The trusty boom arm is the most common way of mounting a microphone in podcasting.
According to our 2024 podcast gear survey, 36% of podcasters use a boom arm.
So what makes them so popular? And should you be using one in your own setup?
Why Use a Boom Arm?
Boom arms are convenient and flexible. They help keep your podcasting space tidy, too.
A boom arm typically attaches to your desk with a small clamp grip, meaning its desk surface space is almost nil.
You can swivel the thing around, adjust its height and direction, and generally play around until you find your optimal recording position.
With a boom arm, you don’t need to be stuck in the same position for the duration of a recording session. This is a far cry from the static (and often hunched) nature of using a desk stand.
Boom arms can also help minimise the impact of shock-related noise reaching your microphone. Typical examples are typing on a keyboard or accidentally hitting or knocking your desk.
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Best Microphone Boom Arms for Podcasting
Like any other piece of podcasting gear, boom arm options are plentiful and vary in price and quality.
We’ve used many different models in our studio over the years. If you’re looking to buy a microphone boom arm, here are a few options.
Neewer NW-35: A Budget Podcast Boom Arm
Spending big won’t automatically make your content sound great, and if you’re new to podcasting, you’re better off starting (and spending) small.
The Neewer NW-35 metal suspension boom scissor arm is a great option if you’re looking to buy a boom arm that’s cheap, but doesn’t feel cheap. In some instances, it even comes with a pop filter and shock mount, too.
Price: $20
Thread: 3/8″ & 5/8″
Max Weight: 3.3lbs/1.5kg
We bought a couple for our studio many years ago, and they’re still going strong!
IXTech Lizard Pro: Strong Podcast Boom Arm
IXTech’s Lizard boom arm is a sleek, low-profile microphone boom arm capable of supporting a lot of weight.
It is a highly adjustable boom arm that can swivel 360 degrees.
Price: $80
Thread: 3/8″ & 5/8″
Max Weight: 4.4lbs/2kg
The Lizard also has an integrated cable management system to help keep your setup tidy. This also means you don’t need to worry about loose cables knocking the arm during your recording sessions.
Read our full review of the IXTech Lizard boom arm for more details.
Rode PSA1 & PSA1+: Premium Podcast Boom Arms
Rode’s PSA1 has been the premium podcasting boom arm option for many years, and there’s now an upgraded PSA1+ model, too.
As you’d expect, the PSA1+ has a slightly higher cost and specs, adding 100 grams to its max weight and a couple of inches to its reach (along with about $30).
The PSA1+ also has an improved integrated cable management system and enhanced noise reduction due to rubber contact points on both the arm and the desk clamp.
With that all said, the original PSA1 remains a premium podcast microphone boom arm option, as you’ll see in our full Rode PSA1 review.
Rode PSA1
Price: $100
Thread: 3/8″ & 5/8″
Max Weight: 2.4lbs/1.1kg
Rode PSA1+
Price: $130
Thread: 3/8″ & 5/8″
Max Weight: 2.6lbs/1.2kg
Attaching Mics to Boom Arms
Microphones connect to boom arms using standard threaded mounts in either 3/8″ or 5/8″ sizes.
No matter what mic you’re using, you’ll almost certainly find a way to screw it onto a boom arm using one of those thread sizes.
Adapters also allow compatibility between the two sizes, making it easy to connect microphones and boom arms regardless of thread type.
To attach, simply screw the microphone (or its adapter) onto the boom arm, securing it tightly.
Shock mounts or mic clips can also be added to further reduce noise from handling or movement.
It’s worth adding that if you’re using a mic that comes on its own desk stand (like the Blue Yeti), you’re better off removing it before mounting on a boom arm.
Does Mic Weight Matter?
Most mics are nowhere near heavy enough to trouble any of the podcast boom arms mentioned here. The Shure SM7B is on the heavier end at 0.77kg, the Blue Yeti is 0.55kg without its stand, and the Samson Q2U is only 0.32kg.
But if you plan on spending $10,000 on a Telefunken U47, be warned that they weight in at 1.6kg. The Lizard boom arm will support one of them – if you can afford the extra $80.
Summary: Best Microphone Boom Arms for Podcasting
A podcast boom arm can make you feel more professional, which can lead to more confidence behind the mic. But there are more immediate practical benefits, such as increased flexibility, more desk space, and less chance of unwanted noise in your audio.
At less than $20, the Neewer boom arm is a low-cost on-ramp for any podcaster who wants to add a boom arm to their setup. It may be cheap, but it won’t fall apart on you after a couple of recording sessions.
Paying $100-$130 for the PSA1 or PSA1+ is a chunky investment. These are excellent boom arms, but I wouldn’t spend that much until you’re certain you’ll stick at this podcasting caper.
For me, the IXTech Lizard is a brilliant microphone boom arm upgrade option; it’s a serious and quality competitor to the PSA1 range with the added bonus of being cheaper. If you plan on spending $10,000 on a Telefunken U47, you won’t even need to splash out on a new boom arm to support it
If you need more help in putting together or setting up your podcast equipment, be sure to check out The Podcraft Academy. In there, you’ll find courses, downloadable checklists, accountability and feedback tools, and we run weekly live Q&A sessions in there, too!