Why Good Microphone Stands Matter

Like any sensitive piece of studio equipment, a microphone has fragile innards that require constant protection from sudden shocks-like the kind that can occur when tumbling from a droopy, underweight mic stand. The point being, if you've invested in a collection of decent mics, then why skimp on their holders? Here we consider the importance of having quality stands on hand, from smaller amp-sized models to standard boom types, the benefits of well-made locking clamps and clutches, plus add-ons like pop filters, cable clips and the like.

What to Look For
When scouting around for mic stands, consider how you'll be using them on a regular basis. A no-frills, lightweight stand without a boom arm is certainly handy for trudging in and out of performance venues but may be less than optimal for studio purposes. Accordingly, a heavier duty stand with boom is essential when miking up acoustic guitars, vocalists, percussion or for just about any other studio application. While some boom attachments come as a single piece, others include a telescoping inner boom pole that gives you added flexibility and height, particularly handy when overhead miking is required.

Next, look at the type of base that comes with the stand. A collapsable tripod makes the stand easy to maneuver and store, and when supporting lighter loads such as basic dynamic mics, offers ample stability. By comparison, a solid circular or triangular base made from die-cast metal is a must when working with heftier microphones such as large-diaphragm dynamics or condensers.

Ample Flexibility
The ability to get into tight places, such as when recording a drum kit, for instance, is another plus. Whereas a tripod base may be difficult to situate in a sea of cymbal stands, a round weighted base is often preferable due to its smaller footprint. If a lot of telescoping is involved, you'll also want to make sure there's a rugged enough counterweight on the other end of the boom arm to prevent slippage while in use. Other features include an easily adjustable clutch (for raising and lowering the height of the main pole) as well as a good clamping mechanism to ensure the boom arm stays in place even when set at an angle and fully extended.

Floor Models
Though medium-sized stands are sufficient for most jobs, there are times when something a bit smaller-or bigger-may be preferable. For instance, if you frequently record an instrument amplifier, bass drum or other floor-level source, having a mini-boom stand on hand allows you to easily mic up speaker cones, drum beaters and the like that may be harder to reach using a standard boom arm.

On the other hand, if you do a fair amount of overhead or room miking, then a larger, heavier stand might be the best choice of all. Weighing in at around 40 pounds, these pro-studio quality models may not be the best for transporting to and from gigs, but when recording drums, vocalists or just about anything else are tough to beat (and most include casters for easy room-to-room mobility). Sure, you're likely to spend at least three times what you'd pay for a garden-variety mic stand, but if you really want the best support possible for your coveted mic collection, it's an investment well-worth considering.

Stand Accessories
Finally, don't forget the various valuable add-ons for your stands. First and foremost, you'll want a durable mic clip that threads on to the top of the stand or boom arm, one that is capable of accommodating most mic varieties. For heavier, more sensitive condenser mics, a shockmount holder is recommended-these cage-like units thread on like standard clips, but are designed to arrest floor vibrations or other low frequencies from reaching the mic's diaphragm. Other accessories include attachable pop filters for warding off plosive vocal sounds, pick holders to keep guitar plectrums at arm's length, as well as cable clips which attach to the boom and central pole for ensuring that mic cables remain securely fastened to the stand while recording.