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Title: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Justin Staszewski on May 22, 2013, 09:47:20 PM
Any one have a cheap reliable option?  I refuse to buy another dozen of the garbage On-Stage model.  Seems like every part breaks or strips in 2 months.  I usually try and track down a bunch used, but the markets seems a little dry right now and I need them quick.  I was looking at the Quik Lok A-300.  Anybody have an experience with them or a good recommendation?  I'm trying to pick up 6-7 of them and keep my budget down around $200.

Thanks!
Justin
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Michael Elphinstone on May 22, 2013, 10:01:12 PM
K&M. Do it properly, do it once.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Mike Caldwell on May 22, 2013, 10:37:54 PM
Cheap and Durable don't go together when talking about mic stands.....as well as a lot of other things.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Robert Piascik on May 22, 2013, 10:43:36 PM
Here's a thread that started only two weeks ago on this subject:

http://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/topic,143865.0/all.html
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Alec Spence on May 23, 2013, 10:22:30 AM
Here's a thread that started only two weeks ago on this subject:
http://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/topic,143865.0/all.html
Which pretty much tells you what any other thread will summarise - buy K&M!

What you spend now, you'll save in the future...
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Dave Bednarski on May 23, 2013, 10:32:59 AM
K&M. Do it properly, do it once.

Yes.  Learned that the hard way.  These seemed like a great deal at the time, http://www.amazon.com/On-Stage-Stands-Mic-Stand-Package/dp/B0002M3OUY - if you order them - be sure to put them on Amazon "Subscribe & Save" for monthly automatic delivery!   ;D
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Loren Aguey on May 24, 2013, 11:01:57 AM
K&M. Do it properly, do it once.

Yeah there's absolutely zero point in buying cheap stands and it ends up being more expensive and frustrating in the long run.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Doug Fowler on May 24, 2013, 02:49:13 PM
Yeah there's absolutely zero point in buying cheap stands and it ends up being more expensive and frustrating in the long run.

Absolutely.  As others have said, Atlas round bases and straights, K&M booms for professional use.  If I had my 'druthers' there would be at least one MS-20 big round base/straight for Elvis.

This is one of the best "buy once, cry once" situations to be found.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Doug Fowler on May 24, 2013, 02:50:46 PM
I made this a sticky topic.

Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: John Onsrud on May 26, 2013, 01:15:47 AM
K&M. Do it properly, do it once.

^^^^
This.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Kenny Deal on May 28, 2013, 09:00:59 AM
For the life of me I can't remember the name of the ones I have but they are the heavy base horseshoe stackable ones and i use k&m booms. Have had them for 10+ years and much abuse. I will not use those tripod stands.
I wanna say they are Ultimate stands but I can't remember.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: boburtz on May 28, 2013, 10:40:03 AM
For the life of me I can't remember the name of the ones I have but they are the heavy base horseshoe stackable ones and i use k&m booms. Have had them for 10+ years and much abuse. I will not use those tripod stands.
I wanna say they are Ultimate stands but I can't remember.
Probably Ultimate Stackers.
Atlas and K&M are making them now, too.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Lee Wright on May 29, 2013, 05:28:07 AM
Another nice thing about the K&M is that replacement parts are readily available.   I've had mine for more than 10 years & still going strong.   
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Sean Barry on May 31, 2013, 06:19:44 PM
I'm in the market for a few stands. I eyeballed the K&M site and they have 3 levels of stands, Baseline, Topline and Starline? I always thought "Top" was the best? The consensus here is K&W, rinse and repeat?
 Is there a difference between their lines quality, commensurate (that is the biggest word I have ever typed and my spell checker is suffering thermal over load) with pricing?
 Is there no company that competes with the "Baseline"?
Title: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Rob Spence on June 01, 2013, 12:49:26 AM
Ok, banjo center has DR stands. Not up to K&M but way better than the cheapies.
I have some tall tripods and a couple of shorts. For shorts I mostly use the ones from Audiopile.net.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Alec Spence on June 01, 2013, 12:28:35 PM
Forget all the lines & stuff,  for an extendable boom stand,  it's the K&M 210/9 stand all the way. Don't bother with their value line,  a as it's little better than all the rest.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Lance Richens on June 10, 2013, 11:54:18 PM
Forget all the lines & stuff,  for an extendable boom stand,  it's the K&M 210/9 stand all the way. Don't bother with their value line,  a as it's little better than all the rest.

I bought 6 K&M 210's from Mike Pyle & couldn't be happier with them.... B)
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: boburtz on June 11, 2013, 12:33:49 AM
Forget all the lines & stuff,  for an extendable boom stand,  it's the K&M 210/9 stand all the way. Don't bother with their value line,  a as it's little better than all the rest.
I have some older Atlas tall tripod extendable booms that I got in bulk quite a few years back ('04 ish?). Now the upright adjustments are sticky and inconsistent on all of them. I almost always get bitten when I'm taking them down after a show because they just won't go down, and I keep loosening them until  WHAM!, they slam right onto the web of my thumb/index finger. Arghh! Some day I will learn...
I also have the K&M 210/9's and they are as smooth as silk. They aren't quite as old, but they don't exhibit any signs of getting sticky or inconsistent. They just work amazingly well (in comparison to the Atlas, and in comparison to similar Guitar Center models I've encountered).
I will say, though, that recently they have changed the design of the 210/9 series. The finger bolts on the boom-telescope and the base-upright used to be a heavy duty, dense plastic wingnut style, and the boom pivot was a large, heavy, die-cast wingnut. Now the small adjustments are little round, plastic caps molded onto a threaded steel bolt, and the boom pivot is a barbell type. Frankly, I like the barbell design because it's easier to get it tight enough to hold a '58 at full boom extension, but the little round caps are not confidence inspiring. I anticipate the day when there are a bunch of little plastic caps in the bottom of the stands case, and we have to pull out the pliers in order to adjust the mic stands.
Time will tell.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Tim Weaver on June 11, 2013, 01:35:05 AM
Ok, banjo center has DR stands. Not up to K&M but way better than the cheapies.
I have some tall tripods and a couple of shorts. For shorts I mostly use the ones from Audiopile.net.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

The ONLY discount priced stand to consider is this one ^^^. The DR Pro tripod. Both tall and short. They are durable and about $60 each....
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Dan Richardson on June 13, 2013, 11:59:58 AM
The ONLY discount priced stand to consider is this one ^^^. The DR Pro tripod. Both tall and short. They are durable and about $60 each....

I have a DR Pro. Just got a Tama. The Tama is considerably more seriously constructed. It's heavy.

On the other hand, I just did a run of shows where the provider brought grey K&M Starlines. I'm in love.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Rick Earl on June 13, 2013, 12:07:10 PM
I have a DR Pro. Just got a Tama. The Tama is considerably more seriously constructed. It's heavy.

