Microphone boom arms are essential tools for anyone who wants to record high-quality audio. They are used to hold a microphone in place while you record, freeing up your hands and allowing you to focus on your performance. Boom arms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and choosing the right one can be a challenge.
When shopping for a microphone boom arm, the most critical factor to consider is stability. A good boom arm should be sturdy enough to hold your microphone in place without wobbling or sagging. It should also be easy to adjust, so you can position your microphone exactly where you need it. Other factors to consider include the length of the arm, the weight capacity, and the type of mounting options available.
We tested several microphone boom arms to find the best options for different recording situations. Whether you’re a podcaster, a musician, or a voice actor, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top microphone boom arms on the market and help you find the right one for your needs.
Best Microphone Boom Arms
If you’re a podcaster, streamer, or musician, you know how important it is to have a high-quality microphone setup. One key component of that setup is a sturdy and versatile boom arm. A good boom arm will keep your microphone in place, reduce unwanted noise and vibrations, and allow you to adjust the position of your mic with ease. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best microphone boom arms on the market today. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, we’ve got you covered with options that fit a range of budgets and use cases.
Elgato Wave Mic Arm
If you are looking for a premium broadcasting boom arm with cable management channels, desk clamp, and 1/4″ thread adapters, you should definitely consider the Elgato Wave Mic Arm. It is fully adjustable and perfect for podcasts, streaming, gaming, home office, and recording.
Pros
- Streamlined Design: internal springs and integrated cable channels.
- Fully Adjustable: ball head and swivel base.
- Extra Tall: 750 mm / 29.5 in vertical reach to extend over most monitors.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other boom arms.
- May be too tall for some setups.
- Heavy and may require additional support.
The Elgato Wave Mic Arm is a high-quality boom arm that offers extreme vertical reach to overcome large monitors and full adjustability for precise microphone positioning. It comes with internal springs and integrated cable channels with removable covers to keep your setup tidy and accessible. Additionally, thread adapters ensure compatibility with standard mic mounts.
The boom arm is extra tall at 750 mm / 29.5 in vertical reach, which makes it perfect for extending over most monitors. It also includes a riser that elevates the arm by another 150 mm / 5.9 in. The custom counterweight adapts arm tension to mic weight, which ensures that your mic stays in place.
Overall, the Elgato Wave Mic Arm is a great choice for anyone who wants a premium boom arm that is fully adjustable and perfect for podcasts, streaming, gaming, home office, and recording. It is a bit expensive compared to other boom arms, but it is worth the investment if you want a high-quality product that will last for years.
IXTECH Microphone Boom Arm with Desk Mount
If you’re looking for a microphone boom arm that’s versatile and sturdy, the IXTECH Microphone Boom Arm with Desk Mount is a great choice.
Pros
- The 360° adjustable arm can be rotated to your needs, making it easy to optimize your voice during podcasting, gaming, or streaming.
- The clip-on cable holder helps free up space and minimize clutter on your desk, creating a clean, professional look.
- The sturdy suspension springs can support up to 1kg of mic weight, preventing shaking or rattling during recordings.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the arms can become loose and require readjustment.
- The desk attachment may not work on certain types of desks.
- The arm does not have left and right bending capabilities.
This microphone arm stand is designed to work on a desk at home or in a podcasting studio. It features a strong C-clamp that attaches to the edge of your desk without shifting or moving during use. The arm can also be folded away for quick, fuss-free storage when you’re on the go.
The IXTECH Microphone Boom Arm is compatible with 3/8″ to 5/8″ screw adapters and 3/8″ to 1/4″ screw adapters, making it a versatile choice for home use, professional recording studios, product demonstrations, or video game setups.
Overall, the IXTECH Microphone Boom Arm with Desk Mount is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile, sturdy, and adjustable microphone boom arm.
Gator Frameworks Deluxe Desk-Mounted Broadcast Microphone Boom Stand
If you’re looking for a sturdy and reliable microphone boom stand, the Gator Frameworks Deluxe Desk-Mounted Broadcast Microphone Boom Stand is a great choice.
