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Best Boom Arm for Your Mic

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Revamp your audio setup with the best microphone boom arm. Streamers and YouTubers alike will appreciate the versatility and flexibility a boom arm can give their workspace. And with several brands to choose from, I've narrowed it down to the top 5.

Want to find the best mic boom arm for your setup? You’re in luck. I have researched and found the best ones on the market, so you won’t have to. Plus, you’ll learn about the advantages of having a boom arm, which will convince you to get one today.

What You Should Look For in a Boom Arm

There are key aspects to look for in quality boom arms. You should have ideal qualities you would like the arm to have before you go and buy one. With that said, here are a few things you should look for in a good boom arm.

  1. Durability

    Is the boom arm well-built? Are the hinges of good quality? Those are some questions you should ask to know if the arm is sturdy and up to your standards.

    Cheap microphone boom arms tend to have flimsier frames and squeaky hinges. They also may only support lighter mics. You can avoid the headache by investing in a versatile heavy-duty boom arm that can keep your mic steady throughout your recording or streaming sessions.

  2. Compatibility

    It would be a waste to buy a boom arm that cannot support or mount your microphone.

    Different boom arms have specifications that indicate the heaviest weight they can carry. So, if your microphone exceeds the specified weight, then the boom arm cannot support it. And dropping your expensive microphone is not an option.

    Apart from that, find out if you can mount your microphone to the boom arm. Good thing most boom arms today can accommodate 3/8″ to 5/8″ threaded mic clips and shock mounts.

  3. Clamping options

    Are you planning to permanently install the arm on your workspace? Or do you want to clamp it temporarily? Boom arms usually give you the option to do either.

    Still, you should consider how the arm will fit into your current setup. Luckily, standard c-clamps and flange mounts are usually included when purchasing a microphone arm. But, do keep in mind that some brands only provide a c-clamp with the boom arm.

    In addition, check the maximum clamping thickness. This is the maximum thickness the clamp can mount to. Double-check the thickness of your desk and make sure the boom arm’s clamp can be installed on it.

  4. Cable management

    Since you’re working with a lot of devices when streaming or recording, you have many cables to manage. Some boom arms have built-in cable management solutions. With this, you’ll have one less thing to think about!

5 Best Mic Arms

Different brands offer a variety of microphone boom arms. They vary in quality, price, and flexibility. Some boom arms are better than others. But which ones are the best boom arms? Let’s find out.

Rode PSA1

Rode PSA1

Features

  • Popular choice among streamers
  • 1.74 kg
  • 360-degree Rotation

Pros

  • Quiet operation
  • Cable management
  • Sturdy and durable material
  • Threaded desk insert and desk clamp included

Cons

  • Lacks the ability to lock the base and arms in place

The Road PSA1 is a crowd favorite. This professional-looking boom arm supports a weight between 1.5 and 2.4 pounds. Perfect for most microphones. What’s more, the arm reduces vibrations and noise caused when it’s moved around.

You can quietly manipulate the arm thanks to the quality hinges and internal springs. Moreover, You can set up the PSA1 for a sitting or standing position since its horizontal and vertical reach is 33 inches.

Overall, the Rode PSA1 is a studio microphone boom arm that’s perfect for professional and personal use.

Blue Compass

Blue Compass

Features

  • 43.9 x 2 x 2.5 inches
  • 32” max horizontal reach
  • 2.98 pounds

Pros

  • Locking hinges
  • Silent operation
  • 360-degree rotation
  • Compatible with Blue Yeti
  • Well-built aluminum frame
  • Hidden channel cable management

Cons

  • Joints are made of plastic

The Blue Compass looks good while keeping all its functionalities. The arm looks stunning thanks to its enclosed aluminum construction where you’ll find the internal springs. This aluminum frame can hold a mic of up to 2.4 pounds.

Part of the boom arm is hand-tightened hinges. It enables you to lock the arm at a specific angle while streaming or recording. In addition, the Blue Compass has a built-in cable management system that completely hides mic wires. Big plus, especially if you’re trying to keep your setup wire-free.

It uses a c-clamp mount for your desktop. However, it can only be clamped to a desk with a thickness of 2 5/8 inches or less.

If you have a Yeti or Blackout Spark SL mic, then this boom arm is for you.

Heil Sound PL 2T

Heil Sound PL 2T

Features

  • 23.9 x 7.25 x 2.5 inches
  • 4 pounds
  • Easily adjust settings and remove noise

Pros

  • Great balance
  • Silent movement
  • Covered cable channels
  • Pre-set internal spring tension
  • Can attach 5/8-inch threaded shock mount and mic clip

Cons

  • FL-2 Permanent Flange Mount is sold separately

Keep your streaming rig looking clean and beautiful with the Heil Sound PL 2T. This mic boom’s covered cable management channels eliminate the need for cable straps that are simply eyesores.

In addition, the PL 2T utilizes smooth-moving hinges and internal springs. Feel free to move the arm around without worrying about unwanted noise and vibrations. Lastly, the arm can carry a weight of 3.5 pounds and uses a c-clamp which easily mounts on work tables.

On Stage MBS7500

On-Stage MBS7500

Features

  • 3.8 Pounds
  • Weight Capacity; 3.5 lbs.
  • 23 x 3 x 7 inches

Pros

  • Rotating base
  • Silent movement
  • C-clamp and flange mount included
  • Support mic weight of up to 3.5 pounds
  • Can attach 5/8-inch threaded shock mount and mic clip

Cons

  • No cable management

The On-Stage MBS7500 has a unique rectangular tube arm design. The horizontal and vertical arm lengths of the MBS7500 are 19.5 inches. Giving it a total arm reach of 38 inches.