I have a 3 Tama stands, they will hold a heavy mic horizontal with no problems, built solid like a drum stand, best clutch design of any mic stand ever (IMHO). The two issues I have with them is the Euro thread and non-sectional boom.    I mainly use them for  overheads and  piano vocals.   The rest of my inventory is K&M
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Bob Charest on June 18, 2013, 09:53:02 PM
The ONLY discount priced stand to consider is this one ^^^. The DR Pro tripod. Both tall and short. They are durable and about $60 each....
Agreed. I was (am) surprised at the build quality for the price point. Durable for us with constant usage.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: ra byn taylor on July 10, 2013, 02:25:20 AM
Absolutely.  As others have said, Atlas round bases and straights, K&M booms for professional use.  If I had my 'druthers' there would be at least one MS-20 big round base/straight for Elvis.

This is one of the best "buy once, cry once" situations to be found.

I would agree with the Atlas recommendation until they shipped their manufacturing to Mexico. The last stands I purchased from Atlas were total crap. Some of the threads were jacked right out of the box. Ultimate Support makes some stands I've seen recently that seemed on par with the high end K&M. My one complaint with K&M is that eventually the threaded bushing slips. A while back I emailing K&M for a solution hoping there was some sort of compression tool I could buy but they suggested using a screw driver & hammer to re DING the factory compression notches :(
Not what I was going for.

At this point, I can fully recommend high end K&M. Old Atlas is great. New Atlas is garbage unless something has changed since my past purchase. Ultimate Support is worth looking into. They make some stackable straight stands that I like a lot. I've had some of my old Atlas stands for 20+ years. One downside is managing bases. I think my next straight stand purchased will be the stackable USS.

ra byn (robin)
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Dan Richardson on July 10, 2013, 10:01:07 AM
Ultimate Support is worth looking into. They make some stackable straight stands that I like a lot. I've had some of my old Atlas stands for 20+ years. One downside is managing bases. I think my next straight stand purchased will be the stackable USS.

I haven't tried their standard clutch stands lately, but the Ultimate one-hand clutch stacking stands are unrepairable. K&M make stacking one hand clutch stands that you can field repair without tools. Ultimate, in general, has headed in the same direction as everyone else. Race to the bottom.

My test case DR Pro boom arm tightening threads stripped out after a year. Unimpressed.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Mark G. Hinge on August 03, 2013, 01:25:17 PM
I gotta say I like the Hercules mic stands- they pivot at the bottom and no boom arm sticking out or joint there to go bad.  Hand clutch works well, too. 

I think they’re ~$70, but often can be found cheaper. I don’t see much of anything that can go wrong with them, and they angle enough that you can play your guitar/bass while singing. 
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Adam Cooke on August 18, 2013, 02:11:11 PM
I would agree with the Atlas recommendation until they shipped their manufacturing to Mexico. The last stands I purchased from Atlas were total crap. Some of the threads were jacked right out of the box. Ultimate Support makes some stands I've seen recently that seemed on par with the high end K&M. My one complaint with K&M is that eventually the threaded bushing slips. A while back I emailing K&M for a solution hoping there was some sort of compression tool I could buy but they suggested using a screw driver & hammer to re DING the factory compression notches :(
Not what I was going for.

ra byn (robin)


I "re DING" those threaded bushings on K&M stands with large bolt cutters, which works well once you get a feel for the pressure needed.


I get the impression that Atlas has been switching things around with their manufacturing lately. I've had some batches a while back that were not as well made, and some more recently that were much better. Their pricing has increased dramatically too, maybe because of fluctuating steel and fuel costs?
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Jason Glass on August 18, 2013, 03:46:16 PM

I "re DING" those threaded bushings on K&M stands with large bolt cutters, which works well once you get a feel for the pressure needed.


I get the impression that Atlas has been switching things around with their manufacturing lately. I've had some batches a while back that were not as well made, and some more recently that were much better. Their pricing has increased dramatically too, maybe because of fluctuating steel and fuel costs?

I usually place a couple of nails or 1/16" pins in the swages and squeeze them in a bench vise.  Works great.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Chris Matz on September 09, 2013, 10:30:36 AM
I have a bag full of the cheepo stands..been using them for a few years. I can not say i love them, But have not had a lot of serious failures other than singer with no brain stepping on the tripod legs with all his weight..he got a cast base after that. a couple have stripped out or broken plastic off the screws...easy solution Our ace hardware sells 1/4-20 thumb screws for under a quarter each. run through the hole with a tap and your good. a stand breaks once in a while but i have gotten 2 years out of most of mine...I do have a nice DR stand that somehow my helper has a really hard time finding in the bag..He NEVER grabs it! I will be buying good ones as i replace these cheepos as needed. they are low quality, but if a bit of care is used they can hold up well enough for what they cost. another point, a good stand is many times more likely to walk off during tear down than its cheep cousin.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Scott Wagner on September 12, 2013, 07:24:54 PM
I have a bag full of the cheepo stands..been using them for a few years. I can not say i love them, But have not had a lot of serious failures other than singer with no brain stepping on the tripod legs with all his weight..he got a cast base after that. a couple have stripped out or broken plastic off the screws...easy solution Our ace hardware sells 1/4-20 thumb screws for under a quarter each. run through the hole with a tap and your good. a stand breaks once in a while but i have gotten 2 years out of most of mine...I do have a nice DR stand that somehow my helper has a really hard time finding in the bag..He NEVER grabs it! I will be buying good ones as i replace these cheepos as needed. they are low quality, but if a bit of care is used they can hold up well enough for what they cost. another point, a good stand is many times more likely to walk off during tear down than its cheep cousin.
Getting two years (maximum) usage out of a stand that costs half of a real stand's cost is a bad investment.  The real stands will last a minimum of 10 years.  That is a five fold increase at twice the cost (ie: a bargain).  After 10 years, your cheap stands will cost 2.5 times what my real stands cost.  What do you get for your (2.5 times my) money?  Cheap stands.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Chris Matz on September 12, 2013, 07:52:19 PM
I think i only bought 2 of them..the rest were cast offs from another sound guy...and i have had them more than 2 years...and if the high $$ stands walk off when they are 3 mos old?  now that i have seen there are better options out there Ill probably pick up a few as needed, but My experence with them is not as bad as you guys talk about
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Scott Wagner on September 13, 2013, 12:59:33 AM
I think i only bought 2 of them..the rest were cast offs from another sound guy...and i have had them more than 2 years...and if the high $$ stands walk off when they are 3 mos old?  now that i have seen there are better options out there Ill probably pick up a few as needed, but My experence with them is not as bad as you guys talk about
The point is that you have to look beyond the purchase cost.  Instead, look at cost of ownership.  Those so called "cheap" stands start to look down-right expensive from that perspective.

I have some K&M and Atlas stands that are easily 20 years old - and still kicking.  Of course, anyone is welcome to spend their money on a pile of broken stands if that's what they really want.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: James Puckett on September 14, 2013, 04:58:17 PM
Any one have a cheap reliable option?  I refuse to buy another dozen of the garbage On-Stage model.  Seems like every part breaks or strips in 2 months.  I usually try and track down a bunch used, but the markets seems a little dry right now and I need them quick.  I was looking at the Quik Lok A-300.  Anybody have an experience with them or a good recommendation?  I'm trying to pick up 6-7 of them and keep my budget down around $200.

