Professional recording of music and speech requires a scrupulous approach in detail to every aspect of the working process. Otherwise, I believe that a you can’t achieve qualitative result. This applies to equip the studio, equipment, the work of specialists. But it is equally important to consider the factor of related equipment and accessories. This is the only way to guarantee the most comfortable conditions and a 100% productive sound recording process. These facts apply to stage performances.
One of these categories of accessories are mic stands. A high-quality option provides a tight fixation of the mic in the required position, as well as the ability to place the mic in a convenient way for a person to the fullest. Surprisingly, achieving an ideal in all aspects is not easy. Available solutions have pros and cons, and also differ from each other.
By the way, there are some main categories of mic stands for the stage and studio according to the construction issues. What is important in the process of choosing equipment from these categories? First of all, price is important. Not everyone is ready to lay out large amounts of money for related equipment, so it is important to name inexpensive high-quality models. Studio-oriented models also deserve special attention. Otherwise, it’s enough to talk about the best models of different types of construction.
This is how I built the list of recording microphone stand models presented below. Here the best and most accessible equipment, in my opinion, is collected, which is presented on Amazon and in large specialized online stores. Consider the issue further in detail.
The Best Cheap Mic Stands
Let’s take the obvious path and start with low-budget models that deserve everyone’s attention. What did I mention in this section? These are simple and widely sought after solutions for the stage and studio, which perform the main task. They are universally good, but have no special frills. This is what a person with limited budgets need every time where there is no right to fail.
Samson MK5 Boom Mic Kit
The point here is about the ultimate cheapness, which does not scare with quality. This solution is an extremely simple tripod with a universal boom. An interesting feature of this microphone with stand is the location of the tripod legs, which are elongated significantly lower and further horizontally in relation to others. This ensures a low center of gravity and strengthens the structure to protect against side impacts.
The model has no counterweight. The height and tilt adjuster lends itself easily but locks securely. To place the desired height and angle will not be difficult for a couple of actions. It is also worth noting that the rack is light and easy to move. Appearance is standard, and the color is only black. But the main plus here is its cheapness and this kind of equipment that is not pity in regular active studio and concert use.
Features: convenient height and tilt adjuster, increased resistance to side impacts
Pros:
- very low price;
- stability, reliability;
- low weight;
- dimensions.
Cons:
- plain design.
On-Stage MS7701B
Another great option for a microphone with the perfect combination of price and quality with an emphasis on an inexpensive price category. This stand feels good at the price and in the studio and will cost the buyer about $ 30. The manufacturer focused on the main qualities that equipment should have for undemanding users. It is easy to adjust the angle and height of the microphone, as well as portability and a high degree of strength. The rack does not have anything superfluous and performs the key task perfectly. Durable metal assembles this mic stand, enduring the hardships of everyday road adventures. Currently, it enjoys renown as one of the world’s most popular models of mic stands, with the trust of a vast array of users serving as the primary focus.
Features: high-strength metal housing, universal and flexible controls for height and angle of the microphone
Pros:
- reliability;
- versatility;
- affordable price.
Cons:
- minimum feature set.
Hola! Music HPS-101TB
It’s time to finalize this category of mic stands, since the ratio, functions, features, price, and even distinguishing features of the appearance are about the same. But let’s mention another good example that deserves a place on the studio floor and the scenes of each person. I suggest everyone pay attention to the model of an insufficiently well-known manufacturer, but this does not make it worse. This is a kind of pearl of the low-budget category, which many have yet to discover. And you can do it before them.
The model is characterized by a unique design of the case with fixing the legs when opened without a screw. Particularly noteworthy is the convenient clutch, which allows the user to position the mic in height in the range from 40 to 63 inches. This provides a person to use it to play music and talk in a standing and sitting position. Design – high strength metal. It is enough to try this rack once in action to understand how comprehensively comfortable it is for everyday use. Appearance is very pleasant, and it is hard to believe from the first view that this rack belongs to the low-budget price category.
Features: ergonomic mount, convenient angle and height adjustment system, 40-63 inches microphone height
Pros:
- stylish design;
- manufacturability.
