Finding the Best Microphone Stand & Clips
Microphone accessories are just as important as the microphone itself. In fact, the right microphone stand and clips can help enhance your live performances or optimize your studio setup. Though there are many different types of stands and clips to select from, you'll have no trouble choosing the best types for your needs once you learn about their different uses and features.
Types of Mic Stands
Microphone stands are crucial for positioning and holding your microphone where you need it. Before you pick out your microphone stand, you need to think about where and how you intend to use it. Here is a look at the most common mic stand types.
Tripod Style
A tripod style microphone stand is a general-purpose stand designed for versatile use. Tripod bases are very stable when correctly set up, and many performers prefer them because they make it possible to stand right up to the mic. Tripod stands also fold away for easy transport and storage.
Boom
A boom mic stand is used when a longer reach is needed than can be provided by a standard stand. They can reach over drum kits and keyboards to allow a musician to sing and play simultaneously, and they are a great option for areas with limited floor space.
Mini
A mini microphone stand is designed to hold a microphone on a surface such as a desk, table, or podium for meetings, lectures, and speaking engagements. They are highly portable and often fold down into even smaller sizes.
Round Base
A round base microphone stand is designed for stability. The base is usually quite heavy to keep the stand from tipping. Some performances prefer a stand with a round base because it doesn't take up much floor space. Though heavier and less portable than other options, round base stands are easy to store.
How Can I Use My Stand?
No matter which type of microphone stand you select, the number one feature to note is the height of the stand. Almost all microphone stands have an adjustable height, usually within a 35- to 65-inch range, which is often satisfactory for studio purposes. However, you might need a shorter stand for a kick drum or a longer stand to hold an overhead microphone for a drummer during a live performance.
The type of clutch used to lock the height of the stand in place is also important to consider. While a twist grip is more popular for its tighter hold, a grip clutch is more convenient for live performances as it can be adjusted with just one hand.
Types of Microphone Clips
Not only does a microphone clip hold your mic in place, these accessories are invaluable when it comes to getting those precise positions and angles for picking up the sound just right. You have a few different choices when it comes to the type of clips you use.
Extensions
An extension is a bar that you can attach onto a mic stand or boom if you need a bit of extra reach to go over an amp or a drum kit. They can even be attached to most amps, drum rims, and instruments. Many performers use an extension to attach a second mic onto their stand for an acoustic guitar.
Shock Mount Clips Vs. Regular Clip
A regular, c-shaped mic clip quickly secures a standard microphone onto a mic stand or boom and can be attached and detached multiple times during a performance. In the recording studio, however, noise isolation is more important than portability. Shock mounts are designed to reduce mechanical noises and low vibrations, making for crystal clear audio recordings. On-stage shock mounts can also reduce floor vibrations during a live performance.
Posi-Lok Side Mount Boom
Enjoy ultimate versatility with your studio or live performance setup and set your microphones as close as you need to drums and other hard-to-reach instruments. A Posi-Lok Side Mount Boom is essentially a mini boom attached to two 52-tooth disks that permit it to rotate up to 300 degrees. The side mount clips to any round shaft and a convenient knob easily adjusts the angle.