Thanks!
Justin

I have taken the advice of so many on here and bought all new K&M stands (thanks Mike Pyle...great pricing and fast delivery), good by On-Stage. Night and Day difference. Now I'm gonna build me one of those PVC pipe on a hand truck things to store and move them, guess I coulds spray paint it black.

james puckett
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Scott Moon on October 15, 2013, 01:29:58 PM
I work for Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA about a year ago the ministry team department decided to do do a shoot out the rest of the production departments on campus were already buying K&M but they were still stuck on the cost. Well they bought one team all new K&M and one team Onstage stands. With in a couple of months the Onstage stand were starting to break needless to say the department is now buying exclusively K&M. So buy K&M you will spend less in the long run and have great mic stands!!
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Dave Berry on November 24, 2013, 10:14:43 AM
A quick handy tip, relating to those age-old concerns about gear going walks during load-out - put a ring of that clear UV paint at the end of the boom arm / around the clutch, and arrange for someone you trust to have a UV flashlight at the exits...

Ran a venue for a number of years, saved me hundreds in missing hardware (and saved a fortune in reduced fees for those we caught trying!)
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Canute J. Chiverton on November 30, 2013, 04:35:09 PM
Any one have a cheap reliable option?  I refuse to buy another dozen of the garbage On-Stage model.  Seems like every part breaks or strips in 2 months.  I usually try and track down a bunch used, but the markets seems a little dry right now and I need them quick.  I was looking at the Quik Lok A-300.  Anybody have an experience with them or a good recommendation?  I'm trying to pick up 6-7 of them and keep my budget down around $200.

Thanks!
Justin
Has anyone ever tried one of these?  They look pretty cool.

http://www.galaxyaudio.com/standformer.php
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: g'bye, Dick Rees on November 30, 2013, 04:44:28 PM
Has anyone ever tried one of these?  They look pretty cool.

http://www.galaxyaudio.com/standformer.php

More lightweight stuff.  And you can't repair them with off-the-shelf parts from the hardware store like you can with the heavier-duty K&M stuff.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Scott Wagner on December 01, 2013, 10:31:39 AM
More lightweight stuff.  And you can't repair them with off-the-shelf parts from the hardware store like you can with the heavier-duty K&M stuff.
The simple fact is that, in the not-very-long run, the K&M stands are MUCH cheaper to own than any of the alternatives.  Add in the fact that they're built like tanks (and are repairable), and I can't imagine even THINKING of buying anything else.  K&M tripods and boom, and Atlas round-based stands - end of discussion.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Ross Macafee on December 03, 2013, 06:13:40 PM
I have a DR Pro. Just got a Tama. The Tama is considerably more seriously constructed. It's heavy.

On the other hand, I just did a run of shows where the provider brought grey K&M Starlines. I'm in love.

Its important to note the Tama stands (at least the ones I have) have that stupid small british sized screw for the clips.  They adapters don't seem to stick well on the stand so they're always coming off & getting stuck in the clips.  Sounds like a minor grip, but the frustration definitely builds show after show...

That being said, I agree with nearly everyone on here so far. Go K&M / DR or go home!

Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Jason Glass on December 03, 2013, 06:22:50 PM
Its important to note the Tama stands (at least the ones I have) have that stupid small british sized screw for the clips.  They adapters don't seem to stick well on the stand so they're always coming off & getting stuck in the clips.  Sounds like a minor grip, but the frustration definitely builds show after show...

That being said, I agree with nearly everyone on here so far. Go K&M / DR or go home!

Hi Ross,

Loctite 263.  They're not kidding when they say "permanent".  Two drops and you'll never have that problem again.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#91458A610 (http://www.mcmaster.com/#91458A610)

Just don't let it get on the 5/8-27 clip thread unless you have a totally indestructible clip!
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Paul Stallion on December 08, 2013, 01:19:50 PM
I'm not understanding why people are putting K&M above DR stands.  I use both regularly and I would say there's no way K&M could stand up to DR in parts, quality, and design.  In fact, aside from losing a couple small tightening screws, I've had ZERO failure of my DR stands in regular to heavy use since 2005 with my event services company.  For some of our staffed venues we have house K&M stands which feel lighter but solid, yet some have started to fall apart after about a year of regular use.  There is a flaw in the design to the basic K&M tall boom at the threaded section which attaches the boom arm, it can loosen up and wear out to the point it spins or falls out completely. And I'm talking the $80 K&M booms - pretty straight ahead (at Sweetwater: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/KM21020BK/)

You are best off with DR in that price range, unless there's some company I don't know about that offers something comparable.  Also, I concur with Ross about the Tama mic stands.  Fairly decent quality but a huge flaw in mic clip thread size.  You constantly need to have adaptors, it's a pain.

Paul

Any one have a cheap reliable option?  I refuse to buy another dozen of the garbage On-Stage model.  Seems like every part breaks or strips in 2 months.  I usually try and track down a bunch used, but the markets seems a little dry right now and I need them quick.  I was looking at the Quik Lok A-300.  Anybody have an experience with them or a good recommendation?  I'm trying to pick up 6-7 of them and keep my budget down around $200.

Thanks!
Justin
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Alec Spence on December 10, 2013, 04:43:49 PM
Its important to note the Tama stands (at least the ones I have) have that stupid small british sized screw for the clips.
Er, is that the stupid small *international* sized screw used by pretty much every country in the world except the US, who use the global standard 5/8" one...?  Always interesting to see life from the other side!

That being said, I agree with nearly everyone on here so far. Go K&M / DR or go home!
+1
There are at least some *universally* agreed truths!
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Paul Tollini on December 22, 2013, 08:55:51 PM
Its important to note the Tama stands (at least the ones I have) have that stupid small british sized screw for the clips.  They adapters don't seem to stick well on the stand so they're always coming off & getting stuck in the clips.  Sounds like a minor grip, but the frustration definitely builds show after show...

That being said, I agree with nearly everyone on here so far. Go K&M / DR or go home!
I inherited several  Tama stands, they are well made, you can use "locktite" to keep the adapters in place.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Thomas Le on December 30, 2013, 04:20:39 PM
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/770263-REG/On_Stage_56985_MS9701TB_Heavy_Duty_Tele_Boom_Mic.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/770263-REG/On_Stage_56985_MS9701TB_Heavy_Duty_Tele_Boom_Mic.html)

Is this worth considering? Build looks similar to K&M but K&M have the shaft grip as plastic whereas the On-Stage is metal.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Mike Tinsley on January 30, 2014, 12:34:27 PM
Any one have a cheap reliable option?  I refuse to buy another dozen of the garbage On-Stage model.  Seems like every part breaks or strips in 2 months.  I usually try and track down a bunch used, but the markets seems a little dry right now and I need them quick.  I was looking at the Quik Lok A-300.  Anybody have an experience with them or a good recommendation?  I'm trying to pick up 6-7 of them and keep my budget down around $200.

