9 of the Best Mic Stands for a Perfect Audio Setup

The mic stand is a widely underestimated sound gear type, often pushed back to the end of a shopping list when buying new camera equipment.

And that's a big mistake! Mic stands are those quiet supporters of an essential thing in your music or podcast recording process - they ensure the mic stands in a secured position and provides its best results.

We've prepared a complete guide to mic stands - 6 main types, main features to consider, and the top 9 best mic stands in 2023!

6 types of mic stands to know

1. Tripod

Tripod stands are among the most common microphone stands, often considered standard stands due to their popularity and diverse applications.

• Feature three collapsible legs at the base, providing stability for the stand
• Have an adjustable straight pole
• Possible to adjust height and positioning

2. Tripod boom

Like standard tripod stands, tripod boom stands pride themselves on stability and broad applications - but they have few differences from regular tripod stands.

• It uses three legs at the base to provide a stable platform.
• Have a vertical pole attached to a boom arm
• Commonly used in environments where extra space is needed, like a music performance

3. Desktop

Desktop microphone stands are a common choice for home studio recordings.

• Portable and easy to adjust
• Some models use a small-scale tripod or round base to minimize the movement
• Other models clip to a desk or connect to a keyboard

4. Round base

Round-base stands are frequently used for stage installations and other high-traffic environments.

• Feature a stable circular or dome-shaped base
• Smaller bases make it possible to get closer to the microphone
• It can usually be adjusted for height and position

5. Low profile

Low-profile stands are the smaller versions of tripod boom stands.

• Function the same as tripod boom stands, just everything about them is shorter
• Commonly used for kick drums and guitar cabs

6. Overhead

Overhead stands are exceptionally sturdy and provide high stability in complex audio environments.

• Feature several steel legs with lockable wheels
• Use a vertical pole attached to a far-reaching boom arm
• Perfect for professional use in complex or crowded spaces

9 best mic stands for the best miking setup

1. Ultimate Support MC-125

This mic stand is perfect for musicians and sound creators who use top-notch equipment.

Equipped with great adjustable features, the Ultimate Support MC-125 has a stable base of a hybrid round and tripod design.

In addition, the stand is lockable for better reliability, and its flexible structure allows you to sit your mic securely in one position without worrying about falls or breaks.

Key features:

• Stand height (with Casters): 1308 mm - 2102 mm
• Boom Length: 889 mm - 1549 mm
• Caster Diameter: 95 mm
• Base Diameter: 572 mm
• Weight: 15.88 kg
• Type: tripod boom stand
• Dimensions: 61 x 3.75 x 3.75 inches

Pros:

• Stable build
• Good mechanics with counterbalance
• Hugely extendable

Cons:

• Pricey

2. Samson MK10 Lightweight Microphone Boom Stand

The Samson MK10 is a lightweight, as the name suggests, and affordable stand of incredible durability and portability.

It's a perfect option for creators, frequent travelers, and home mic users.

The MK10 is made of reasonable height and is supported by a trustworthy base. It also features a cable clip, allowing you to keep wires neat.

Key features:

• Height: 0.64 to 1.07 m
• Collapsed size: 63.50 cm
• Adjustment type: twist clutch
• Leg sections: 3
• Boom length: 60.96 cm
• Type: tripod boom stand
• Dimensions: 25.5 x 3.5 x 3 inches

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact
• Easy to use and store
• Affordable

Cons:

• It will struggle with heavyweight mics

3. AtlasIED MS-10C

The AtlasIED MS-10C is a simple and practical mic stand that uses a round base to stabilize and prevent tripping hazards.

Its strong structure and height adjustments were designed for stage and studio use.

The AtltasIED also features replaceable elements and accessories, which makes it an excellent long-term investment.

Key features:

• Height: 35" to 63"
• Material: Steel
• Base size: 10 Diameter
• Weight: 5.1kg
• Shockproof
• Antivibration
• Type: round-base stand
• Dimensions: 32.5 x 12.5 x 2 inches

Pros:

• Beautiful chrome-plated finish
• Sturdy
• Easy height adjustment

Cons:

• None

4. Hercules Tripod Base Hideaway Boom Stand MS533B

The Hercules MS533B offers various innovative features that help you make your performance as straightforward as possible.

For example, this mic stand comes with an instant mic attachment, meaning you'll have to push the lever up or down based on your preferences, and you will be able to mount it in a matter of seconds.

The latest 2-in-1 Boom Clamp, meanwhile, provides the ability to adjust the boom angle and length at the same time.

Key features:

• Boom length: 78.0 cm
• Height range: 107.0 to 240.0 cm
• Base radius: 34.0 cm
• Folded size: 980 mm x 95 mm x 95 mm
• Weight: 2.5kg
• Type: Tripod-base boom stand
• Dimensions: 38.0 x 3.7 x 3.7 inches

Pros:

• Unique hideaway boom
• Well-engineered and versatile
• Fast adjustments

Cons:

• None

5. RØDE PSA1 Microphone Studio Arm

The RODE PSA1 is a perfect mic stand for podcasters and broadcasters as it combines boom arm design with desktop positioning and features a 360-degree swivel.

This stand has a sleek, highly aesthetic design and allows easy adjustments. The mic position can be adjusted instantly without needing to loosen or tighten anything.

