Microphones are cool. They work on electrical power and they can make your voice sound better, deeper or even sexier. But the mics have to stand on something, especially for recording. Two factors are the most important for a studio mic stand. Stability provides precision distance to the mic and helps the singer forget about keeping up with it.
I would include the compatibility of the stand with different mics into the stability category. Quality and durability save you cash, and in two ways actually – you don’t have to buy a new stand and you don’t have to buy new mics as they don’t drop on the floor mercilessly. Based on these 2 principles we have come up with a list of 12 best microphones stands for recording.
NEEWER Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm Stand
We naturally start with items for people on a budget. With max. microphone clip diameter of 1.26″/32mm, this stand is compatible with most mics. It says on some sites that it’s not compatible with the Blue Yeti USB but removes the incompatible mount first.
The stand comes with a small black adapter, a piece of it can be detached and it has the right size to screw into the bottom of the Yeti. Scissor Arm Stand is made of a high-quality steel frame. Steel sounds like durability, doesn’t it? That durability is available despite the foldable feature. That would be a third factor – mobility. It’s not really required for recording purposes but certainly nice to have.
The table mounting clamp that comes with the stand means you record voiceovers too. Movement is solid and smooth and once you lock down the moving joints it’s quite sturdy. And just like the picture shows you make it work the inverted way. However, because of all the booms that comprise the stand make it look long (or tall), we should warn you that this is not the stand with the longest reach.
AmazonBasics Tripod Boom Microphone Stand
Another affordable piece of reliable hardware. It will suit for small recording studios, intimate stages as well as for performance halls.
This microphone stand is extremely convenient and versatile. The model can be used as a straight mic stand. Or you can place a microphone in a horizontal position if needed as the stand has a long boom arm. You can easily place a mic in front of the sound source without taking up valuable floor space.
The AmazonBasics tripod boom microphone stand has a sturdy steel construction. So, it offers long-lasting strength and stability. It can be easily stored and transported thanks to its lightweight. Also, it has rubber feet which reduces floor vibration.
Any member of the band can feel free to choose this stand as it is compatible with a 3/8-inch to 5/8-inch adapter and connects a variety of mics.
LyxPro Desktop Microphone Stand
LyxPro Microphone Stand has a durable metal construction. It is suitable for desktop and stage use.
The round cast iron base has a 6″ diameter. The height is easily adjustable from 9″ to 14″ with a locking clutch. It also includes cable clips for convenience and 3/8” to 5/8” adaptor.
LyxPro Desktop Microphone Stand is the best option for home recording and podcasts.
Pyle Foldable Tripod Microphone Stand
Pyle Mic Stand is a perfect solution for in-studio use. It is durable and lightweight. The stand has a solid metal construction with a heavy-duty lock-tight clutch.
You can adjust the height of the mic stand with a reliable clutch from 37.5” to 65.0”. And it has a stable foldable tripod leg base which provides stability.
Thus, we can conclude that you are offered a decent price-quality ratio purchasing this mic stand.
Pyle-Pro PMKSM20 Microphone and Tripod Stand with Extending Boom
If you spend just a little more cash you can get a good mic stand AND the actual dynamic mic. The dynamic microphone has a smooth mid-frequency presence rise for excellent voice projection. Now, the actual stand has an adjustable height from 3.28 – 5.5 Ft. Boom Length is an extraordinary figure of 7.48”.
The shock mount system cuts down handling noise. Also, as the picture shows, the stand comes with 15 ft of microphone cable. This included XLR-1/4 jack cable works perfectly with a high impedance mic. The glossy black finish makes you want to hold the thing to take cool pictures, like “I’m swinging my mic together with the stand!” However, the clips that hold the cord to the stand pop off quite often. And the stand weighs only 2.3 pounds, which is not great for stability.
Ohuhu Tripod Boom Mic Stand
Ohuhu Tripod Boom Mic Stand is suitable for recording studios, check stages and TV stations. It is portable and lightweight. Has telescopic and rotatable design.
Made of premium steel it will last for a long time of continuous use. For easy transportation, it folds flat. The height is adjustable. So, you can lift the arm as high as you need.
Two universal microphone clip holders are included in the kit. Both arms are adjustable. So, you can use one for an instrument and the other for voice. Or just make a group performance with two mics! The mic stand has rubber feet which reduces floor vibration.
Hola! Music HPS-101TB Professional Mic Stand
This is a professional microphone stand with a high rating on Amazon and excellent reviews. It is ideal for use in recording studios and in live shows. The Hola! Music microphone stand is made of durable materials that ensure sturdy support.
