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-as of [18 DECEMBER 2024]–
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-1/4” STANDARD-
(non-american?)
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[‘microphones’ typically attach to the ‘stand’ via a detachable ‘microphone holder’ screwed to the end of the ‘boom’]
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(although some microphones screw directly onto the ‘boom’)
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*commonly used ‘screw threads’ are…*
⅝″ 27 threads per inch (tpi) ‘unified Straight thread (UNS),
(for U.S. and the rest of the world)
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¼″ BSW
(uncommon in the U.S., used in the rest of the world)
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⅜″ BSW
(uncommon in the U.S., used in the rest of the world)
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*BSW* —> “BRITISH STANDARD WHITWORTH”
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You need to make sure the microphone’s thread hole size is compatible with the mic stand’s thread size.
You might not believe it, but anyone would still feel a bit of nervousness even if one is a seasoned performer when standing on the stage to begin a vocal performance.
More often, you would thank the mic stand for accompanying you on the stage, not leaving you in time of distress, allowing you to squeeze it without squirming and complaining while you sing.
Of course, the mic stand will come in handy when you get tired of holding the mic or when you go on utilizing your hands for some other purposes.
Moreover, it freely stands as a mount for your microphone, and it lets you sing through the mic hands-free.
You will find various mic stand types, but the most basic mic stand you will find will be the straight stand
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Understanding the Microphone Stand
As the most basic type of stand, the straight mic stand comes with a round and dome-shaped metal base.
It can also come with a tripod base, onto which you thread a post for mounting the mic.
This thread is usually a 5/8″ -27 threaded hole.
The post comes in two or more tubes (telescoping) that readily fit inside each other and allows for easy height adjustment.
It also comes with a clutch, which is the height-adjusting mechanism of the mic stand.
The straight stands come in various versions.
One version is the desk stand version.
Moreover, this version is the shorter version of the straight stand.
You will also encounter a heavy-duty microphone stand that comes with larger tubes and a heavier base for handling bulky microphones.
The straight stand tubes have shiny chrome plating for resisting scratching.
Nevertheless, they may also come in a matte black finish.
Another well-known straight stand version is the folding tripod base stand.
This mic stand differs from the domed metal base.
Its folding base lets you pull down the mic stand with ease when transferring to another location with its reduced weight.
Since it does not have a weighty base, its tripod legs must overextend beyond the base radius.
The downside of using this type of straight mic stand is that you may unwarily trip on its extended tripod legs
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Mic Stand Accessories and Attachments
To further enhance the usability of the mic stand, you can include in your buying list some of the most useful accessories and attachments to your mic stand.
The boom arm, for example, is a helpful attachment to let the mic move horizontally.
For example, the guitarist can use this attachment to position the mic right in front of his lips without disturbing his guitar playing.
You can also use the boom arm to position the mics over the drum kit.
Moreover, you can find boom arms with fixed length or adjustable telescopic lengths.
The gooseneck is another handy device that you can use to adjust the placement of the microphone.
It features a spiral-wound steel core and comes in various finishes and lengths.
You can utilize it to alter the position of the mic with ease.
Some microphones screw onto the boom mic directly, and in this post, we will delve deeper into the different thread sizes of the mic stand
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Various Thread Sizes of Mic Stand
Thread sizes come in various sizes.
Their sizes range from small to large thread sizes.
You can find threads of 5/8-inch with 27 threads per inch,
and this is a unified special thread used in the United States. and the rest of the world
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Furthermore, you will find a ½-inch thread with 12 threads per inch.
Older European stands made use of this type of thread size
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Moreover, you will find 3/8-inch thread with 16 threads per inch
This thread size is not standard in the United States, but other parts of the world use it
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Lastly, you will find a ¼-inch thread size with 20 threads per inch
This thread size is also not a common standard in the United States, but other parts of the world use it.
It is also common among photography tripods
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Frequently Asked Question about Mic Stand Thread
To further understand the different thread sizes of mic stands, you can check out the following FAQs about mic stand threads:
What is the Standard Thread Per Inch for Mic Clips & Mic Stands?
The standard thread size and TPI, of course, may vary from one region to another.
In the U.S., for example, the standard mic stand thread is 5/8 inch with 27 TPI.
