmount.

Boom, straight stand or desktop solution?

• boom microphone stands — use when the microphone must reach from the side or from above.
• straight microphone stands — stable choice for vocals, speech and fixed stage positions.
• desktop microphone stands — practical for podcasting, streaming and work at a computer.

What to check when choosing

Heavier condenser or ribbon microphones need a firmer stand and solid joint locking. For drums and instruments, a smaller base, boom arm and precise angle adjustment are useful. A suitable microphone holders often belongs with the stand, or a microphone shockmounts to reduce vibration transfer into the recording.