The Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm is a two-section, spring loaded broadcast microphone arm designed for quiet and flexible microphone positioning in broadcast radio studios, voice-over studios, etc. The PSA-1 rotates 360 degrees and features a maximum reach of 32" (820mm) horizontally.
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Most Liked Positive Review
Great Extention for my mic
I use this Boom with my Sennheiser MKH-416 and it gives me great flexibility with the location of my mic without having to use a floor style stand. Also, this boom comes with ...Read complete review
I use this Boom with my Sennheiser MKH-416 and it gives me great flexibility with the location of my mic without having to use a floor style stand. Also, this boom comes with multiple mounting options which are a separate purchase with other mic Booms.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Absolutely NOT Worth the Price
After reading all of these reviews (43 at the time of this posting), I had set quite high expectations for this suspension mount. I had even checked YouTube and various other websites to ...Read complete review
After reading all of these reviews (43 at the time of this posting), I had set quite high expectations for this suspension mount. I had even checked YouTube and various other websites to reassure my decision on this purchase.I have a Blue Yeti Pro with a Radius Shock Mount and I found a few people in a similar situation, so I figured I couldn't go wrong. Boy was that a bad decision.Packaging for the mount is mediocre. But I'm not complaining. My main concerns about this mount are the following:The connection piece for the shock mount is absolutely awful. The connection constantly loosens and the microphone and it's setup will sink. I can tighten it up again but not only is that an unnecessary annoyance, but the way it's designed there is a large circular washer-like screw in the way which prevents you from fully tightening it.The cheap "plastic-like" metal that the mount is made of is extremely noticeable. It's quite pathetic for [$] actually. You can't adjust the tension on any of the arms, so you're stuck with what you get.Don't even try to use this mount if you plan on moving it for any purposes. For example, I can not do a two person podcast with this microphone if it requires any moving, as the mount creaks and moans. Leave it stationary and you're fine, but I will also say that it is incredibly ugly.The Velcro ties are quite convenient, so I give it that, but I could buy any mount and grab some Velcro ties for it.After I purchased this and realized my displeasure, I went and bought the K&M 23850 from B&H. This review isn't about the K&M, but for an extra $20, it was absolutely leaps and bounds beyond the PSA-1. Adjustable arms, a FANTASTIC shock mount connection, no noise whatsoever, and slightly more reach. It's also far more aesthetically pleasing. Only thing I haven't figured out yet is how to remove the XLR cable which I don't need.If you really care about your setup, which I would expect you do if you spend [$] on a suspension mount, I can guarantee you the extra $20 on the 23850 will be WELL worth it over this piece of junk.Hope this helps.
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
hile have used several, this is the first spring loaded boom arm I have owned. Works well and holds its position, but really not a perfect fit for a heavier mic - like the Yeti which it was packaged with. Does hold for most postions even with a heavy mic but when push back to store can collapse when the table is hit or other disturbance unless place the arm in a very mechanically advantaged position.
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
Good for the money, tough enough for everyday use. Not quite as nice as a real pro level boom, it doesn't quite stay exactly where you put it, but with a heavy enough Mic it balaces well. The included tie wraps for the cable are a nice bonus. I've installed a half dozen of these and I recommend the desk insert for installation as opposed to the clamp, which can loosen over time.
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
I have a glass top workstation - this was the ideal and truthfully perfect option for me.
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
I got this arm as part of the Rode bundle, so I have a Rode microphone and shockmount attached to this arm.
Sadly, the arm has a strong tendency to sink, meaning the microphone moves downward during use. It will stay in place in at certain angles, but at most placements, it won't stay still. There's no obvious way to tighten the joint that's too loose (the one in the middle of the arm). I can usually finagle it into a position that will stay static, and then just have to be very careful not to bump or otherwise jostle the table too much lest it sink further.
I get that this is not a studio-quality mount and that the cost is pretty bare-bones, but I did expect to get a little bit more than this for what I paid. Odds are that unless I can figure out a way to tighten the joint, I'll have to return it and get a different arm.
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
I got this to hold my Blue Yeti for a podcast I host and I couldn't be happier. Setup was super easy, it holds its position well and looks awesome. Great job Rode!
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
Keeps the cord out of the way and off my desk. Gives a professional look and great functionality. Very quiet and smooth. Only downside I've noticed so far is that you can't fit the USB cable through the base of the arm, but that's not a big deal.
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
This microphone and accessories are used for many professional audio needs namely a radio broadcast heard around the world. It's use is daily and because of the various arrangement the complete set up has, it is a must for professional sound. Thank you for offering a powerful tool in the professional field.