In Europe, however, the standard thread size is 3/8 inch with 16 TPI.
This thread size is the standard for 16mm and mid-weight video cameras
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How To Attach A Microphone To A Microphone Stand?
The microphone does not have the thread that will enable you to connect it directly to the mic stand.
Boom arms and mic stands, on the other hand, come with screw threads where you attach the microphone,
but the microphone does not have thread nor fasteners.
Hence, before you can attach a mic to a stand, you need to equip the stand with a mechanical adapter.
This mechanical adapter is a physical piece that holds the mic.
You can screw this mechanical adapter to the mic stand and then fasten the mic on the adapter
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This mechanical adapter may come in 2 styles:
shock mount style housings
microphone clip style
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Moreover, you may be familiar with the microphone clip style mechanical adapter.
You only unclip this adapter and insert the mic in-between.
The shock mounts are a common type of microphone holder.
You only have to screw it onto the mic stands through its thread and then slip-in the mic onto the mount.
Various microphones may also require different clips to keep them secure.
The most common clip is the standard mic clip.
This standard mic clip is a bit flexible and can hold popular mics like the Shure SM57 and other Shure mics.
Moreover, mics vary in diameter and have tapered diameters.
The standard clips work well with the tapered diameter of mics.
You only need to slide the mic onto the clip until it is snugly in place.
Additionally, you will find microphone clips in live settings because they offer easy removal of the microphone.
However, you will, more often, find shock mount types in studio settings.
Shock mounts let you mount the mic on the stand with ease.
Moreover, it provides enough isolation for reducing the effect of mechanically transmitted noise.
Shock mount comes in different sizes and can accommodate various types of mics.
They feature an external stationary casing that you can attach to the mic stand, along with an internal casing for housing the mic.
These casings connect to each other via elastic bands (fabric-wound).
You will often see these shock mount types, housing massive diaphragm condenser mics, and side-address mics.
You will also find shock mounts that come with O-rings or springs instead of the elastic bands.
These shock mounts are robust compared to the elastic band.
An example of a non-elastic band mount is the Rycote Lyre shock mount, perfect for the shotgun type of mics and top address mics
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Conclusion
When choosing a microphone stand, it will also be useful to look at the stand’s threads to ensure that the adapter you will use fits the stand.
For this reason, it will be helpful to know the different types of thread sizes in use and the kinds of mic that you are going to use.
Being cognizant of these different types of thread sizes will enable you to make the right purchase.
Of course, Mic stands are good investments if you are always engaging in live recording or if you want to venture into live sound productions.
Lastly, it will be good to purchase mic stands that come with the universal thread so that you can use it with different types of microphone clips.
www.musicalhow.com /microphone-stand-thread-sizes/
Microphone Stand Thread Sizes
7-9 minutes 2/4/2021
Thread sizes and adapters for mic stand
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Every singer is faced with a question:
should I hold the microphone
or utilize the microphone stand?
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Many opt for using the microphone stand allowing the performer to gesture, move, and interact with the music in a less cumbersome way.
Yet microphones are not used only for amplifying the voice.
Varieties of microphones have been designed with instruments in mind which is the reason for such a wide array of microphone stands.
With many varieties of microphone stands to choose from, one must be familiar with the options and features of microphone stands.
Further, what the stand is being used for must be considered.
Will the stand be conducive to tight spaces, heights, or sharp angles?
Understanding the components of the microphone stand, such as the microphone stand thread size, become imperative when ensuring everything checks out before and during a performance.
Whether you’re a performer or and sound technician, a basic understanding of the microphone stand and its components could be the difference between a smooth show and disaster.
microphone stand
Choosing the correct stand can be a challenge even if you are 100% sure of the type of stand that is needed.
It is difficult to know if a microphone stand will be a good ‘fit’ for you until it has been used several times.
Unfortunately, this is not possible at the store.
Understanding the parts of a stand is helpful for determining what type of stand you need and decrease the chances of needing to make a return trip to the store.
A woman singing on a microphone
A woman singing on a microphone
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Although not all inclusive, here are a few basic parts of the microphone stand that are helpful to be familiar with:
Large Boom Connector
A completely vertical stand is not always the best fit for. say. a drum set
The boom arm is a horizontal attachment at the top of the vertical rod of the stand that is often used to get closer to drum sets to amplify sound or simply to allow a wider range of movement.
