There's nothing worse than going to set up a microphone on a stand in a studio and finding it doesn't work, is so weak the boom starts to droop the moment you hit record. Ensuring you have one of the best mic stands, whether you're recording in a studio, setting up for a live performance, or recording your latest podcast, is just as essential as having a great mic.
Mic stands are pretty simple things, with three major types. The first, and most popular, is a boom stand, which is adjustable in a variety of different ways and can be manipulated to do a lot of different jobs. The round base is just a simple straight line that a microphone can be attached to, and you also have desktop-mounted mic stands for content creation.
My favorite mic stand right now is the Hercules MS533B. It's ideal for a wide variety of use cases, offers plenty of flexibility, and is ruggedly designed to put up with abuse. If that's a little too expensive for you, check out the Samson MK10, which is a great quality stand that can be had for relatively little money.
If you're new to mic stands, I've put together a how to choose section that tells you everything you need to know about mic stands before buying. I've also curated an FAQs section, which answers all of the common questions you're likely to find when it comes mic stands.
Best overall
The Hercules Tripod Base Hideaway Boom Stand MS533B is a sturdy number that’s designed for speed and convenience. At first glance, it appears to be just a simple, single-pole stand with a tripod base, albeit one with a nifty one-handed, squeezable EZ clutch to facilitate rapid height adjustments.
However, unscrew the giant boom clamp knob and a hidden inner extension tube can be pulled out from the main stand. Extending this to the max enables you to alter the angle and then push the tube back through the joint to fashion a boom arm. It’s a slick bit of engineering that means you can switch between a single-pole and a tripod boom stand with ease.
Couple this with the EZ Adaptor Flip Clip that snaps onto the end of the arm and locks into place with a quick-release lever (no more tiresome screwing), and you have one of the most stress-free stands in the business.
Best budget
There are a lot of cheap boom stands on the market, but the Samson MK10 represents the perfect blend of quality, durability and affordability, and as such is one of the best performers in its price bracket.
It’s very portable, folding down to a mere 25” / 0.63m when collapsed; but the trade-off is that it’s not the tallest stand out there, reaching a maximum height of 71” / 1.8m. It comes with a standard push clip to hold an SM58-style mic, and features a unique cable clip on the side of the boom clamp to help keep things tidy.
At only 3.3lb / 1.5kg, this is firmly at the more lightweight end of the scale, so we wouldn’t recommend using the MK10 with anything particularly heavy, but for general light duties around the studio it performs brilliantly.
Best podcast/streaming
A professional-standard scissor arm boom for the studio, RØDE’s PSA1 is primarily intended for use with the company’s large Podcaster, Procaster and Broadcaster mics – though it’ll work with any mic / shockmount combination weighing around 2.4lb / 1.1kg.
The stand is supplied with velcro straps to keep your cables tidy, while the springs are internal, resulting in a sleeker look.
Equipped with both a C-clamp for fixing to a desktop up to 2.2” / 56mm thick, and a drill-through flush mount for a more permanent installation on desks up to 2.75” / 70mm thick, the PSA1 has a vertical reach of 33” / 0.84m and a horizontal reach of 32” / 0.81m, and is capable of swivelling a full 360 degrees, making it ideal for podcast and broadcast studio setups.
Best for stage
Boasting a simple, durable design, the AtlasIED MS-10C is a tough cookie that’ll serve you well when gigging or recording. Available in chrome or black (the latter is called the MS-10CE), the stand features a wear-proof three-piece clutch that enables you to adjust the height from 35 to 63 inches (0.9 to 1.6m).
The 11.25lb / 5.1kg weight is concentrated around the edge of the 9.8” / 0.25cm-diameter base, which is equipped with rubber feet to absorb unwanted bumps and protect floor surfaces. This helps to maintain stability, resulting in a solid stand that won't move unless you want it to.
As a bonus, all of the parts are field-replaceable, adding to the MS-10C’s appeal as a long-term investment.
Best for studio
Like a traditional mic stand on steroids, the Ultimate Support MC-125 boasts a cast-metal base and a 5.7lb / 2.58kg counterweight, whose position can be adjusted along the rear end of the boom.
