When you’re recording vocals, it’s important to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.
Speaking into a microphone that is angled at an awkward position or hunching over into a desktop stand will affect your voice, and your audience will actually be able to hear your discomfort.
But how do you keep your microphone at a comfortable position and ensure you’re getting that crystal clear, conversational tone every podcast needs?
The answer could lie with a boom arm.
Just like any other microphone stand, a boom arm is designed to hold your mic steadily in place while you record. However, the difference is that a boom arm can be positioned in a way that feels more natural to speak into while keeping the microphone elevated directly in front of you.
As with all recording equipment and accessories, though, there are hundreds of boom arms to choose from. This can make the selection process a little harder. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you!
Below, you’ll find five of the best microphone boom arms for podcasting available. We’ve also put together a super useful buying guide that’s packed with information on what to look out for when you’re making your decision.
In a hurry? Let’s begin by taking a look at our top pick.
Table of Contents
1. Neewer NW-35 Adjustable Microphone Boom Arm Stand
Constructed from high-quality steel, the NW-35 Adjustable Microphone Boom Arm Stand from Neewer is sturdy, durable, and the perfect place for keeping your microphone elevated.
It also features an integrated microphone clip, so you can rest assured that your microphone will be held firmly in position throughout your recording session.
The fully adjustable. 360º swivel scissor-arm allows you to angle your microphone in the perfect position. This scissor-design makes this boom-arm foldable too, which is ideal for smaller studio spaces as it can be stored away compactly when it’s not in use.
It’s also incredibly travel-friendly.
Attaching this boom arm to your desk is straightforward as well. Simply slide the adjustable C-clamp onto your worktop and fix it in position with the tightening screw. Both the screw and the clamp feature soft pads too, so there’s no risk of any scratches or damage to your desk.
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Pros:
- Constructed from high-quality steel that offers you superb durability and microphone stability
- The integrated clip can securely hold most handheld and dynamic microphones firmly in place.
- Has a fully adjustable scissor-arm with a 360º swivel for optimum microphone placement
- Is easy to install using the rubber-padded C-clamp and tightening screws
- Can be folded flat for transport or storage
Cons:
- Not suitable for Blue Yeti microphone
2. Eastshining Heavy Duty Professional Mic Stand
If you’re looking for a boom arm that gives you as much value for money as possible, the Heavy Duty Professional Mic Stand from Eastshining could be a perfect choice.
Not only does it offer you a sturdy, secure place to elevate your microphone, but it also comes with a variety of useful accessories.
Let’s take a look at the boom arm first. Constructed from high-quality steel, it is durable and, most importantly, ensures your microphone is kept stable while you record.
It also has a folding design, can be extended up to 70cm and has a 360º swivel base. This combination of features allows you to angle the microphone at the most comfortable position possible.
Installing this boom arm is easy, too, thanks to the integrated C-clamp and screw. But how about attaching your microphone? This is where the first of the accessories come into play.
This boom arm includes two thread adapters that can be used to mount a huge variety of microphones. It also includes a shock mount that will ensure the mic does not pick up noise-vibration.
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Pros:
- Made from high-quality steel that offers durability and ensures microphone stability
- Has a folding design and can be extended up to 70cm for ideal mic placement
- Can also be swiveled 360º from the base to give even more versatility over the placement
- Is easy to install with the integrated C-clamp and securing clip
- Includes a variety of accessories, including two thread adaptors and a shock mount
Cons:
- Some people found that setting this boom arm up was a little tricky, but, once installed, it gave an excellent performance.
3. TONOR Suspension Boom Scissor Mic Stand
Keeping your microphone elevated can come with the added concern of it falling from a great height and getting damaged.
However, this is no longer something to worry about thanks to the heavy-duty steel construction of this Suspension Boom Scissor Mic Stand from TONOR, which has a bearing capacity of 4lbs!
It’s durable construction also makes this boom arm incredibly sturdy. It even features a desk clamp with a surface area that is four times larger than average. This helps to ensure it stays firmly planted on your desk.
