Question: I don’t want to drill a big hole in my lectern for a microphone mount. What are my options? Answer: The traditional method for mounting a gooseneck microphone on a pulpit, lectern or conference table is to use a microphone shock mount such as our AT8662. This method effectively isolates the microphone from noise, shock and vibration transmitted through the mounting surface. To use a mount such as this, a two-inch hole must be drilled in the mounting surface to allow the microphone and cable to pass through the mount. While in many applications this is perfectly acceptable, this may not be an option when mounting a microphone to a very valuable, ornate or antique item of furniture. In those scenarios an alternate mount method must be used. If it is acceptable to drill small screw holes, our AT8663 flange mount may be used. With this mount, a gooseneck microphone that has a standard 5/8"-27 thread, such as our PRO 47TL, can be attached directly. If using a gooseneck microphone with a “quick mount,” such as our U857QL, the AT8473 Quick-mount Stand Adapter may be attached to the flange mount to hold the microphone. If drilling any type of hole, even small screw holes, is unacceptable, there are still options. If the surface is flat and horizontal, a desk stand, such as the AT8666, may be set on the surface and a quick-mount microphone simply plugged into it. With this style of desk stand you can also add a local mute switch by using the AT8666RSP. Or, for ultimate flexibility, use the Audio-Technica ATW-T1007 desk stand to wirelessly transmit the audio back to a System 10 wireless microphone receiver. Another option would be to use a microphone table clamp. There are many styles and sizes available to fit various pulpits, lecterns or conference tables. A search in your internet browser for “microphone table clamp” will show you the many products that are available. Finally, one of the easiest ways to avoid drilling a hole is to place a simple microphone stand to the side of the pulpit, using the AT8473 Quick-mount Stand Adapter to hold the microphone. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of microphone mounting options in this challenging application. As always, feel free to contact the Audio-Technica Audio Solutions Department for more information.