Pros
- Rotates Full 360-Degrees with Minimal Noise
- Fixed, Internally Guided 10’/3. 05m XLR Cable Included
- Spring-Loaded Articulating Arm with 4. 4 lbs. /2 kg Max Weight Capacity & 32. 25”/940mm Max Extension
Cons
- Easily Mounts or Clamps to Desks, Tables & Similar-Sized Surfaces 2. 17”/55mm Max in Thickness
- Standard 5/8”-27 Mic Threads for Connecting Most Podcast and Vocal Microphones, Including Shure SM7B, Shure MV7 Models
- Exterior Dimensions: 20. 50”/520mm (L) x 4. 75”/120mm (W) x 2. 50”/64mm (H), Net Weight: 3. 4 lbs. /1. 54 kg
The Gator Frameworks Deluxe Desk-Mounted Broadcast Microphone Boom Stand is a great option for anyone looking for a high-quality microphone stand that can handle heavy mics and provide quiet, customizable placement options. The stand rotates a full 360-degrees with minimal noise, making it easy to adjust your mic to the perfect angle. The included XLR cable is fixed and internally guided, so you don’t have to worry about it getting tangled or caught on anything. The spring-loaded articulating arm can handle up to 4.4 lbs. of weight and extends up to 32.25 inches, providing plenty of room to work with.
One potential downside of the Gator Frameworks Deluxe Desk-Mounted Broadcast Microphone Boom Stand is that it may not fit on all desks or tables, as it is designed to mount or clamp to surfaces no thicker than 2.17 inches. Additionally, while the stand is compatible with most podcast and vocal microphones, including the popular Shure SM7B and Shure MV7 models, it may not work with all mics. Finally, the stand is relatively heavy, weighing in at 3.4 lbs., so it may not be the best option for travel or portable setups.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality and reliable microphone boom stand for your podcasting, broadcasting, or recording needs, the Gator Frameworks Deluxe Desk-Mounted Broadcast Microphone Boom Stand is definitely worth considering.
InnoGear Microphone Arm
If you’re looking for a solid and versatile microphone arm that can be adjusted to your needs, the InnoGear Microphone Arm is a great choice.
Pros
- The arm is fully adjustable and can be positioned in any direction, making it easy to find the perfect angle for your microphone.
- The stand is made of high-quality steel and has a load-bearing capacity of up to 53oz, making it suitable for heavier microphones.
- The arm comes with a standard microphone clip and a 5/8″ to 3/8″ adapter, making it compatible with a wide range of microphones.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the arm is a bit stiff and requires some force to adjust.
- The clamp that attaches the arm to the desk may not fit on thicker surfaces.
- The arm may not be suitable for extremely heavy microphones.
The InnoGear Microphone Arm is a solid and reliable choice for anyone looking for a versatile and adjustable microphone arm. Its sturdy build and compatibility with a wide range of microphones make it an excellent investment for any home or professional recording setup.
The arm is fully adjustable, with a 360° base rotation, 135° back and forth extension, 180° arm shaft for up-and-down movement, and 270° metal adapter. This makes it easy to find the perfect position for your microphone, whether you’re recording vocals or instruments.
One of the standout features of the InnoGear Microphone Arm is its build quality. Made of high-quality steel with super-strong springs and extra positioning holes, this arm can support up to 53oz of weight. This is significantly more than many other microphone arms on the market, making it suitable for use with heavier microphones.
While the InnoGear Microphone Arm is a great choice for most users, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. Some users have reported that the arm can be a bit stiff and requires some force to adjust, which may be an issue for some users. Additionally, the clamp that attaches the arm to the desk may not fit on thicker surfaces, so it’s important to check the thickness of your desk before purchasing.
Overall, the InnoGear Microphone Arm is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and reliable microphone arm. Its solid build quality and compatibility with a wide range of microphones make it a great investment for anyone looking to improve their recording setup.
InnoGear Mic Arm
If you’re looking for a sturdy and flexible microphone arm with cable management, the InnoGear Mic Arm is a great option.
Pros
- Cable management channels for a clean and neat look
- Adjustable angle and smooth movement for multiple recording needs
- Upgraded length and height for extra reach and flexibility
Cons
- Metal bits may pinch your fingers
- Inner workings of the mic may not be concealed
- Stiff out of the box
The upgraded mic arms are optimized with built-in channels as cable management for you to put your cables in by simply removing the rubber cable covers, bringing a clean and neat look without getting your setups and cables tangled while recording or live streaming. The thoughtful design frees the whole look of being a mess and provides a shelter for cables. The boom arm is fully adjustable in 135° back and forth, and 180° up and down, easy to adjust in multiple directions silently. The base is 360° rotatable. This flexible arm stand allows you to determine which angle is the best for your recording needs. The length of the arm is increased to 14 inches and the package comes with a 6.3 inches extension riser for extra height. This mic stand has a max reach of 32.3 inches horizontally and 37.4 inches vertically to extend over most monitors. The desk clamp can clip to any desk up to 2 inches thick.