Thanks!
Justin

Onstage makes decent stand bags...
Guitar Center DR Pro. Metal base- solid construction.
used them for years. Have a new backup but haven't
had to drag it out. PS keep eye on hormone lead vocalists
as they tend to want to stand on the leg like it's a monitor.
GC sometimes run sales on them for 40.00.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Randall Cook on February 28, 2014, 12:13:52 AM
Anyone have experience with these: RCI Starlite International U2002 super duty stands are 269.99 + 25.99 shipping.
Seems ridiculously expensive. 
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Canute J. Chiverton on April 07, 2014, 01:19:03 AM
Has anyone tried these for Durability  Hercules Stands MS401B Transformer Tilt Base Microphone Stand? I went and checked them out at GC but have not purchased any as yet. I am thinking of getting one for Karaoke since the singers are different heights. Right now I use an Ultimate Stand with a 6" Mini Boom from On Stage.
Here is the Link to the Hercules Stand. The Base Tilts and swivels. There is also a Height Adjustment Hand Grip.
http://www.herculesstands.com/mics/MS401B.html#
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: George Dougherty on April 07, 2014, 11:40:33 AM
Has anyone tried these for Durability  Hercules Stands MS401B Transformer Tilt Base Microphone Stand? I went and checked them out at GC but have not purchased any as yet. I am thinking of getting one for Karaoke since the singers are different heights. Right now I use an Ultimate Stand with a 6" Mini Boom from On Stage.
Here is the Link to the Hercules Stand. The Base Tilts and swivels. There is also a Height Adjustment Hand Grip.
http://www.herculesstands.com/mics/MS401B.html#
I had a set of 3 and was impressed with them.  I've been told that the clutch can fail, but never had problems in a year or two of service.  I ended up giving them away to a non-profit group since I was liking the Tama stands better and already had a batch of them.  For my use, I prefer boom stands over the angled stand, though it does work fine for guitarists.

I love the Tama stands except for a few small gripes.  Superglue fixed the adapter issue.  I'd already had to do that for the audix drum clips I love and have a small herd of.  There is a plastic bushing around the boom where it slides through that pops and binds against the boom making it harder to slide and rotate.  It's also minor, and Tama's aren't the only ones, but the booms aren't threaded to the vertical shaft.  It only becomes a problem when I really need just a straight stand.  Other stands I could just unthread the boom and have a tripod base straight stand.

Get the black ones because the chrome ones I have are great till the chrome scratches and starts to flake.  A storage or transport option that doesn't just throw them all in together is a good idea.  They still look okay though, and 5 years on they're all working great. 
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Canute J. Chiverton on April 07, 2014, 03:12:17 PM
Here is another one but I was told that the parts may not be easily found. This one Telescopes outward and then collapses within itself.  Look at the .Gif to see.
http://www.galaxyaudio.com/standformer.php
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: jasonfinnigan on April 17, 2014, 01:54:37 PM
I wouldn't buy anything besides K&M and they are pretty darn cheap. OnStage stuff is junk and isn't going to hold up unless it's for a practice space or other permanent situation. Pickup up 1 of each and just feel the weight difference!
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Richard Turner on April 23, 2014, 08:58:09 PM
Has anyone tried these for Durability  Hercules Stands MS401B Transformer Tilt Base Microphone Stand? I went and checked them out at GC but have not purchased any as yet. I am thinking of getting one for Karaoke since the singers are different heights. Right now I use an Ultimate Stand with a 6" Mini Boom from On Stage.
Here is the Link to the Hercules Stand. The Base Tilts and swivels. There is also a Height Adjustment Hand Grip.
http://www.herculesstands.com/mics/MS401B.html#

Had 3 of them at a venue for general use, open mics, kareoke, They worked ok enough but apparently were too cool as 2 went missing within a month so the other one swiftly got painted with nepn spray paint and is still in use a couple years later, some ppl like it some would prefer a standard boom.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Mark McFarlane on May 01, 2014, 01:28:03 AM
Here is another one but I was told that the parts may not be easily found. This one Telescopes outward and then collapses within itself.  Look at the .Gif to see.
http://www.galaxyaudio.com/standformer.php


I've used 6 of those for abut a dozen gigs.

The 'stops' that prevent the tubes from coming apart fell off on two of them already.  I like the design very much, especially the short (2m) ones, they pack up very compactly and adapt very easily from someone sitting to someone standing, while still looking very good  because the vertical  section of the mic stand is in 2 pieces, so they can grow from a short stand to a tall stand.  One downside of the design is the boom angle is limited to about 45 degrees, you can't go 'more vertical' than that unless the boom is fully extended, otherwise the 'back side' of the boom hits the vertical pole.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: claude cascioli on May 16, 2014, 11:03:48 AM
Any one have a cheap reliable option?  I refuse to buy another dozen of the garbage On-Stage model.  Seems like every part breaks or strips in 2 months.  I usually try and track down a bunch used, but the markets seems a little dry right now and I need them quick.  I was looking at the Quik Lok A-300.  Anybody have an experience with them or a good recommendation?  I'm trying to pick up 6-7 of them and keep my budget down around $200.

Thanks!
Justin
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: John Roll on September 18, 2014, 12:32:55 PM
K&M. Do it properly, do it once.
Which K&M would you recommend for overheads?
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: George Dougherty on September 18, 2014, 01:12:58 PM
Which K&M would you recommend for overheads?

I don't have a recommendation, but I will say as a general reply I've seen some k&m that are either a lower grade budget line or cheap k&m branded knockoffs that don't seem more substantial than the crappy onstage ones. They could very well be more durable with a higher grade metal on the moving parts, but the stands themselves seemed of similar metal quality.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Pete Bansen on September 30, 2014, 10:19:05 PM
Which K&M would you recommend for overheads?

John, the 21021 is an extra tall, heavy duty stand that's ideal for overheads.

Pete
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Al Rubio, Jr on October 04, 2014, 06:07:34 AM
Anybody have any experience with these Ultimate Tour T-T boom stands?
http://www.ultimatesupport.com/product/Tour-T-T
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: George Dougherty on October 05, 2014, 10:35:31 AM
Anybody have any experience with these Ultimate Tour T-T boom stands?
http://www.ultimatesupport.com/product/Tour-T-T

Sweetwater reviews would support the buy K&M conclusion.  I'm in the Tama and DR Pro stands are good quality as well camp.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Al Rubio, Jr on November 06, 2014, 03:24:37 PM
Anybody have any experience with these Ultimate Tour T-T boom stands?
http://www.ultimatesupport.com/product/Tour-T-T
Well, I went ahead and decided to satiate my curiosity directly and ordered one.  Very disappointing.  The stand never set up perfectly vertical; parts weren't fit precisely; legs would wobble around in the "folded and stored" position; and right out of the box, the locking knob on the base was broken (see pic).  If the thing couldn't survive shipment from the store IN THE BOX, what's gonna happen in the rough & tumble of the real world?
Looks like I'm sticking with my beyer/K&M branded booms... even though I've been experiencing stripped out thumbscrews lately (something that didn't used to happen).
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Dan Richardson on November 07, 2014, 10:36:15 AM
Well, I went ahead and decided to satiate my curiosity directly and ordered one.  Very disappointing.

