Boom arms have long been essential for home video content creation that requires high-quality audio. They allow us to position the microphone more easily and reduce unwanted sounds, such as loud noises from tapping on the desk.
That’s why I searched the market for the best boom arm for my Shure dynamic microphone and concluded that the RODE PSA 1 possesses all the quality required for such equipment.
Let’s explore some other excellent options I discovered for you.
QUICK OVERVIEW: Best Boom Arm For Shure SM7B
 | Top Choice RODE PSA 1
| |
 | Luling Arts
| |
 | Blue Compass
|
Boom arms are not the same as mic stands. They are more accurately described as a subset of mic stands, or a specific type of them, if you will.
A standard mic stand consists of a metal pole designed to hold your microphone securely in place.
Boom arms are more advanced and are best suited for your desk space. This makes them ideal for creating video and audio content at home and in non-studio environments.
Depending on the model and make, some offer more options while others are more basic. It all depends on your needs and the conditions under which you will be recording.
I will summarize my years of experience in audio production and present you with the best boom arms available on the market.
Table of Contents
1. RODE PSA 1
Best Overall Boom Arm
Stefan’s Take:
With this boom arm, you get a complete package, decent reach, excellent design and durability, and an almost complete lack of noise. Streaming sessions are much more efficient with it.
Personally, this boom arm is one I use at home because it gave me all I was looking for in this piece of equipment.
| Reach | 9.2 |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 9.0 |
| Durability | 9.7 |
| Quietness | 9.1 |
RODE is a renowned name in the audio production industry, particularly in the realm of microphones and related equipment.
Starting from their humble beginnings in the 90s, they have gradually climbed the ladder and have now become an industry standard.
The PSA1 is ideal for studios, radio, and home use. It features an 820mm horizontal reach and an 840mm vertical reach, and it rotates a complete 360 degrees.
In addition, it includes a pair of velcro cable bands to assist with cable management. We all understand how frustrating messy cables can be and how much they can disrupt our workflow.
A clamp mount and desk-insert style attachments are included for easier mounting on desks of various thicknesses, helping to reduce desk space clutter. This ensures there is enough room for both your Shure SM7B and your other equipment.
It supports microphones weighing up to 700 g, which increases to 1.1 kg when combined with a shock mount. However, the shock mount is sold separately.
Pros
- Reliable
- Versatile
- Durable
Cons
- Not very budget-friendly.
2. Luling Arts Boom Arm
The best solution for cable management
Stefan’s Take:
Luling Arts company being strictly oriented to creating boom arms is almost always a sign of quality, and this case is no different. With this one, you will get many extras without making any compromises in design and usability.
Besides all the quality this boom arm possesses, it is quite affordable, so I would recommend it to people looking for a budget option.
| Reach | 9.0 |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 9.2 |
| Durability | 9.4 |
| Quietness | 9.2 |
Luling Arts is one of those emerging brands that remain affordable, yet their rising status is rooted in the quality they provide.
Aside from the one linked, they provide a wide range of microphone boom arms and stands, focusing almost entirely on manufacturing these products.
It features an internal space for cables, allowing you to route them through the boom arm. This is highly beneficial as it is photo-friendly and significantly improves your cable management.
Aside from that, the manufacturer asserts that it is one of the quietest boom arms, and this claim is largely accurate. Quiet operation is crucial for a boom arm, as one of its main purposes is to reduce unwanted sounds and enhance the sound quality you achieve with your Shure.
Pros
- Extremely affordable boom arm
- Excellent suspension boom arm hold
- Various mounts
Cons
- Somewhat flimsy
3. Blue Compass
The Most Silent Boom Arm
Stefan’s Take:
Oh, this one is a beauty! It’s rare to see boom arms that aren’t comprised of double poles and without visible springs. This one is the super-model of the boom arm world.
Great design and quietness are the main selling points of this boom arm. Although I put it in third place on my list, I recommend it to anyone looking for an excellent boom arm for streaming.
| Reach | 9.0 |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 8.8 |
| Durability | 8.8 |
| Quietness | 9.4 |
This may be the most visually appealing boom arm on this list. Its sleek design is likely to enhance your visual credibility significantly if it is visible during your Twitch stream, podcast, or similar activities.
I mentioned that the Luling Arms one was quiet. However, this one is even quieter and exceptionally sturdy.
You can adjust its position and tighten it with almost no sound emitted. It’s somewhat eerie to experience, actually. You may start to worry that you’ve gone deaf.
Additionally, it features an internal cavity for cables, which is completely enclosed, ensuring that no cables will be visible.
Internal springs provide improved sound isolation when changing positions and contribute to a neater, more organized appearance overall. This significantly enhances your cable management and the overall professional aesthetic of your studio or home recording setup.
