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Title: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Curtis McGill on February 04, 2013, 06:36:52 PM
What are some recommendations for boom microphone stands? We have gone through many cheap ones with our church plant and I am tired of them breaking. I guess you can call it a lesson learned the hard way.

I've been looking at something like the K&M 210/9. Am I headed in the right direction? Is there anything else I need to be looking at?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: g'bye, Dick Rees on February 04, 2013, 06:43:07 PM
What are some recommendations for boom microphone stands?

I've been looking at something like the K&M 210/9. Am I headed in the right direction?

Thanks!

Yes, you're headed in the right direction.  I would also recommend that you get or build a decent mic stand case to keep them spiffy.  Sections of the lighter duty PVC pipe built into a plywood box with casters on the bottom will let you handle them without throwing them all together in a bag.  They'll stay good looking longer, won't catch on each other and bend the clutch levers or screw adjusters.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Frederik Rosenkjær on February 04, 2013, 06:50:12 PM
In my experience there's K&M mic stands and then there's absolute crap. I have heard tales about a few other makers of mic stands that are ok, but I have yet to see them for myself. I know of nothing in between. No spectrum between K&M and shite.

And I'm not a dealer of any kind of stands.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: David Parker on February 04, 2013, 07:06:58 PM
What are some recommendations for boom microphone stands? We have gone through many cheap ones with our church plant and I am tired of them breaking. I guess you can call it a lesson learned the hard way.

I've been looking at something like the K&M 210/9. Am I headed in the right direction? Is there anything else I need to be looking at?

Thanks!
http://s926.photobucket.com/albums/ad106/brodave2/mic%20stand%20case/
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: David Parker on February 04, 2013, 07:10:20 PM
Yes, you're headed in the right direction.  I would also recommend that you get or build a decent mic stand case to keep them spiffy.  Sections of the lighter duty PVC pipe built into a plywood box with casters on the bottom will let you handle them without throwing them all together in a bag.  They'll stay good looking longer, won't catch on each other and bend the clutch levers or screw adjusters.
http://www.audiopile.net/products/Cases/M_Series_Mic_Cases/MC-770/MC-770_cutsheet.shtml
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Steve Milner on February 04, 2013, 07:17:13 PM
The 210/9 is a great stand... I know a guy who also has a number of stands with the same boom (two section telescoping) on the model 199 tripod base, which is also telescoping. These make for great in-between stands (they still go to full height obviously) when a full size is too big, but the super low stands are too short. They fold down really small too for transport... which is pretty groovy.



 
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: g'bye, Dick Rees on February 04, 2013, 07:17:50 PM
http://www.audiopile.net/products/Cases/M_Series_Mic_Cases/MC-770/MC-770_cutsheet.shtml

Thanks, David.  That's the link I was looking for.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Tim McCulloch on February 04, 2013, 07:47:56 PM
Atlas round base stands; K-M booms and tripod base stands.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Peter A Viehoever on February 04, 2013, 08:37:38 PM
I've been looking at something like the K&M 210/9. Am I headed in the right direction? Is there anything else I need to be looking at?

Thanks!

They seem lovely and durable though sometimes a round base is handy if stage space is an issue.

This gun case, though it draws odd looks sometimes, will hold 4 collapsed K&M 210 stands in padded comfort:

http://www.sportco.com/store/pc/Doskosport-Double-Scoped-Rifle-Shotgun-Case-790p43766.htm (http://www.sportco.com/store/pc/Doskosport-Double-Scoped-Rifle-Shotgun-Case-790p43766.htm)

depending on your storage and hauling needs.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Doug Fowler on February 04, 2013, 09:05:28 PM
Atlas round base stands; K-M booms and tripod base stands.

What Tim said.  I don't recall _ever_ seeing anything other than KM booms in a pro system, except for Beyer for some period of time. 

The Beyer pieces were made by KM IIRC (or not ;-).

Here is yet another example of "buy once, cry once".   

Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Kirby Yarbrough on February 04, 2013, 09:59:12 PM
Atlas round base stands
MS20E for tall stands, DMS10E or DMS7E for shorter stands with K&M booms
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Geoff Doane on February 05, 2013, 08:25:50 AM
Ah, mic stands.  A topic near and dear to my heart.  ;D

The first time I saw K+M booms up close, I knew I wanted to own them, rather than the Atlas booms I'd used up to that point.

The 210/9 is a good choice for general use.  I find the legs to be longer than necessary in most situations, so I've shortened most of mine by 3 inches.  You can buy the 201/2 stand that already has short legs, but it isn't available as a combo with the 211/1 boom.  The only application that I've run across that really needs the long legs and non-telescopic booms is drum overheads (and even then, it doesn't absolutely need it), so a pair of 210/2 combos might be a good addition to the kit.

