Gator Frameworks GFW-MIC-0821 Compact Base Bass Drum and Amp Mic Stand

Of all the things I've got on my desktop including various deviecs, toys and souvenirs, this simple almost crude hunk of iron and plastic and steel is prolly the most lovable. It has one job to do, it does it well, everything fits and just works, it never complains, and it's so solid it will probably outlive me, my desk, my house, and the whole neighborhood.I'll likely buy a second one for my other office over all the other boom arms and mic stands I've tried. More expensive but better built and more functional. As heavy as it is, you're still getting a better price in terms of dollars per pound of iron than other mic stands.It's not super sophisticated and there are only two functions setting it apart from a cheap mic stand – the telescoping boom arm and a counterweight at the back in case the thing attached to the end of the boom is a little heavy. That an the super heavy base mean it's not going to tip over no matter what. Unless you do something really wrong, it's not going to tip over.Practically you can set it down on your desk, mount a microphone or lighting device or in my case a webcam rig on a gimbal at the end of the boom arm, adjust the counterweight so it's balanced just right, and then swing it around in when needed – so for me I can swing it right in front of me to the exact spot I want in 3 dimensions I'm using it and then push it out of the way when done.You could also find your own way to use it, like miking up a drum kit.

I mainly mic sitting classical guitarists and found the Gator Frameworks GFW-MIC-0821 ideal for this purpose: takes up little space and allows positioning the boom from beneath and out of the way of hands and music scores. Classical guitarists sit while playing so most boom stands are too tall and add to the visual clutter. This wee Gator is heavy enough to be stable and resist kicking over but easy to transport. Plus it has a small footprint, ideal for cramped spaces. Tripod legs are great for standing performers but get in the way of footstools and music stands used by classical guitarists.The main post allows only a few inches of height adjustment but by moving the boom you can get enough height to mic the bridge or fingerboard. This Gator model is well made and designed although I have some concerns about the longevity of the plastic handles on the tightening bolts.If you use a small to medium mic, you should not experience any problems with boom drift from mic weight. I mainly use a Neumann KM184, a small condenser mic, and a Neumann TLM 102, a small large Large-diaphragm mic, and the stand proved to be ideal, allowing the boom to be used at full extension. I don’t own a large mic but I’m pretty sure the counterweight on the boom is too light, so not a good stand for heavy side address or stereo mics unless used with the boom locked straight up or barely extended.Great design and build for the bucks: small footprint, stable for small and medium sized mics and perfect for sneaking a mic under the music stand of a sitting musician.

I was not planning on spending $60 on a desktop mic stand. The problem is that my current setup would not allow for a traditional Boom Arm as the desk I use has no "lip" to clamp the arm onto and I did not want to drill into the surface to accommodate a flange mount.Thus I began, in earnest, to shop for a weighted base microphone stand that would be substantial enough to hold a Röde NT-1 condenser mic.Most of the $15 - $20 desktop mic stands I viewed seemed flimsy or did not appear to be large enough to have confidence that they would not tip over. As I searched the Gator GFW-MIC-0822 kept appearing and I kept looking at it.The specifications were what I was hoping for, the build quality seemed decent, and the reviews were exceptionally favorable.What finally "sold" me was the option to make three monthly payments. So I ordered it.I am so happy that I did! This thing is a monster! The base weighs 10 pounds and there is a 2.5 pound counter-weight that comes with the stand. My NT-1 is being held steady without fear.The machining is good enough but not exceptional and all the pieces went together without complaint or issue. Three cable clips are included to assist with cable management and they appear to be of good quality, time will tell, but I am not overly concerned.If you are looking for an alternative to clamp-on boom arm mic stands or are considering one of these right from the get-go, I would absolutely recommend it without hesitation.This is the best microphone stand that I currently own and I will be considering Gator Frameworks for all stands in the future. They build sturdy, quality stands and you won't be disappointed when this arrives to your door.It will be heavier than you think, and that is a great thing as far as I am concerned.