The large boom hub is the attachment used to mount the boom arm to the top of the microphone stand.
The smaller version of the large boom arm is the ‘mini drop boom’
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Microphone Stand Adapter
It is always helpful to have a microphone stand adapter in the event the microphone stand thread size needed is not what your particular stand has.
This allows for versatility and ease of use.
Less numerous thread sizes may be needed and having the adapter saves a trip to the store
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Telescoping Knob/Telescoping Connector/Clutch Grip
There are smaller parts that are important to consider.
Less noticeable on the microphone stand is the telescoping knob along with the telescoping connector.
This is simply the knob used to tighten, for example, the boom arm in place.
The connector is what attaches the knob to the stand and assists with the tightening.
In addition, the clutch grip accessory is used for added tactile adhesion for superior grip.
One can thing of a handle bar on a bicycle as an example of a clutch grip
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A singer using a microphone and a mic stand.
A singer using a microphone and a mic stand
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Anyone who has used a sub-par microphone stand knows how important it is to have a quality stand.
Often overlooked, it is a must have investment for any studio or traveling performer.
The most common microphone stands are straight and come with various features to differentiate them from one another.
Round base stands are very common for singers to use as they are compact and less of a tripping hazard than the tripod base.
The tripod base stand is perhaps used most often and consists of three ‘feet’ that attach to the stand.
The tripod boom, a variation of the tripod base allows for more maneuverability and a longer reach than its simpler predecessor.
Less common stands are desk stands used mostly for podcasting.
Microphone stand for broadcasting
Microphone stand for broadcasting.
These are very similar to the low profile stands which are used mostly for drum sets,
but the desk stand is most commonly used at home for broadcasting.
Overhead stands can be very pricey and are used in areas that may be difficult to access.
One of the most common questions with regards to a microphone stand is with regards to the threading connector:
What type of microphone stand thread size does my stand use?
What exactly is the microphone stand thread size and what is the connector used for?
In a nutshell, the thread connector allows the microphone to be used on site or in the studio without having to directly hold it,
Knowing the type of stand is important when considering the microphone stand thread size.
Most often used in the United States as well as older versions of stands across Europe is size 5/8 with 27 threads per inch.
Many other areas of the world use size 3/8 with 16 threads per inch.
Lastly is the 1/4 inch with 20 threads per inch.
This is used most often in photography, but some areas of the world use this size for microphone stands
In the United States, most thread sizes are going to be 5/8 which takes much of the guesswork out of determining what thread connector to purchase.
As discussed previously, a universal adapter can be purchased which can come in very handy.
For example, a choral group that travels parts of the United States and Europe may want to have adapters on hand in the event they come across a 3/8 or 1/4 microphone stand thread size.
While most microphone stands could be considered universal, it is important to remember that not all stands are created equal.
As with any purchase, there are varying quality of stands.
While a quality stand may be used, it may not be the best stand for every microphone.
Microphones come in various sizes.
A heavier microphone will require more support and a stronger, sturdier stand.
Another consideration is what they microphone stands intended use will be/type of stand.
While a tripod stand and an overhead stand may have the same thread size and universal attachment, the drastically different uses requires thought and research to ensure a proper and useful fit.
Mic stands with tripod bases
Mic stands with tripod bases.
Microphone stands can range from around $50 to excess of $500.
However, the affordable options are not necessarily poor quality.
Sometimes they may be precisely what is needed to do the job rather than the pricier options.
A thorough web search or conversation with a seasoned sound tech or musician is recommended prior to purchasing.
They have the experience and expertise to lead you to the brand and type of microphone stand that may be the best fit for you.
While ‘what is the most common microphone stand thread size’ may be the first question many will ask when looking for either replacement parts or a stand that will fit their microphone, there are other factors to consider (some already discussed previously).
Verbiage may be an obstacle some will encounter.
For example, one will hear ’thread size’ and ’thread pitch’ used.
Both are describing the same thing which can be confusing for persons who are unfamiliar.
