Choosing table stands and microphone stands

Table and floor microphones are gradually being replaced by lavalier sound amplification devices, but this is not always convenient. Therefore, manufacturers still offer a wide range of desktop microphone holders. The main advantage of such models is the ability to install them in a room with a small area - for example, at home.

The devices are actively used by representatives of various professions - for example, bloggers, tutors, musicians, radio presenters, etc. One of the advantages of a tabletop model over a lavalier model is the sound quality. The first type of microphone stand provides a fixed microphone and therefore better sound quality. In addition, table microphones are simply irreplaceable at various press conferences, where there is usually a large number of people.

Like the floor-standing models, there are several types of desktop microphone stands.

• Straight racks are the most versatile. They can have one or more legs. In this case, the legs themselves can be stationary or folding. Some of them have a retractable tripod for height adjustment. The stand for such models can be in the form of a monolithic "pancake" or in the form of a folding tripod. Less common are models with two or four legs, which can also be adjusted. The straight model is very stable and can be installed even on imperfectly flat surfaces. When folded, the stand takes up minimal space and is easy to carry.

• "Crane". This type of microphone stand can also be placed on a table, but unlike a straight holder, in addition to an extendable telescopic boom, it has an arm with an adjustable length and angle of inclination. These types of stands are often used at various musical events.

• For multiple microphones. These stands allow the simultaneous use of one, two or more microphones. They are simply irreplaceable at events where there can be several speakers at the same time - radio broadcasts, press conferences, etc.

• Pantograph. The fixing of this stand is designed in such a way that it can be fixed directly on the table top. This type is best suited for studio use.

• "Gooseneck"... The stand got its name because of some design features - its stand is a flexible hose that can take any convenient shape. Such stands can often be seen at various seminars, speeches and other public events.

• "Spider". This type of holder is specially designed for condenser microphones, which are particularly sensitive. Outwardly, the rack bears some resemblance to this insect. It is designed as a suspension ring with a shock absorber. Inside the ring is directly the microphone holding device - the microphone holder.To reduce the level of vibration and isolate from external noise, the holder is pasted over with a thin layer of foam rubber.

• Clothespin with side attachment... If there is very little space on the table or you need a guarantee that the rack is stationary, you can take a closer look at the holders that are screwed directly to the table top.

When choosing a tabletop microphone stand, we recommend that you pay special attention to the following points.

• Manufacturing material. The most reliable are those with metal brackets. However, plastic is lighter, it is more convenient to take such a holder with you if necessary. There are also stands on sale with a silicone holder - it does not allow the microphone to slip out.
• The ability to change the height, length of the additional rod (for pantographs) and the angle of inclination. This feature can be very useful in some cases.
• The presence of mounting brackets to be able to install additional accessories. For example, a holder for headphones or for an additional microphone. You can also buy windproof microphone holders if you wish.
• The quality of the fasteners - the operation of the sound device and the quality of its sound depend on their reliability. Therefore, you should not buy the cheapest model. It is better to look for a model in the middle price segment.
• Before deciding on the purchase of a microphone stand, you should pay attention to what maximum load it can withstand. Provided that the stand will hold one small microphone, you can choose a design weighing 600-800 g. If it is supposed that the stand will hold a professional microphone or several audio devices, or you often use headphones, then it is better to choose a more massive model.
• If possible, check the rack in operation. The holder must securely fix the sound amplification device, preventing vibration during operation.

For those who are looking for a high-quality model of a microphone holder at an affordable price, you should pay attention to Fujimi. The company's production is located in China and Hong Kong, but the products have a reputation for being reliable and inexpensive. As an example, we can recommend the rack model FJUMB-001... It is suitable for almost all types of microphones, has a variety of settings, weighs 700 g and can withstand a load equal to its weight. The kit includes the holder itself, a metal base and a bracket.

Blast firm appeared on the market relatively recently, so it still attracts buyers with low prices. Model BAM-101 on a round gooseneck stand comes complete with a microphone and a windscreen.

The range of the company includes an interesting model of a microphone stand G-03B. The crane model is interesting in that it is equipped with two holders for a microphone and a smartphone at once, has a backlight and a sliding bar, which allows, if necessary, to put it not only on the table, but also on the floor.

Metal spider stand from the brand XINGYI STAR belongs to the middle price category. The set includes a pop filter, a tripod for an audio device, a holder for wind protection, shock-absorbing hardware and a microphone.

Aluminum rack MicStand 950M from the GreenBean brand also has a relatively low price.It is equipped with a clamp that allows it to be attached to a worktop up to 50 mm thick. The mounting device allows you to tilt the microphone at an angle of 20-160 degrees, while allowing it to remain in a fixed position. The stand comes with two cables with XLR connectors, 3.7 m and 0.4 m long. The tripod can be extended to a height of 0.95 m. The structure weighs about 1.5 kg.

More expensive models include a stand from Audix brand (USA)... The design has a female XLR connector specifically for connecting a microphone, which can be controlled using a button located on the stand body.

See below for an overview of desktop microphone stands.