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Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Mic Stands and Mounts
Whether you’re an artist, podcaster, or gamer, mic stands are one of the most essential items you must have in a studio or on stage. Mic stands are the best mounting solutions so you can perfect stereo recording techniques, give a memorable performance, or efficiently record content.
With all that said, we’ve sourced some of the best mic stands and mounting solutions for varying applications and preferences so you can choose the right one for you!
Which is the Top One?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best for Desktop |  Most Versatile |
Ultimate Support MC-125The Ultimate Support MC-125 is a no-frills heavy-duty mic stand with a hybrid design for added support and security. | Pyle Desktop Mic StandThe Pyle Desktop Mic Stand is simple and compact yet sturdy enough to keep your microphone stable on your desktop. | OnStage MS7701B Tripod Microphone Boom StandThe OnStage MS7701B is a tripod boom mic stand with heigh-adjustment, foldable legs, and boom clamp making it versatile for various uses. |
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Let’s Go Over Each Top Microphone Stand
#1: Ultimate Support MC-125
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With numerous mic stands on the market, the Ultimate Support MC-125 takes the cake as the best microphone stand. The MC-125 is the definition of a true mic stand workhorse as it is made out of steel, functions as a tripod boom, is hugely extendable, and has an adjustable counterweight.
Taking inspiration from “basic” or traditional mic stands, the MC-125 keeps a sleek and simple design. However, the difference lies with its solid cast-metal hybrid base that boasts a circular and tripod design. Such a base keeps the mic stand sturdy and stable even when it is carrying heavier mics.
Another important factor when choosing a mic stand is the weight distribution. The Ultimate Support MC-125 has an impressive 2.58kg counterweight. This makes the MC-125 mic stand not too light that it would tip over when carrying heavier mics but also not too heavy that it would be a burden to carry.
The Ultimate Support MC-125 also has a height adjustment feature for reliable and easy positioning. The mic stand height adjustment ranges from 51.5” to 82.75” while the boom arm can be extended from 35” to 61”. With such height measurements and flexibility, the MC-125 is a good mic stand to use for drum overheads for example.
Another reason why the MC-125 is a heavy-duty stand is because of its locking mechanism. The MC-125 has lockable castors at each corner, which keeps the base secure on stage or inside the studio. It also has an air suspension feature so it can prevent sudden drops when being adjusted.
Pros and Cons of the Ultimate Support MC-125
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Good quality ✔ Can carry heavier microphones ✔ Hybrid base design ✔ Lockable castor ✔ Height can be adjusted ✔ Good counterweight ✔ Can be used for drum overheads | ✖️ Pricey |
#2. Pyle Desktop Mic Stand
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Unlike other stands in this list, the Pyle Desktop Mic Stand is the only mounting solution for tabletop applications we’ve included. It’s also one of the cheaper stands you can find in the market.
With its compact size and small-scale functionality, the Pyle Desktop Mic Stand can fit in tight spaces and allow for easy storage. However, don’t let the small size fool you as this microphone stand has an adjustable gooseneck and a 360-bendable shaft, which is essential for positioning mics.
Although this microphone stand weighs light, it has a sturdy U-shape base stand made out of cast iron to provide stability and balance. To help keep microphones in place and secure, the Pyle Desktop Mic Stand also has a 2.02 lbs counterweight.
Overall, the Pyle Desktop Mic Stand is a classic example of how a simple and basic design can do just the trick.
Pros and Cons of Pyle Desktop Mic Stand
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Affordable ✔ Great stand for desktop use ✔ Simple ✔ Small footprint ✔ Adjustable and flexible | ✖️ Limited to desktop applications ✖️ Not for heavier and larger microphones |
#3: OnStage MS7701B Tripod Microphone Boom Stand
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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Great quality and versatile microphone stands don’t come cheap but the OnStage MS7701B Tripod Microphone Boom Stand may just prove us wrong. This versatile microphone stand can be used inside the studio or on stage and it can be converted into a traditional straight tripod microphone stand or be used as a tripod boom stand.
With such functions and features, it’s easy to assume that the OnStage MS7701B would be expensive, but it’s one of the cheaper stands priced mid-range.
The OnStage MS7701B Tripod Boom Microphone Stand has a minimum height of 32” and a maximum height of 61.5”, which can be adjusted according to your preference and intended use. Although you cannot use this microphone stand for your kick drums, it is tall enough to be used as an overhead for your drum kit.
While it does not have a telescopic boom arm, the OnStage MS7701B can make for one of the best boom mic stands. It provides a reach of 35.8”, has a boom and main shaft that’s industry-standard, and is designed to be compatible with standard mic clips and accessories.
Although the OnStage MS7701B is lightweight, it is durable and sturdy enough to support heavy or large microphones. It has a tripod base with nonslip rubber feet so it can stay in place may it be on stage or varying floor types in the studio. The tripod legs also help with distributing the weight evenly to keep the microphone stand balanced.
Pros and Cons of the OnStage MS7701B Tripod Microphone Boom Stand
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Versatile ✔ Can function as a straight microphone stand and tripod boom stand ✔ Great value for money ✔ Adjustable height ✔ Removable boom arm ✔ Can be used inside the studio or on stage | ✖️ Non-telescoping boom arm |
#4: Gator Frameworks GFW-MIC-0821 Short-Weighted Base Microphone Stand
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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The Gator Frameworks GFW-MIC-0821 is one of the best mic stands you can use for low-profile miking. It’s not the most common type of design you would see for a microphone stand but that’s exactly why it’s one of the best.
