Discovering a dependable and reasonably priced microphone desk stand is extra sophisticated than you may think. I’ve purchased a good few over time, however stability is likely one of the most important points with the bulk. Discovering a microphone stand that may stay steady with a heavy skilled microphone hooked up is just not simple.
Australian audio model Røde has launched the DS2 studio arm with a contemporary design and beautifully strong building. The DS2 options two articulating joints or pivot factors, which might be locked in place by tightening two thumb screws. The stand has a 3/8-inch (16 UNC Thread) for straight attaching a microphone or webcam. A 1/4-inch (20 UNC) adapter can also be included within the field, so all of your bases are lined.
The Røde DS2 is comprised of heavy metal and weighs almost 1.5kg. There’s a massive and elongated base that gives wonderful stability. The stand can address microphones and different equipment as much as 900g, which ought to cowl {most professional} mics in the marketplace. The arms have built-in cable information slots that allow XLR or USB cables to be threaded by means of for a tidier look.
The stand is shipped in package kind and screws collectively utilizing a few hex bolts that connect the arm firmly to its base. The intelligent cantilever design gives most flexibility when positioning the mic and has sufficient peak for the microphone to be slung underneath or perched on high of the stand, relying on how a lot peak the consumer wants.
I attempted the Røde DS2 with numerous mics to see the way it performs in real-world use. First, this can be a strong stand and is sufficiently elongated that there’s hardly any hazard of it toppling. The peak and positioning are virtually infinitely adjustable due to the angle-poise design. The one factor the stand can’t do is swivel; it’s essential to flip the entire stand.
The metal used to make this stand sounds fairly useless and the steel doesn’t ring should you hit it. It’s strong sufficient to not take in any cable actions or microphonics. When used with a dynamic mic, the deadening impact of the fabric is enough to get rid of the necessity for any shock mount. Even when hooked up to a condenser mic, the DS2 doesn’t essentially want any isolation, however I like to recommend utilizing a shock mount in case your mic has one, simply in case the stand is by accident knocked.
Adjusting the DS2 is simple as a result of thumb screws safe the pivot factors. Nonetheless, you possibly can’t change the stand’s positioning on the fly as you possibly can with an angle-poise arm. Any motion from adjusting the stand’s place will switch by means of the stand to the mic. That mentioned, as soon as the stand has been arrange, it’s so strong you want by no means fear about it toppling over or drooping whenever you begin utilizing it.
Verdict: The Røde DS2 studio arm is a solidly made piece of package and one of the serviceable stands I’ve examined in fairly some time. It’s not the most affordable stand in the marketplace, but it surely’s one of many best-made. The design appears to be like good on digital camera and it’s an ideal dimension for holding Røde’s PodMic or NT-USB Mini microphones. The DS2 can deal with bigger mics, however keep in mind there may be an higher weight restrict of round 900g. If you need a trendy desktop mic stand that matches a Røde mic’s look, the DS2 is effectively value a glance.
Pricing & Availability: The Røde DS2 desktop mic stand is offered now and prices $90 / £83 / €105.
Extra data: rode.com
Tech Specs:
- Weight: 1,471g.
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 170 x 120 x 190mm.
- Most peak (prolonged): 380mm.
- Most capability: 900g.
- Compatibility: Any microphone or accent underneath 900g with a 3/8” or 1/4” thread.
- Thread mount: 3/8-inch (16 UNC Thread) with 1/4-inch (20 UNC adapter) included.
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