How to Set Up a Microphone Stand
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Setting up a microphone stand means opening the base, setting the height, fitting the mic clip, and aiming the boom arm at the sound source. The stand holds the microphone steady while you sing, speak, or record. Work through the steps in order, from the base to the final check.
Open the base and set it down
Spread the tripod legs until they sit flat on the floor, then tighten the leg lock so the base does not shift. The GLEAM and CAHAYA stands list tripod bases, while the InnoGear lists a weighted round base and the Pyle lists a compact metal base. Set the base where the microphone will sit and leave room for the boom arm to swing.
Set the height of the stand
Loosen the height knob, raise the pole to the height you need, and tighten the knob until the pole does not slip. The GLEAM lists a height range of 21 to 69 inches, the CAHAYA 25.2 to 62.2 inches, the InnoGear 34 to 60 inches, and the Pyle 2.8 to 5 feet. Set the height before you fit the microphone, so the stand does not tip while you adjust it.
Fit the mic clip and the microphone
Screw the mic clip onto the thread at the top of the stand or the end of the boom arm. The GLEAM and CAHAYA stands list 2 mic clips and a 3/8 inch to 5/8 inch screw adapter, and the InnoGear lists a 3/8 inch to 5/8 inch screw adapter. Push the microphone into the clip until it sits firm, then check that the clip holds it without slipping.
Aim the boom arm
Loosen the boom knob, swing the arm to the angle you need, and tighten the knob. The GLEAM boom arm extends from 16 to 28.5 inches and rotates 360 degrees horizontally and 180 degrees vertically, and the CAHAYA boom arm extends from 16.9 to 30.1 inches and rotates 360 degrees. The InnoGear mic clip rotates 180 degrees for angle adjustment. Keep the arm over the base so the stand stays balanced.
Check the stand before you use it
Push the stand gently from the side and check that it does not tip or wobble. Tighten every knob again after the microphone is fitted, since the weight of the microphone changes the balance. The GLEAM stand is listed for microphones under 1 lb, so check your microphone against that limit. Coil any spare cable loosely around the pole or let it hang free.
What you need
GLEAM Microphone Stand for Light Microphone less
A tripod boom stand with a height range of 21 to 69 inches, a boom arm from 16 to 28.5 inches, 2 mic clips and a carrying bag.
- Boom arm
- Mic clip included
- Base: Tripod
- 2-year warranty stated
CAHAYA Mic Stand Floor Adjustable
A tripod boom stand with a height range of 25.2 to 62.2 inches, a boom arm from 16.9 to 30.1 inches, 2 mic clips and a carrying bag.
- Boom arm
- Mic clip included
- Base: Tripod
- 2-year warranty stated
InnoGear Mic Stand Microphone Stand Floor
A weighted-base boom stand with a height range of 34 to 60 inches, a 4.5 lb weighted round base, a 180-degree rotatable mic clip and cable management clips.
- Boom arm
- Mic clip included
- Base: Weighted Base
- 12-month warranty stated
Pyle Universal Microphone Stand
A pair of microphone stands with compact metal bases, height adjustable from 2.8 to 5 feet, each with a mount arm, a mic clip and a 5/8 inch thread.
- Mic clip included
- 1 year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Microphone Stand, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
How high should I set a microphone stand?
Set it so the microphone sits at mouth height when you stand or sit in your usual spot. The GLEAM lists 21 to 69 inches, the CAHAYA 25.2 to 62.2 inches, the InnoGear 34 to 60 inches, and the Pyle 2.8 to 5 feet.
Can I use the stand without the boom arm?
Yes. The GLEAM and CAHAYA stands let you detach the boom arm and fit the mic clip straight onto the pole, which turns the stand into a straight stand. The InnoGear stand also comes apart into three parts for travel.
What holds the microphone on the stand?
A mic clip screws onto the thread at the top of the stand or the end of the boom arm, and the microphone pushes into the clip. The GLEAM and CAHAYA stands include 2 mic clips, and the InnoGear stand includes a 3/8 inch to 5/8 inch screw adapter.
Ranked microphone stands lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.