Microphone compatibility isn’t an issue with this boom arm either, as the ⅜-inch to ⅝-inch thread adapter offers universal pairing. You’ll be able to get the perfect microphone placement, too, with 700mm extendable arms and 360º swivel rotation.
And, as if that wasn’t enough, an included pop filter will help remove any plosives and keep your recording sounding crystal clear.
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Pros:
- Has a heavy-duty steel construction that can hold up to 4lbs in weight
- Features a desk clamp with a surface area that’s four times larger than average
- Offers universal microphone pairing with a ⅜-inch to ⅝-inch thread adapter
- Can be perfectly positioned using the 700mm extendable arms and 360º swivel
- Comes complete with a pop filter and velcro straps for cable management
Cons:
- The thick, metal construction could be susceptible to picking up noise-vibration, so you might need to use a shock mount when recording.
4. InnoGear Adjustable Suspension Boom Scissor Arm
This Adjustable Suspension Boom Scissor Arm from InnoGear has been cleverly designed with extra-strong springs. This helps to ensure there’s no risk of your microphone dropping while it’s elevated, and also helps to absorb any noise-vibrations.
Getting your microphone into the perfect position is quick and easy too, and each arm can be extended up to 13.8-inches.
Meanwhile, the ⅜-inch to ⅝-inch screw thread adapter allows you to secure a huge variety of microphones to the stand.
Attaching it to your desk is super easy as well, using the integrated C-clamp and tightening screw.
It also comes with a variety of useful accessories that will help enhance your recording experience. The first of these is a shock mount that will prevent any noise vibration from entering the mic.
It also comes with a pop filter that eliminates plosive and breath sounds.
And, to top it off, the included velcro straps can be used to keep your cables neatly tucked away.
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Pros:
- Features extra strong springs for increased durability and additional microphone support
- Each part of the scissor-arm design can be extended up to 13.8-inches.
- Can be used universally across a variety of microphones with the ⅜-inch to ⅝-inch adapter
- Has an integrated C-clamp and tightening screw that makes attaching to your desk super easy
- Comes with a variety of accessories, including a shock mount, pop filter, and velcro cable-straps
Cons:
- The included shock mount is not suitable for use with the
Blue Yeti microphone.
5. Luling Art Stores Heavy Duty Boom Scissor Arm
Featuring an upgraded table clamp and a zinc-alloy construction, this Heavy Duty Boom Scissor Arm from Luling Art Stores definitely lives up to its name!
Capable of keeping a tight grip on a microphone weighing up to 4.4lbs, it’s ideal for achieving the perfect elevated position.
Installation is super easy. Simply slide the clamp onto the edge of your desk and fix it into position using the tightening screw. The table clamp also features an anti-scratch pad, so there’s no risk of any damage to your work surface.
The included ⅜-inch to ⅝-inch metal screw adapter gives you the ability to attach various microphones to this stand securely.
Each section of this scissor-arm design is extendable up to 35cm, and the base offers you a 360º swivel. This makes finding the best angle for your microphone incredibly easy.
This boom arm comes with some extra accessories, too, including a shock mount, pop filter, and velcro straps for cable management.
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Pros:
- The zinc-alloy construction offers durability and stability for microphones weighing up to 4.4lbs.
- Has an upgraded table clamp for easy installation and an anti-scratch pad to protect your work surface
- Includes a ⅜-inch to ⅝-inch metal screw adaptor for universal microphone pairing
- Each section can be extended up to 35cm, and the entire arm can be swiveled 360º from the base.
- It also includes a shock mount, pop filter, and velcro cable straps.
Cons:
- Some people that purchased this boom arm had an issue with installing the included pop filter.
Buyer’s Guide
Whether you’re recording in a smaller studio or simply want to position your microphone at an angle that feels more natural, a boom arm is the best tool for the job.
However, there are certain things you need to think about before you dive straight in and purchase the first one you come across!
Below, we’ve highlighted some key points to keep in mind when you begin shopping.