My experience with Ultimate has been dismal for several years. They used to be good.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Mike Pyle on November 12, 2014, 12:43:11 PM
If anything DOES go wrong with your K&M stands it is worth contacting them about it, as they will try to make it right. I talked to them recently after a customer mentioned having the threaded mic adaptor loosen and spin in the boom. The distributor said that they were aware of some stands that were not swaged correctly in production and were replacing them.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Al Rubio, Jr on November 13, 2014, 02:26:40 AM
If anything DOES go wrong with your K&M stands it is worth contacting them about it, as they will try to make it right.

Been there, done that.  Their reply was to send me price quotes on the necessary replacement parts... at prices that would result in a larger expense than just buying the necessary # of entire new booms at the best prices I can find online.  Ah well.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Mike Caldwell on November 13, 2014, 10:47:46 AM
If anything DOES go wrong with your K&M stands it is worth contacting them about it, as they will try to make it right. I talked to them recently after a customer mentioned having the threaded mic adaptor loosen and spin in the boom. The distributor said that they were aware of some stands that were not swaged correctly in production and were replacing them.

I had some that did not spin but got a little loose wobble to them. I found the best thing to re-swage them with was a big bolt cutter I have. Clamp one handle of the bolt cutter in a vise, set the jaws of the bolt cutter on the marks of the original swage and then give it a gentle nudge when closing the bolt cutter. Clamping the bolt cutter in a vise makes it easy to line things up and hold steady.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Scott Holtzman on November 30, 2014, 09:20:57 PM
The most acceptable $50.00 stand I have found is the On Stage 9700 series.  They have three models, a telescoping boom, standard boom and sans boom.

They have some real weight to them,  some type of pneumatic damping on retraction, a metal cast base and a nice oversize lock nut.

Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Frederik Rosenkjær on January 20, 2015, 05:03:19 AM
My experience has always been the same that is echoed throughout this thread.

There seems to be two options for mic stands:
1. It says K&M on them
or
2. They're complete and utter crap.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Tim McCulloch on February 01, 2015, 12:31:46 PM
My experience has always been the same that is echoed throughout this thread.

There seems to be two options for mic stands:
1. It says K&M on them
or
2. They're complete and utter crap.

In absolute agreement about K&M booms and tripod stands.  Round base stands?  I'm still in the Atlas camp but the other posts about the quality dropping are reflective of my most recent experience.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: John L Nobile on February 01, 2015, 12:39:41 PM
I've never tried these but they look interesting.

http://www.triad-orbit.com/

Any one had any experience with these?
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Scott Holtzman on February 01, 2015, 02:41:40 PM
I've never tried these but they look interesting.

http://www.triad-orbit.com/

Any one had any experience with these?

No but the certainly are not cheap, inexpensive or even value priced.  $400 for a stand and boom   :-\
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: John L Nobile on February 01, 2015, 11:18:28 PM
Didn't know they were that expensive.
For that kind of money they better set themselves up.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Tim McCulloch on February 02, 2015, 01:35:41 PM
Didn't know they were that expensive.
For that kind of money they better set themselves up.

They should unload the truck, too.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Chris (CJ) Gardineer on March 15, 2015, 01:38:09 AM
Any one have a cheap reliable option?  I refuse to buy another dozen of the garbage On-Stage model.  Seems like every part breaks or strips in 2 months.  I usually try and track down a bunch used, but the markets seems a little dry right now and I need them quick.  I was looking at the Quik Lok A-300.  Anybody have an experience with them or a good recommendation?  I'm trying to pick up 6-7 of them and keep my budget down around $200.

Thanks!
Justin
Guitar center sells a brand called DR Pro that are decent for the money. They don't  hold up like k&m or atlas but if you arent mistreating them they are great. A huge step above musicians gear or on stage stands.
Title: Posting Rules
Post by: Mac Kerr on March 15, 2015, 10:31:38 AM
Guitar center sells a brand called DR Pro that are decent for the money.

Please go to your profile and change the "Name" field to your real first and last name as required by the posting rules displayed in the header at the top of the section, and in the Site Rules and Suggestions (http://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/board,36.0.html) in the Forum Announcements section, and on the registration page when you registered.

Mac
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Clint Miller on March 30, 2015, 09:48:02 PM
Well, I've earned the cheap dummy award around here for sure.  I used onstage stands for several years.  To say I baby my equipment is the understatement of the century; just ask my head sound tech!  I looked for better stands, and ordered Gator stands.  They seem nice, but you really have to tighten them to get the booms to stay put.  I'm guessing that it is only a matter of time before they strip out.  So I broke down and ordered K&M (KM21090) stands. I wish I'd have done so a long time ago.  They're rock solid and I'm confident they'll last a long time... They cost a lot, but there's not much more embarrassing than having to replace stands during a show because they won't stay in place, or the dang knob falls off and a singer can't adjust it in the middle of a song.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Nate Armstrong on March 31, 2015, 09:18:26 AM
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/km-tripod-microphone-stand-with-boom-arm

$35

this is advertised as a K&M stand,  when you get it , it doesnt say K&M on the stand it's self but is stamped
"Made in Germany", I have 8 of them and they ( so far ) have been great.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Pete Bansen on April 06, 2015, 02:42:27 PM
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/km-tripod-microphone-stand-with-boom-arm
$35
this is advertised as a K&M stand,  when you get it , it doesnt say K&M on the stand it's self but is stamped
"Made in Germany"

Interesting!  I just ordered a couple to audition.  Looks like the "Baseline" 21070, but that's a very good price for it.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Tom Roche on April 06, 2015, 04:45:40 PM
Interesting!  I just ordered a couple to audition.  Looks like the "Baseline" 21070, but that's a very good price for it.
I would be interested to get your thoughts on these stands after you've had a chance to use them.  I wonder if they're as good as or better than the DR stands that GC sells for about $75 each.  I find it somewhat odd that there are no reviews on MF.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Pete Bansen on April 07, 2015, 11:20:20 AM
I would be interested to get your thoughts on these stands after you've had a chance to use them.  I wonder if they're as good as or better than the DR stands that GC sells for about $75 each.  I find it somewhat odd that there are no reviews on MF.

I'll make sure to post that, Tom.  I usually buy the K&M 210/6 stands (Topline with non-telescoping boom) for a little over $60 each. 

Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Mike Monte on May 30, 2015, 08:23:04 AM
I'll make sure to post that, Tom.  I usually buy the K&M 210/6 stands (Topline with non-telescoping boom) for a little over $60 each.

I just purchased (shipment was delivered yesterday) six K&M 210/9 stands.  Mike Pyle had the best price I could find - $20.00 less per unit than all of the usual sources - Thanks Mike. 
These stands are rock solid (with a a good clutch system using leather(?) washers) and a huge step-up from what I have been using.
These should last for years!

Mike M

Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Tim Weaver on May 30, 2015, 03:42:59 PM
K&M or DR Pro

Thats all you need to know about mic stands
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Scott Wagner on June 07, 2015, 09:59:18 PM
I fixed it for you.
K&M, Atlas, or DR Pro

Thats all you need to know about mic stands
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: George Dougherty on June 07, 2015, 10:16:59 PM
I fixed it for you.
And don't buy the cheapie models from Atlas or K&M.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Scott Wagner on June 07, 2015, 10:21:31 PM
And don't buy the cheapie models from Atlas or K&M.
Exactly. You can buy one $80 K&M, or you can buy 10 (or more) $35 cheapies to do the same job. Which do you think is cheaper?
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Dan Richardson on June 14, 2015, 09:10:35 AM
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/km-tripod-microphone-stand-with-boom-arm

$35

this is advertised as a K&M stand,  when you get it , it doesnt say K&M on the stand it's self but is stamped
"Made in Germany", I have 8 of them and they ( so far ) have been great.