It can support up to 2.4 pounds (1 kg) of microphones, making it one of the strongest boom arms I’ve encountered. By adding a shock mount, you will increase its carrying capacity and provide a secure location for your Shure SM7B.
Pros
- Low to no handling noise
- You can attach it easily
- It can carry a lot of weight
Cons
- The materials used could be of more quality
4. NEEWER Adjustable Boom Arm
Best Affordable Option
Stefan’s Take:
This is probably the most budget-friendly entry on this list. The Neewer scissor arm stand is exactly what you need from a boom arm, and for a comically small amount of money.
Although it is pretty cheap, a steel frame is something I have a lot of experience with, and I think this boom arm will suit you well.
| Reach | 8.4 |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 9.1 |
| Durability | 9.4 |
| Quietness | 8.2 |
From a technical perspective, it is quite similar to most of the items listed here. To be honest, there is little to no genuine way to differentiate when it comes to creating something as straightforward as a simple mic stand.
So-no. This boom arm may not change your life in any significant way, but it will effectively get the job done.
The regular boom arm package is included here, though not much consideration was given to the product’s overall aesthetics.
However, let’s be honest: audio producers and audio professionals typically do not excel in the visual aspect of things.
One significant advantage is its robust steel frame. Most of the previous entries are constructed from various aluminum alloys, but this one is made of steel. Steel signifies strength.
Strength encompasses stability, durability, and load capacity, all of which are crucial factors in selecting the best microphone boom arm for your Shure SM7B.
Pros
- Low cost
- Steel frame
Cons
- Not really aesthetically pleasing
5. TONOR Boom Arm
The most durable boom arm
Stefan’s Take:
It’s a nice piece of studio equipment, in and of itself not revolutionary in any significant way, but essential nonetheless.
For me, the biggest downside of this boom arm is the noise it tends to make. You’ll get a lot from this product if you can ignore that.
| Reach | 8.0 |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 9.4 |
| Durability | 9.8 |
| Quietness | 7.5 |
A reasonable price tag also helps this item rise to the near top of your “boom arm I’m interested in” list.
Its steel frame makes it the strongest arm in this review. With a 1.8 kg load, it is an impressive mic stand. This is its primary advantage over the others.
Aside from that, it is, once again, the regular package. However, this time, it is a package in the literal sense of the word: you receive the arm, a pop filter, a desk clamp mount, a 3/8″ to 5/8″ adapter (essential for the Shure SM7B), a foam cover, and four cable ties for effective cable management.
It features the standard external cable mount, which may appear unattractive; however, there are few alternatives, making it a norm.
The robust steel frame enhances stability, but it does not reduce movement noise, and the screws will require occasional maintenance.
The screw adapter is essential for us, as it is impossible to mount a Shure SM7B without it.
Pros
- Affordable
- Strong
- Reliable
Cons
- Can get squeaky
What to Look for in a Microphone Boom Arm
It’s essentially the same qualities you would seek in any product: reliability, durability, and longevity.
In addition to the standard considerations, there are a few specific aspects to watch for regarding microphone boom arm stands.
Quietness
This is essential. In nearly every podcast, radio show, live event, or any activity you’re involved in, you will need to readjust the stand in real-time.
If the stand produces noise during adjustment, the sound will transfer efficiently through the arm and directly into the membrane of your Shure SM7B.
Such sounds can be extremely loud, as the microphone perceives them as if they are originating from within the mic itself. In addition to being loud, the timbre of a squeaky microphone boom arm is quite unpleasant.
You don’t want your listeners to be overwhelmed by loud, clipping, squeaky noises in their headphones while enjoying your show.
Load Bearing
Be sure to choose mic stands that can support a significant amount of weight, as the Shure SM7B is quite heavy.
FAQ
Does Shure SM7B come with a boom arm?
No. I have, actually, never seen any microphone that comes with its own boom arm included in the price. Either way, it’s not a huge additional investment, so that’s not a huge setback. Unless you go for the RODE boom arm, that is. It costs as much as a couple of off-brand microphones.
Is it worth getting a boom arm?
Absolutely. Especially if you need to de-clutter your desk and enhance your cable management while maintaining the visual impression of a professional radio or tv studio.
Does the SM7B need a shock mount?
No microphone needs a shock mount by itself, but you might need one. A shock mount is what helps you lessen the sound vibrations of your desk that get transferred to the mic, and to your audience. A good shock mount will dampen those unwanted sounds in their entirety.
Conclusion
Because boom arms are quite similar, it is challenging to recommend a single model. As you can see from my ratings, all five of these boom arms are excellent choices for the SM7B microphone.
Based on my preferences, my final verdict is:
However, no matter which boom arm from my list you choose, I believe you will be pleased with the results.
