Tablets have replaced folders of lyric sheets, chord charts and setlists on stages and in home studios, but they only help if they sit where you can see them. A good iPad holder for mic stand setups clamps to the stand you already own, holds the tablet firmly at eye level and lets you swing between portrait and landscape without fumbling. This guide compares eight proven holders from IK Multimedia, Hercules, K&M, On-Stage and Amazon Basics, covering tablet sizes, clamp versus cradle designs, phone holders and where to mount them.
Clamp, cradle or grip: the three designs
Spring or screw clamps grab the tablet by its edges and adapt to many sizes, which makes them the most versatile choice if you change devices or use a case. Cradles hold a specific tablet more snugly, which feels secure but limits compatibility when you upgrade. Adaptive grips use sliding arms that close around the device and work for phones as well as tablets. On the stand side, most holders use a tube clamp that fits standard mic stand shafts, while some also offer a thread mount or work on music stands and desks.
Our picks for the best iPad holder for mic stand use
IK Multimedia iKlip Xpand
The IK Multimedia iKlip Xpand is one of the most familiar tablet holders on stage. It fits iPads and Android tablets from 7 to 12.9 inches, clamps to mic stands and swivels a full 360 degrees, with soft-touch grips to protect the device.
Best for: gigging singers and keyboard players who want a proven all-rounder.
- Pros: wide size range, quick 360-degree rotation, musician-focused design.
- Cons: very heavy tablets on long arms can sag if the stand clamp is not tightened well.
IK Multimedia iKlip 3
The IK Multimedia iKlip 3 is the newer tablet clamp in the iKlip line, covering the same 7 to 12.9 inch range with a 360-degree swivel and soft-touch grip. It focuses on easy insertion so you can drop a tablet in quickly during changeovers. A Deluxe version is also available.
Best for: players who swap tablets in and out often.
- Pros: fast insertion, broad compatibility, solid brand support.
- Cons: overlaps heavily with the Xpand, so compare current listings before choosing.
Hercules DG307B Adaptive Tablet and Phone Holder
The Hercules DG307B holds devices from 6.1 to 13 inches, so one holder covers both a phone and a large iPad Pro. It includes a quarter-inch threaded mount as well as a clamp that fits round and square tubes, which means it can live on a mic stand, a keyboard stand or a desk rail.
Best for: mixed setups that switch between phone and tablet.
- Pros: phone-to-tablet range, round and square tube support, extra thread mount.
- Cons: the adaptive grip takes a moment longer to set than a simple spring clamp.
K&M 19790 Universal Tablet Holder
K&M, the German stand maker, builds the K&M 19790 as a universal tablet holder for mic stands that switches quickly between landscape and portrait. K&M hardware has a reputation for long service life, which matters for anything bolted to a stand night after night.
Best for: working musicians and venues that want durable, professional hardware.
- Pros: pro-grade build, easy orientation switch, trusted stand brand.
- Cons: more expensive than generic clamps, and plainer styling.
On-Stage TCM1500
The On-Stage TCM1500 is a clamp-mount holder for tablets, e-readers and smartphones, with nonslip padding and adjustable angle and rotation. It is a sensible mid-budget choice from a brand most music shops stock.
Best for: rehearsal rooms and teachers who need one holder for many devices.
- Pros: flexible device support, padded grip, widely available.
- Cons: not as refined as the K&M for frequent heavy use.
Amazon Basics Tablet Holder for Music Stand
The Amazon Basics tablet holder is a budget clamp with a 360-degree swivel. It is marketed for music stands, but the same clamp style works on many mic stand shafts too. Note that it fits 7 to 11 inch screens, so it is not the one for a 12.9 or 13 inch iPad Pro.
Best for: home practice and students with standard-size iPads.
- Pros: budget band, simple, swivels freely.
- Cons: smaller size range, and less robust than the music brands for touring.
