[For Beginners] A Forgotten Piece of Equipment but Equally as Important! Recommended Stands for Computer Music

You can start doing computer music using at least a computer, DAW, audio interface, and headphones. However, to work more comfortably, I recommend that you get a good stand.

■ Microphone Stand

A microphone stand is necessary for recording singing, guitars, and other musical instruments. It is not necessary for line recording of electric guitars, but it is necessary for recording vocals or acoustic guitars.

There are two types of microphone stands: one that attaches to a table and one that can be used independently. The table-mounted type is OK for recording your voice sitting on a chair in front of a table or for recording an acoustic guitar.

Here is my recommendation for a table-mounted mic stand: the Classic Pro CDA10B. The XLR cable is essential for connecting the microphone to the audio interface. I think it’s a good idea to buy the cables separately, as they are quite expensive.

CLASSIC PRO / CDA10B Desk Arm Microphone Stand

Another option is to use a microphone that comes with a stand, such as the AKG LYRA. This microphone is placed on the table. The stand can be removed by turning a screw, and the microphone can be attached to a table-mounted microphone stand or a boom microphone stand.

AKG / LYRA USB Microphone

*LYRA is a USB microphone, so it is used by connecting it directly to a computer with a USB cable. If you need more flexibility, I recommend a boom mic stand. You can record in any position you want, even if it is not near a table. A boom is a stick that extends out to the side of the microphone stand. A straight stand without a boom is also good, but if you want to buy one, I think a boom mic stand is the best choice because it can also be made straight by standing the boom upright. There are also some that allow the boom to be removed and become a straight stand.

If you extend the arm to the maximum level with a table-mounted type, the weight of the microphone and stand may cause it to fall over, so a boom mic stand is more secure.

Here is our recommendation for a boom mic stand: TAMA MS205BK. It is very sturdy and stable even when the boom is extended, depending on the weight of the microphone and its installation position.

TAMA / MS205BK Boom Microphone Stand

For the best value for money, I recommend the CLASSIC PRO MSB Boom Microphone Stand, which comes with 3/8“ and 5/8” conversion adapters for a wide range of microphone holders.

CLASSIC PRO / MSB/BLACK Boom Microphone Stand

■ Monitor Speaker Stand

Computer music can be done with headphones alone, but it is best to use monitor speakers and headphones together. Since the monitor speakers need to be at ear height, a monitor speaker stand is useful.

When placing the monitor speakers on a table, I recommend the standard CLASSIC PRO MST Monitor Speaker Stand. It has a solid weight, so it will support the monitor speakers well when they are placed on it. You will need something solid like this to prevent the speaker stand from shaking and falling due to vibration.

If you do not want to place monitor speakers on a table, I recommend the CLASSIC PRO MST20 PAIR speaker stand. There are several sizes available, so choose one with a plate size that is slightly larger than or exactly the same as the speaker.

CLASSIC PRO / MST20 PAIR Speaker Stand

■ Headphone Stands and Headphone Holder

Headphone stands and headphone holders are surprisingly important. When repeatedly putting on and taking off headphones to make fine sound adjustments with headphones and check monitor speakers, etc., headphones on the table may feel like an obstacle.

In such cases, it is very convenient to have a headphone holder that can be hung on a headphone stand or attached to a table. Personally, I prefer headphone holders because they do not need to be placed on the table and they give me more space to work.

I recommend the CLASSIC PRO CHH20 headphone holder. It can be attached to the table with a clamp and can hold two headphones.

CLASSIC PRO / CHH20 Headphone Holder

■ Display Stand

Since computer music composers work in the same posture for long periods of time, a low display position may cause stiff neck. Use a display stand to raise the height of the display.

I recommend the ELECOM PCA-DPSS508BK display stand. It is a simple design, but it will straighten your posture, making it easier to work for long periods of time.

ELECOM / PCA-DPSS508BK Display Stand

■ PC Stand

If you use a laptop and do not use an external display, the keyboard tends to be too low and the display is also too low, so prolonged work may cause stiff neck and shoulders. In such cases, you can use a laptop stand to lift the computer and improve your posture, making work easier.

I recommend the ELECOM PCA-LTS8BK Notebook PC Stand. It is compatible up to 15.6 inches, has a load capacity of 10 kg, and comes with an 8-step angle adjustment function, so you can adjust the height as you like.

ELECOM / PCA-LTS8BK Laptop Stand

■ Guitar and Bass Stand

Although guitar stands don’t exactly coincide with computer music, I would like to have a stand on which to place a guitar or bass. If you record a guitar, check the sound, play it, and check it again and again, without a stand, you will have to put the guitar or bass on the floor or stand it against a wall. If you put it up against a wall, it may fall over and break the neck, which can be scary. I would like to have a guitar/bass stand that can be easily placed on the floor.

Here is my recommendation, the HERCULES STANDS GS414B PLUS Guitar Stand. It is a stand that hangs by the neck. A regular stand is fine, but in the case of the GS414B, the AGS (Auto Grab System) is activated as soon as you put it on, so your guitar or bass won't fall over. It is also nice that the frame is thicker and sturdier than most stands.

HERCULES STANDS / GS414B PLUS Guitar Stand

■ Music Stand

Having a music stand is convenient when you need one. Ideally, it should be heavy and have thick, solid legs, but if you are using it indoors, an inexpensive one will do.

I recommend the PLAYTECH MS05 music stand. It is foldable, comes with a storage bag, and at 800 yen (as of April 2022) including tax, is a very cost-effective product. Music stands are surprisingly expensive, so the reasonable price is a great point.

PLAYTECH / MS05 Music Stand

■ Computer music with a stand for a comfortable DTM experience

Stands are often put on the back burner due to budget constraints, but I recommend that you use a good stand to make your work easier. I hope you will find the stand that best fits your environment so you can enjoy making computer music.

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