Often, the base will feature rubber feet to help dampen vibrations, while tripod legs will be fitted with rubber or plastic end caps. Base: Mic stands usually come with either a round, heavy metal base or a set of three folding tripod-style legs (very occasionally they’ll come with both).Desktop mic standĪs the name suggests, desktop mic stands are designed to hold a microphone securely in place while on a desktop or similar flat surface, and as such are mostly used for podcasting, voiceovers, videoconferencing or singing while sitting down at a desk. They also usually swivel at the base so that you can swing the mic out of the way when not in use. Originating in broadcast studios and increasingly popular with podcasters, scissor arm boom mic stands are articulated with a central hinged elbow joint and springs to allow quick and easy repositioning. Similar in design to an anglepoise lamp, scissor arm mic stands are designed to be mounted to a desk or wall, and allow flexible positioning of a mic when seated. Another potential pitfall with tripod boom mic stands is the trip hazard they can present on stage, which is why round-based stands are often preferable for gigging.
To combat this, some models include counterweights on the rear section of the boom arm to balance the weight of the microphone attached to the other end. Though these stands can be adjusted to almost any position you might need in a live or studio environment, care should be taken not to over-extend the centre of gravity so that the stand topples over with the weight of the mic. The most common type, tripod boom mic stands have three legs at the base and an extendable boom arm sticking out sideways that holds the microphone. This type of stand is good for stage singers, since the small footprint of the base enables you to get up close to the stand without fear of tripping over a leg. The base is usually made of die-cast steel, giving it the necessary weight to hold the central pole steady. The most basic type of microphone stand features a weighted circular base with a single pole rising from its centre, onto which the microphone can be attached via a threaded clip or shockmount. Consider what your preference is and use that to determine which type to put your money on.There are various types of mic stand, each of which comes with its own set of benefits: Round base mic stand A wireless microphone is often the right option for performing live, but wired can do the job, too. Wired – This is especially important for live singers. However, if your favorite doesn’t, make sure you include accessories in your budget. Some microphones come in packages that offer all the above. Needed Accessories – If you’re recording, you probably need a number of accessories like shock mounts and a mic stand.There are exceptional microphone models at prices of $200, but there are also fantastic microphones with great features at higher price points. Potential Budget – Having a budget in mind is key to getting the right microphone for your needs.Dynamic mics are often best in this case. Those who are looking for a microphone for performing may find another option works best. Recording – If you are looking to record your vocals for a track, a condenser is the ultimate option.
Here are a few of the things you should keep in mind while shopping for one: Some specific aspects of a microphone are crucial when you plan to use it for vocal work.