Microphone Stands

Jenna Sharpe · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 10:01 (GMT) Post subject: Microphone Stands

Hi everyone Smile

There's a lot of talk about microphones but I couldn't see any topics on microphone stands.

I need a heavy duty mic stand to mount my new SE Gemini (which weighs 1.3kg!) When shopping online it is very difficult to tell how well they are constructed or if it is just going to tip over under the weight!

Does anyone have any stand suggestions or recommendations?
Do you prefer a straight stand or boom?

Jenna

http://www.freewebs.com/jennavation/

Ed Gambill · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 14:28 (GMT) Post subject:

With out hesitation or reservation of any kind I will say from my prospective that the best microphone stands are made by Atlas. Some folks like boom arm mic holder with counter balance springs I favor the Luxo line. I think Luxo made the first spring balanced arm.

Good stands are not cheap, but they are worth the investment. Good stands last and hold costly microphones where they should be. Cheap light weight stand slip, tip and crash. Expensive microphones can’t handle the sudden stop.

It seems that many of the discounters don’t carry the Atlas line. Price being the largest motivation with their shoppers, I guess they don’t move. Go here to see what one company offers by Atlas http://www.sweetwater.com/c396--Atlas--Mic_Stands .

To see some spring loaded boom arm stands go here http://www.bswusa.com/searchresult.asp?searchType=category&subcat=mics-booms

O.C. White tends to be costly. The Luxo brand has been in business for years as has Atlas, follow this link to see pricing for OC White and Luxo spring balance. http://www.bradleybroadcast.com/2001/micstands.htm

From time to time on Ebay folks sell Chinese knock off of the Luxo style boom arms. I have seen one in action and it works well.

You should be able to find vendors that have product in stock in the UK. Good luck.

Todd Ellis · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 15:28 (GMT) Post subject:

i have a boom arm stand with a 12" riser - don't know the brand - i've had it for prolly 15 years. when i hung my rca-77dx (mucho-heavy) on it i had to beef it up with heavier springs - but after that - zero problems. for that reason - get one with external springs. keeps the mic right where i want it - sitting or standing.

Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 15:29 (GMT) Post subject:

I have currently a Rode NTK mounted on a K&M-boom stand, and it would tip, if I didn't add some weight to the base, so all I díd was exactly that - some stone tiles on the base, and it holds.
Just an idea...

Jenna Sharpe · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 16:42 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks for the advice guys.
I am beginning to think there are no aspects of setting up a home studio that you can do on the cheap! Well except maybe substituting a coat hangar/pair of tights for a pop filter and pinning up an old duvet! Everything else seems to be 'the best you can afford'

It is surprising how few manufacturers actually tell you the weight limit of the stand. Surely it is an important piece of information buyers need to know.

Don Randall · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008, 06:49 (GMT) Post subject:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mic-stand-mic-boom-scissor-stand-silent-boom-w-XLR_W0QQitemZ290195931575QQihZ019QQcategoryZ29948QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Jenna Sharpe · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008, 19:05 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks, I think I will buy it once they get back to me with a quote for shipping costs!

Don Randall · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008, 07:24 (GMT) Post subject:

Jenna - if you are talking about the one to which I posted the E-Bay link, you will find that it is very high quality. Very sturdy and it will hold your mic just fine, don't worry about the weight.

I bought mine based on recommendations from several of the gang over on the VO-BB.com message board. The guy that sells 'em even called me here at home one day to let me know the ship was in the harbor but delayed because it had to be inspected before docking and that was gonna cause a delay of a few days. I would not hesitate to buy from him again.

Jenna Sharpe · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008, 13:40 (GMT) Post subject:

Yeah I bought it thanks! The shipping costs were very reasonable. Can't wait to receive it and get started!

Jenna Sharpe · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008, 11:59 (GMT) Post subject:

Turns out the desk top stand was not strong enough after all despite my attempts to strengthen it. It would be great for lighter mics though so maybe I will sell it on.

I ended up spending £130 on the 'official' SE stand which I am very pleased with but damn setting up my studio is slowly bankrupting me Crying or Very sad

Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008, 13:38 (GMT) Post subject:

Jenna Sharpe · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008, 13:41 (GMT) Post subject:

Yeah I get the impression the solution to most problems is to throw more money at them! Rolling Eyes

Well I can always save money but not renewing my V123 membership Razz

Gregory Houser · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008, 19:27 (GMT) Post subject:

Atlas, Mic King, Manley, and Ultimate Stands

Those are my top 4. Best bang for the buck IMHO is Ultimate (I've got a weighted boom stand in my new room which has survived 2+ years of heavy abuse and nary a scratch).