If you do a lot of audio recording, you obviously need a good mic. Along with having the right audio input device, you need to be able to position it correctly. The easiest way to do this is with a nice swing arm stand. These allow you to place the mic exactly where you want it to be, with very little effort. The trouble is that such stands usually cost a pretty penny. However, lamps that use a similar system are relatively cheap. Do you see where I’m going with this?

Since you can purchase a desk lamp on a swinging arm for as little as $10, it makes for a good substitute arm, depending on the mic you’re using. Obviously if you have a very heavy mic, the springs might not be able to compensate. However, if this is something you’re interested in trying out, there is a great guide over here that can walk you through the necessary steps. For as little as $20 (after purchasing a few other parts) you can have a very professional mic stand attached to your desk.