5 Best Kick Drum Mic Stands

Best Kick Drum Mic Stands

I review products independently and only recommend products I would use myself. If you purchase through a link, I may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

Placing a microphone in front of a kick drum or inside the soundhole can be tricky if you don’t have an appropriately sized stand. Standard mic stands are often too large and lack the stability required for kick drums. 

A good quality kick drum mic stand will be helpful not only for recordings but also for live performances. Due to their low-standing, compact design, they’re often also great for placing mics in front of amplifiers. 

In this guide, you’ll find the best kick drum mic stands available. We’ve ensured that each stand is of a high standard, and we’ve included options to suit all styles and preferences.

What are the Best Kick Drum Mic Stands?

Image Recommended ProductsProduct Features Price
Best Value Stand
Gator Frameworks Compact Bass Drum Mic Stand
  • Weighted base for stability
  • 16” boom arm design
  • Twist locking mechanism
Best Overall Design
K&M Extra Low Profile Tripod Base Boom Mic Stand
  • Matte black design 
  • Three foldable legs
  • Four twistable locking mechanisms
Best Build Quality
Gator Frameworks Telescoping Boom Mic Stand
  • The weighted base that can hold up to 1.5lbs at full extension 
  • Adjustable up to 27”
  • Angle and length can be independently altered
Most Versatile Stand
K&M Low Tripod Mic Stand
  • Short floor mic boom stand 
  • Two-piece telescoping boom arm
  • Three foldable legs
Best Budget Stand
On-Stage MS7920B Bass Drum - Boom Combo Mic Stand
  • 16” extendable boom arm 
  • Compact weighted base
  • Easy twist-lock design

How I Tested and Selected the Best Kick Drum Mic Stands

Over the years, I’ve owned plenty of kick mic stands, but I’ve also used plenty of other options when playing at venues where gear was provided by a sound crew. 

I’ve carefully assessed various options to help drummers find the right balance of stability, flexibility, and affordability. I’ve identified mic stands that all feature a robust and stable design to ensure the mic stays securely in place.

Portability and ease of setup were also important in my selection. I’ve tested to see how well each mic stand can be positioned for optimal microphone placement while keeping the setup streamlined and unobtrusive.

I’ve also ensured that each kick mic stand is compatible with different mic types and sizes. 

Below you’ll find my in-depth reviews of the top-rated kick drum mic stands that are all ideal for live use as well as recording studios.

In-Depth Kick Drum Mic Stand Reviews

Best Value Stand

Gator Frameworks Compact Bass Drum Mic Stand

This compact kick drum mic stand is great value for the cost, and its size makes it very easy to position close to the drum or inside the soundhole.
Stability
4.5
Versatility
4.7
Build Quality
4.7
Value
5.0

    Gator Frameworks Compact Bass Drum Mic Stand Review

    Gator is a well-known manufacturer of musical equipment, from pedalboards to cases. They also produce a wide range of high-quality mic stands, like this GFW-MIC-0821, which is perfect for kick drums. 

    The Gator Frameworks Compact Bass Drum Mic Stand is also suitable for positioning a mic in front of a guitar, bass or keyboard amp. Its weighted base ensures stability, even if using a heavy kick drum microphone at full extension. 

    To adjust the length and angle of the stand, simply use the twist lock mechanism installed on the center of the boom arm. 

    The length can be adjusted from a minimum of 11.5” to 23”, which is ideal for live use or recording bass drums. 

    When trying this stand out, I loved the curved U-shape of the base. It ensured that it didn’t impede upon the microphone’s position. 

    Steel has been used for the boom arm, so you can guarantee this stand’s longevity.

    Overall, I thought it was a fantastic stand with great value for what it’s worth. 

    Pros

    • Affordable and reliable kick drum mic stand
    • Also capable of recording guitar amps
    • Can handle the weight of heavy kick drum mics

    Cons

    • Limited boom arm extension
    Best Overall Design

    K&M Extra Low Profile Tripod Base Boom Mic Stand

    The K&M 25950 is an excellent stand for kick drum mics. Sturdy, flexible, and rugged, this stand has all of the qualities needed for in-studio or on-stage use.
    Stability
    4.8
    Versatility
    4.7
    Build Quality
    4.8
    Value
    4.8

      K&M Extra Low Profile Tripod Base Boom Mic Stand Review

      With a robust design, this K&M stand can hold your kick drum mic in your desired position to get maximum clarity when recording or using it for a live drum performance. 

      The base is made from cast iron, which means it has the strength required to support even the heaviest microphones. 

      I used this stand in a studio session once, and the engineer mentioned how it’s the strongest kick mic stand he’s ever owned. 

      Furthermore, you can adjust the boom arm length from 16” to 28.5”, so there’s plenty of room for maneuvering. 