For short stands, the 259 is the obvious choice.  The 259/1 is a bit lower, and has fewer moving parts, making it appropriate for kick drums, but not much else.

The 199 seems like a good idea (one stand that can do it all), but it didn't work out well for me.  The ones I've used are the older style with the collet-style clutch, rather than the thumbscrews.  I found that as I tightened one section, the other one loosened, and the whole thing would spin with the slightest provocation.  The very thin top section also seemed to sway more easily in use. 

And I'll second the usefulness of some short, round base with 211/1 booms, especially around the drum kit.  Atlas did get that part right.  They just don't travel well.  :(

GTD
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Scott Wagner on February 05, 2013, 09:51:18 AM
I see it everyday - people buy OnStage or Ultimate mic stands.  At half the price they seem to be a good deal.  The reality is that you'll be lucky to get a year of use out of these before they destroy themselves (who's bright idea was it to put steel screws into aluminum threads?).  The K&M booms (and Altas round bases) will last for ten years or more (and parts are available if they don't).  I have some over 20 years old still in service.  So, at twice the price they last ten+ times longer.  Just on the financial front, this is a no-brainer.  Buy the K&Ms (and Atlas roundies).  You'll save money in the not-very-long run.  Not only are these the "right" product, they are the cheapest, too.
Title: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Brian Larson on February 05, 2013, 10:43:58 AM
Everyone will hate me for this but...

I've had really good luck with the DRPro stands they sell at GC. Something like $40 or less if you wait for a sale. I bought ten of them like three years ago and I haven't had a failure yet using them almost every weekend.

The K&M stands I've used have been nice but I really don't like the sliding clutch that tightens the boom. The DRs have a nicer (IMO) fixed clutch that feels better in a sweaty hand. Does K&M offer a different type?

Plus the replacement parts are "free" (take your pick from the pile of cannibalized floor models at GC. I've gotten a lot of backup tightening knobs this way.)
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: TJ (Tom) Cornish on February 05, 2013, 10:48:51 AM
Everyone will hate me for this but...

I've had really good luck with the DRPro stands they sell at GC. Something like $40 or less if you wait for a sale. I bought ten of them like three years ago and I haven't had a failure yet using them almost every weekend.

The K&M stands I've used have been nice but I really don't like the sliding clutch that tightens the boom. The DRs have a nicer (IMO) fixed clutch that feels better in a sweaty hand. Does K&M offer a different type?

Plus the replacement parts are "free" (take your pick from the pile of cannibalized floor models at GC. I've gotten a lot of backup tightening knobs this way.)
Are you advocating stealing from GC as a viable way to keep your gear running?
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Roland Clarke on February 05, 2013, 10:50:19 AM
What Tim said.  I don't recall _ever_ seeing anything other than KM booms in a pro system, except for Beyer for some period of time. 

The Beyer pieces were made by KM IIRC (or not ;-).

Here is yet another example of "buy once, cry once".

Yet another vote for K&M.  I've used ones that have taken a beating for 30 years and still just about work.  Other makes can be all over the place within a year.

As mentioned above, decent cases and a workbox with a few spares will keep you happy for years.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Mark McFarlane on February 05, 2013, 01:30:48 PM
I can't say how these will hold up, but I really like the boom design of the Lazer (Taiwan) mic stands http://www.chosen-fat.com/product_detail.asp?nowpage=2&cat=22&cat2=44&pid=237

Look at Area C in the blow up to see the mechanism.

I bought 8 of them in 3 different heights 'in a hurry' for a gig last year.  My only choice was between these or cheap $20 stands, I paid $50 in Bahrain, which is Island prices, so they'd probably sell for $25-30 in the USA if they were available there.. 

The 'unique' design feature is the the boom arm can be pushed down into the top tube so you have a straight mic stand.  Very easy to adjust, very clean looking on stage, but musicians always need some help because they've never seen anything like it.

I don't think these stands are roadworthy but I give them an A for conceptual design. My usage is fairly light duty, ask me in 10 years f they are all still working, I've only used them on half a dozen gigs this past year. 

Maybe someone else makes a similar design?
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Steve Milner on February 05, 2013, 02:02:47 PM
Plus the replacement parts are "free" (take your pick from the pile of cannibalized floor models at GC. I've gotten a lot of backup tightening knobs this way.)

 I never worked at a big box music store, but when I worked at a mom & pop shop back in high school... people that did this shit were the WORST!! The amount of assholes who would come in and steal knobs, faders off of gear, screws and bolts off of hardware... just blew me away.
 