I got four of those this week. I'm impressed, for the price. Good steel, cast base, the legs attach with a bolt and are therefore serviceable. Standard thread. I'd say the week point is the stand clutch. Plastic threads on the collar are going to crap out on the metal threads of the tube.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Gerry Seymour on July 02, 2015, 03:18:19 PM
K&M or DR Pro

Thats all you need to know about mic stands

Does that hold for folding stands, as well? I'm looking to pick up a pair of folding stands, preferably something that collapses to less than 30" long. Don't need booms, and don't mind them, either. Just need folding stands. I know K&M has some that look solid enough.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Tim Weaver on July 03, 2015, 09:28:44 AM
Its especially true for folding stands
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: RyanWilliams on October 03, 2015, 01:40:11 PM
Any one have a cheap reliable option?  I refuse to buy another dozen of the garbage On-Stage model.  Seems like every part breaks or strips in 2 months.  I usually try and track down a bunch used, but the markets seems a little dry right now and I need them quick.  I was looking at the Quik Lok A-300.  Anybody have an experience with them or a good recommendation?  I'm trying to pick up 6-7 of them and keep my budget down around $200.

Thanks!
Justin

K&M.  Buy them once and forget it.  They're worth it.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Jonathan Johnson on March 23, 2016, 03:32:13 PM
If you must use a gooseneck adapter on a microphone stand, the only ones I've found to be tolerable are made by Atlas.

All the others I've seen make horrible noises when touched or won't hold a microphone up.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Pete Bansen on May 06, 2016, 11:37:05 AM
Anyone tried the Tama "Iron Works" line of mic stands?

http://www.tamamicstands.com/products/iron_works_studio/index.html (http://www.tamamicstands.com/products/iron_works_studio/index.html)

Most of my stands are K&M, but I have a few Atlas cast base stands that I use sometimes and this design for attaching the post to the base looks much better than the typical fine-thread socket in the base.  You can remove the base for transport and not worry too much about some knucklehead cross-threading the thing when it's reassembled.  The boom tilt assembly looks impressive, also.

I have a few Tama stands and they're very solid.  These look like they would be even better, if kinda heavy.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Alec Spence on May 07, 2016, 09:02:20 PM
Anyone tried the Tama "Iron Works" line of mic stands?

http://www.tamamicstands.com/products/iron_works_studio/index.html (http://www.tamamicstands.com/products/iron_works_studio/index.html)
Aren't the iron components likely to rust...?
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Pete Bansen on May 09, 2016, 11:08:16 AM
Aren't the iron components likely to rust...?

I expect that they're painted or powder-coated just as the steel parts are and would be no more likely to rust that any other quality stands.  The Tama stands that I have are the old-school chrome-plated type, but they are great, heavy-duty stands, equal to K&M in durability.  Might have to try to find a vendor for the Tamas and give them a try.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: George Dougherty on May 13, 2016, 10:57:48 AM
I expect that they're painted or powder-coated just as the steel parts are and would be no more likely to rust that any other quality stands.  The Tama stands that I have are the old-school chrome-plated type, but they are great, heavy-duty stands, equal to K&M in durability.  Might have to try to find a vendor for the Tamas and give them a try.
I like the look of the folding tripod stands.  Wish they'd done a stackable design for the cast bases and there's a reason some performers like a round base.  There are movements that a tripod base would make a little more awkward.

UPDATE:  They may be durable, but by no means would I consider them "cheap" or even affordable for most.  For a larger batch of live use stands, the $60-80 is a better fit in my range.  These look to be more of a studio oriented stand, hence the "studio" in their name.  For live, I'll take their other stands.  Some of mine are now ~10yrs old with nothing other than scraped chrome to show for wear.  Booms still hold tight, all the parts are nice and straight.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1211158-REG/tama_iron_works_studio_ms756bk.html
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Joseph D. Macry on May 17, 2016, 03:57:33 PM
I used to run sound for a cover band (using their gear) that did a lot of '90s "anger rock" (think Rage Against The Machine et al). The singer was good, but had two annoying habits: (1) standing on the monitor wedge (pushing the grill into the cone), and (2) banging the mic stand (straight stand with round weighted base) on the stage while holding the mic in the other hand.

The look on his face as he's pounding the stand on the stage, and the threads break, the base just thumps down and he's left holding the pole. Sorry, no spares in the trailer. You're holding the mic for the rest of the show.

I tried to convince them to buy $50 Atlas MS-12's instead of the $20 cheapo stands. They just couldn't get the idea of a "high end" stand. It was like saying "high end pencil" to them.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Pete Bansen on May 17, 2016, 04:18:05 PM
I like the look of the folding tripod stands.  Wish they'd done a stackable design for the cast bases and there's a reason some performers like a round base.  There are movements that a tripod base would make a little more awkward.

UPDATE:  They may be durable, but by no means would I consider them "cheap" or even affordable for most.  For a larger batch of live use stands, the $60-80 is a better fit in my range.  These look to be more of a studio oriented stand, hence the "studio" in their name.  For live, I'll take their other stands.  Some of mine are now ~10yrs old with nothing other than scraped chrome to show for wear.  Booms still hold tight, all the parts are nice and straight.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1211158-REG/tama_iron_works_studio_ms756bk.html

Here's the "tour" version, which is a good bit more reasonable than the "studio" offering:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1211163-REG/tama_iron_works_tour_ms456bk.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1211163-REG/tama_iron_works_tour_ms456bk.html)
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: jesseweiss on August 12, 2016, 11:08:29 AM
Recently bought a set of 4 K&M's and will never look back.  The difference from $20 stands, or honestly even $50 stands from a big box store is night and day. All the cheapos are now just extras, and I'm looking at getting a few more K&M for drum overheads.

It's twice the price for 10x the quality and durability.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Stan Shields on September 30, 2016, 10:34:20 AM
The K&M stands are the way to go, however, if you absolutely MUST buy cheap stands there are some sold on Fleabay labeled "Epic". Telescoping boom, lightweight, uses same thread thumbscrews as K&M so they're replaceable, these are the best of the cheeps. You can put 6 of these in the onstage micstand bag and actually pick it up ;)
http://r.ebay.com/rakb7i
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Paul Tollini on October 02, 2016, 10:09:07 PM
Here's the "tour" version, which is a good bit more reasonable than the "studio" offering:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1211163-REG/tama_iron_works_tour_ms456bk.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1211163-REG/tama_iron_works_tour_ms456bk.html)

I've got both the standard chrome Tama stands and the newer "Iron Works". The standard ones are excellent quality, there isn't any need to go to the iron works other than the black finish. They are heavier than the standard as well.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Dan Richardson on October 03, 2016, 09:11:32 AM
I've got both the standard chrome Tama stands and the newer "Iron Works". The standard ones are excellent quality,

Have you noticed that thing where the plastic bit under the extension set screw on the boom arm gets out of alignment?
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Simon Jordan on October 29, 2016, 11:54:47 AM
Absolutely. K&M are well worth paying extra for - just like so many audio products originating from Germany, the quality is so much better.