When you combine this arm reach with quality internal springs, you get a versatile and effortlessly moveable mic arm. Plus, it has three axis points giving you plenty of flexibility.

What’s more, the c-clamp and flange mount are already included. However, this arm is better used when permanently clamped. Using the desk mounting clamp can limit its range of movement.

Samson MBA38

Samson MBA38

Features

  • Flange mount
  • C-Clamp
  • 22.44 x 7.09 x 1.57 inches

Pros

  • Quiet movement
  • Durable steel material
  • Maximum load of 4 pounds
  • Allows for 5/8-inch mic clip
  • Maximum arm reach of 38 inches
  • Standard c-clamp and flange mount included

Cons

  • No cable management

If you’re on a tight budget, check out the Samson MBA38. For its price, you get a steel frame that has a horizontal and vertical reach of 38 inches. It enables users to adjust their microphones to their desired height and distance.

Thanks to its internal springs, the arm moves quietly. This is perfect for live streaming and long recording sessions.

You also have two mounting clamp options. If you wish to permanently mount the arm to your table, you can use the flange mount. On the other hand, if you want to mount it temporarily, you can use the standard c-clamp mount.

Best Mic Boom Arms For Popular Streaming Mics

Do you already use one of the most popular microphones?

Most streamers already own one of these three: the HyperX Quadcast, Blue Yeti, or Elgato Wave 3. If you own one too, I found the boom arms for the three most popular streaming mics.

Kindly note that the Rode PSA1 boom arm can be used with any of the three microphones listed below.

Best Boom Arm for HyperX Quadcast

TONOR’s T20 boom arm works great with the HyperX Quadcast.

The T20 might be heavier than typical boom arms, but this helps it support microphones of up to 3.96 pounds. This is thanks to its steel frame. Its build quality allows it to constantly keep your mic in a steady position.

Its 360-degree rotation enables you to position it at different angles where you’re most comfortable. On the other hand, the T20 offers cable management thanks to the included 4 cable ties.

Despite the included pop filter, you’ll have to buy a separate shock mount to use the T20 with the HyperX Quadcast. Apparently, it’s not included when you purchase the arm.

Best Boom Arm for Blue Yeti

What better option for the Blue Yeti than the Blue Compass premium boom arm? It’s no doubt that equipment made by the same brand will work well together. According to Blue, the Compass is designed for the Yeti mic.

We’ve reviewed the Blue Compass earlier and suffice it to say, it’s one of the best microphone boom arms available today.

Here are the best selling points of the Blue Compass:

  • Has 360-degree rotation
  • Made of strong aluminum
  • Has a 32-inch horizontal reach
  • Comes wita h 3/8″ to 5/8″ adapter
  • Can support a maximum load of 2.4 pounds
  • Has a hidden channel for cable management
  • Includes a standard c-clamp (for desk mount)

Best Boom Arm for Elgato Wave 3

Pair your Elgato Wave 3 with Neewer’s NW-35C boom arm stand.

The Neewer microphone arm has dual suspension springs making it extremely flexible and sturdy. Additionally, the arm can support a weight of 3.3 pounds. So, even heavy mics can be used with this arm.

When you get the NW-35C, it includes a c-clamp for your desk and a multi-angled mini ball head. The ball head gives you the flexibility to tilt your mic however you want.

What’s more, you get a great quality-to-price ratio. For its steel build material and versatility, you’ll surely get more than your money’s worth.

Benefits of Having a Boom Arm for Your Mic

Microphone boom arms not only look cool but also bring its user several benefits. To list a few, it increases comfort and keeps your desk tidy. These perks listed below will surely persuade you to buy one.

  1. Better positioning for your mic

    With a boom arm, you can adjust the height of your mic according to your natural sitting position. Plus, you can easily move the mic closer or farther from you to get the best recording audio quality.

    Keep in mind that the placement of your mic relative to you will decide whether the mic catches the best, fullest, and richest sound of your voice.

    Content creators, such as streamers and YouTubers, will find it easier and more comfortable to record audio with a boom arm stand.

  2. Shock noise is reduced

    Having a boom arm for your mic helps to reduce noise from things around it. For example, the vibrations coming from the things on your table can be caught by the microphone if it’s also resting on the desk.

    The vibrations can come from your keyboard or mouse. The internal spring system of the boom arms also helps reduce vibrations that may come from the arm itself when it’s adjusted or moved.

    The mic boom arm significantly reduces the transmission of these vibrations to the mic. This means you record better audio for your projects.

  3. Frees up desk space

    Having a boom arm lets you tuck away your mic when it’s not in use. This gives a cleaner look to your desk. And in the process, you also get more desk space.

    And most boom arms help with cable management since they have cable clips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Need a Boom Arm for Your Mic?

It’s completely optional to get a boom arm for your mic. You can choose to use the original stand of your microphone. But with its many benefits, you won’t regret getting one.

What Other Mic Accessories Do You Need?

Having a decent boom arm is one thing. If you want to improve the audio you record, you can also get a shock mount and a pop filter for your setup. This helps further reduce unwanted noise and vibrations.

Conclusion

Boom arms are life-changing. It gives you better mic placements, better audio recordings, and a tidier workspace altogether.

Keep in mind that the best microphone boom arms are well-built and versatile. It should support mics well and fit into your setup.

Go and find an excellent boom arm that checks off all your boxes.

About the Author

Chris

Chris is a marketing major with a strong background in small business and influencer branding. He applies his knowledge of content and promotional strategies to design actionable advice for new and intermediate streamers. When he’s not busy crunching analytics, he can be found in the salt pits of League of Legends.

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