Mic Stand for Just Vocals (AT-4040 mic)- I don't even know what Kind of Stand to Buy

[Mayberry]

I am a noob - obviously. I have an at-4040 mic and I need a stand for it. And I'm so much of a noob I don't even know what kind of stand to buy. I would like to buy a pretty cheap stand (not a dumb table top one though).

But do I need a boom stand or what? I don't know what kind of stand I need.

Also, since I'm pretty much the only one recording on it - I'd like to get a cheap one because I won't have to be messing with it constantly. It will pretty much stay at one height.

So can someone steer me in the direction of getting a low priced mic stand? A link please?

[Hardtoe]

Dude, you just need to bite the bullet and buy a stand based on your own feel for the "right" one - try out as many stands as you can get your hands on and try the IN THE ROOM where you will be using them - one may be more rock, one more funky, one delicately soulful - you just never know till you have an intimate artistic moment with one.

Or, if you wanna go all the way you can mod a cheap chinese stand with some custom 60 parts to give it that old vintage vibe - this kind of stand can often lead to great drug trips and lots more vibrato in your voice than you may currently feel is possible.

Shoot the moon man, you deserve it!

thumbsup

[Akoppenheffer]

I think this will suffice - Buy On-Stage Stands Tripod Mic Stand with Boom | Microphone Booms | Musician's Friend

But if you're serious, this is the one - Manley Starbird | Sweetwater.com

[aussie_techie]

Originally Posted by Mayberry

I won't have to be messing with it constantly.?

Then dont buy an ultra cheap stand period. especially for bigger mics like your 4040, you need something decent.

just buy a K&M or tama and you will never have to worry again.
They arnt ultra cheap and they arnt expensive either, but as with anything if you buy something decent and you wont have to replace it so it does work out cheaper in the long run.

as to an exact model, all i can say is find what seem right for you.

[Mayberry]

ok awesome... thanks for the advice everyone!

[kheftel]

I have a bunch of cheap boom stands I got for $20 apiece and they work great, even for my rode nt2a LDC.

[aclarson]

Dude, look on Craigslist, I found a bunch of nice AKG stands for $10 a piece on there, and they're way nicer then the On Stage ones I have.

[RTR]

MIc stands?? come on man..for real...go to GC and grab the onstage stand w/boom..thats all you need, there is no special mic stand to use, just grab one and use it!!

[rty5150]

Originally Posted by RTR

MIc stands?? come on man..for real...go to GC and grab the onstage stand w/boom..thats all you need, there is no special mic stand to use, just grab one and use it!!

exactly. it's funny to see a $100 mic on a $200 stand. i use ultra, on stage, and atlas stands with no problem. i will be getting a pair of k&m stands for my OH, but until i get my new studio done, those will wait.


rich

[SK1]

I forget who said to slide a dumbbell weight or two onto the base of the cheaper mic stands to give em some stability (you'll have to take the top of the stand off). IT WORKS GREAT !!! Even when I'm putting my best LDC on there. The extra weight ensures that your mic won't tip over. I use some metal dumbbell weights because I'm hardcore ...... or you could use the old cracked concrete filled ones, if you're old school

BTW I've got a bunch of the on stage stands (booms and stubbies) that are still holding up well compared to the Guitar Center stuff after years of abuse

[rty5150]

Originally Posted by SK1

I forget who said to slide a dumbbell weight or two onto the base of the cheaper mic stands to give em some stability (you'll have to take the top of the stand off). IT WORKS GREAT !!! Even when I'm putting my best LDC on there. The extra weight ensures that your mic won't tip over. I use some metal dumbbell weights because I'm hardcore ...... or you could use the old cracked concrete filled ones, if you're old school

BTW I've got a bunch of the on stage stands (booms and stubbies) that are still holding up well compared to the Guitar Center stuff after years of abuse

abuse? holy crap are you doing some live action role playing with yours?

"two fisted mic stand attack!!!"

"Ultimate boom extension deflection"




it's really hard to abuse mic stands in the studio, the worst i have seen are in clubs. those are on their last leg....


rich

[JoeyM]

Atlas MS-25 Atlas Sound MS25 | Sweetwater.com

It's got an air safety cushion built in, so if the clutch is accidentally loosened, it won't smack the mic at the end of the travel.

I'd base part of my decision to buy a used microphone on whether the stand the owner used is a junky one with a high failure reputation.

Then personalize the stand so no one can sweet-talk you into including it with the mic, if you ever decide to sell it.

[SK1]

Originally Posted by rty5150

abuse? holy crap are you doing some live action role playing with yours?

"two fisted mic stand attack!!!"

"Ultimate boom extension deflection"




it's really hard to abuse mic stands in the studio, the worst i have seen are in clubs. those are on their last leg....


rich

Don't give me any ideas

It's when one of the guys tries to adjust the stand without loosening it first that always breaks the plastic parts .... you know?? Too much torque.

[rty5150]

Originally Posted by SK1

Don't give me any ideas

It's when one of the guys tries to adjust the stand without loosening it first that always breaks the plastic parts .... you know?? Too much torque.

those guys are known as "jackasses" put it on the tab of the session. that's what they get for being morons: an extra $25 bucks.

rich

[IsleBeatUDown]

1. Tighten it down hard and quick at the beginning of a session with plenty of adrenaline and caffeine.
2. Look like an idiot trying to loosen it up when you need to change the angle.
3. Just grab the damn boom and drag it into position.
4. Repeat x number of times

All the above assuming a friction coupling rather than a gear.

I'll never forget the sight of a U87 on a long boom start its descent, pick up speed, and hit the floor at a Berklee studio.

-Rob

[liquidorange]

dont be cheap. buy something like this. you wont be able to knock it over and its got killer reach. SameDayMusic.com: OnStage SMS7650 Stand

[kheftel]

It's the cheap ones for me! I don't have the money for the expensive ones... yet.