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Best Desk Mounted Microphone Arms for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: September 11th, 2024

🎤Finding the perfect desk-mounted microphone arm can really boost your recording game, whether you're into podcasting, streaming, or music production. But with so many options out there, it can get pretty overwhelming. Don’t worry, we've done the homework for you. We've sifted through all the top-rated microphone boom arms to bring you the best choices for 2024.

Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking to invest, we’ve got something for everyone.

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Overall Best: Rode PSA1 Boom Arm

RØDE PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm with Spring Damping and Cable Management, Black

The Rode PSA1 boom arm stands out as our overall best pick due to its versatile and reliable performance. Its easy-to-use swivel mechanism allows you to position your microphone exactly where you need it, making it a favorite among content creators and professionals.

With a maximum reach of 32 inches and the ability to hold up to 2.4 pounds, the PSA1 is ideal for most microphones, including the popular Shure SM7B. Our research indicates that users appreciate its sturdy construction and smooth movement, although the tightening screws can sometimes interfere with the XLR mount.

Despite minor drawbacks, the Rode PSA1 remains the most dependable option for ensuring your microphone stays in place during use.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$128.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the RØDE PSA1+ Studio Arm? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What is the weight capacity of the RØDE PSA1+?

The RØDE PSA1+ is pretty solid if you need a boom arm for your microphone. According to the manufacturer, it can handle microphones weighing between 0.2 and 2.7 pounds. So, it'll work for a bunch of different mics, including something like the [Shure SM7B](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dshure%2Bsm7b%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). This arm is designed with podcasters, streamers, and broadcasters in mind, which is nice if you're switching up your recording setup often. It supports both end- and side-address microphones. Plus, it comes with both a 3/8-inch and a 5/8-inch thread adapter, so compatibility won't be an issue. A cool feature noted in our research is the parallelogram spring design, making adjustments smooth and quiet. Super helpful if you need to move the mic mid-session without picking up unwanted noise. There's also a cable management system for USB and XLR cables that keeps your workspace tidy and avoids any cable stress. And from what we found, the PSA1+ does a great job keeping your mic steady, which means no wobbling around. It's definitely a solid option if you want to keep your recording quality consistent.

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How smooth is the movement of the RØDE PSA1+ boom arm?

The RØDE PSA1+ boom arm is pretty impressive when it comes to smooth movement. Our research shows it's great with various microphones, including the popular [Shure SM7B](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dshure%2Bsm7b%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). It can handle microphones weighing from 0.2 to 2.7 pounds, and that's largely due to its smart parallelogram spring design. This helps keep the microphone stable and exactly where you place it, which is super helpful for maintaining a consistent sound. According to our findings, it holds up really well even with heavier microphones and doesn't droop or move around undesirably. This is key for professional recordings since you don't want the mic stand shifting on you mid-session. Another cool thing is that it has features like fully damped internal springs and a neoprene cover. These elements do a great job of keeping mechanical noise to a minimum, so your recordings stay clean without any interference. The PSA1+ also comes with integrated cable management and flexible mounting options, which helps in keeping your recording space tidy. Plus, it can rotate a full 360 degrees, giving you a lot of flexibility in how you position your mic. All in all, if you're looking for a reliable boom arm for something like the [Shure SM7B](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dshure%2Bsm7b%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), the RØDE PSA1+ is a solid pick. Its smooth movement and steady performance make it a great addition to any audio setup, whether you're in a pro studio or recording at home.

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Does the RØDE PSA1+ make any noise when adjusting?

The RØDE PSA1+ is built to be quiet when you're adjusting it, which is super helpful in recording settings where you want as little noise as possible. Compared to the older version, the [PSA1](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DPSA1%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), this newer model has some nice tweaks that make it quieter. The manufacturer says this comes from some clever design features like damped internal springs wrapped in neoprene and a parallelogram spring design. Our research backs this up, showing that it moves smoothly and lets you place your mic just right without much noise. It's pretty popular for things like podcasts and streaming where clear audio is a big deal. RØDE really highlights this quiet operation in their features, and it lines up with some stuff we're seeing in reviews. That said, there have been a few mentions of tiny noises, like ticking sounds, if the arm has been used a lot. These seem to be quite rare and might have more to do with individual setups or wear and tear rather than a problem with the design. It's probably a good idea to check and tighten things every so often if you hear any odd noises down the line. So, if you're on the lookout for a mic arm that doesn't add extra noise to your recordings, the PSA1+ seems like a solid choice. It's gotten good feedback from folks in audio and video circles because of its noise-reducing features. If you're upgrading from the older model or dealing with a noisier arm, this could be a worthy pick, according to what we've found.

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Runner-up: Gator Frameworks 3000 Series Boom Arm

The Gator Frameworks 3000 Series Boom Arm is our runner-up, offering a modern, heavy-duty build with excellent cable management. It's particularly noted for its internal spring design that provides smooth, adjustable positioning.

This arm can support heavy microphones and offers a versatile range of movement. While it has some impressive features, users have noted that it requires the joints to be very tight to keep the microphone in place, which can make adjustments more cumbersome.

Nevertheless, it's a solid option for those who need a reliable and well-built boom arm.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$69.99 at Guitar Center

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Budget Pick: Table Top Mic Stand

InnoGear Desktop Microphone Stand, Upgraded Adjustable Table Mic Stand with Mic Clip and 5/8" Male to 3/8" Female Screw for Blue Yeti Snowball Spark & Other Microphone 1

For those on a budget, the Table Top Mic Stand is a straightforward and reliable choice. Its low-profile design makes it an excellent option for those who have plenty of desk space and desire a minimalist setup.

The stand typically includes a small clip to keep your cable tidy, ensuring a clean appearance. While it lacks the flexibility and range of movement of dedicated boom arms, it’s an affordable and effective solution for stationary setups, particularly for podcasting and live streaming where the mic need not be frequently repositioned.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$15.99 at Amazon

Best for Cable Management: Blue Compass Boom Arm

Blue Compass Premium Tube-Style Microphone Broadcasting Boom Arm (Renewed)

The Blue Compass Boom Arm shines when it comes to cable management, featuring an internal spring design that keeps everything neatly tucked away. Its premium build quality and sleek appearance make it a favorite for those who value aesthetics.

However, it does have some performance issues; specifically, it struggles to hold the microphone in low positions and might float up if not correctly adjusted. Despite these drawbacks, its superior cable management makes it an excellent choice for those looking to keep their setup looking clean and professional.

Available at Amazon

View at Amazon

Specific Pick: OC White ProBoom Elite

For those who are looking for a premium option and don't mind a more complex installation, the OC White ProBoom Elite is unbeatable. Its robust build and superior flexibility make it a top choice for professional studios.

The arm is available in multiple sizes and offers excellent stability, though it requires a permanent installation involving screws and bolts. This might be off-putting for users who prefer non-permanent setups.

However, if you are willing to invest the extra effort, the ProBoom Elite provides an unparalleled performance.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$206.10 at Amazon

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