Giving a little thought to each of these before finalizing your purchase will help you find the best boom arm for your individual needs.
Microphone Compatibility
The first and most important thing you need to think about is what type of microphone you want to use with your boom arm. Certain microphones are a little trickier to buy accessories for, so this is an important thing to check.
Most studio microphones will need to be secured to either a ⅜-inch or ⅝-inch screw thread.
The majority of boom arms will come with this size of attachment, and many will even include adapters that allow you to switch between the two sizes. This is ideal if you like to change microphones regularly.
Handheld microphones tend to be secured to boom arms using microphone clips. This allows you to simply click it into the microphone stand and record with no threading or adapters required.
If you like to use an extensive range of microphone styles and sizes, it would be worth looking for a boom arm that offers you a range of thread adapters as well as a microphone clip.
Keep in mind the weight of your microphone when you’re choosing your boom arm too. While most are really sturdy, some won’t hold the weight of a larger, heavier mic.
If your microphone weights around the 4lb mark, a boom arm made of heavy-duty, sturdy materials would be the best choice.
Material
But what material would be best for a heavier microphone? The sturdiest boom arms you’ll find will either be made from steel or zinc alloy. However, these materials aren’t only fantastic for supporting weightier mics; they also come with many other benefits.
One of these benefits is added stability. A boom arm constructed from steel or zinc alloy will be able to keep your microphone held more steadily in place. This will then prevent it from shaking or, even worse, slowly falling while you’re recording.
Another great benefit of choosing a boom arm made from zinc alloy or steel is increased durability. Ideally, you’ll want your boom arm to last for a really long time. Anything too flimsy or poorly made will need replacing a lot sooner than one made from a strong, sturdy material.
Positioning
The idea of a boom arm is to keep your microphone elevated in front of you in a natural position.
With that in mind, it’s important to make sure that your chosen boom arm offers you flexibility and the ability to position it at different angles.
Extendable arms are the first thing to look for in this case, and a scissor-arm design is the best of the bunch. This will allow you to extend each section of your boom arm individually.
So, if you need more length but less height (or vice versa), you’ll be able to personalize it to best suit your needs.
A swivel-base is another great feature and will offer you the flexibility to position the arm across a 360º rotation. This is super useful if you’re recording in a slightly awkward space.
It’s also a good option if you need to pass the microphone between different people throughout your recording session.
Desk Installation
Your boom arm will need to be securely attached to your desk, so make sure you take a look at how easy it will be to install.
It will also need to be firmly locked in place while you’re using it.
Boom arms that feature integrated desk clamps (or C-clamps) are the best option to go for here. These are designed to slide onto the side of your desk easily and can then be fixed in place using a tightening screw.
Most of these clamps are adjustable, which takes away any concerns you might have about it fitting to a particularly thick wood. However, we’d recommend measuring your desktop’s thickness and making sure it’s compatible with your chosen boom arm’s clamp.
Some desk clamps are lined with protective pads too. This is an excellent feature to look out for as it will help keep your work surface free from any scratches or damage that might otherwise occur when you’re installing it.
Accessories
Boom arms are a fantastic microphone accessory in themselves. However, some come with some additional extras that give you extra value for money and help enhance your recording experience.
One of the best additional accessories to look out for are shock mounts. These are designed to absorb any noise-vibrations coming from accidental table-bumps or floor noise, making them ideal for use with boom arms.
Pop filters are also a great accessory and help keep your recording sound crystal clear by eliminating plosives and breath sounds.
Finally, velcro straps and cable clips are handy when included with boom arms. These will help you tidy any cables out the way, prevent any dangling wires, and keep your workspace neat and tidy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best position to place a microphone?
Microphone placement is an important thing to consider when podcasting or recording vocals. It’s also a pretty personal thing, and the ideal position will be different from person to person.
However, the more natural your posture is, the more natural your voice will sound, and the clearer your recording will be.
This is why using a boom arm is a good idea for microphone placement.
A boom arm allows you to keep the microphone elevated in front of you and will prevent you from having to lean into the mic while you’re speaking.