Cons:
- light weight;
- relative instability/
The Best Boom Mic Stands
Now let’s move from the cheapest ones from all categories to best boom mic stands with a higher price. I will try to describe their features briefly and succinctly. This is a category of mic stands that are widely used everywhere. The stand is fixed on the tripod below. However, there are tripods and boom racks in this category that are very similar. What are the key features? Tripod racks are monolithic. Boom racks are also equipped with a boom at the top of the structure. It allows the user to extend the design, providing wider coverage. The last ones are more common, and they are also the most common type of equipment in principle. And I will further highlight several models specifically for this category.
Anko 2-in-1 Adjustable Mic Stand with iPad Holder/Pop Filter
This is a professional mic stand with “full stuffing.” However, who prevents using it on stage? There are several good reasons why this equipment deserves widespread consumer attention.
First, the manufacturer places an important emphasis on consumables for rack production. It is reliable, environmentally friendly, and will last a very long time without visible changes even during regular long tours and exploitation in general. The rack also includes a pop-filter for cleaning the sound of the mic and additional mounts for the smartphone and tablet, which allow a person to keep in sight at any convenient level the words of the song, notes, and everything that the user wants.
Height and angle adjustment tools are easily accessible, but provide tight fixation of the position. The range of movement is very large. Rubber mounts on the base prevent vibration.
Features: pop filter and mount for phones and tablets included, nice appearance, everything a person need for the stage and studio
Pros:
- high build quality;
- reasonable price;
- flexible height;
- angle adjustment.
Cons:
- the price is still in a higher category.
Latch Lake Micking 2200
Now let’s move to the ultimate microphone with stand solution for the consumer in every sense, otherwise, I can’t characterize the model. The thing is that … Yes, the user needs just to see the appearance: it looks like a stand for a microphone and does not look like any of the analogs, and it feels organic visually at the same time. What is the modified heavy base, which provides a high level of stability even in strong winds? In addition to the base design, it also has wheels for quick movement. Such a stand can withstand even the heaviest mics.
Plus, the developers have implemented an ultra-comfortable microphone position adjustment system with no less highly reliable fixation of the working position. This is a product that saves time and nerves. This option is also made of high-quality materials that are not used in most analogs. This applies even to close models in the same category, and not just low-budget options.
Features: a heavier base, thanks to which the stand does not fall, and the user can also install mics of any weight, rollers for fast transportation, shockproof housing
Pros:
- ultimate build quality and consumables’
- unusual and attractive appearance.
Cons:
- high price.
On Stage MS9701TB PLUS
As everyone can see, this professional microphone stand feels primitive. But success lurks in the details. This is a popular and well-established mid-price rack that is designed for active use without reference to the specific tasks. The manufacturer proposed a classic design, but used high-quality materials: the model is made of metal to the smallest detail. This also applies to instruments for adjusting the height and angle of inclination, including the flexibility and scale of the possibilities for controlling the position of the mic. The stand has a hardened design for mics of any weight and type. It is also worth mentioning the portable design because On Stage MS9701TBPLUS can be taken on the road under any operating conditions.
Features: for heavy mics, large range of angle and height adjustment, all-metal housing
Pros:
- the perfect combination of reliability and portability;
- reasonable price;
- stylish and practical design.
Cons:
- the user needs to pay special attention;
- time to the locking mechanism to ensure the stability of the microphone position.
K&M 21070
Pay attention here to this professional recording accessory from the German manufacturer. The first thing that deserves attention is the good price. It is almost in the low-budget category, but this model is not much in terms of quality characteristics.
This rack provides the user with a convenient solution with no frills (an extremely traditional design is provided here), which creates an atmosphere of comfort in the details. An important feature is the materials and builds quality. For example, the base and bottom of the rack are made of zinc. The design is extremely portable, and the rack is convenient to transport in any condition. It takes up minimal space on the stage and studio, providing a solution to the tasks. At the same time, the angle of inclination and height is regulated very flexibly. And each hinge of the structure is very mobile and can be fixed tightly in any position at the same time.
Features: Zinc base, concert portable design
Pros:
- very competitive price;
- German build quality;
- stylish design;
- portability.
Cons:
- counterweights needed to use the heaviest mics.
The Best Straight Mic Stands
Let’s also check the category of universal solutions for the stage and studio, which differ in design and functional features. The main difference is the base of the rack. This is a one-piece round platform that demonstrates high levels of sustainability. At the same time, such racks do not have the option of adjusting the angle of inclination (there is only height adjustment). They are used only by vocalists, and this category of equipment is slightly less extensive.
