 | Desk Stand: $10-$25 |
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 | Round or Hex Base: $20-$80 |
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 | Boom Combo: $20-$120 |
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| A microphone stand holds a microphone for hands-free use on stage or in a studio. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Desk stands cost $10 to $25 and are suitable for microphones used on a pulpit, lectern or desk, for podcasting, voiceover recording or seated guitar players, for example. Expect a stand with a fixed or adjustable height of between 4 and 16 inches. The On Stage DS7200B costs $12 to $24 and features a 6-inch diameter base with adjustable height ranging from 9.5 to 15.5 inches.
- A round or hex (hexagonal) base stand is best suited for use on a small stage. It has a smaller footprint than a tripod base stand, meaning there is less chance of tripping over it in tight spaces. Expect a sturdy microphone stand with a base made of cast iron, costing $20 to $80. The Atlas Sound MS-10C all-purpose mic stand, for example, has a round base, weighs 10 pounds and offers a height extension of 35 to 63 inches at a cost of about $42
- Tripod base stands are lighter than round base stands, making them easier to transport and easier to move around a larger stage. Expect to pay $20 to $100 for this type of mic stand. The Atlas Sound TE-E costs about $32 and weighs just 5.5-pounds.
- Boom combo stands offer more flexibility than standard microphone stands. The horizontal boom arm attachment makes them suitable for singing while simultaneously playing an instrument such as a guitar or drums. Expect a round, hex or tripod base and quick release clutch for making one-handed adjustments to the height and angle. These cost $20 to $120. The On Stage MS7701 costs $20 to $51 and offers a variable height from 36 to 63 inches with a 36-inch long boom.
What should be included: | - All mic stands should come with a base, an adjustable pole and a microphone holder or clamp.
- Look for a mic stand with a secure lock that keeps the stand steady when adjusted to the desired height.
- Some microphone stands include cable clips to secure the microphone cable and prevent it from tripping the performer.
Additional costs: | - A basic microphone clip costs $2 to $25. A shock mount that isolates the microphone from physical vibration and stand noise costs from $15 to $95.
- A multiple microphone adapter enables a mic stand to hold two or more microphones and costs about $20.
- A gooseneck is a flexible stand attachment that makes it easier to angle a microphone to just the right position and costs about $7 to $12.
- A tray or drink holder that hangs from a microphone stand costs about $15.
Discounts: | - B&H provides used microphone stands at a discount.
- Sweetwater's Trading Post offers customers the opportunity to buy and sell used music and audio equipment, including microphone stands.
- Some manufacturers such as OnStage Stands sell discounted packs that include a mic stand as well as a microphone. The price of these kits represents a discount over buying the items separately but make sure every piece in the outfit is required.
Shopping for a microphone stand: | |
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Article updated September 2010 |
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