 I honestly had more respect for the kids that would occasionally come in, ask to demo an efx pedal and then leg it out the door once your back was turned... at least there was some entertainment in chasing them down the street and dragging them back to the store while they pleaded with us not to call their parents.  :D
Most of those kids learned a valuable lesson when they tried that trick, the owner always game them a second chance, and never called the cops or parents unless they did it again... a few of them even ended up working at the shop and becoming great employees.

 We always called the cops on the ADULTS that stole form us... even the knobs and fader caps. I don't shop at guitar center if I can avoid it, and don't support their big box model on the whole... but stealing from them ain't cool man. If you need parts... order them.

 
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Alec Spence on February 05, 2013, 08:23:52 PM
Just like the others, it's K&M 210/9 all the way for full-size stands.  I too have thrown away money on "bargains", some of which have barely lasted the first week, and most of which gave way before too long.

It's with short stands that there is more worthy competition.  In the UK, one of the local webstore ownbrands Pulse do a great short stand (http://cpc.farnell.com/pulse/pls00042/short-microphone-stand-with-boom/dp/ST01602) that appears to hold up well at a bargain price.

Also, even better than round based stands, I always loved the Samson MB1 (http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/accessories/microphone-stands/mb1/) - the benefits of a round cast base, matched with the benefits of a tripod design.  Fantastic and compact for micing up kick & backline - can fit in anywhere.  The design flaw appears to be where the stand screws in the (decently heavy) base - both of ours have broken there, presumably as the metal is too thin.  Shame, otherwise I'd buy more of these like a shot.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: David Kaiser on February 06, 2013, 06:34:06 AM
I have had good success with the Ultimate MC40B microphone stand. I had 12 of them go through an Iowa farmland basement  flood two years ago and have not had any problem with them at all. And I absolutely love the design. I use them at nearly full extension with SDC mics on them and have had no trouble in over 6 or more years. They get used approximately 3 times a year for three days at a time. They are about $40 each.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Greg_Cameron on February 06, 2013, 12:39:39 PM
The Beyer pieces were made by KM IIRC (or not ;-).

The AKG stands were also K&M. I don't get any thing else but K&M for boom stands. Not to swerve to far OT, but I'm a bit surprised after all these years that stand manufacturers haven't worked on producing/designing stands that are less resonant. On louder stages, it seems that most mic stands actually contribute to ringing and feedback since they transmit stage energy or just ring all by themselves. Seems like a good potential market to tap as well. There must be a better way!
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Scott Wagner on February 06, 2013, 12:40:47 PM
I have had good success with the Ultimate MC40B microphone stand. I had 12 of them go through an Iowa farmland basement  flood two years ago and have not had any problem with them at all. And I absolutely love the design. I use them at nearly full extension with SDC mics on them and have had no trouble in over 6 or more years. They get used approximately 3 times a year for three days at a time. They are about $40 each.
It's difficult to give a recommendation on quality with only 54 show days over 6 years.  I easily do 2-3x that in one year.  Stick to the K&M/Atlas (especially since everyone but one have recommended them).
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: g'bye, Dick Rees on February 06, 2013, 12:47:32 PM
The AKG stands were also K&M. I don't get any thing else but K&M for boom stands. Not to swerve to far OT, but I'm a bit surprised after all these years that stand manufacturers haven't worked on producing/designing stands that are less resonant. On louder stages, it seems that most mic stands actually contribute to ringing and feedback since they transmit stage energy or just ring all by themselves. Seems like a good potential market to tap as well. There must be a better way!

Well, I believe that's what shock mounts are for...... ;D

Seriously, I still have an original AKG mic stand I first bought for use back in the early 1970's.  It's been used, abused, thrown around and battered for 40 years.  I'll replace the washers in the boom clutch and tighten up the hex nuts on the three legs and it'll be ready for another season.
Title: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Brian Larson on February 06, 2013, 02:47:22 PM
I'm not advocating pulling knobs off of new stands, just the ones that are already broken sitting in a pile in the back of the store. They're going to toss them anyway, why shouldn't I grab parts off of them?
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: g'bye, Dick Rees on February 06, 2013, 02:49:23 PM
I'm not advocating pulling knobs off of new stands, just the ones that are already broken sitting in a pile in the back of the store. They're going to toss them anyway, why shouldn't I grab parts off of them?

Because you didn't ask permission???  Pardon me if you did.....

Around here you have to ask permission to dumpster dive.  Otherwise, you're busted.

