🥇 ShopSavvy Best Picks

Expert recommendations for the best overall, budget, and specialized product picks.

Our researchers bring you our top recommendations. Each article usually highlights the best overall choice, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs, helping you shop smarter and with confidence.

More to Explore

BEST PICKS

Best Boom Arms for Microphones in 2024

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

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: August 26th, 2024

🎤Getting great audio quality often starts with how you position your microphone. Whether you're podcasting, making music, or streaming, having a strong and flexible boom arm can really make a difference.

The right setup lets you place your mic just right, keeping things stable so you can focus on your work. After really diving into the details and looking at lots of options, we've come up with a list of the best boom arms for different needs and budgets. From top-tier picks for pro studios to budget-friendly options for beginners, here are our favorites for 2024.

🥇
Overall Best: Rode PSA1 Boom Arm

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

The Rode PSA1 boom arm is our top overall pick for 2024, loved for its robustness and versatility. Ideal for dynamic microphones like the Shure SM7B, the PSA1 features a fully adjustable suspension system with a 32-inch horizontal reach, offering precise microphone placement. The PSA1 includes a desk clamp that fits multiple desk thicknesses, making it adaptable to various setups. According to our research, while the desk mount could be more secure and the built-in cable management better designed, the PSA1's reliability in maintaining microphone stability makes it the best choice for any serious user.

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:

🎤

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.

🎤

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.

🎤

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.

View All Answers for

🥈
Runner-up: Gator Frameworks 3000 Series Boom Arm

As our runner-up, the Gator Frameworks 3000 Series Boom Arm stands out with its sleek design and robust construction. The internal cabling is well-organized, reducing clutter and enhancing the setup's overall appearance. This boom arm provides excellent reach and movement, perfect for a professional environment. Although the joints require significant tightening to stay in place, which can make adjustments slightly cumbersome, the durability and style of the Frameworks 3000 more than compensate for this minor drawback. It's a fantastic option if you're seeking both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$49.99 at Amazon

💸
Budget Pick: On-Stage DS7200B

OnStage DS7200B Adjustable Desktop Microphone Stand, Black Black Stand

For those on a budget, the On-Stage DS7200B is our top pick, priced at an affordable $17. This tabletop mic stand offers a simple and reliable solution without unnecessary frills. It has an adjustable height ranging from 9 to 13 inches and a heavy base to ensure stability for most dynamic microphones. Users appreciate its straightforward design, devoid of complex adjustment mechanisms, making it perfect for quick setups and easy transport. If you need a no-nonsense stand that gets the job done, the DS7200B is a smart choice.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$17.95 at Amazon

Best for Podcasting: Gator Frameworks Deluxe Desk-Mounted Broadcast Boom Stand

Gator Frameworks Deluxe Desk-Mounted Broadcast Microphone Boom Stand for Podcasts & Recording (GFWMICBCBM2000) 2000 Series

Podcasters will find the Gator Frameworks Deluxe Desk-Mounted Broadcast Boom Stand a standout choice. Its spring-loaded articulating arm allows for quick, one-touch adjustments, and it comes with a fixed 10-foot XLR cable for streamlined cable management. This boom stand offers a full 360-degree rotation with minimal noise, ensuring a smooth recording experience. It can be securely mounted or clamped to desks and tables, and its durable powder-coated finish ensures longevity. This stand is a great investment for podcasters who demand high quality and reliability.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$69.99 at Amazon

Best for Studio Use: Heil Sound PL 2T

Heil PL 2T Fully Articulating, Professional-Quality Microphone Boom Arm for Video Podcasting, Broadcasting, Voiceover, At-Home, In-Studio Applications

For premium studio use, the Heil Sound PL 2T is unparalleled. This professional-grade boom arm features silent adjustments, thanks to its pre-set internal spring tension. The internal cable channels keep your workspace tidy, and the strong c-clamp guarantees a secure mount. Its robust build quality and extensive reach make it suitable for high-end studio environments where precision and silence are paramount. If you're looking for a top-tier boom arm that delivers impeccable performance, the PL 2T should be at the top of your list.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$115.00 at Amazon

Get ShopSavvy

ShopSavvy is totally free and works on all popular phones and browsers