The GFW-MIC-0821 has a specialized design specific to miking kick drums, guitar amps, guitar cabinets, and sound sources positioned at lower heights. The short height of the Gator Frameworks GFW-MIC-0821 also makes it one of the best studio mics stands or stage microphone stands to use to close-mic deep, bass-heavy sounds.
The small size of the GFW-MIC-0821 won’t take up much floor space but it also won’t be easily knocked over. Although it only weighs 7 pounds, the GFW-MIC-0821 is base-weighted for balance and stability. The U-shape base design also helps with keeping this microphone stand in place even if the floor is already shaking.
Aside from having a microphone holder, the GFW-MIC-0821 also has a microphone clip for added security in keeping mics in place. Overall, this makes the Gator Frameworks GFW-MIC-0821 one of the best-specialized microphone stands in the market.
Pros and Cons of the Gator Frameworks GFW-MIC-0821
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Specialized to close-mik bass-heavy sounds, kick drums, guitar cabs, and low-height sources ✔ Sturdy and durable ✔ Compact ✔ Mic clips included | ✖️ No multiple microphone holders |
#5: Samson MK10 Stand
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
If you’re looking for cheap boom stands that are still quality, then the Samson MK10 should be on the top of your list. It’s not often you come across microphone stands that are durable, affordable, and somewhat versatile but the Samson MK10 is an outlier.
It is a simple and budget-friendly microphone stand that is ideal for live stage and studio settings. This boom mic stands at 26” to 71” making it perfect for miking low to mid-positioned sound sources. Although it’s included in the lightweight microphone stands category, the MK10 makes up for it by having a tripod base with rubber feet for stability and grip.
For added security, the Samson MK10 microphone stand has an included mic clip. This helps keep microphones in place. However, due to how light the MK10 stand is, we recommend that you refrain from placing heavy and large microphones on its holder.
At the end of the day, the Samson MK10 is one of the microphone stands that will make you say, “What you see is what you get”, and you will not regret purchasing it considering the price.
Pros and Cons of the Samson MK10 Stand
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Good value for money ✔ Easily collapsible and portable ✔ Comes with a mic clip ✔ Can be used in studio and stage settings | ✖️ May be too lightweight to hold heavy and large mics |
What Are the Best Types of Microphone Stands to Buy?
Microphone stands may be one of the most understated accessories when it comes to recording. However, they are extremely important may it be in the studio or on stage. With that, it’s important to know the different types of microphone stands so you may further narrow down the best one to buy for your needs.
Tripod Stands
Tripod stands are widely used in studio and stage settings. They are distinguished by their three-legged tripod base, which gives the stands added stability and balance for high-energy actions or vibrations. These types of stands are often collapsible so that they can be easy to store and carry, which is why plenty of musicians prefer to use tripod stands.
Boom Stands
Boom stands are the best microphone mounting solutions for when you need to close-mik overheads and over physical obstacles. These stands often have extendable boom arms, which makes them ideal to use for scenarios wherein normal microphones need added reach and length.
Desktop Stands
Desktop stands are designed specifically for tabletop applications or limited-space setups. Podcasters, content creators, and live streamers would benefit greatly from desktop stands so that their mics are less susceptible to picking up desk vibrations and unwanted noise. Desktop stands are also great alternatives to boom arms and stands as they are fairly cheaper.
Low Profile Stands
Low-profile stands are designed with a shorter height so they can close-mike low-frequency instruments and low-positioned sound sources. The short height allows low-profile stands to get regular mics and spot mics level with these instruments so their pure sound and bass can be captured clearly.
Round Base Stands
Round base stands provide the utmost stability and support for mics because of their hefty bases. However, their round base and heavy weight make them quite difficult to store and pack so they are better suited for stationary setups.
What Mic Stands Do Professionals Use?
There are plenty of professional-standard microphone stands in the market, and some of them are already included in this list. However, for heavy-duty use, plenty of professionals would opt for the Tama Iron Works Telescoping Boom Stand MS756BK. With a telescoping boom arm, tripod legs design, and durable build, this microphone stand is a favorite for studio and stage applications.
For round base stands, the Atlas Sound MS20E is also preferred by many professionals. Its simple and sleek design does not serve as a distraction but the durable build and evenly-balanced weight make it an all-around great microphone stand.
Is a Boom Arm or Mic Stand Better?
The answer to this question would lie depending on the intended use and application. A microphone boom arm is better for overhead situations. If you have limited floor space, you want something more stationary.
A boom arm is already good to use for desktop applications and for when you want more space while a mic stand can also be used as an added accessory to a performance.
Final Note
Microphone stands are essential accessories for recording or performing. These mounting solutions can help give you a stable recording and make sure that each sound source is captured, which is why you need to research and know the best mic stands out there!
Editor’s Choice
Ultimate Support MC-125
The Ultimate Support MC-125 is a solid workhorse mic stand that can be used in the studio or on stage. It’s a tripod boom that boasts a hybrid base design and is made out of quality steel.
Its height can be easily adjusted, counterweight extended, and has locking mechanisms that overall help keep the stand and mic secure.
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