Do I Need Microphone Stands for My Event?

When you're organising audio equipment for an event, microphone stands can be easy to overlook. Most people naturally think first about the PA speakers and microphones, but how those microphones will actually be used matters too.

A microphone stand keeps the microphone securely positioned at the appropriate height and angle without requiring somebody to hold it continuously. For speeches, presentations and some performances, that can make the microphone considerably easier to use.

Whether you need microphone stands depends on the event. The useful question isn't simply how many microphones you're hiring. It's who will use each microphone and what they'll be doing while they use it.

When Is a Microphone Stand Useful?

Microphone stands are particularly useful when somebody will remain in approximately the same position while speaking, singing or performing.

Imagine a presenter standing at the front of a corporate event. If they're delivering a longer presentation, placing the microphone on a stand means they don't need to hold it throughout the session. It also keeps the microphone in a consistent position, leaving their hands free for notes, presentation controls or demonstrations.

The same applies to vocalists and musicians. A singer playing guitar, for example, needs both hands for the instrument. A correctly positioned microphone stand allows them to perform while keeping the vocal microphone where it needs to be.

Audio Hire has microphone stands available alongside microphones, mixers, cables and other PA accessories.

Do I Need a Microphone Stand for Speeches?

It depends on how the speeches will work.

At a wedding or formal event, some speakers prefer holding the microphone. This gives them freedom to turn or move slightly while speaking.

For a fixed speaking position, however, a microphone stand can be useful. The speaker can walk up, deliver their speech and leave the microphone ready for the next person.

This can work particularly well when several people are speaking consecutively from the same location.

If you're using the Shure PGA48 microphone, Audio Hire supplies it with a microphone clip and six-metre XLR cable, making it straightforward to combine with a suitable stand for a fixed speech position.

What About an MC?

An MC usually has different requirements from somebody delivering a fixed speech.

MCs often move around the venue, introduce speakers, make announcements and interact with guests. A wireless handheld microphone can therefore be a more practical choice for the MC.

That doesn't mean the event no longer needs microphone stands.

You might have a wireless microphone for the MC while another microphone remains on a stand at a dedicated speech position. This means the MC always has immediate access to their microphone while speakers have another microphone ready when they approach.

This kind of setup can make transitions much smoother than continually moving equipment between people.

Audio Hire offers wired and wireless microphone options as part of its PA hire range.

Microphone Stands for Weddings

For weddings, think about the entire reception rather than just the speeches.

You may have an MC using a wireless microphone throughout the evening, several people giving speeches from a designated location and live entertainment later.

Those activities don't necessarily use microphones in the same way.

A dedicated microphone on a stand can provide a clear location for formal speeches. Guests know where to go, and the microphone remains ready for each speaker.

Meanwhile, the MC can retain their own wireless microphone.

If live musicians are performing later, they may require additional microphone stands for vocals or instruments.

What initially looks like a very simple microphone requirement can therefore become several microphones and stands once the complete event is considered.

Microphone Stands for Corporate Events

Corporate events are another situation where stands can be particularly useful.

A conference might include a presenter delivering a keynote, an MC introducing sessions, a panel discussion and audience questions.

A fixed microphone position may suit the keynote speaker, while wireless microphones provide greater flexibility for the moderator and audience Q&A.

If several sessions use the same presentation position throughout the day, keeping a microphone permanently set up there can also reduce unnecessary changes between speakers.

The key is to plan microphone stands alongside the microphones rather than treating them as an afterthought.

What About a Lectern?

If speakers will present from a lectern, think about how the microphone will be positioned.

Depending on the event, a microphone may be mounted or positioned around the lectern so speakers can address the audience without holding it.

Audio Hire also has a professional adjustable lectern available within its event-equipment range.

A lectern can be particularly useful for conferences, awards presentations, formal speeches and corporate events where you want to establish a clear presentation position.

Rather than looking at the lectern, microphone and microphone stand separately, consider the complete speaking setup.

Do Singers Need Microphone Stands?

For many live performers, microphone stands are essential.

A vocalist playing guitar or another instrument generally needs both hands available. Keyboard players may have similar requirements.

Even a vocalist who doesn't play an instrument may prefer a microphone stand for some parts of a performance while removing the microphone when they want greater freedom of movement.

If you're hiring equipment for live music, ask the performers how many vocal and instrument microphones they require and how many stands they expect.

Don't assume every microphone requires the same type of setup.

The performers may also need monitor speakers, additional mixer inputs and other equipment as part of the PA system.

How Many Microphone Stands Do I Need?

Start with the number of microphones that need to remain in fixed positions.

If you have two vocalists who both need microphones while performing, they'll generally need two suitable stands.

If there's a dedicated speech microphone plus a separate microphone for a performer, those may also require separate stands.

The MC's roaming wireless microphone may not need a stand during normal use, but having somewhere secure to place it when it isn't being used can still be convenient.

Rather than automatically matching every microphone with a stand, work through the event and decide how each microphone will actually be used.

Think About the Complete Microphone Setup

Microphone stands also illustrate why it's useful to plan the entire PA system rather than hiring individual items in isolation.

If you're adding microphones, you need to know where they'll connect. Several microphones may require an audio mixer with sufficient inputs. Wireless systems need appropriate receivers and setup. Wired microphones need suitable XLR cables.

If several microphones are being used simultaneously, someone may also need to manage their levels during the event.

For a simple event, this may be straightforward. For conferences, live performances and larger functions involving several microphones and sources, adding a sound technician can make the complete system considerably easier to manage. Audio Hire offers on-site technicians who can set up equipment, perform soundchecks and actively manage microphones and other sources during an event.

Don't Forget Speaker Stands

While you're considering microphone stands, check the speaker setup as well.

Audio Hire's professional PA systems begin with paired speakers, and positioning those speakers correctly is important for coverage. Speaker tripod stands elevate compatible speakers so sound can project across the audience rather than being obstructed by people immediately in front of them.

That means an event equipment list might include two main PA speakers with appropriate speaker stands, several microphones with the required microphone stands, a mixer and the necessary cables.

For music-focused events, the system may also include at least two subwoofers, with additional speakers or subwoofers depending on the venue, audience and dance-floor requirements.

Looking at the complete setup makes it much easier to identify accessories before the event rather than discovering something is missing during setup.

Should I Add Microphone Stands to My Hire?

If your microphones will be used at fixed speaking, singing or performance positions, microphone stands are a practical addition.

They're particularly useful for presentations, wedding speeches, conferences, vocalists and musicians who need their hands free.

For events involving an MC or presenters who need to move around, wireless microphones can provide greater freedom, while fixed microphones can remain available on stands elsewhere in the venue.

You can browse the Audio Hire equipment range for microphones, stands, mixers, cables and other accessories, or explore our PA hire options if you're putting together the complete sound system.

If you're not sure how many microphones or stands your event requires, contact Audio Hire and tell us what you're organising, where it's happening, approximately how many people are attending and how the microphones will be used. You don't need to work out the technical equipment list yourself.

The important thing isn't simply hiring a microphone. It's making sure that microphone is positioned and available in the right way when somebody needs to use it.