Podcasting is a growing industry, with more and more people creating audio content for their listeners. A key element to creating great audio is finding the right podcast mic stand. To help podcast creators and audio engineers find the perfect mic stand for their needs, we have put together a list of the 10 best podcasting microphone stands available in 2023.
We will provide an overview of the various types of mic stands, as well as the features and pricing for each one. With this guide, you can easily find the best podcasting microphone stand to fit your budget and needs.
To learn more about the best podcast equipment and find out what’s needed for a complete podcast home studio set-up, you can check out our Beginner’s Guide To The Best Podcast Equipment In 2023
What Is A Mic Stand?
A podcast mic stand is a piece of equipment used to support and position microphones. They come in various shapes and sizes, from stage-style to desktop boom arms with shock mounts.
Depending on the type of podcast microphone you’re using, your recording environment, and your budget, there are many different types of microphone stands available.
Desktop Stand
Desktop stands are the most common type of mic stands. They are typically lightweight and easy to install, making them perfect for use in home studios or on the go. There are three main types of desktop stands: tripods, weighted bases, and clamp-on.
Weighted base stands are usually more expensive and provide the most stability. Tripods are lighter and less expensive and can be easily disassembled for travel. Clamp-on stands are highly adjustable and allow you to attach your mic stand directly to the desktop or another flat surface.
Straight Mic (Stage-Style) Stand
Straight mic stands are the “stage-style” stand, typically seen on stages or in music studios. They are usually taller and provide more stability than desktop stands, making them perfect for live performances.
Straight mic stands are available with either weighted bases or tripods, depending on how much stability you need. Weighted bases provide the most stability, but are generally more expensive and heavier. Tripods are lighter and less expensive, allowing you to easily move your mic stand around as needed.
Boom Arm
A telescopic boom mic stand is an essential tool for podcasting, providing maximum flexibility when positioning the microphone. Mic Boom arms can be found on both stage style and desktop stands, but for podcasting, clamp microphone boom arm stands tend to be the most popular.
A mic boom arm allows for precise placement of the mic relative to your mouth, eliminating background noise and capturing superior audio quality. They also provide more range of movement, giving you the ability to move the mic as needed when you are recording. Boom arms come in a variety of styles and prices, so they can be tailored to fit any budget or need.
Installing A Mic On A Mic Stand
Regardless of which type of mic stand you choose, installing the microphone is relatively simple. Most mics have a threaded end that attaches to the boom arm or mic stand itself. If your mic doesn’t have this threading, you can usually purchase an adapter separately. Once the mic is attached, make sure it’s securely tightened so it won’t move around while you are recording.
Installing A Pop Filter
A pop filter is a device that attaches to your mic stand and helps to reduce plosives or the harsh “p” and “b” sounds that can distort your audio. Pop filters are relatively affordable and easy to install. Most use a flexible metal loop that wraps around the microphone itself and then snaps onto the mic stand.
10 Best Microphone Stands For Podcasting
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Proline PLDMS1
Price: $35
Type: Desktop, tripod
Verdict:
The Proline PLDMS1 microphone stand is a great value for its price. It’s solid, stable, and highly adjustable, making it ideal for any recording setup. The base is made of heavy-duty steel, giving it plenty of grip and stability and the adjustable height lets you get it just right for your needs. The non-slip rubber feet also help to keep it firmly in place, no matter how hard you push it. And if that wasn’t enough, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty, so you know you’re getting quality that will stand up to plenty of use.
Heil Sound SB-2
Price: $78
Type: Boom arm, Clamp-on
Verdict:
The Heil Sound SB-2 microphone stand is a tough, reliable piece of equipment. Its clamp-on base is easy to install and securely holds the mic arm in place. The mic arm itself has an adjustable angle and length, giving you plenty of options to find the perfect recording position. The heavy-duty construction ensures that your microphone stays in place no matter how hard you rock the stage. It looks great too, with its matte black finish and sleek design. Overall, the Heil Sound SB-2 is a great choice for any musician who wants to take their live performances to the next level.
Shure S41E
Price: $16
Type: Desktop, Tripod
Verdict:
This is one of the best mic stands you can find for the price. The Shure S41E offers a sturdy and reliable tripod base that provides excellent stability, making it ideal for professional use. It also has an adjustable height that allows for easy placement of your mic in any recording situation. The heavy-duty construction ensures durability and long-term use. The base is made from rubber and features an anti-slip bottom that prevents the stand from slipping on any surface.
K&M 21021
Price: $100
Type: Stage-style, Tripod
Verdict:
The K&M 21021 Mic Stand is a solid choice for any application, from recording studios to live venues. The stand features a telescoping boom arm with a ratchet lock system and height adjustment ranging up to 143cm (56″), making it suitable for both large-scale and compact stages. The “Shoulder Mount” tripod base offers great stability, even when the stand is fully extended. The 21021 also features a 5/8″ thread insert and a “Quick Clamp” system for easy setup and dismantling. This arm mic stand combines excellent quality with an attractive price, making it a must-have for any serious sound engineer or musician on the go
Atlas Sound MS43E
Price: $200
Type: Stage-style, Weighted base
Verdict:
The Atlas Sound MS43E is the go-to mic stand for serious professionals. It’s constructed from heavy-duty steel and features a weighted base, giving it extra stability when you need it most. Plus, its long microphone arm design makes it ideal for capturing sound from any angle. And if you’re looking for convenience, this stand also comes with an integrated xlr cable management system. With so many features, it’s easy to see why the Atlas Sound MS43E is a top choice for those who need reliable sound-capturing equipment. It’s dependable, rugged, and sure to last for years.