That heavyweight base has a hybrid circular / tripod design to provide extra stability, and as a bonus features a lockable castor at each corner. This means you can wheel the stand freely into the desired position and then lock it into place by stomping on the castors’ footplates.
The greater stability provided by the base and counterweight allows for some serious extendibility – height adjustment ranges from 51.5 – 82.75” / 1.3 – 2.1m, while the boom arm is capable of extending from 35 – 61” / 0.9 – 1.55m.
Best for desktop
Also consider
How to choose
If you're looking to buy your first mic stand, you're in the right place. I've been recording bands and making music for well over 20 years now, and there's nothing I hate more than a cheap mic stand in a studio. Follow my advice, and you'll be armed with all the knowledge you need to ensure you make the right purchase.
1. Types of mic stand
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There are various types of mic stand, each of which comes with its own set of benefits:
Round base
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. The base is usually made of die-cast steel, giving it the necessary weight to hold the central pole steady. 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.
Tripod boom
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. 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. 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. 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.
Scissor arm boom
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. 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. They also usually swivel at the base so that you can swing the mic out of the way when not in use.
Desktop
As 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.
2. Anatomy of a mic stand
- 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). Often, the base will feature rubber feet to help dampen vibrations, while tripod legs will be fitted with rubber or plastic end caps.
- Pole: The main part of the stand that rises up from the base, the pole is usually height-adjustable by way of the clutch. Loosening the clutch will allow you to raise 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. The most common type is the single-axis twist clutch, where you unlock by twisting, make the adjustment and then twist back again to lock the stand in its new position. Some stands feature one-handed trigger grip clutches for a quick release, making for speedier and more hassle-free adjustments. 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 attached to the business end.
- Clamp: Located at the top of the pole on a boom arm stand, the clamp is the joint that allows you to adjust the angle and extension of the boom arm. Having a solid, lockable clamp is essential to prevent the boom arm sagging under the weight of the mic while in use.
- Clip: The clip is the part of the stand that actually grasps the microphone, attaching to the boom arm by way of a threaded adaptor. The most common sizes for these are ⅜” / 9.5mm and ⅝” / 15.8mm, and converters are available to switch between the two sizes if required – although you’ll often have to purchase these separately. Standard clips usually take the form of a sprung clamp or a static, tube-like holder made of flexible plastic designed to accommodate handheld, SM58-style microphones. These work well on stage as the mic can be removed and replaced quickly with one hand.
- Shockmount: A shockmount is an alternative solution to a clip for holding your microphone, and is usually designed to hold heavier, large-diaphragm microphones. Typically formed from two concentric rings linked by a cat’s-cradle-type arrangement of elasticated bungees, they are designed to isolate the mic from any vibrations transmitted through the body of the stand. Many large-diaphragm mics have their own compatible shockmount, but all of them will be equipped with a standard-sized thread adaptor for connecting to a stand’s boom arm.
3. What to look for
Solidity
Especially when recording, it’s important that your microphone is held securely and not move around during use – some heavier mics can induce sagging when attached to extended boom arms on some lower-priced stands.
Versatility
Some stands are supplied with multiple clips and adaptors for optional shockmounts, but not all of them include these, so check whether or not you’ll need to purchase additional accessories in order to use your chosen stand with a particular microphone. Thread adaptors can be useful to convert between the two standard thread sizes – ⅜” / 9.5mm and ⅝” / 15.8mm – found on the ends of boom arms.
Extendability
Make sure that the stand you’re looking at is sufficiently extendable for your requirements. A short tripod boom stand will be fine for kick drums and guitar combos, for example, but no good for miking up drum overheads as it won’t go anywhere near high enough.
Many boom stands are telescopic, meaning they have smaller tubes housed within them that can be pulled out to increase the range. This makes them useful for trickier scenarios such as miking up a grand piano or placing spot mics on specific areas of a drum kit. As always, care should be taken not to over-extend to the point where the weight of the mic is making things unstable by being outside the stand’s centre of gravity. This can either cause the boom arm to sag over time, or destabilise the stand so that the whole thing topples over.