Edit:

A set of taps will let you use parts from your local hardware store if you don't want to order parts from Full Compass.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Steve Milner on February 06, 2013, 03:07:23 PM
Plus the replacement parts are "free" (take your pick from the pile of cannibalized floor models at GC. I've gotten a lot of backup tightening knobs this way.)

 I don't see at all how your above post was suggesting anything other then stealing parts from their Floor Model stock. I've never known a music store to keep floor models in a dumpster, out back in the parking lot or anywhere else that would would suggest that they are available too you free of charge.

 The reason that Guitar Center & other stores have "cannibalized" floor models, is because of people like YOU who come in and STEAL parts. Just because you weren't the first guy, doesn't mean it's cool.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Tim Perry on February 06, 2013, 06:39:38 PM
>quietly raises hand: 

I wish to bring you your attention http://www.herculesstands.com/mics/micstands.html

I bought one for kick and have been thrilled with its durability and functionality.


Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Jonathan Johnson on February 07, 2013, 12:00:42 AM
I haven't found a boom I've really been happy with, but then again I haven't tried K&M. As for the round base stands, Atlas is definitely the best I've found. And if you must use a dreaded gooseneck, get Atlas. That's the only brand of gooseneck I've found that doesn't sound like a goose.

One of my chief complaints with the folding and boom stands that I have tried is that the thumbscrews scratch the paint. Seems like it wouldn't be THAT hard for the manufacturers to put a hard plastic insert into tip of the thumbscrew (but that might cost an extra $0.02). The second complaint is that the threaded stud (that screws into the mic clip) comes loose from the tube it's attached to, making it difficult to securely attach and subsequently detach the mic clip. Look for a stand with a threaded tube, rather than an insert.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Brandon Wright on February 07, 2013, 12:12:19 AM
The second complaint is that the threaded stud (that screws into the mic clip) comes loose from the tube it's attached to, making it difficult to securely attach and subsequently detach the mic clip. Look for a stand with a threaded tube, rather than an insert.

When the K&M's do fail, this is how they do it. Although, it seems to take several hard years of use for this to happen. Not too hard to fix, though. I just drill a hole through the tube and insert and drive in a roll pin.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Steven Leonard on February 07, 2013, 10:27:16 PM
What are some recommendations for boom microphone stands? We have gone through many cheap ones with our church plant and I am tired of them breaking. I guess you can call it a lesson learned the hard way.

I've been looking at something like the K&M 210/9. Am I headed in the right direction? Is there anything else I need to be looking at?

Thanks!

Atlas round base stands and Atlas or K&M booms. I really like the ones with the counterweights (Atlas PB11xe & PB21xe). Yes these are heavy, but durable and perfect for long extended applications (Over guitar pedals and Overhead mics).

The stands are not cheap but will last for years. Whenever I need parts Atlas is always great about getting them to me ASAP and for cheap.

Use what the pros use. ATLAS round base all the way!!!! Please no tripods! Tacky!
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Dan Richardson on February 11, 2013, 01:29:39 PM
>quietly raises hand: 

I wish to bring you your attention http://www.herculesstands.com/mics/micstands.html

I bought one for kick and have been thrilled with its durability and functionality.

I have some of their full height tripods. They're very light, and yet sturdy. The one-handed height adjustment is OK. Gets stuck sometimes. Better than the Ultimate version, not as good as the K&M version.

I'm fairly pleased with them, except that the booms use their quick release thing to fasten to the tripod, and it's not up to the task. You can pull them right off.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Dan Richardson on February 11, 2013, 01:33:17 PM
the ones that are already broken sitting in a pile in the back of the store.

There's a recommendation of I've ever heard one.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Kent Thompson on February 12, 2013, 02:40:28 AM
I have a couple of beyers that I got back in the early 80s. Just used them tonight...
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: John Halliburton on February 12, 2013, 09:11:51 AM
Atlas round base stands; K-M booms and tripod base stands.

I'm still amazed this thread has this many pages and over 1000 looks, even after this reply by Tim.

There is no debate, after these two, all else is crap of varying degrees.

John
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Stefan Maerz on February 12, 2013, 12:03:58 PM
Is 5" PVC big enough for the stand holder? I feel like 4" is too small.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: frank kayser on February 14, 2013, 10:03:39 PM
I'll throw a curve in here - Tama stands (of drum fame)
The boom-pivot clutch is the best design I've seen.

K&M make two levels of stands - one with a square holder of the boom, and one with that part round.  The square version is about on par with the On Stage stuff.