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
i like this product is really cheaper and easy to use.
i recommend this product to buy.
Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
I have a large L-shaped desk and the boom arm works perfectly with it.
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
I was surprised by the cheap construction of this boom, especially since it's produced by the company that makes the mic for it. It does the job OK, but the springs are extremely weak and will NOT support a pop filter that's any heavier than a feather. Cable straps are pretty cheap velcro and the cable channel is useless unless you're constructing your own cables (particularly useless for USB users). For the price it should have included a cable pre-run in the channel and overall better construction. Basically the same as the cheap spring arm lights.
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
I got this as a bundle deal foir the RODE Podcaster microphone. It a good addition and easy to setup.
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
Set up was easy, great quality, only complaint I have was attaching my shock mount to it but that is not enough of a reason to dock a star. Overall, a great product and great for the money. I use it for podcasting and commentary and it works great for it. I highly recommend it.
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
Actually using this boom as a holder for my iPad. Lets me view my iPad without it taking up any desk space. Allows for easy height and viewing angle adjustment. Very easy to setup and all the hardware for attaching it to a desk is included.
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
Great for my thick table, but not for the glass desk where I was hoping to use it. However, very handy.
Pros
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
The PSA-1 is an OK basic boom. It has some nice features and a few annoyances. The spring tension is good and it holds a substantially heavy mic without sagging. It's a nice touch that it comes some little velcro ties to attach the mic cord to the boom.
A couple of things I didn't like so much: 1) The tension adjustment screws where the arm segments join are just that... plain old screws... not knobs or wing nuts. I have to go find a screwdriver if I need to tighten them or loosen them. 2) The boom arm sits loosely in the base that attaches to the desk and there is no screw or other way to tighten it down. This makes it impossible to set the placement of the boom and keep it set. In particular, my desk isn't level. The boom always swings into the position dictated by gravity.... kind of like a door that won't stay where you set it.
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
Boom arm doesn't always stay in place. Mic mounting bolt is loose and sloppy and cannot be tightened down so the mic easily rotates from side to side. Plus, because it is so loose, it makes noise with the slightest bump. I returned it. Lastly, if you're not careful, you'll pinch your hand between the boom sections.
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
Looked at the cheaper Griffin
Wanted the more expensive Heil
Settled on the Rode and don't regret it one bit.
Awesome boom arm and totally worth the investment.
I have a smaller desk and it gives me room to put my paperwork and show notes.
It's quiet, came balanced for my mic and one of the coolest purchases I made in my new venture.
Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
After reading all of these reviews (43 at the time of this posting), I had set quite high expectations for this suspension mount. I had even checked YouTube and various other websites to reassure my decision on this purchase.I have a Blue Yeti Pro with a Radius Shock Mount and I found a few people in a similar situation, so I figured I couldn't go wrong. Boy was that a bad decision.Packaging for the mount is mediocre. But I'm not complaining. My main concerns about this mount are the following:The connection piece for the shock mount is absolutely awful. The connection constantly loosens and the microphone and it's setup will sink. I can tighten it up again but not only is that an unnecessary annoyance, but the way it's designed there is a large circular washer-like screw in the way which prevents you from fully tightening it.The cheap "plastic-like" metal that the mount is made of is extremely noticeable. It's quite pathetic for [$] actually. You can't adjust the tension on any of the arms, so you're stuck with what you get.Don't even try to use this mount if you plan on moving it for any purposes. For example, I can not do a two person podcast with this microphone if it requires any moving, as the mount creaks and moans. Leave it stationary and you're fine, but I will also say that it is incredibly ugly.The Velcro ties are quite convenient, so I give it that, but I could buy any mount and grab some Velcro ties for it.After I purchased this and realized my displeasure, I went and bought the K&M 23850 from B&H. This review isn't about the K&M, but for an extra $20, it was absolutely leaps and bounds beyond the PSA-1. Adjustable arms, a FANTASTIC shock mount connection, no noise whatsoever, and slightly more reach. It's also far more aesthetically pleasing. Only thing I haven't figured out yet is how to remove the XLR cable which I don't need.If you really care about your setup, which I would expect you do if you spend [$] on a suspension mount, I can guarantee you the extra $20 on the 23850 will be WELL worth it over this piece of junk.Hope this helps.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
Used it for a new redesign of a DJ booth in a club. Had limited space and this product did exactly what i needed it to do. Easy install. Client loves it.
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Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:
if you have no space for regular stands in your home studio The PSA-1 is what you're looking for.