First of all something about my person: I am sound engineer for smaller companies and a few professional bands. Although most of the venues have very good PA systems, I bring all my mics, stands and tools by myself. Therefore I always have the right tools to mix the show and do not have to use cheap or bad microphones from the local guy.
The K&M 233 BK is the best microphone stand for me in concerns of micing bass drums, guitar or bass amps, snare drum, floor tom or even woodwind and brass instruments like saxophone.
The stand itself is perfect for micing theatre venues. Therefore I position them directly downstage and equip them with good condenser mics.
In addition I use one of K&M boom arms to expand the stand and make it very adjustable for instrument micing.
On the contrary the main problem with the cast-iron base is that you have to screw them out after every gig and tie them together next time. I had several broken mic stands (cheaper ones, not K&M) who broke down after a ride in the trailer.
All in all I learned, that the K&M stuff is worth money, especially because of its expandability and durability. I will never ever buy cheap microphone stands again.
