When it comes to streaming, one of the most important pieces of equipment anyone should invest in is a good microphone. Cameras aren’t always necessary, but a good mic is required so that viewers can hear and understand everything the streamer says properly. While headphone mics can do the trick, a dedicated microphone is much better – especially when it’s on a boom arm. 

Microphone boom arms aren’t exactly needed either, but they help improve sound quality significantly by helping to filter out some background noise through better mic positioning. Plus, when desk space is at a premium, a boom arm can free up plenty of room for other pieces of equipment like stream decks and audio interfaces

A good microphone arm will be durable and stable enough to support a microphone and any accessories like a pop filter. In this list, you’ll find some of the top microphone arms for streamers, including some budget options and some higher-end investments!

Best Microphone Arms 2022

Image

Name

Price

Knox Gear Mic Desktop Arm

InnoGear Heavy Duty Microphone Arm

Rode PSA1 Studio Boom Arm

InnoGear Microphone Boom Arm

LyxPro DKR-1 Boom Arm

Knox Gear Mic Desktop Arm

The Knox Gear Mic Desktop Arm is one of the midrange options on this list. It has a clamp that allows the user to clamp it onto a desk or any other suitable surface, and its articulating segments have twist screw locks to help keep it in position. Springs help to provide tension and keep everything in place. This boom arm will work with all microphones and all microphone holders, thanks to the 3/8 mount. A 5/8 adapter is also included for greater compatibility. 

ProsCons
– Affordable
– Durable
– Comes with an adapter to suit any mic arm or mount
– Not the best looking boom arm out there
– Visible springs make the arm not as aesthetically pleasing

InnoGear Heavy Duty Microphone Arm

What sets the InnoGear arm apart from similar arms is not just the fact that it’s heavy-duty – it’s also the fact that it’s foldable, saving space when it’s not in use. The arm allows users to position their microphones freely and lock them into place without any bouncing or sagging. The InnoGear boom is made with sturdy steel, allowing it to bear a maximum weight of 3.5 lbs. That means it can handle even the heavier setups, pop filters included. This arm also looks more premium than others, with hidden springs making for a sleek look overall. However, one disadvantage is that it only has a 5/8 connector, meaning it’s not exactly compatible with all mounts and microphones.

ProsCons
– Premium look and feel
– Flexible
– Can hold up to 3.5 lbs
– Made with sturdy steel
– One of the more affordable “sleek” options
– Only has a 5/8 connector

Rode PSA1 Studio Boom Arm

One of the more premium options on this list is the Rode PSA Studio Boom Arm – the arm made to go with Rode’s legendary microphones. In terms of appearance, it looks pretty similar to the InnoGear Heavy Duty arm, with hidden springs to lend it a sleek appearance. However, the desk clamp is different and looks slightly better. The PSA 1 reaches further and has 360 degrees of rotation, which allows the user to position their microphones however they please. Additionally, it can hold up to 4.4 lbs – the weight of two Blue Yetis. 

It’s worth noting that this boom also has a second mounting option available. It is a 5/8 mount with a 3/8 adaptor included to accommodate all microphones and attachments.

ProsCons
– Sleek and chic
– Two mounting options
– Includes a 3/8 adapter for greater compatibility
– Can hold up to 4.4 lbs
– One of the priciest on the market

InnoGear Microphone Boom Arm

This boom arm is another offering from InnoGear – this time their more affordable budget option. It’s the cheapest on this list, and for this reason, it comes as no surprise that it is as basic as they come. It’s available in a medium and a large option and comes with an adapter so that it can handle both 5/8 and 3/8 mounts. A microphone clip is included to hold standard dynamic handheld microphones, but if you want to hold any other type, you can use a shock mount or just screw the microphone in directly. This arm can hold up to 3.3 lbs in total, but if you want to hold a higher weight, you’ll have to move the springs to the second screw hole.

ProsCons
– Extremely affordable yet durable
– Holds up to 3.3 lbs
– Comes with an adapter for greater compatibility
– Sturdy
– Exposed springs make it less aesthetically pleasing

LyxPro DKR-1 Boom Arm

The LyxPro DKR-1 boom can hold 3/8 and 5/8 mounted microphones, thanks to the included adapter. It offers sturdy construction thanks to the aluminum material – and the tightly coiled heavy-duty springs also ensure microphones up to 4 lbs are held without sagging or bouncing. Velcro cable tags are included for easy cable management, helping you keep your setup neat. Unfortunately, visible springs take away from its appearance, making it less sleek overall. One standout fact, however, is that the LyxPro DKR-1 has two mounting options available. 

ProsCons
– Two mounting options
– Comes with an adapter for greater compatibility
– Durable aluminum construction
– Holds up to 4lbs
– Slightly more expensive than other options
– Exposed springs make it less sleek

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of boom arm do I need?

Most boom arms are similar and generally offer the same type of functionality. You can choose the arm that best suits your budget and the aesthetics you enjoy. It’s also worth looking into the different mounting options available.

Do I need to purchase an expensive boom arm?

Expensive boom arms may be nice, but they are not necessary unless your setup is already complete and you are looking for upgrades to finish your streaming studio. Most affordable options are just as functional and can hold you over until you can afford an upgrade.

Are affordable boom arms just as durable as expensive options?

Most of the time, more affordable boom arms are just as durable as long as you take good care of them. Some microphone arms that cost less than 20$ can last years upon years. The main differences between boom arms may be the brand name, the design, the flexibility, and the position in which you can hold the microphone.

Conclusion

Boom arms are incredibly helpful in certain ways. They can help to absorb desk vibrations, lessening the background noise picked up by the microphone. Boom arms also help free up more desk space, letting streamers like you have more room for mixers, audio interfaces, and stream decks. As long as you buy a sturdy boom arm, you’ll have one that can last you for many years to come.

Author

Write A Comment