      The K&M 25950 Base Boom Mic Stand has an extra low profile design, ensuring that the weight is evenly distributed across each of the three legs that combine to make up the tripod. To further enhance stability, K&M has added rubber feet to each foldable leg. 

      This stand comes with a stylish matte black finish and won’t take any attention away from the aesthetics of your drum set. It weighs just over 6lbs and is therefore very easy to transport.

      Pros

      • Arm length and angle are easily customizable
      • Evenly distributes weight across three legs
      • Anti-slip rubber feed ensures the stand stays in position

      Cons

      • Legs can get in the way when trying to position the stand
      Best Build Quality

      Gator Frameworks Telescoping Boom Mic Stand

      A heavy-duty stand by Gator Frameworks that is perfect for kick drums but also has the capabilities for placing a mic in front of an electric guitar amplifier, Cajon, or on a desktop for vocal recordings.
      Stability
      4.7
      Versatility
      4.8
      Build Quality
      4.9
      Value
      4.8

        Gator Frameworks Telescoping Boom Mic Stand Review

        When choosing mic stands for drums, it’s essential to consider whether the stands are capable of more than one function. For example, a long overhead mic stand may also be well suited to recording vocals. 

        The Gator GFW-MIC-0822 is a multi-faceted mic stand that is best suited to being used with a bass drum. Its roadworthy design makes it a great choice for music venues or recording studios. 

        The maximum amount of weight that this boom mic stand can hold when the arm is fully extended is 1.5 lbs, which is more than adequate for the average kick drum microphone. 

        Thanks to the adjustable angle and length of the stand, it can also be used on a flat surface like a table or desktop. This means you can record vocals or acoustic guitars with it in addition to kick drums. 

        While I’d rather use a shorter stand, I found this one to work relatively well with a kick drum mic. I also loved the versatility it offered. 

        When fully extended, the telescoping boom arm reaches a length of 27”, so you’ll have no problems positioning the microphone in the ideal spot in front of the bass drum.

        Pros

        • Very flexible design makes it easy to find the ideal mic placement
        • Stays in place thanks to the heavy base
        • Also great for recording amps and desktop vocals

        Cons

        • The long base may obstruct positioning
        Most Versatile Stand

        K&M Low Tripod Mic Stand

        This K&M mic stand is longer than your average kick drum mic stand, but it’s shorter than a full-length option. It’s a versatile option that can get a mic into tight spaces.
        Stability
        4.5
        Versatility
        4.9
        Build Quality
        4.8
        Value
        4.7

          K&M Low Tripod Mic Stand Review

          Stability and flexibility are the two most important qualities of kick drum mic stands. The stand must stay in place and be able to bear the weight of the kick drum mic, but it also must be adjustable enough to get into the perfect position. 

          K&M’s 259 stand is a low-profile option that combines the versatility of a longer stand with the convenience of a compact offering. It features the classic twist mechanism for adjusting the two boom arms so that you can quickly set it to the ideal length. 

          When trying this stand out, I loved how it offered the best of both worlds. It made it seem a lot more valuable. 

          With a weighted base and three foldable legs, this stand is guaranteed to stay upright when holding a kick drum mic. Furthermore, it is also useful for recordings or live performances using other instruments. 

          At its shortest setting, the mic stand has a length of 16.7”, and at its longest setting, it reaches up to 25.4”. The gray powder coat finish gives this stand a distinguished, understated appearance. 

          Pros

          • Can reach much longer lengths than most kick drum mic stands
          • Retains stability even at full extension
          • Ideal for live kick drum mic placement

          Cons

          • Larger design makes this stand more difficult to store and transport
          Best Budget Stand

          On-Stage MS7920B Bass Drum / Boom Combo Mic Stand

          Affordable and built like a tank, the MS7920B is an excellent choice for bass drum recordings or live performances.
          Stability
          4.5
          Versatility
          4.4
          Build Quality
          4.5
          Value
          4.6

            On-Stage MS7920B Bass Drum / Boom Combo Mic Stand Review

            This multifaceted microphone stand looks and performs like one that you’d expect to be considerably more expensive. Made from durable steel, the stand has a weighted base to ensure that it doesn’t topple over easily. 

            The malleability of the On-Stage MS7920B Bass Drum mic stand makes it perfect for capturing kick drums. It can be squeezed into tight spaces thanks to the base’s compact design, which means it can also be used for snare drum and tom recordings. 

            The twist-lock mechanism is easy to use and allows you to instantly loosen or tighten the boom arm to secure it at the perfect length. 

            This was the best affordable stand that I tried. If you’re not looking to spend much, you really don’t need more than what you get here. 

            With a length range spanning from 8” to 14”, this stand is perfect for close-up kick drum mic placements. It can help you capture all of the details of your bass drum without getting in the way of other mic stands.