Key features:

• Total reach: 82cm
• Boom angle: Adjustable
• Rotation range: 360°
• Load capacity: 0.7 to 1.1 kg
• Weight: 1.74 kg
• Type: desktop boom stand
• Dimensions: 20.9 x 8.4 x 3.2 inches

Pros:

• Instant, noise-free adjustment
• Professional look
• Dual mounting options

Cons:

• Pricey

6. On Stage DS7200QRB Quick-Release Desktop Mic Stand

The On Stage DS7200QRB is a small stand created for desktop use in small spaces.

It's ideal for podcasters and home studio applications, with its solid design and steel base suit heavy mics. This mic stand can easily adjust and adapt to your environment and requirements.

Key features:

• Thread: 5/ 8”
• Stand height: 24.1 to 40.6 cm
• Base diameter: 15 cm
• Weight: 0.9 kg
• Quik-release trigger clutch
• Type: round-base desktop stand
• Dimensions: 6 x 6 inches

Pros:

• Great value
• Quick-release trigger clutch
• Solid build quality

Cons:

• Not always readily available

7. LyxPro Desktop Microphone Stand

This LyxPro microphone stand was specifically designed for desktop use.

Equipped with a round cast iron base, the stand provides a lot of stability, while its robust locking mechanism for height adjustments allow for better flexibility.

The LyxPro mic stand also copes well with heavy microphones.

Key features:

• Thread: 3/ 8”
• Adaptor: 5/8"
• Adjustable height 9 "-14."
• Weight: 2.87 kg
• Cast iron weighted base
• Type: desktop stand
• Dimensions: 33 x 4 x 4 inches

Pros:

• Well-built and stable
• It has a variety of uses

Cons:

• Isn't suitable for every environment

8. On-Stage MS7701B Tripod Microphone Boom Stand

The On Stage MS7701B is an excellent example of a classic tripod boom mic stand.

Its design features a height adjustment clutch, foldable legs, and a boom clamp, which are the basic elements of such a stand type and also the ones that make it easy to use.

The build is solid, and everything tightens up nicely to hold the mic steady in one place.

Key features:

• Height: 32"-61.5"
• Base spread: 23"
• Boom length: 30"
• Thread: 5/8"-27"
• Weight: 2.24 kg
• Type: tripod boom stand
• Dimensions: 32.5 x 4 x 4.25 inches

Pros:

• A good level of adjustments
• Cost-effective price
• Sturdy and portable

Cons:

• Struggles with heavier mics

9. K&M Microphone Stand With Telescopic Boom Arm

K&M, also known as König & Meyer, is one of the most prominent players in the mic stands market, so you can expect a quality product if you see their brand stamped on gear.

This mic stand with a telescopic boom arm is known for its quality and performance—stable, solid, high-quality, super adjustable, and complete with cable clips to keep everything neat.

Add the price of $42 to that, and it's the stand of your dreams!

Key features:

• Height: 900 - 1,605 mm
• Material: Steel
• Rod combination: 2-piece folding design
• Size when folded: 105 x 85 x 985 mm
• Threaded connector: 3/8"
• Weight: 3.19 kg
• Type: tripod boom stand
• Dimensions: 33.46 x 4.33 x 3.15 inches

Pros:

• Strong build with excellent adjustments
• Well-balanced telescopic boom arm that suits a variety of uses
• Versatile

Cons:

• A bit expensive

3 things to consider in a mic stand

1. Stability

Stability is a crucial feature of any mic stand that you should consider in the first place.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself when choosing a microphone stand:

• Does the stand stay in place without shifting or falling over?
• Does it hold the mic properly?
• Is it compatible with the mics in your mic locker?

2. Extendability

Depending on your environment and requirements for audio creation, you will need to pay attention to the height range of a mic stand to ensure that it can catch the music and fill the entire space.

How well our stand can extend will be one of the decisive points to your successful recording or another type of content creation.

3. Foldability

Foldability comes hand in hand with portability. Sometimes people think that the more lightweight the stand is, the easier it is to carry, but sometimes it's the opposite.

Consider how well the mic stand can be folded into a smaller package, especially if the stand is quite heavy.

The anatomy of a microphone stand

Base

Mic stands usually have a round, heavy metal base or three folding tripod-style legs.

Often, the base features rubber feet to help dampen vibrations, while tripod legs are fitted with rubber or plastic end caps.

Pole

The pole is usually height-adjustable by way of the clutch. Loosening the clutch allows raising an internal pole of a smaller diameter to increase the stand's height.

Clutch

The clutch is the part of the stand that allows you to adjust the height.

Clutches can also be used to adjust the boom arm extension and the position of any counterweights attached to the rear of the boom arm to offset the weight of a mic.

Clamp

The clamp is located at the top of the pole on a boom arm stand and allows you to adjust the angle and extension of the boom arm.

It's an essential part that prevents the boom arm from dropping under the mic's weight while in use.

Clip

The clip is the part of the stand that grasps the microphone, attaching to the boom arm by way of a threaded adaptor.

Shockmount

A shock mount is an alternative to a clip for holding your microphone and is usually designed to carry heavier large-diaphragm microphones.

Rent a Microphone stand at Wedio

Choosing a mic stand isn't as easy as it looks - we hope our article gave you a more in-depth overview of things to consider when looking for this gear!

Nothing speaks better than personal experience, though - you can rent a microphone stand at Wedio and choose the perfect one based on the test drive.

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