Although having a decent microphone is one of the most important tools for a quality podcast, you will also need to consider the placement of your microphone.
It will need to be in a good position in front of your mouth to capture your voice so you need to consider how your microphone will be held.
Using your hand will soon become tiresome and means that you can’t use your hands for other purposes, such as checking notes or making them.
You will also find that your hand won’t remain steady ad even during a long recording session, resulting in an uneven sound.
This is where microphone stands can save your podcast. Some of the most popular and common gear used by podcasters are table microphone stands as these are easy to set up and all you need is a flat surface,
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at table microphone stands.
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OnStage DS7200B Adjustable Desktop Microphone Stand
This microphone stand from OnStage has a basic design and that is reflected in the low price.
It features a six-inch round base that has a weight of two pounds and the stand is very easy to assemble. The bottom of the base has non-slip grips to keep it in place and protect your desk.
You can adjust the height of the stand from 9 inches to 13 inches, giving you some options when it comes to positioning. You have the choice of two different finishes for this stand as it comes in both black and chrome.
Gator Frameworks Weighted Base Microphone Stand With Soft Grip Twist
You have several different options with this microphone stand when it comes to the base, but they all allow you to adjust both the height and the angle of your microphone.
You can choose from a regular base, an extra-weighted base, or a tripod base so you can ensure that the stand fits your needs. There is also a model that comes with a pop filter as well.
The boom arm of the stand has clips so you can keep those pesky wires neat and out of your way. It’s made from steel but the adjustment knobs are rubber gripped to make them easier to hold and turn.
Summon Mic Stand Boom Arm
If you need all of the space you can get on your table or just want full freedom of movement, then this boom arm from Summon will get the job done.
It clamps onto the edge of your table and the stock silicone covers of the clamp will help protect your table.
You can run the wires of your microphone through the arms of the stand to keep them hidden and out of the way.
The arm is solid enough to support microphones of up to four pounds in weight and is a match with most popular models.
K&M 23325 Table or Floor Microphone Stand
Installation of the arm is easy and the item comes with all of the documentation and hardware you need to ensure it stays in place.
The Different Types Of Table Microphone Stands
Let’s begin by looking at the different variety of table microphone stands that are available. Some of these are made with home studios in mind whereas others are more commonly found in professional studios.
MXL DS-03 Microphone Mount Table Stand
Round-Base Stand
These microphones have a small-round base that allows them to sit flat and securely on a table. They give you a solid base and won’t be easily knocked over. The bases are usually weighted as well to ensure that they stay in place.
Tripod Stand
Instead of having a round base, these have three legs to make the standard platform. These take up less space than a round-base stand and are a good idea if your table is a little cramped.
Clamp Stand
If you’re really battling against a lack of space, then a clamp stand might be the way to go. Instead of being placed on the surface of your desk like the round-base and tripod stands are, these instead securely clamp onto the edge of your desk.
They usually have an optional extendable boom arm so you can position the microphone as you need.
Features To Look Out For
Although many table microphone stands feature a very simple design, there are some details you should decide on beyond the style of the base.
Adjustability
You should always look for a stand that is adjustable. There are two main ways that the stands can be adjusted and these are through their height and the angle.
Stands should be able to have their height adjusted so you can comfortably place the microphone in front of your mouth without needing to lean down or stretch up.
Being able to adjust the angle is also useful as it means that the stand doesn’t need to be positioned directly in front of you.
Instead, the stand can be to the side and the angle adjusted so that the microphone is still in front of your mouth.
Protected Base
Both the round-base stands and tripod stands will be sitting on your desk and putting some weight onto the tabletop.
This can easily lead to dents and scratches if you adjust the positioning of your stand so look for stands that have rubber grips and other protective additions to the bottoms of the base.
Combination Stands
As you get deeper into your journey as a podcaster, you might want to consider or request upgrading your set-up by adding extras, such as a pop filter.
Some table microphone stands will have clamps and features that allow you to easily add a pop filter or can even hold a cellphone or tablet as well.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we looked at table microphone stands. We introduced why you need one and recommended some of the best stands available.
We also explained what features you should look out for. We hope that the information and hints in this article will help you choose the best table microphone stand for you.