Microphone Screw Size: Standard Bottom Fit

Microphones are typically attached to stands via a detachable holder screwed onto the end of the boom. The most common screw thread sizes for this are 5⁄8 inch (16 mm) with 27 threads per inch, 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) with 12 threads per inch, 3⁄8 inch (9.5 mm) with 16 threads per inch, and 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) with 20 threads per inch. The first is a Unified Special thread used in the US and internationally, while the latter three are used in older German and European stands or internationally outside of the US.

Mic stand thread sizes vary from small to large

When setting up a microphone, it's important to ensure that the thread hole size of your microphone matches the mic stand's thread size. This simple check can save you time and hassle, ensuring your equipment works together smoothly.

The 3/8″ thread is also considered a standard thread size in Europe, alongside the older 1/2″ thread size with 12 threads per inch, which was commonly used on older German and European stands.

A less common thread size is the 1/4″ thread, which is used worldwide, especially in photography tripods. This thread size is also used in some microphones designed to attach to camera tripods.

It's worth noting that some microphones may not come with threads or fasteners for direct attachment to a mic stand. In such cases, a mechanical adapter is required to securely attach the microphone to the stand. These adapters are available in different versions, such as shock mount-style housings or microphone clip styles.

Adapters are also useful when dealing with different thread sizes. Various male-to-female adapters are available to connect dissimilar sizes and enable compatibility between different standards.

The US standard is 5/8-inch thread with 27 TPI

The standard screw thread size for microphone stands in the US is 5/8-inch with 27 threads per inch (TPI). This is also known as a Unified Special thread (UNS). This standard screw size is used to attach microphones to stands, as well as for other applications such as boom arms and goosenecks.

The 5/8-27 TPI screw size is commonly used for microphone stands in the US because it offers a secure and stable connection for microphones. It is important to ensure that the thread hole size of your microphone matches the stand's thread size to avoid compatibility issues and ensure a seamless setup.

While the US standard is 5/8-27 TPI, there are other thread sizes used internationally, such as the 3/8-inch thread with 16 TPI, which is widely used outside the US. Another size is the 1/4-inch thread with 20 TPI, which is uncommon in the US but used worldwide, especially in photography tripods.

It's worth noting that some microphones may not come with the necessary thread for direct attachment to a microphone stand. In such cases, a mechanical adapter is required to securely attach the microphone to the stand. These adapters are available in different sizes and configurations to ensure compatibility between the microphone and the stand.

Adapters such as the CAMVATE 5/8"-27 Female to 3/8"-16 Male Mic Stand Thread Adapter provide compatibility with different thread sizes, allowing users to connect microphones with 3/8" threads to stands with the standard US 5/8" size.

The European standard is 3/8-inch with 16 TPI

When it comes to microphone stands, ensuring the correct fit between the stand and the microphone is crucial. The standard thread size for microphone stands in the United States is 5/8" with 27 threads per inch (TPI). However, in Europe, the standard thread size is 3/8" with 16 TPI. This European standard is commonly used for 16mm and mid-weight video cameras, providing compatibility with European clips.

The 3/8" thread size is smaller in diameter compared to its American counterpart and is widely used outside the United States. It is often found on microphone stands and accessories such as boom arms and goosenecks, which are used to adjust the microphone's position. This smaller thread size is particularly useful when you need to get the microphone closer to the user without having the upright stand in the way.

While the 3/8" thread size is the European standard, it is also worth noting that there are other thread sizes used internationally. For example, older European stands might use a 1/2" thread with 12 TPI, and a 1/4" thread with 20 TPI is commonly found in photography tripods and is widely used worldwide, even though it is uncommon in the US.

To accommodate these different thread sizes and ensure compatibility between microphones and stands, various male/female adapters are available. These adapters allow users to connect equipment with dissimilar sizes, making it possible to use microphones and stands from different regions together.

Adapters are available to connect dissimilar sizes

Microphone stands come in different shapes and sizes, and it's important to ensure that the thread hole size of your microphone matches the thread size of your stand. The standard thread size in the United States is 5/8-inch with 27 threads per inch, while in Europe, it's 3/8-inch with 16 threads per inch.

If you're dealing with a mismatch between your microphone and its stand, don't panic! Adapters are readily available to connect dissimilar sizes. For example, you can find a 5/8'' male to 1/4'' female adapter that comes with a bottom pedestal mount and fitting holes, allowing you to attach your microphone to a table, wall, or ceiling. This type of adapter is made of nickel brass and aluminum alloy and is designed to support a microphone stand.

Another common issue is when the threads on a mic stand are wider than those on a shock mount. In this case, you'll need a bushing, adapter, or "thready-bit" that is 5/8" on one side and 3/8" on the other. These adapters are often included with microphones or stands, but they can also be purchased separately if needed.

Adapters are also available for other thread sizes. For example, if you have a microphone with a 1/4-inch thread, you can find adapters to connect it to a standard 5/8-inch or 3/8-inch stand. These adapters are typically made of metal and can be tightened with a screwdriver or coin.

It's important to test your setup early on to ensure that your microphone and stand are compatible. With the right adapters, you can easily overcome any size mismatches and get your equipment working together smoothly.

Microphones can screw directly onto the boom

Microphones can be attached to stands or booms in a number of ways. One common method is to use a screw thread, with the microphone screwing directly onto the boom. This is a simple and effective way of attaching a microphone to a boom, but it's important to ensure that the thread size of the microphone matches that of the boom.

There are several standard thread sizes for microphone stands and booms, and they vary by region. In the US, the most common size is 5/8" thread with 27 threads per inch (TPI), which is also used internationally. In Europe, the standard size is typically 3/8" with 16 TPI. Other thread sizes include 1/2" with 12 TPI, which is common on older European stands, and 1/4" with 20 TPI, which is uncommon in the US but widely used in the rest of the world, especially in photography tripods.

It's important to note that not all microphones have a thread for direct attachment to a boom or stand. In these cases, a mechanical adapter is needed to securely hold the microphone. Adapters are available in different versions, such as shock mount style housings or microphone clip styles. For microphone clip adapters, you simply unclip the adapter and slot in the microphone. Shock mounts, on the other hand, are screwed onto the stand, and the microphone is then slid into place.

Adapters are also useful when the thread size of the microphone doesn't match that of the boom or stand. Various male-to-female adapters are available to connect dissimilar sizes. For example, a 5/8" male-to-3/8" and 1/4"-20 female combo reversible thread adapter can be used to convert from a 5/8" thread to a 3/8" or 1/4" thread.

Frequently asked questions