Simon Jordan
Pianist for Hire - http://pianistwedding.co.uk/

Recently bought a set of 4 K&M's and will never look back.  The difference from $20 stands, or honestly even $50 stands from a big box store is night and day. All the cheapos are now just extras, and I'm looking at getting a few more K&M for drum overheads.

It's twice the price for 10x the quality and durability.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: George Dougherty on October 30, 2016, 07:48:21 PM
Have you noticed that thing where the plastic bit under the extension set screw on the boom arm gets out of alignment?
Yes, the only thing I don't like about the Tama stands.  It only seems to make it slightly difficult to slide the boom shorter or longer though and the rest of the stand is built like a tank compared to most others I've ever used, even K&M.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Scott Holtzman on October 31, 2016, 02:09:44 AM
Yes, the only thing I don't like about the Tama stands.  It only seems to make it slightly difficult to slide the boom shorter or longer though and the rest of the stand is built like a tank compared to most others I've ever used, even K&M.

I also want to retract my previous recommendation of the On Stage high end stands.  The counterweights on the boom come off, the clutches are starting to show age.

I have been acquiring 4-6 K&M's a month until that's all I have.  There are products that the whole is greater than the sum.  It's not one thing, they are like fine watches,  everything feels just right.



Title: Posting Rules
Post by: Mac Kerr on November 24, 2016, 10:15:19 AM
Absolutely. K&M are well worth paying extra for - just like so many audio products originating from Germany, the quality is so much better.

Please go to your profile and change the "Name" field to your real first and last name as required by the posting rules displayed in the header at the top of the section, and in the Site Rules and Suggestions (http://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/board,36.0.html) in the Forum Announcements section, and on the registration page when you registered.

Mac
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Thomas Le on March 08, 2017, 04:54:07 PM
My church is taking a gamble on the On Stage MS9701B+ for their choral mics when the K&M rebranded AKG stands started to lose the boom screws, so far it works and feels rugged.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Mal Brown on March 19, 2017, 12:34:03 PM
I've been buying K&M off Amazon at $40 per boom stand.  Solid not telescoping boom.  They seem fine.  Also just picked up a K&M overhead stand at $120 which seems pretty nic.  Easier to move/pack than the Atlas monsters I've been using.  Will b sure to have the boom in line with a leg at full extension or a tube of sand on the opposite leg...
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Mike Goodreau on April 14, 2017, 02:55:26 PM
I am a longtime K & M user but there is actually a new On Stage MS9701 that is a pretty good alternate to 21090 K & M.  Had them for 6 months and fine so far. Time will tell!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: George Dougherty on April 19, 2017, 11:43:43 PM
I am a longtime K & M user but there is actually a new On Stage MS9701 that is a pretty good alternate to 21090 K & M.  Had them for 6 months and fine so far. Time will tell!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

At $50, I'd still rather have a K&M or Tama MS205 for the marginally higher price point.  Like many others though I'm biased against anything carrying the OnStage brand.  I'd also not call $50 a "cheap" mic stand even if it is decent.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Dan Richardson on April 25, 2017, 03:05:38 PM
At $50, I'd still rather have a K&M or Tama MS205 for the marginally higher price point.  Like many others though I'm biased against anything carrying the OnStage brand.  I'd also not call $50 a "cheap" mic stand even if it is decent.

They're $35. Definitely cheap. Definitely decent.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: John Chiara on April 25, 2017, 04:44:09 PM
They're $35. Definitely cheap. Definitely decent.
I'm not finding that price.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: brian maddox on April 25, 2017, 06:24:59 PM
I'm not finding that price.

MS9701TB+ (http://www.guitarcenter.com/On-Stage-Stands/MS9701TB-Platinum-Series-Tele-Boom-Mic-Stand-1274115029351.gc?cntry=us&source=4WWRWXGP&gclid=CLi3s4XSwNMCFdhMDQod05YKlA&kwid=productads-adid%5E78244844802-device%5Ec-plaid%5E142912479621-sku%5E1274115029351@ADL4GC-adType%5EPLA)
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Dan Richardson on April 25, 2017, 07:33:31 PM
MS9701TB+ (http://www.guitarcenter.com/On-Stage-Stands/MS9701TB-Platinum-Series-Tele-Boom-Mic-Stand-1274115029351.gc?cntry=us&source=4WWRWXGP&gclid=CLi3s4XSwNMCFdhMDQod05YKlA&kwid=productads-adid%5E78244844802-device%5Ec-plaid%5E142912479621-sku%5E1274115029351@ADL4GC-adType%5EPLA)

and that's the telescoping one. No GC near here, unfortunately. I bought the non-telescoping from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052TGJOU/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Mal Brown on August 06, 2018, 11:37:39 AM
Just ordered 4 of those to see how well they measure up to my K&M’s.  A couple of my older K&M’s are not aging as well as I would have hoped for...
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Mike Butler (media) on August 21, 2018, 12:07:56 AM
I always found Atlas stands to be pretty close to indestructible.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: John Lackner on December 07, 2019, 01:15:57 AM
The most acceptable $50.00 stand I have found is the On Stage 9700 series.  They have three models, a telescoping boom, standard boom and sans boom.

They have some real weight to them,  some type of pneumatic damping on retraction, a metal cast base and a nice oversize lock nut.
I have had some 9700 series stands and they are a good choice. They also have a counerbalance on the arm. But the lower level OSS stands are junk.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Steve Garris on December 08, 2019, 08:05:57 PM
Does anyone know why this K&M boom is not for sale in the US?

https://www.k-m.de/en/products/mic-stands/booms/211-boom-arm-black/21100-300-55?c=180
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Geert Friedhof on December 08, 2019, 08:15:06 PM
Does anyone know why this K&M boom is not for sale in the US?

https://www.k-m.de/en/products/mic-stands/booms/211-boom-arm-black/21100-300-55?c=180
Maybe they don't want those cheap durable mic stand customers... ;)

k&m aint cheap, but very reliable. I think the boom is a spare part, about $20-25.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Thomas Le on January 18, 2022, 04:55:39 PM
My church is taking a gamble on the On Stage MS9701B+ for their choral mics when the K&M rebranded AKG stands started to lose the boom screws, so far it works and feels rugged.

So an update to my post; the leg housing knob is not tightening anymore, essentially the shaft is touching the floor. Not really a dealbreaker for me but is for others.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Doug Fowler on July 18, 2022, 06:51:31 PM
I always found Atlas stands to be pretty close to indestructible.

Atlas is good for everything except the boom clutches.  Unless something has changed they will fail fairly quickly.

Gotta love MS20 round base setups. 

There is a reason K&M is found is just about every large/medium operator mic stand trunk. 
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Tim McCulloch on July 18, 2022, 09:06:42 PM
Atlas is good for everything except the boom clutches.  Unless something has changed they will fail fairly quickly.