Made of high-grade thickened steel, this sturdy microphone stand features strong internal springs for reaching a max load-bearing capacity of 3.5 pounds. It can easily handle the weight of heavy microphones like Yeti and SM7B, staying where you put it. The 5/8″ metal connector is compatible with different kinds of microphones like Blue Yeti, Hyper X QuadCast, SoloCast, Blue Snowball, Shure SM7B, Shure MV7, AT2020, AT2020USB+, AT2035, ATR2500-USB, ATR2100-USB, Fifine K669B (Shock mount not included), Fifine AM8, etc. Perfect for studio, recording, podcasting, streaming, stage.
Overall, the InnoGear Mic Arm is a great choice for those looking for a sturdy and flexible microphone arm with cable management.
SUNMON QuadCast Boom Arm Mic Stand
If you are looking for an affordable and reliable boom arm stand for your HyperX QuadCast microphone, the SUNMON QuadCast Boom Arm Mic Stand is a great option.
Pros
- The dual suspension springs on each boom arm provide great stability and protect the microphone from shaking, sinking, and making noise.
- The mic stand desk base comes with a sponge to protect your desk without any scratches when you swivel side screw.
- It’s easy to adjust the mic to the suitable angle or height to show your perfect voice.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the range of motion on the stand isn’t that great.
- The stand isn’t very long, which may not be suitable for some users.
- Some users have reported that the clamp isn’t very strong and may not hold the stand securely.
The SUNMON QuadCast Boom Arm Mic Stand is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly boom arm stand for their HyperX QuadCast microphone. The dual suspension springs on each boom arm provide great stability and protect the microphone from shaking, sinking, and making noise. The mic stand desk base comes with a sponge to protect your desk without any scratches when you swivel side screw. It’s easy to adjust the mic to the suitable angle or height to show your perfect voice.
However, some users have reported that the range of motion on the stand isn’t that great, and the stand isn’t very long, which may not be suitable for some users. Additionally, some users have reported that the clamp isn’t very strong and may not hold the stand securely. Overall, if you are looking for an affordable boom arm stand for your HyperX QuadCast microphone, the SUNMON QuadCast Boom Arm Mic Stand is a great option to consider.
Donner Boom Arm
If you’re looking for a sturdy and adjustable microphone boom arm that can hold your microphone well without disturbing your setup or catching unwanted background noise, then the Donner Boom Arm is an ideal choice.
Pros
- The all-tube internal-spring design provides a hidden cable management system, saving your desktop from tangled cables and freeing up a lot of space.
- The microphone boom arm is made of premium metal that is designed to last years.
- The raised spring tension screw on the side of the arm allows you to set the MS-1 microphone stand to a comfortable angle effortlessly.
Cons
- The arm can be hazardous if moved slightly, potentially springing back up like a catapult.
- The bottom portion of the clamp does not have padding.
- The arm may not hold up heavier microphones.
The Donner Boom Arm is an excellent choice for streamers, YouTubers, recording artists, or podcasters who need a portable sturdy boom arm mic stand that will hold their microphone well without disturbing their setup or catching unwanted background noise. The all-tube internal-spring design provides a hidden cable management system, saving your desktop from tangled cables and freeing up a lot of space. The microphone boom arm is made of premium metal that is designed to last years. The raised spring tension screw on the side of the arm allows you to set the MS-1 microphone stand to a comfortable angle effortlessly.
However, the arm can be hazardous if moved slightly, potentially springing back up like a catapult. The bottom portion of the clamp does not have padding, and the arm may not hold up heavier microphones.
InnoGear Microphone Arm Stand
If you’re looking for a sturdy, heavy-duty microphone arm stand that can support heavy microphones like Yeti and SM7B, the InnoGear Microphone Arm Stand is a great option.
Pros
- The boom arm is fully adjustable, allowing you to position microphones freely within an adjustable range and will not bounce up.
- The heavy-duty mic arm features strong internal springs for strengthening its lifespan and bringing an upscale and professional look, compared with other arms whose springs are exposed to the outside.