Their "standard" stands (round boom holder) are worth every penny.
Atlas - I like the round base, and their booms.  Most have a real counterweight.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: George Dougherty on February 15, 2013, 03:48:23 PM
>quietly raises hand: 

I wish to bring you your attention http://www.herculesstands.com/mics/micstands.html

I bought one for kick and have been thrilled with its durability and functionality.
I gave away a trio of the fold out leaning tripod designs that I really liked.  They went to a worthy cause, but I still wish I had them.  Nice and heavy and very well built.

I'll second the DR Pro's from GC.  I have 3 that are going on 10 years old and still hold up well.

I'll throw a curve in here - Tama stands (of drum fame)
The boom-pivot clutch is the best design I've seen.
They're all chrome, but Tama's MS205's are also one of my favorites.  All steel, nice and solid, barely a plastic piece on them except for the part that tightens against the boom arm to keep it from spinning or sliding in the pivot.

K&M is hard to go wrong with, and the list above is all stuff that doesn't come cheap and isn't lightweight crap.  That's really what it comes down to.  Solid stands take metal to build.  Metal costs money in materials and machining.  Use lighter gauge tubes with plastic parts and you'll always end up with a disposable stand that won't hold up to pro use.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: frank kayser on February 15, 2013, 05:38:03 PM

They're all chrome, but Tama's MS205's are also one of my favorites.  All steel, nice and solid, barely a plastic piece on them except for the part that tightens against the boom arm to keep it from spinning or sliding in the pivot.

I have more than one black Tama stand in the collection... 
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Mark Gensman on February 15, 2013, 07:13:02 PM
Another vote for K & M...if you get their heavy duty stands. I have some light duty K & M tripods with plastic leg connectors that are crap and won't hold up a drunk woman..Don't ask.

I also am a fan of the DR Pro stands. Very heavy duty and in some cases better than the K & M because of the leg cushions.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: George Dougherty on February 16, 2013, 12:34:14 AM
I have more than one black Tama stand in the collection...
Nice to know. The local store I got them from only ever stocked the chrome variants.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: George Friedman-Jimenez on February 16, 2013, 01:06:51 AM
...K&M make two levels of stands - one with a square holder of the boom, and one with that part round.  The square version is about on par with the On Stage stuff.

Their "standard" stands (round boom holder) are worth every penny.
Would you mind sharing the model numbers of the stands you are referring to? There are a lot more than 2 different levels of stands, and the booms models are separate from the floor stand models.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: John Halliburton on February 16, 2013, 09:13:21 AM
I have a couple of beyers that I got back in the early 80s. Just used them tonight...

I believe the Beyers, K&M, and AKG all come out of the same factory in Germany.  I have some that are almost as old, but as with anything in this biz, how often things get used affects lifespan.

As others have mentioned, there are two ranges of quality in the K&M line, and I was only referring to their premium stands with the die cast metal tripod base thingy that the legs bolt onto.

Best regards,

John
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Scott Wagner on February 16, 2013, 09:27:26 AM
Would you mind sharing the model numbers of the stands you are referring to? There are a lot more than 2 different levels of stands, and the booms models are separate from the floor stand models.
The K&M 210/9 and 259 are my go to tripod booms.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Kent Thompson on February 16, 2013, 04:43:14 PM
I believe the Beyers, K&M, and AKG all come out of the same factory in Germany.  I have some that are almost as old, but as with anything in this biz, how often things get used affects lifespan.

As others have mentioned, there are two ranges of quality in the K&M line, and I was only referring to their premium stands with the die cast metal tripod base thingy that the legs bolt onto.

Best regards,

John
True. Mine obviously don't get as much use as some people's do.

I mentioned it as way of saying buying good stands can last significantly longer than the cheap ones.
One other difference I can extend a boom on mine to full length and it will not tip while these cheap onstage ones take a nose dive almost every time.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: Pete Bansen on February 17, 2013, 11:44:04 AM
There is no debate, after these two, all else is crap of varying degrees.

John

That's true.  The exception that I've found to the "Atlas round base and K&M tripods and booms are the only ones worth owning" rule are Tama, which are hard to find in black, but well worth the effort, in my experience.
Title: Re: Microphone stand recommendations
Post by: frank kayser on February 18, 2013, 11:19:29 PM
Would you mind sharing the model numbers of the stands you are referring to? There are a lot more than 2 different levels of stands, and the booms models are separate from the floor stand models.
I don't have quick access to my stands...
But judging visually only from the K&M website, booms alone:
the 211 and 211/1 seem to be the original design -
the 211/2 and 211/3 look like the second-tier type of boom - specs say they're lighter, and use a wing nut vs a T-bar locking screw.

The baseline stand 199 matches my "lesser stands" - I assume it is their entry level stand - the leg connection cone is plastic - the better ones are of metal (cast zinc?)