It is important to not be timid when speaking with a sales person or a sound tech who may have years of experience and exposure to such terms
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Here are only 4 of hundreds of terms that could be confusing:
Bi-Directional:
a microphone used to pick up sound coming directly in front and back of it but not from the sides
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Cardioid
a microphone that does not pick up sound coming from behind it
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Omni-directional
a microphone that picks up sound from all sides
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Masking
what occurs when two or more instruments are on the same frequency
(thus making it difficult to differentiate the sounds)
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So you have done your research and purchased your microphone stand.
You arrive at the studio to try it out only to find that the threading size does not fit.
As mentioned previously, this can be easily fixed with an adapter.
The clip/shock mount sometimes doesn’t fit the mic stand, especially the smaller, European thread sizes.
Many companies offer an insert in the clip and shock mounts to assist with this issue.
Not being aware of the insert could lead to much anguish, so being well informed prior to purchase is a sure way to save a headache.
It is recommended to due a full check of the stand prior to a performance.
This allows time to run back to the store long before a performance or a recording.
With all the parts of a microphone stand, how does one go about attaching the microphone to the stand?
Disassembled, there does not appear to be a logical way to attach a mic to a stand.
One will notice the thread connector where the microphone should go. but most microphones to not have threaded fasteners on them
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There are 2 types of connectors that are used to save this very problem:
the microphone clip style
and shock mount style connectors
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The most common of the two is the microphone clip style which the microphone slips in and fits snugly to hold it in place by utilizing bands.
Generally, these connectors are very versatile and will fit a wide variety of microphones by simply sliding the mic in until it is snug.
A microphone connected to the mic stand with a shock mount connector
A microphone is connected to a mic stand with a shock mount connector
Shock mounts are generally used in studio recordings.
They are very useful as they help to reduce transient noise.
They work by providing a cradle for the microphone to sit in rather than a slip cover like the microphone clip style.
Any mechanical sounds are absorbed into this cradle and o-rings or springs are utilized to further absorb this unwanted sound making for a cleaner recording
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Attaching the microphone to a boom arm is virtually the same.
Simply slip the microphone into the clip or shock mount.
Prior to doing this, the arm must be very secure.
Test how snug the arm fits to the stand prior to placing the microphone in the boom arm.
If the arm is not fully supported, the microphone could fall and be damaged
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There are microphone stand styles that come with a built in mount.
The Sure SM7B comes with a shock mount style threaded microphone stand connector in place.
A myriad of other makes and models already have the mounting included.
In most all cases, the mount can be removed if needed.
Most of us have seen a performer approach the stage and the microphone stand is either too tall or too short.
They struggle for a while before giving up and holding the microphone
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Adjusting the height of either the pole or the boom arm only requires…
loosening the clutch,
adjusting the pole or boom arm to the desired height/length.
and tightening the clutch to hold in place
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Having all the proper parts and knowledge will help prevent a mic set up that lowers quality of sound or simply looks bad.
Many have seen microphones attached to stands using duct tape or masking tape.
While this holds the mic in place, it presents many problems.
First, it is not aesthetically appealing and does not look professional.
It further restricts options for positioning of the microphone including holding the mic.
When the tape is removed, a reside can be left.
Most importantly, the tape does not provide any mechanical noise absorption which can lead to a poor quality of sound.
A little pre-planning is all that is needed to prevent the temptation to use tape as a connector for your microphone
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Conclusion
Understanding the parts and types of microphone stands and microphone thread sizes is a vital part of any successful performance either in house or in studio.
A little time and research can go a long way.
Know what the stand is being used for, where it’s being used, and all the parts of the microphone stand to avoid multiple trips to the music store.
Online is an excellent resource to use. but it is also helpful to ‘fact check’ what is found online by consulting a professional with the hands on experience to lead you in the right direction
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playthetunes.com /microphone-stand-thread-sizes/
Microphone Stand Thread Sizes (2022 Guide)
About Maggie Holding
11-14 minutes
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*👨🔬🕵️♀️🙇♀️*SKETCHES*🙇♂️👩🔬🕵️♂️*
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💕💝💖💓🖤💙🖤💙🖤💙🖤❤️💚💛🧡❣️💞💔💘❣️🧡💛💚❤️🖤💜🖤💙🖤💙🖤💗💖💝💘
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*🌈✨ *TABLE OF CONTENTS* ✨🌷*
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🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥*we won the war* 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