Choosing the Perfect Microphone Boom Arm for Gamers/Streamers and Podcasters: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you’re looking to become the next Joe Rogan, or if you’re looking to strike it big as the next Ninja for video-game streaming; you need a boom arm in place. Not only will you reduce the amount of clutter on your desk and ease cable management; but it will also help with noise reduction and a more aesthetic home setup/studio overall. Today, we will be comparing I-XTech’s Hero (our high-profile offering) and the Lizard (the low-profile model) against what the market has to offer. We will also break down the different types of boom arms that exist and list out a couple of important areas of consideration for the basics (for all aspiring streamers/gamers/podcasters alike).
Why are Boom Arms essential and How Much do they Cost?
As stated in the above, a microphone boom arm is meant to be a core accessory to a home studio or office setup. The purpose of which is to help end-users adjust the positioning of a microphone into their desired location without having to hold on to it physically. There are typically a few types of boom-arms; most modern boom arms are desk-mounted. This is to help with ergonomics and saving space. Desk-mounted boom arms are the most commonly utilized boom arms for podcasters, streamers and gamers alike. For media professionals, they may look to utilize floor mounted boom arms . This is for the purpose of stability, and usually used by media professionals who do not face many (if any) space confinements within a studio setting.
In terms of pricing, the breakdown includes budget-focused boom arms (these would be leading up to the $50 range); the middle-range boom arm can cost up to $100-$120+ and would be for both enthusiasts and professionals. This is meant for individuals who are seriously upping their home studio/setup. On the higher-end; we will be looking at microphone arms that can cost north of $150. These would be mostly focused on well-marketed and branded products which resonate with streamers/gamers and influencers who want top-notch build quality. I-XTech stands out in this instance, by providing top-notch $150+ quality for middle-range pricing (when compared to other marketed products).
Comparing what is on the market today:
According to Brady Klinger Meyers’ (2023) review of existing mic boom arms, the best overall ranked microphone arm was the Rode PSA1+ unit. It boasts a quiet operation, it comes equipped with a neoprene sleeve (for the purpose of both aesthetics and cable management). The RODE PSA1+ unit also boasts spring dampening (for quiet adjustments); the only catch is a price point of $128 and a weight limit of around 2.6 lbs. Another option on the high-end side of the budget is the Elgato Wave. The Elgato Wave is another alternative at the higher end of the price-point; it is similarly adjustable to the Rode PSA1+ unit and it is also built out of high-end materials; while maintaining a sleek look. The difference between the two is the Elgato Wave Mic Arm is low-profile focused and can support a higher weight-load (up to 4.4lbs) it starts at around $100 as well.
On the middle-end of the market there is the Samson MBA48-48; which boasts impressive reach (up to 48 inches) while also being able to support the weight of a heavy-duty microphone (up to 5lbs). It is impressive and perfect for those with long-desks and a big setup overall; the price point is reasonable at around $59. The MBA 28 microphone boom arm is the more budget-friendly alternative (selling currently at around $39). The only issue being the limited reach (at around 26’ to 28’ inches maximum). Both Samson microphone arms do NOT have cable management built-in.
The Perfect Option: I-XTech’s Lizard (Low Profile) and Hero (High Profile)
With regard to all of the options available on the market; there really only are two microphone boom arms that can do it all. The I-XTech Hero and the I-XTech Lizard. To start off with, the I-XTech Hero is a high-profile microphone boom arm that is 360 degree rotatable, it has built-in suspension springs (just like the top-end $128 dollar Rode PSA1+). There are dual-suspension springs and an easy setup (as it comes with a C-Clamp out of the box and universal compatibility for microphones). The I-XTech Hero also weighs 1.86 pounds while supporting a weight of up to 2.2 pounds. The best part is the I-XTech Hero’s price-point is currently at around: $69 (around ½ of what the Rode Model costs). Lastly, I-XTech’s Hero model also comes with a folding scissor-arm to make for ease of compartmentalization.
The I-XTech Lizard on the other end boasts a series of unique value points as well: from a full-metal body (similar to the Elgato Wave); the Lizard microphone arm is fully adjustable (360 degrees) and able to support a 4.4 pound max weight capacity as well. Cable management (like the I-XTech Hero) is also included; but best of all it comes at an affordable price point of $79 while offering a detachable rise column (depending on your needs).
Summary
There are a lot of options on the market for the perfect microphone boom arm, however; there are only 2 that are able to fulfill almost all possibilities. The I-XTech Hero and Lizard options are premium microphone boom arms, at an affordable pricing point (which lowers barriers of entry for livestreamers, gamers and aspiring podcasters alike). Both options come with the same high-quality metallic build, both come with a more inclusive pricing point and easy setups (and similar if not identical weight capacities); while featuring extras (cable management built-in and for the low-profile Lizard a built-in detachable rise column.
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