The height of the stand is adjustable (from 40 to 63 inches). Also, you can change the length of the boom arm (from 4 to 27). There are 3 clutches with which you can easily change the length of the arm and the angle.
The unique feature of the Hola! Music mic stand is the patented leg housing. Legs automatically lock when opened. They make the mic stand stable and the mic safe.
Anko 2-in-1 Adjustable Mic Stand with iPad Holder/Pop Filter
If you are seeking a lightweight, durable and at the same time inexpensive mic stand Anko Adjustable Mic Stand will be a good choice. It is made of superior grade materials and will become your go-to equipment for every recording session.
The height of the mic stand is adjustable from 30 to 51.6 inches. Any angle can be adjusted. It has high-quality metal construction and composite leg housing. Tripod base has rubber end caps that provide excellent sturdiness and anti-vibration.
On-Stage MS7701B Tripod Microphone Boom Stand
This is a bestseller among On-Stage microphone stands. It is lightweight. So, you can take it everywhere your music takes you.
This mic stand has hybrid sheet metal and composite leg housing. You can adjust the height (from 32 to 61.5 inches). And removable boom arm allows easy positioning. So, each member of the band will appreciate the model.
On Stage MS9701TBPLUS Platinum Series Tele-Boom
Let’s get to fancier things with more quality and better looks. MS9701TBPLUS Platinum is the most stable tripod so far on this list with a base spread of 24 inches. Boom length of 19″-33″ and height adjustment of 36″-64″ are surely sufficient. Materials sound cooler than the ones above too, starting with thick steel tubes. Die-cast zinc clutch and leg housing should never get rusty.
Anodized machined aluminum center clutch feels just good as anodized machined aluminum smartphone bodies. Solid steel 5/8-27″ threaded lug will hold any mic with true grit. And the counterweight is a feature we should not skip in the review. MS9701TBPLUS does not tip because of that counterweight.
K&M Stands 21020
When you buy K&M Stands you get not just quality but also a strong brand name. This is where an advertiser would use a phrase like “The Industry Standard”. What you specifically get with the 21020 model is zinc die-cast base and swiss steel construction. The height is adjustable from 35-1/2-inch to 63-1/8-inch. 33-inch (1m) fixed length boom arm is one long feature. All that and a 5-year warranty scream “professional”. The K&M Stands 21020 product descriptions usually say it is good for live-sound, touring/production world but it has been proved to be quite good in studios as well.
K&M 210/9
The telescopic tube version of the K&M stand above. Besides all the features I have already given, the K&M 210/9 has an adjustable telescopic boom – 18-inch to 30-1/4-inch. A 5-year warranty applies here as well.
K&M 21021 Overhead Tripod
K&M 21021 is a heavy-duty stand in a way that it can hold 2 mics simultaneously. People use these stands for years. The most important features are – one-piece boom arm, solid T-Bar locking mechanism, Zinc die-cast base, and longer legs for extra support. This is the choice of professionals. The main stand is 6.5 feet tall, fully extended + 3 feet of the adjustable boom. Sufficient height for overheads. It comes from Germany because it’s Made in Germany.
On Stage SB9600 Tripod Studio
Now are moving to the $100+ category. Only with this one, so far, solid threaded boom ends complete with washers is available. Boom clutch assembly features 2-inch mating disks with 40 locking teeth. Hold things tight. The locking knobs are large and ergonomic. 82 inch Boom with a 7-pound sliding counterweight that locks in place provides excellent control and adjustment. All these features make up a heavy thing.
You can attach the boom shafts for professional studios with ample space or remove the front half of the boom and use the back boom for project studios where space is limited. The base extends to 6.5 feet. A normal threaded mic grip receiver holds your mic. Despite the size, you can put the entirety of it into your regular 5 ft speaker stand bag.
Ultimate Support MC-125 Studio Series
The top model on this list, MC-125 lets you play with rollerblade-style caster wheels for super-smooth movement. Once you are done playing you can completely lock all the wheels. MC-125 also features a 5.75 pound easy to adjust, die-cast counterweight. The height ranges from 52″ to 83″ and the boom can extend from 35″ to 61″ to meet any studio’s needs resulting in perfect placement.
More figures for you: stand height (with casters): 51.5″ – 82.75″ (1308 mm – 2102 mm), boom length: 35″ – 61″ (889 mm – 1549 mm), caster diam.: 3.75″ (95 mm), base diameter: 22.5″ (572 mm). Unfortunately, it works perfectly only with one mic attached to it.