IK Multimedia iKlip Xpand Mini (phone)
If you only need a phone for a tuner, click track, lyrics or a camera angle, the iKlip Xpand Mini clamps a smartphone to a mic stand with a 360-degree swivel. Check your phone size: the listing covers 3.5 to 6 inches, and many current phones are larger.
Best for: compact phones used as tuners, metronomes or recording devices.
- Pros: small, light, quick to mount.
- Cons: large modern phones may exceed its range.
Hercules DG207B Adaptive Smartphone Holder
For larger phones, the Hercules DG207B is the phone-only sibling of the DG307B, using the same adaptive grip idea in a smaller format.
Best for: streamers and performers who mount a phone next to the vocal mic.
- Pros: adaptive grip from a respected stand brand, compact.
- Cons: phones only, so it will not double for a tablet.
Comparison table
| Holder | Best for | Device range | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|
| IK iKlip Xpand | All-round gigging | 7 to 12.9 in tablets | Mic stand clamp, 360 swivel |
| IK iKlip 3 | Fast tablet swaps | 7 to 12.9 in tablets | Mic stand clamp, 360 swivel |
| Hercules DG307B | Phone and tablet | 6.1 to 13 in | Round/square tube clamp, thread mount |
| K&M 19790 | Pro durability | Universal tablets | Mic stand mount |
| On-Stage TCM1500 | Many devices | Phones to tablets | Clamp mount |
| Amazon Basics | Budget practice | 7 to 11 in | Clamp, 360 swivel |
| iKlip Xpand Mini | Small phones | 3.5 to 6 in | Mic stand clamp |
| Hercules DG207B | Larger phones | Smartphones | Tube clamp |
How to choose an iPad holder for mic stand mounting
Check the largest device you will use. A 12.9 or 13 inch iPad Pro rules out holders that stop at 11 inches. If you use a thick protective case, add its thickness to the clamp range.
Mic stand, boom or music stand? Clamping to the vertical shaft of a mic stand is the most stable position, because the weight sits over the base. Mounting a tablet out on a boom arm puts leverage on the stand and can tip a lightweight tripod. If you read sheet music for long sessions, a dedicated music stand may suit you better: see our best music stands guide.
Match the stand. A heavy tablet on a cheap, light stand is a recipe for a crash. Round-base stands handle extra weight well, while tripod stands need their legs fully spread. Our roundup of the best microphone stands covers sturdy options.
Portrait and landscape. Portrait suits lyric and chord sheets; landscape suits DAW control apps and mixer remotes. Holders with a quick swivel save time between songs.
Phone or tablet. If you only need a tuner, metronome or camera, a phone holder is lighter and cheaper. For full charts, a tablet is easier to read from a distance.
Setting up on stage and in the studio
- Mount the tablet just below the mic, angled slightly upward, so you can glance down without moving off-axis.
- Tighten the stand clamp first, then the holder, then rotate the device. Recheck everything after soundcheck.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb and disable auto-lock so notifications and dimming do not interrupt a song.
- Use a page-turn pedal or a reader app with set lists. Our list of the best sheet music reader apps covers good options.
Still choosing the device itself? Read our guide to the best tablet for sheet music for screen size and stylus advice.
FAQ
Will an iPad holder fit any mic stand?
Most tube clamps fit standard mic stand shafts, and adaptive models like the Hercules DG307B also handle square tubes. Very thick or unusual tubes, such as some lighting stands, may fall outside the clamp range, so check the listing.
Can a mic stand hold a 12.9 inch iPad Pro safely?
Yes, if the holder supports that size and the stand is sturdy. Mount the tablet on the vertical shaft rather than a long boom, and use a round-base or heavy tripod stand.
Can I use the same holder on a music stand?
Often, yes. Many tablet clamps grip music stand shafts and desk rails as well as mic stands. Some, like the Amazon Basics model, are designed primarily for music stands but work on mic stands of a similar diameter.