            Pros

            • Performs very well for the price
            • Ideal for holding dynamic kick drum microphones
            • D-shaped base keeps the stand in place

            Cons

            • Only suitable for close-up kick drum mic placements

            Bass Drum Mic Stands Buyer's Guide

            The kick drum is one of the most important, if not the most important, parts of a drum kit. It provides a low-end punch that emphasizes certain beats and adds a significant amount of power to the overall sound of the drums. 

            That’s why kick drums are almost always mic’d up in live settings. When recording drums, a specifically designed mic is used to capture the unique sonic characteristics of the bass drum. 

            Due to the kick drum being positioned close to the ground, it can be difficult to get a mic into the right position using a standard mics stand that may be suitable for recording other drums, such as the snare, toms, or overheads. 

            We tested the build quality of these kick drum mic stands by using them with several popular kick drum mics, all with varying weights, to ensure that they remained stable and upright. 

            We then looked closely at the tightening mechanism installed on the stand to gauge whether it was likely to move or stay in place for long periods. We also tested the durability and stability of the legs. 

            The remainder of this guide will explore the key aspects of kick drum mic stands that you should be aware of before you decide which option to acquire.

            Things to Consider When Buying Kick Drum Stands

            Consider the mic weight

            Kick drum microphones tend to be bulkier than your average dynamic mic. The stand must have the strength to bear the weight of your microphone. Otherwise, it could move out of place during a performance or recording. 

            Think about the length

            Most kick drum mic stands are considerably shorter than other stands. They can usually be adjusted in length by feeding the boom arm through a tightening mechanism. Make sure that the maximum length is adequate for the dimensions of your kick drum and the space you have available. 

            Consider the base type

            The base of a mic stand greatly impacts its stability and how easily it can be moved into the ideal position. You need to decide between a solid base and a tripod base, both of which offer several benefits and drawbacks.

            Key Features of Kick Drum Mic Stands

            Weighted Bases

            One of the most important things to look out for when choosing a mic stand specifically for kick drums is that it has a weighted base. Without this, the stand will lack the necessary stability and will be unreliable. 

            There are two different forms of weighted bases that you’re likely to find on kick drum mic stands. The first involves a weight being placed inside a U or D-shaped base, which keeps the upper half of the stand balanced. 

            The second is the tripod design, which has three legs, often foldable, with a weight in the middle. When the tripod is folded out, the base sits in the center and keeps the weight evenly distributed. 

            Both of these designs are great for stability, but they differ when it comes to how easy they are to position near a kick drum. 

            A tripod design offers the advantage of being able to place the legs in compact spaces, and you can run cables underneath them due to them being lifted slightly off the ground. 

            On the other hand, a solid weighted bass may be easier to get closer to a kick drum skin due to it being more compact than a fully extended tripod mic stand. 

            Kick Drum Mic Stand Length

            Most of the stands we’ve covered in this guide are shorter than the stands you’d use for vocals, room mics, or drum overheads. However, in some cases, using a slightly longer stand for a bass drum may be preferable. 

            Hybrid stands are available that are shorter than standard stands but longer than your average kick drum mic stand. These may be worth considering if you plan to record drums in a compact space. 

            The advantage of using a slightly longer kick drum stand is that you can angle the microphone down while having the base further away from the drum skin. 

            This frees up some of the space in front of the kit, which could be used for overhead mic stands or a room microphone. 

            The classic shorter kick drum mic stand design offers obvious benefits, such as being less likely to tip over due to the lower center of gravity.

            Telescoping Boom Arms

            One of the most popular and innovative designs used for kick drum mic stands is the telescoping boom arm. This mechanism allows you to adjust the length of the arm using a series of tightening knobs or levers. 

            The more pieces there are to the telescoping boom arm, the more you will be able to customize its length and angle. Each point can be loosened, adjusted, then secured in the ideal position. 

            The quality of the boom arm and the tightening mechanisms will have a large impact on the durability of the stand. If they’re not up to scratch, the weight of the mic will cause the stand to move out of position.

            Kick Drum Stands FAQs

            Can You Use Any Mic for a Kick Drum? 

            In theory, any microphone can be used to record a kick drum. However, due to the bass-heavy sound of the kick, it’s best to use a microphone that can hone in on the details of the low-end and lower-midrange frequencies. 

            Dynamic microphones are mostly preferred over condenser mics, as they tend to have higher SPL handling and are less likely to distort. 

            Is a Boom Arm Necessary for Kick Drum Mics?

            A kick drum mic stand that is equipped with a boom arm makes it easier to maneuver the microphone into the ideal place. Compared to straight mic stands, boom arms provide a lot more flexibility, which is required when you are placing a mic in front of a kick drum.

            Drumeo Banner
            Drumeo Banner Desktop
            Scroll to Top