- Made of high-quality steel, the thickness of its microphone arm tube is improved from 0.39 inches to 0.53 inches for reaching a max load-bearing capacity of 3.5 pounds.
Cons
- The stand can be stiff to move forward and back.
- The clamp part where it attaches to the desk is small and can wiggle when moving the arm around.
- Some users have reported that the arm came out of the box too tight, making it difficult to move the joints.
The InnoGear Microphone Arm Stand is a great choice for anyone looking for a durable, adjustable, and heavy-duty microphone arm stand. The stand is fully adjustable, allowing you to position your microphone exactly where you need it, and it’s made of high-quality steel, making it sturdy enough to support heavy microphones like Yeti and SM7B.
The stand also features strong internal springs that help to extend its lifespan and give it a professional look. Additionally, the stand comes with a solid table mounting clamp that can easily clip to any desktop up to 2 inches thick, making it easy to set up and use.
While some users have reported that the stand can be stiff to move forward and back, and that the clamp part where it attaches to the desk is small and can wiggle when moving the arm around, these issues are relatively minor and do not detract from the overall quality of the stand.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, heavy-duty microphone arm stand that can support heavy microphones and provide you with the flexibility and adjustability you need to get the perfect sound, the InnoGear Microphone Arm Stand is definitely worth considering.
FIFINE Microphone Arm Stand
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly microphone boom arm that provides stability and flexibility, the FIFINE Microphone Arm Stand is a great option.
Pros
- The all-metal construction provides a sturdy and durable support capacity of up to 1.5kg/3.3lbs.
- With a low profile design, the arm stand can extend from the bottom of your computer screen, saving space and providing an unobstructed view.
- The boom stand is equipped with hidden cable management, keeping your microphone cables organized and preventing excessive pulling.
Cons
- The installation process can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to adjusting the torque on some of the screws.
- While the arm stand can be extended to 29 inches, it may not be suitable for larger desks or workspaces.
- Some users have reported that the arm stand can be a bit wobbly when fully extended.
Overall, if you’re on a budget and looking for a microphone boom arm that provides stability and flexibility, the FIFINE Microphone Arm Stand is a great option. Its all-metal construction and hidden cable management make it a durable and tidy choice for podcasting, streaming, gaming, and studio recording.
MOUNT-IT! Adjustable Microphone Boom Arm
If you’re looking for a sturdy and adjustable boom arm that can hold most microphones, the MOUNT-IT! Adjustable Microphone Boom Arm is a great choice.
Pros
- Universal compatibility with most microphones with 3/8″ and 5/8″ threads
- Heavy-duty arm made from aluminum and steel with a bearing capacity of up to 2.2 lbs
- Full motion adjustability with nearly 360° of smooth built-in spring-based balance system
Cons
- Cheap plastic material for cable management clips
- Cable clamps on the arm do not click in some cases
- Arm may sag if used with a microphone heavier than 2.2 lbs
This boom arm is easy to set up and comes with everything you need, including a screw adapter, instructions, and tube style cable management. The advanced suspension springs on each boom arm prevent your microphone from shaking, suddenly dropping, sinking, dipping, or making noise. The clamping mechanism won’t leave marks or dents, making it safe for use on your desk, shelf, or furniture without the risk of damage.
Overall, the MOUNT-IT! Adjustable Microphone Boom Arm is a great value for its price and is perfect for those looking for a versatile and sturdy boom arm for their microphone setup.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a microphone boom arm, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure that you’re getting the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:
Compatibility
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure that the boom arm you choose is compatible with your microphone. Check the specifications of both the boom arm and your microphone to ensure that they can work together.
Adjustability
The ability to adjust the height, angle, and position of your microphone is crucial for getting the best sound quality. Look for a boom arm that is highly adjustable, with multiple points of articulation and a sturdy locking mechanism to keep it in place.
Weight Capacity
Consider the weight of your microphone and any accessories you may be using, such as shock mounts or pop filters. Make sure that the boom arm you choose can support the weight of your setup without sagging or drooping.
Mounting Options
Different boom arms may have different mounting options, such as desk clamps or grommet mounts. Consider the layout of your workspace and choose a mounting option that will work best for you.
Cable Management
Keeping your cables neat and organized is important for both aesthetics and functionality. Look for a boom arm with built-in cable management to keep your setup looking tidy.
By considering these key features, you can choose a microphone boom arm that will meet your needs and help you achieve the best possible sound quality.
Aaron Smith is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