OnStage MS7701B
Price: $28
Type: Stage-style, Tripod
Verdict:
This affordable microphone stand from OnStage is perfect for those who need a reliable mic stand but don’t have the budget to go for something more expensive. The MS7701B features a tripod base that provides excellent stability, and at only 28 dollars it is an unbeatable choice. It has an adjustable height range of 30 to 60 inches, making it suitable for a variety of applications. The tripod design also means that the stand can be easily transported and stored away when not in use.
Samson MBA28
Price: $35
Type: Boom arm, Clamp-on
Verdict:
If you’re looking for a boom mic stand that is built and made to last, then the Samson MBA28 is for you. This heavy-duty mic stand features a clamp-on base design that makes it perfect for any type of setup. It also has an adjustable microphone arm so you can adjust your mic height with ease. The frame is made of solid steel, making it strong and durable. It also has a padded grip handle so you can easily adjust the angle of the desktop mic stand without worrying about slipping or scratching.
Rode PSA1+
Price: $130
Type: Boom arm, Clamp-on
Verdict:
The Rode PSA1+ is a great microphone stand for the money. It’s extremely versatile, with its clamp-on mic arm and sturdy base. The clamp can be adjusted to any angle, making it perfect for both in-studio and live performance settings. The strong metal construction ensures durability, while the foam padding helps dampen any noise from the microphone itself. The overall design is sleek and modern, making it an attractive addition to your home recording setup. The Rhode PSA1+ is a fantastic high-quality mic stand for those looking for something reliable, adjustable, and affordable.
Gator Frameworks GFW-MIC-0821
Price: $40
Type: Boom Arm, Weighted Stand
Verdict:
The Gator Frameworks GFW-MIC-0821 is a great podcasting microphone stand for any budget. The boom mic stand gives you the flexibility to position your mic exactly where you need it, and the weighted base provides stability to keep it in place. When setting up, I found that the height of the microphone arm was easily adjustable, making it a great choice for both seated and standing performers. The overall construction felt solid, which is important when you’re plugging in expensive mics! I’m confident that this stand will serve well for many gigs to come. Highly recommended!
TONOR Mic + Tripod Bundle
Price: $35
Type: Desktop, Tripod
Verdict:
The Tonor Mic + Tripod Bundle is great for anyone that wants a complete recording setup on the cheap. The USB condenser mic offers superior sound quality for the price, and the tripod desktop stand gives you plenty of stability while recording. The solid sand-cast base ensures that your microphone won’t move around during an intense recording session, and the included pop filter helps to reduce unwanted ambient noise.
Conclusion
For podcast creators and audio engineers, finding the best podcasting microphone stand can be a challenge. With so many models on the market, it’s hard to know which one is right for your needs
We hope that this overview of the top 10 podcast microphone stands available in 2023 has been helpful and has given you an idea of what to look for when making your decision. From adjustable boom arms to weighted bases, there are plenty of options out there no matter your budget.
This guide has given you some insight into the different types of stands available, their features, and prices. With this information, you can choose the best mic stand to meet your needs and budget. Take some time to explore all the available choices and find the podcasting microphone stand that works best for you!
FAQs
How to put a microphone on a stand?
For most standard mic stands, you just need to unscrew the upper part of the stand and insert your microphone into it. Make sure that your mic is securely fixed in place before tightening it back up.
How to assemble a microphone stand?
Begin by assembling the tripod legs and attaching them to the base. Once assembled, you can attach your mic clip or shock mount to the top of the stand. If you purchased an adjustable mic arm, attach it to one side of the stand at the desired angle before securing the microphone.
How much does a microphone stand cost?
The price depends on the type of mic stand you are looking for. Basic desktop or floor stands can cost around $30-$50, while a higher-end adjustable mic arm can range from $100-$200. Ultimately, the price will depend on what features you want your mic stand to have.
How much does a microphone stand weight?
Basic desktop or floor stands can weigh anywhere from 2-6 pounds, while a higher-end adjustable mic arm may weigh up to 8-10 pounds. The weight will depend on the type and size of the microphone that is mounted to the stand.
How far away from the microphone should I stand?
The optimal distance between the microphone and your mouth will depend on the type and size of the mic that you are using. Generally speaking, a distance of 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) is recommended for most vocal recordings. If you are recording an instrument, such as a guitar or piano, a slightly longer distance may be necessary. Experiment with different distances to find the sweet spot!
What is a shock mount and why do I need one?
A shock mount is an essential accessory for any microphone stand. It serves as a cushion between the mic and the stand, reducing unwanted vibrations and decreasing ambient noise. This helps to improve the overall sound quality of your recordings by eliminating unwanted background noises.
