Microphone Stand Thread Sizes

Matching a mic clip or shock mount to the stand’s thread size is important for a seamless setup. Check the holder and stand before buying an adapter so the equipment fits together securely.

Even experienced performers feel a tinge of nervousness on stage before starting a vocal performance. Often, you’ll find yourself grateful for the mic stand, your steadfast companion on stage that lets you hold on tight, offering silent support as you sing.

At a Glance: Mic Stand Essentials

• Thread Compatibility: Match the thread on the mic clip or shock mount to the stand, or use an adapter with the correct male and female ends.
• Various Stand Types: The straight stand is basic, available with round or tripod bases, and designs like desk or heavy-duty stands cater to different needs.
• Accessories Enhance Usability: Boom arms and goosenecks are key attachments for mic stands, offering flexibility and better positioning of the microphone.
• Diverse Thread Sizes: Common mic-stand fittings include 5/8″-27 and 3/8″-16. Check both diameter and thread pitch before choosing an adapter.
• Choosing and Attaching Mics: Know the different mechanisms for attaching mics to stands, like shock mounts and clips, for effective and secure microphone use.

Of course, using a mic stand proves useful when holding the mic becomes tiring or you need your hands for something else. It serves as a stable mount, allowing you to sing without holding the mic. Though there are several types of mic stands, the straight stand is the most basic and widely available.

Understanding the Microphone Stand

The simplest mic stand is the straight type, featuring either a round, dome-shaped metal base or a tripod base. A mic clip or compatible shock mount screws onto the threaded top of the stand; the microphone then fits into that holder. This stand has telescoping tubes for quick height changes, using a clutch to adjust the height easily.

Straight stands are available in several styles, including a desk stand version which is the shorter type. There’s also a heavy-duty version designed for bulky microphones, featuring larger tubes and a weightier base. These stands often feature shiny chrome plating to resist scratches or may sport a matte black finish.

The folding tripod base stand is a popular straight stand, and it’s easier to move around than the heavier domed metal base stands thanks to its light, foldable legs. The trade-off is that those legs have to splay out a long way to keep the stand stable, which can be a tripping hazard on a busy stage.

Mic Stand Accessories and Attachments

Adding key accessories like a boom arm to your mic stand significantly boosts its functionality. A boom arm allows the microphone to move horizontally, enabling a guitarist to easily position it close to their mouth without interfering with their playing.

You can also position mics over the drum kit using a boom arm, available in both fixed and adjustable telescopic lengths.

The gooseneck is a useful gadget for easily adjusting your microphone’s position. It’s built with a spiral-wound steel core and is available in different finishes and lengths, allowing you to change the mic’s placement effortlessly.

In this post, we’ll dig deeper into the various thread sizes for mic stands, exploring why some microphones screw onto the boom directly.

Various Thread Sizes of Mic Stand

Thread sizes vary greatly, from small to large. You can discover threads sized at 5/8-inch with 27 threads per inch, a unified special thread utilized in the United States and internationally.

Another common fitting is 3/8-inch with 16 threads per inch, often found on European stands and accessories. Check the actual fitting rather than relying on the country where an item was sold.

A 1/4-inch, 20-thread-per-inch fitting is common on camera equipment, but it is a different size from these mic-stand threads. Use a purpose-made adapter if mounting camera gear on a mic stand.

When a 5/8″-27 stand and a 3/8″-16 clip do not match, choose an adapter with a 5/8″-27 female end and a 3/8″-16 male end. For the reverse pairing, use the reverse adapter. Some clips include a removable insert, so inspect the clip before purchasing a separate part.

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Frequently Asked Question about Mic Stand Thread

For a deeper insight into mic stand thread sizes, explore the FAQs below:

What is the Standard Thread Per Inch for Mic Clips & Mic Stands?

Thread sizes and TPI differ by region. In the U.S., mic stands typically have a 5/8 inch thread with 27 TPI, while in Europe, the standard is 3/8 inch with 16 TPI, but individual stand and accessory fittings vary.

How To Attach A Microphone To A Microphone Stand?

Most handheld microphones sit in a clip, while some microphones use a dedicated shock mount or built-in yoke. The stand thread attaches to that holder, so check the holder’s thread as well as the microphone model.

Screw the compatible clip or shock mount onto the stand, then secure the microphone in the holder. Add a thread adapter only if the stand and holder have different fittings; check which end must be male and which must be female.

This mechanical adapter is available in two versions: shock mount style housings or microphone clip style. For the microphone clip version, simply unclip the adapter and slot in the mic. 

Shock mounts, a popular type of microphone holder, easily attach to mic stands with a screw-on thread before you slide the microphone into place.

Different microphones need unique clips for secure attachment. The most used clip, the standard mic clip, is somewhat flexible and fits well with popular models such as the Shure SM57, accommodating various mic diameters, especially those that taper. Simply slide the microphone into the clip for a snug fit. These clips are especially handy in live settings for their ease of microphone removal.

However, in studio settings, shock mounts are common. These mounts offer simple mic attachment and significantly reduce mechanically transmitted noise.

Shock mounts come in a range of sizes to suit different microphones. Each has an outer cage that screws onto the stand and an inner cradle that holds the mic, with the two linked by elastic bands. You’ll see them most often paired with large-diaphragm condenser mics and side-address mics.

You’ll also discover shock mounts with O-rings or springs, offering a sturdier alternative to elastic bands. For example, the Rycote Lyre shock mount works well with shotgun and top-address mics, providing more reliable support.