You might be wondering: What’s the best microphone boom arm for you? We got you covered. Our Sensic SA-10, SA-20 and upcoming SA-30 boom arms are perfectly capable arms for any setup. In this blog we will explain the differences between these models so you can decide which one would be more suitable for you.
Nearly all microphones are compatible with both the SA-10 and the SA-20 boom arms. If you want to check our compatibility table with more information about this, click here.
Why should you get a boom arm?
To get the best audio quality from your microphone, it needs to be at a certain distance from your mouth at all times. A boom arm allows you to put your mic at this optimal distance, even when you switch your position. It also saves a ton of desk space, and you won’t run into the issue of the mic blocking your view anymore since you can just move it around. Check this blog to read more about the benefits of using a microphone arm.
Should I get a cheap boom arm?
There are lots of cheaper boom arms available than the ones we recommend, so you might be wondering if it’s even worth spending more on one. The answer is yes, in most cases. The cheaper boom arms can definitely be considered when you’re just starting out, but they can be quite tricky as well. We have listed some of the downsides below.
- These arms are significantly shorter than the ones we recommend, which could be a problem with overhead mic positions.
- The table clamps are often not very sturdy and they can loosen over time, especially when you move it a lot. This might eventually lead to the whole arm and your mic dropping to the floor.
- They also have external springs that make a lot of noise when you touch them.
Is it worth spending more on a boom arm?
By spending a little bit more on a microphone arm you’ll be ensured of stability and versatility. They will usually offer you some unique features as well, you’ll see some of them listed below:
- Longer arms that allow you to put the microphone in basically every position, including overhead positions. Your arm and mic won’t be blocking the view anymore.
- Cable management. Allowing you to neatly tuck away your cables inside the arm itself to keep your setup nice and clean.
- Internal springs and quiet movement. You won’t have to worry about vibration noises whenever you touch the arm anymore.
Having said that, you don’t have to pay a fortune for these features either. Some of the most popular microphone boom arms are the Rode PSA1 and the Blue Compass. These boom arms are both great, but very expensive (€90 and €119 respectively). You can get all the benefits of a premium boom arm at a much lower cost. Below we discuss the best microphone boom arm for multiple different categories.
The best microphone boom arm
Best overall boom arm (2023) – Sensic SA-30
Price (as of March 2023): €59.99
Compatibility: All microphones, DSLR cameras and phone holders (1/4″, 3/8″ and 5/8″ screws)
Type: Internal springs
Unique features: 15cm riser, hidden cable management, 360 degree mic rotation & foldable design
The brand new Sensic SA-30 boom arm has just been released. We can already say with confidence that it will be the best microphone boom arm of 2023. This boom arm offers that modern look with the added flexibility of a traditional scissor arm. You can put the arm in both overhead and lower positions thanks to the foldable design, and it comes with a ballhead attachment which allows you to rotate your microphone 360 degrees. The arm also comes with a sturdy 15cm riser, which allows you to better place the boom arm behind your monitors.
The Sensic SA-30 is the best microphone boom arm for those looking for a modern design without compromising flexibility.
Best sleek boom arm – Sensic SA-20
Price (as of March 2023): €59.99
Compatibility: All microphones, DSLR cameras and phone holders (1/4″, 3/8″ and 5/8″ screws)
Type: Internal springs
Unique features: Cable management, adjustable spring tension, angle locks & DSLR support
The Sensic SA-20 mic arm has a sleek design with internal springs, which not only looks clean, it also makes the arm less obtrusive. Compared to traditional scissor boom arms, the SA-20 won’t block your view as much and it wouldn’t take much space on a stream/webcam. The internal springs also allow for very smooth and quiet movement of the arm.
The arm is mostly suitable for overhead mic positions, but lower positions are also possible with bigger desks. You can lock the angles of all 3 joints and you can even adjust the spring tension to adjust the smoothness of the movement. Last but not least, the Sensic SA-20 has built-in cable management that allows you to neatly hide your cables in the grooves.
The Sensic SA-20 is the best microphone boom arm for those looking for a modern and clean setup and more adjustability.
Best budget boom arm – Sensic SA-10
Price (as of March 2023): €39.99
Compatibility: All microphones (3/8″ and 5/8″ screws)
Type: Internal springs
Unique features: Long reach, 4 cable ties & pop filter
The Sensic SA-10 boom arm has the more simple and traditional ‘scissor arm’ design. The long and sturdy arms allow you to put the arm into any desired position, including overhead and lower mic positions. There isn’t much adjustability because you really don’t need it with this arm, you just put it in the position you want without any hassle. The design also allows the arm to be folded completely, which might make it easier to put it away when you’re not using it. The arm comes with 4 cable ties and a pop filter which make the set complete.
The Sensic SA-10 is the best microphone boom arm for those looking for a quick and easy solution to put the microphone in any position.