Standing while singing can boost the artist’s energy during their performance. However, you’ll still need a microphone stand to take your sound to the next level.
In this short guide, we’ll show you how to make a microphone stand.
Things to Consider
Here are some things you’ll need to consider when making a microphone stand.
Aesthetics
While appearances don’t matter much in the world of audio recording, you still need to consider this aspect. The mic should blend in with the design of the room.
It’s good to spend extra on aesthetics when creating a microphone stand; You want the stand to look professional, not cheap.
Flexibility
While microphones are not mobile, they still need to move around during a recording session. Your mic stand should give you the ability to adjust and configure the poles when necessary.
Even simple mic stands allow the user to position the microphone according to their preferences.
Stability
You’ll want a mic stand that strikes a balance between stability and flexibility. While you’ll want the freedom to move the mic in any position you’d like, it needs to be stable enough to hold in place.
Unstable microphones cause damage, and that’s something all musicians want to avoid.
Durability
Microphones are heavy and can weigh more than a mic stand if you’re making one. Consider this before making a DIY microphone stand.
Your mic stand only serves one purpose: to hold the microphone. So make sure to get one that will last for extensive recording purposes.
Height Range
Microphone stands come with a height adjustment mechanism. The average height range is between 35-65 inches. Yet, some stands are designed to go much lower.
If you have a kick drum or any instrument in a lower position, your mic height will range between 8-12 inches. Additionally, you can use mic stands to capture the sounds of a choir or organ.
How to Set Up A Microphone Stand
Start by having your microphone stand kit nearby. Read the instructions before starting, as this will ensure you don’t miss any parts.
Most standard microphone stands include but are not limited to:
- Table clamp
- Suspension boom
- Shock mount holder
These kits aren’t suited for professional podcasters who work full time. This is a simple, basic solution to keep your microphone in place.
Attach the Desk Clamp
Find the location you want to attach the boom arm. Start by grabbing a table clamp and attaching it to your desk. You can tighten or screw the clamps for added adjustment.
Suspension Arm
Insert the suspension arm after the desk clamp has been tightened and secured. Approximately, you’ll have around 3-4 feet of horizontal travel and play.
Mic Holder
Install the shock mount on top of the microphone stand. Use your hands to screw it into place. The holder that comes with a shotgun mount might be helpful.
Shock mounts are compatible with condenser mics as long as they are consistently used.
Mic Accessories
However, some microphone kits don’t have add-ons to enhance audio quality, like pop filters. You can place a pop filter over the suppression arm to remove the ‘plosives’ during a recording session.
This accessory is best for removing background noise and improving audio quality.
Windscreens are similar to pop filters except it’s designed to keep moisture and dirt from your microphone. It’s used to eliminate unwanted sounds such as air moving and breathing.
Alternatively, you can use an XLR mixer. Simply place your microphone inside the XLR inputs. This is cool! Fortunately, most suspension arms have an XLR mixer pre-built in.
Soundproofing is a great way to remove unwanted noise. They’re inexpensive and can be easily placed on the walls in your recording studio. You won’t hear any cars in the background unless that’s what you’re trying to achieve sonically.
How Do I Attach a Microphone to the Microphone Stand?
Begin by setting up the microphone stand. Make sure that its components are tightly locked to prevent the stand from falling.
Find the Thread Size
Next, look for the thread size of the microphone stand. Here are the most common thread sizes that are available:
- ⅝ (27 TPI) – Used in the United States and Internationally
- ¼ (12 TPI) -Is named British Standard Whitworth and is used in older European countries
- ⅜ (16 TPI) – BSW (Used internationally but not in the U.S.)
- ¼ (10 TPI) – BSW (Used internationally but not in the U.S.)
In the U.S., you’ll see stands that have 27 threads per inch and a ⅝ measurement. Globally, ⅜ -16 tpi and a ⅝ – 27 tpi are common. Adapters are designed to match the microphone’s thread type.
Use a Mechanical Adapter
You’ll need a “mechanical adapter” to attach the microphone to the microphone stand. A mechanical adapter is a physical piece that holds a microphone and is screwed on the mic stand.
This is referred to as the housing pieces and comes in two different forms: shock mount and microphone clip style housings.
Microphone Clips
Microphone clips screw onto the mic stand and use a “slip style” holding on the microphone. They are more often used in live recording settings. You can easily remove microphones from a microphone clip.
Shock Mounts
Shock mounts come in an assortment of styles to fit a different range of mics. They’re created by an inner casing and an outer casing that holds the microphone.
The casings are connected via fabric-wound elastic bands. Shock mounts of this type are used for large-diaphragm condenser mics or side-address microphones.
Alternatively, shock mounts can use springs or o-rings instead of elastic bands. These suspensions are more durable than their plastic counterparts.
A Rycote Lyre shock mount is an example of a non-elastic band mount. These shock mounts are great for top address and shotgun microphones and are attached to boom poles for film production.
Attach the shock mount or clip to the stand. That allows it to remain in place while keeping the mic in an upright position. Lastly, place the microphone in the clip or place the thread inside of the shock mount.
Types of Microphone Stands
Before making a microphone stand, it is essential to know what types are out there. Here are the most common microphone stands that can be used:
Standard Stands
As its name suggests, standard microphone stands have a simple design that allows them to stand up straight. They come in two different forms: round base or tripod.
The round base has a dome-shaped or round base made of sturdy metal. On the other hand, the tripod has three legs that act as the base of the microphone.
Standard tripod stands are the most affordable stands in today’s market. They offer more stability, don’t flip over, and have adjustable heights.
However, the round base stands offer more stability. Singers tend to prefer this mic stand frequently. If you plan to use a microphone while standing, you should opt for a standard microphone stand.
Desk Stands
Desk stands are a more portable version of the standard mic stand. They can be attached to a desk and be used for podcasting. Many people who engage in streaming and podcasting tend to use desk stands.
The desk stand is increasing in popularity due to the ever-increasing number of live streamers and podcasters.
You’ll find desk stands more useful in tight spaces. Desk stands are easy to set up. Mount it on the table, and the stand will naturally blend with your design.
Studio Booms
Studio booms have designs that reach over the sound source of singers, orchestra, and drum kits. This microphone can reach up to 6 feet without using a boom. Thus, it allows for overhead sound capturing through the mic.
If you’re searching for a studio boom, check for its counterweight because this stand needs an appropriate counterbalance. Check this Buying guide to find out the 5 Best Boom Microphone Arm Stands.
Overhead Stands
Overhead stands are the most expensive and are the largest microphone stands. It allows users to position their mic at extreme heights and angles.
With this mic stand, you can place your mic at a high level while giving proper mic support.
Low Profile Stands
You’ll need a low-profile stand for kick drums and guitar cabs. They come with a shorter stand and boom arm.
Additionally, they have an adjustable height with a smaller range in comparison to the standard mic stand.
Why Should I Get a Microphone Stand?
High-quality audio will provide more entertainment options for your audience while creating a comfortable environment to work in. Whether you’re recording tutorials, videos, podcasts, or music recording, always place your audio first.
Don’t panic if you’re starting off and don’t have the funds to obtain a microphone stand.
If you’re a content creator and are stuck trying to make your content stand out, then consider getting a microphone stand.
Conclusion
Knowing how to make a microphone stand is necessary for a professional audio experience. Take your time through each step of the setup process to ensure that it’s installed correctly.
Once you’re done, you’ll create amazing audio content that will amaze your audience.