Atlas Sound MS-10C
I propose to notice immediately one of the best recording microphone accessory solutions in this category. This option of the mic stand has a minimum of frills and provides the vocalist with a reliable fixation of the mic at any height (the range is huge enough to make the equipment convenient for everyone). The coupling for adjustment is convenient and provides a clear fixation in any position. The silver metal rod of the rack feels advantageous in any user environment. Users note that such a rack serves for years without visible changes, and even in the most difficult operating conditions.
Features: metal construction, interchangeable parts, large range of mic height adjustment, 10-inch base diameter
Pros:
- the high degree of stability;
- attractive appearance;
- high build quality.
Cons:
- relatively quick wear of the locking mechanism possible.
Atlas Sound MS25
Now compare the previous one more functionally advanced microphone stand in this category. Moreover, the same manufacturer. The base is a hybrid, but the straight shape is dominant. In general, the rack looks very modern and stylish. The manufacturer did not stint on luxury items that provide a special feeling from using this equipment. For example, this is all about the ebony finish and chrome finish, which provide a unique look. Among the technical features, it is worth noting the air suspension, which compensates for the vibration effect on sensitive microphones. This is reliable protection against sudden changes in height adjustment. Small dimensions provide ease of use in a limited space and, if necessary, regularly transport equipment (for example, on tour).
Features: wood and chrome trim, highly resistant triangular hybrid base, optimized for ease of transport
Pros:
- stylish premium appearance;
- portability;
- stability.
Cons:
- relatively heavyweight.
The Best Studio Mic Stands
And the last. The appearance of the professional mic models listed below is not particularly different from what was said above. What then does this category mean, and why did I single it out separately? Specialized studios for studio recording have special technical requirements. The thing is that the studio uses heavy mics, which are usually inconvenient (and impractical) to use for concert tasks. Studio racks are designed to provide maximum accuracy and stability of the mic, regardless of weight. This gives rise to design features with an emphasis on stability means, the need for high-quality consumables and assembly. And also such racks are quite expensive, but the price is reasonable in the context of regular professional studio use.
Ultimate Support MC-125
Ultimate Support MC-125 Review
The MC-125 microphone stand from Ultimate Support is really strong…
This model also has a hybrid base that resembles a triangle in shape. The design is thought out in such a way as to increase the stability of the stand regardless of the operating conditions or the weight of the installed mic. An important design feature is the wheels, which can be quickly fixed with special locks. An integrated handle provides a counterweight for the heaviest mic models. The stand also has outstanding features with regard to the flexibility of microphone positioning. This is a reasonable solution to equip the studio without unnecessary financial losses.
Features: combined base for increased stability, a heavy counterweight for using any studio type mics
Pros:
- high build quality;
- reliability;
- reasonable price.
Cons:
- heavy weight;
- but individual parts are made of plastic.
Hercules Stands MS533B
Hercules Stands MS533B Review
The Hercules Stands MS533B is a strong and long-lasting microphone…
This model is characterized by a simple design, but everything looks very stylish and organic if someone looks at the details. The developers took the time and effort to create a discreet splendor. As for the technical component of the model, it has a design of a coupling with vertical adjustment, unlike many others on the market. Most analogs are equipped with a screw mechanism, but here the adjustment is provided by pressing. This greatly simplifies the setup procedure. The microphone positioning range is very wide, taking into account the height and angle of inclination. I am impressed with how the developers combined the simple with the complex in a product that is practically devoid of flaws.
Features: Quik-N-EZ Adapter, 2-in-1 Boom Clamp
Pros:
- advantageous adjustment mechanism;
- precise and flexible microphone positioning in any conditions;
- resistance to high load.
Cons:
- boom arm does not swivel.
Conclusion
For a long time I researched the available rack categories for different tasks. It is interesting, but before a person encounters this category of accessories, he does not think about the variety and possibilities of mic stands. It seems that they all look the same and have about the same design. The important thing is not to make a mistake of unification, a quick glance is enough to understand how carefully you need to select a model taking into account the regularity of application and tasks. Let you manage to make a useful and profitable choice!
Mic stands are like unsung heroes in the world of audio recording. They hold our precious microphones steady, allowing us to focus on making magic happen. From the budget-friendly Samson MK5 to the premium Hercules Stands MS533B, there’s something for every need and budget. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, investing in a good mic stand is essential for a smooth recording or performance experience. So, don’t overlook the importance of this seemingly simple accessory. Choose wisely and let your creativity flow without any mic mishaps!