Gotta love MS20 round base setups. 

There is a reason K&M is found is just about every large/medium operator mic stand trunk.

Atlas MS12 with a KM 211/1 boom.  Industry standard.  MS20 for keyboard or drum vox where the boom will be at full extension.  Those were the days...

Nurse will be along with my meds soon... ;)
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Doug Fowler on July 18, 2022, 09:11:08 PM
Atlas MS12 with a KM 211/1 boom.  Industry standard.  MS20 for keyboard or drum vox where the boom will be at full extension.  Those were the days...

Nurse will be along with my meds soon... ;)

I define the extra ass the MS20 brings as “headroom”…
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Mike Butler (media) on July 20, 2022, 02:11:10 PM
Cheap ≠ durable. It's an oxymoron.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Tim McCulloch on July 21, 2022, 09:58:35 AM
Cheap ≠ durable. It's an oxymoron.

The prodigal returns after a 4 year vacation!  Welcome back, Mike!
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Nick Andrews on August 02, 2022, 07:50:36 AM
Check out the samson BT4 boom stand , really heavy duty stand.

I own a large inventory of k&m 210/9 and they are all failing at the crimp where the threaded insert is installed. When I brought this issue to light to K&M they pointed me to a parts book and distributor where I could buy replacements that were back ordered and not available, and will probably fail the same way. Never again
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Corey Scogin on August 02, 2022, 12:24:35 PM
I own a large inventory of k&m 210/9 and they are all failing at the crimp where the threaded insert is installed. When I brought this issue to light to K&M they pointed me to a parts book and distributor where I could buy replacements that were back ordered and not available, and will probably fail the same way. Never again

I had this issue on a few stands purchased ~2018 I think. The crimp machine missed the slot on the insert leading to a weak connection. I haven't purchased more stands since. Is this still an issue with newer K&M 210/9s?
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Nick Andrews on August 02, 2022, 04:09:23 PM
I had this issue on a few stands purchased ~2018 I think. The crimp machine missed the slot on the insert leading to a weak connection. I haven't purchased more stands since. Is this still an issue with newer K&M 210/9s?

Yes exactly! I've had to epoxy , and attempt to recrimp on approx 40 stands. Not fun !,  and yes 210/9 stands

This also has caused the threads to strip as well inside the boom arm receptacle. What happens is , because the threaded insert is loose due to the poor crimp , you can't always tell if the boom arm is tightened all the way, then when you transport them the threads take a hit and bam , stripped. Sometimes you can fix it by removing the black circle collar on the thread which makes it go deeper inside the receptacle.... not always though.

Like I said never again, issue is , what is better ? Gotta be something,  and hopefully whatever company  it is has better customer service than k&m , very disappointing.

Nick
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Rob Spence on August 06, 2022, 10:24:13 PM
I have a few K&M. Like them. My workhouse stands are D&R. So far so good. The lesser stands get used on festivals where I need em all.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Thomas Le on August 10, 2022, 03:37:26 PM
Today I learned that Atlas makes tripod stands, specifically the AtlasIED TB3664. Its heavy but looks like it can take a beating like the on stage MS9701B+. Only caveat other than it being heavy and expensive is that they use plastic knobs for the teleboom lol.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: frank kayser on August 15, 2022, 04:07:52 PM
I had this issue on a few stands purchased ~2018 I think. The crimp machine missed the slot on the insert leading to a weak connection. I haven't purchased more stands since. Is this still an issue with newer K&M 210/9s?


The crimps are a marginal way to attach.  With mine, I drill 1/8" hole through the tubing and through the "plug".  Tap an expansion pin in, grind flat.  Never a worry ever again.  Tight, non rattle. Plug is soft and quite easily drilled.  About 5 min/stand effort.  Reversible, if needed.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Brook Hovland on November 24, 2022, 02:46:33 PM
In 2020, I needed to add 25 boom tripods to our rental inventory. K&M was out of stock in the US.
I ordered "the Best" stands that On Stage had.  MS9701TB+ HVY DUTY TRIPOD .
The stands have pleasantly surprised me, they are very heavy and the hardware has held up pretty well.
K&M is the way to go if available but when not available or cost too much for the budget, I would go for the On Stage stands again. Just don't get the cheap ones.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Thomas Le on November 24, 2022, 03:38:06 PM
In 2020, I needed to add 25 boom tripods to our rental inventory. K&M was out of stock in the US.
I ordered "the Best" stands that On Stage had.  MS9701TB+ HVY DUTY TRIPOD .
The stands have pleasantly surprised me, they are very heavy and the hardware has held up pretty well.
K&M is the way to go if available but when not available or cost too much for the budget, I would go for the On Stage stands again. Just don't get the cheap ones.
The all metal on stage stands are pretty decent but the bottom tripod part will eventually give out, the bottom lug will come undone which leaves the bottom part shaft freely movable/spin-able. All 4 that I bought have this issue, but the boom arm part is still holding up.
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Bryant Chaffin on May 19, 2023, 11:12:48 AM
I purchased some Gravity https://www.gravitystands.com/en/ (https://www.gravitystands.com/en/) brand stands, both boom and straight, direct from Thomann Music after reading some reviews and doing a little research earlier this year.   I think Gravity is part of the Adam Hall group, and they are starting to show up in some US distributors now (Musician's Friend, B&H Photo, among others), but the price I got them from Thomann was significantly better than anything I have seen.  Long term durability is yet to be seen, but the build quality and features seem to be great for the price and far better than my other inexpensive stands.   At about 1/2 the price of K&M at the time I purchased, I figured it was worth the risk.   So far, so good.  Anyone else tried them yet?   

The bright green O-rings are sortof their thing, but they came with black O-rings to replace them and I did, as marking them for quick identification isn't something we really need and I prefer them more understated in appearance. 
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Brook Hovland on May 22, 2023, 09:47:43 AM
I purchased some Gravity https://www.gravitystands.com/en/ (https://www.gravitystands.com/en/) brand stands, both boom and straight, direct from Thomann Music after reading some reviews and doing a little research earlier this year.   I think Gravity is part of the Adam Hall group, and they are starting to show up in some US distributors now (Musician's Friend, B&H Photo, among others), but the price I got them from Thomann was significantly better than anything I have seen.  Long term durability is yet to be seen, but the build quality and features seem to be great for the price and far better than my other inexpensive stands.   At about 1/2 the price of K&M at the time I purchased, I figured it was worth the risk.   So far, so good.  Anyone else tried them yet?   

The bright green O-rings are sortof their thing, but they came with black O-rings to replace them and I did, as marking them for quick identification isn't something we really need and I prefer them more understated in appearance.

I tried Gravity stands out on a recommendation from our rep. Pretty good quality for the money but I got tired of looking at the stage and seeing all the boom arms drifting down. I needed the exercise but...
Title: Re: Cheap durable mic stands
Post by: Bryant Chaffin on May 22, 2023, 12:18:31 PM
I tried Gravity stands out on a recommendation from our rep. Pretty good quality for the money but I got tired of looking at the stage and seeing all the boom arms drifting down. I needed the exercise but...
Hate to hear that.   We haven't had any issues yet running e935's with the arms drifting.