Stability
Centre of gravity while in use is an important factor, which is why round-base stands don’t tend to feature boom arms. With a heavy mic attached to the end of a boom, the centre of gravity is shifted upwards and outwards, making the stand more likely to topple over. For this reason, most boom stands tend to have tripod bases, so that the boom arm can be extended in line with one of the three legs for improved stability. On the other hand, tripod stands can present more of a trip hazard for unwary vocalists on a darkened stage, making round-base stands a more practical choice for this use case.
Durability
If you envisage doing regular setups and packdowns in the studio or on stage, be sure to pick a mic stand that’s durable and whose moving parts can stand up to a lot of punishment. All of the stands on this list are constructed from metal tubing, and quite a few stands feature replaceable components, removing the need to shell out for a whole new stand if just one part wears out.
Foldability
If you don’t have much storage space where you’re working, a stand that folds up into a compact footprint should be high on your list of requirements. Most tripod stands have folding legs and a base that can slide up the main pole for storage, while the boom arm can usually be collapsed and folded down parallel to the main stand. Most round-base stands only reduce down to their minimum height for storage, although it’s possible to find some with stackable bases that don’t compromise too much on stability.
FAQs
Will a mic stand hold a heavy microphone like the SM7B?
It all depends on the quality of the stand. Not all mic stands are created equal, and most mic stand manufacturers don't give minimum weights for what their stands can hold. Buying a good-quality stand from a well-known brand is a good way of ensuring your stand will hold a heavy mic. You can always use a homemade counterweight, though, like a heavy jacket or a bag with something in it, if you find your stand won't hold that expensive tube mic.
How do I stop my desktop stand from picking up typing noise and desk bumps?
You need to isolated your mic from the surface it's coupled to. You could potentially do this by adding a rubber or foam pad to the clamp of the desktop stand, or you could invest in a shock mount for your specific mic to prevent these noises from travelling up the arm and into the mic.
Should I get a tripod base or a round base?
It all depends on your use case. Tripod bases are handy if you play another instrument, like keys or guitar. They leave space to put pedals on a keyboard stand, making them useful for combining with different bits of gear.
Some people, especially singers, prefer a round base as it takes up less room on stage and allow you to lean or step on it without doing any damage or slipping off.
What mic stands can be adjusted mid song?
You need a mic stand with a specific type of clutch for this, sometimes called a pistol grip or a trigger clutch. With these types you simply squeeze with one hand while using the other to move the stand up or down. Much easier than having to twist to unlock, adjust, then twist again to lock it.
Why does my mic stand keep drooping?
This is usually down to the joint mechanisms within the mic stand using plastic instead of steel. If you need a mic stand that will hold a heavy mic or put up with live use, make sure you buy something with a heavy duty build quality.
What kind of mic stand do I need for a kick drum?
Kick drums can be difficult to mic with a regular stand, especially if you're wanting to capture the beater side of the drum by putting your mic inside. There's a few different low profile stands that are perfect for use with kick drums, and even work with guitar cabs, too.
Why doesn't my mic clip fit on my new stand?
This is something that happens to everyone at some point, because there are two types of thread adapters for microphone clips. The two types are 5/8-inch and 3/8-inch. Typically you'll find mic stands use the 5/8-inch, whereas mic clips use 3/8-inch. Most mic clips have a metal adapter inside that can be unlocked with a coin or a screwdriver, which should ensure it fits onto the mic stand.
How we choose the best mic stands
Here at MusicRadar, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing, creating and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything music gear related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our guides.
When choosing what we believe to be the best mic stands available right now, we combine our hands-on experience, user reviews and testimonies and engage in lengthy discussions with our editorial colleagues to reach a consensus about the top products in any given category.
First and foremost, we are musicians, and we want other players to find the right product for them. So we take into careful consideration everything from budget to feature set, ease of use and durability to come up with a list of what we can safely say are the best mic stands on the market right now.
Find out more about how we test music gear and services at MusicRadar.
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