There’s something about seeing a microphone suspended in the hands of a music icon or podcast giant that captures the imagination. The right boom stand doesn’t just hold a microphone — it becomes a piece of the performance. And when it’s a stand used by a celebrity, it often tells a story of its own.
Over the years, certain mic stands have evolved beyond their basic role. They’ve become symbols — handcrafted works of art, engineering marvels, and quiet statements of precision. These aren’t the generic stands you spot in a garage rehearsal space. These are bespoke pieces, the kind that cost as much as some people’s cars, designed to match the voice and persona of the person using them.
Here’s a closer look at a few of the most expensive and distinctive boom and mic stands embraced by famous names across music and media.
The Giger Stand for Jonathan Davis of Korn
Few mic stands are as instantly recognizable as the one designed for Korn frontman Jonathan Davis. Created by the surrealist artist H.R. Giger, this stand is a piece of functional sculpture — a chrome, biomechanical figure molded in the shape of a woman.
It’s an intimidating piece, rising from the floor like an alien relic, and Davis has used it for decades. Only five were ever made, making it one of the rarest and most expensive microphone stands in the world. Its value doesn’t just come from its price tag, but from its place in music history.
Rode PSA1 and PSA1+: The Podcaster’s Choice
While rock stars have long embraced custom stands, podcast giants have gravitated toward precision engineering. The Rode PSA1 and its upgraded PSA1+ have become the arms of choice for some of the biggest names in podcasting. The PSA1+ is fully adjustable, built with internal spring mechanics that glide noiselessly, making it ideal for long‑form interviews where every sound counts.
Its sleek design and precision engineering have made it a mainstay for shows like The Joe Rogan Experience and countless others. Its price may seem modest compared to the custom-built pieces of rock ‘n’ roll, but its reputation as an industry standard gives it a premium status.
The RE20 Boom Stands of Radio Legends
Watch any classic radio broadcast, and you’ll notice a massive, elegant boom stand cradling an Electro‑Voice RE20. From Howard Stern to the NPR studios, these setups have become icons of the airwaves. The stands that support these hefty mics aren’t an afterthought — they’re precision pieces built by names like K&M and Latch Lake, designed for long hours of use and absolute stability.
These aren’t just accessories. They’re the unsung workhorses that have shaped moments in music, news, and podcasting, making their cost a worthwhile investment for broadcasters who can’t afford compromise.
The Latch Lake and K&M Studio Behemoths
While many stars focus on microphones, the biggest names in sound understand that the stand is just as critical. Brands like Latch Lake and K&M have built their reputation making stands that can bear the weight of hefty microphones like the RE20 or vintage tube condensers. The result?
A stand that doesn’t wobble, creak, or slip — no matter how long the recording session lasts. In touring setups for bands like Metallica and The Red Hot Chili Peppers, these premium stands have quietly worked behind the scenes, making sure every word and every note finds its mark.
Final Thoughts: When the Stand Becomes Part of the Sound
At the top end of the market, a boom stand is more than a piece of equipment. It’s an extension of an artist’s voice, a statement about precision and reliability. From Jonathan Davis’s H.R. Giger piece of performance art to the whisper‑quiet PSA1 and PSA1+, or the unshakable reliability of Latch Lake and K&M, the most expensive stands are worth every dollar for those who need them.