Microphone Stand vs. Microphone Boom Arm (Best For Home Setup!)

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When setting up a home recording studio, the choice between a microphone stand and a microphone boom arm is essential.

Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, and your decision should depend on how you plan to use your microphone and the space you have available.

I’m sharing my takeaways after testing these extensively, as well as a bonus third option that ended up working best for my home office setup.

Microphone Stands

A microphone stand sits on your desk and is an affordable, versatile option.

Pros:

• Highly portable, allowing you to easily move it between rooms.
• Supports heavier microphones better than many boom arms.
• Works with any table or desk, no need for a special edge to clamp onto.

Cons:

• Takes up significant desk space, which can be an issue in small setups.
• Prone to vibrations—typing or accidentally bumping the desk can be picked up by the microphone.
• Lacks cable management, so cords may clutter your workspace and create hazards.

Our favorite stand, the OnStage 7200B (Amazon), is a budget-friendly option at $13.99. It’s ideal for those on a tight budget or who want the flexibility to record in multiple locations.

Microphone Boom Arm

A microphone boom arm, commonly seen in professional setups, attaches to the side of a desk or can even be drilled into a surface for a more permanent, clean look.

Pros:

• Doesn’t take up desk space, freeing up room for other gear.
• Reduces desk vibrations, offering better sound quality.
• Easily adjustable for optimal microphone positioning.

Cons:

• Can obstruct the background in video recordings, which may be an issue for content creators.
• Cheap boom arms may wear out over time or squeak during adjustments.
• Takes up more space in the camera shot, potentially causing autofocus issues.

The RØDE PSA1+ (Amazon) boom arm, priced at $129, offers great quality for those who want a sturdy, quiet arm.

Low-Profile Boom Arm: The Best of Both Worlds

My personal choice is a low-profile boom arm, which blends the best features of both microphone stands and boom arms.

Pros:

• Takes up even less space than an overhead boom arm.
• Ideal for video content creators, as it stays out of the camera shot.
• Provides all the benefits of a boom arm, such as improved sound quality and freeing up desk space.

Cons:

• Not as portable as a basic mic stand.

The Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP (Amazon) arm costs $99.99 and is perfect for anyone who wants a sleek, unobtrusive setup that doesn’t compromise on performance.

Conclusion

Choosing between a microphone stand, boom arm, or low-profile boom arm comes down to your workspace and recording needs. For small desks, the low-profile boom arm is a fantastic option, while those on a budget might prefer a traditional stand. However, if you’re serious about content creation and need a flexible, reliable solution, a boom arm—especially the Rode PSA1+—is worth the investment.

Related Tools and Resources

• OnStage 7200B Microphone Stand (Amazon link)
• Rode PSA1+ Boom Arm (Amazon link)
• Low-Profile Boom Arm (Amazon link)

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