Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:

Serious mount, stiff and strong. You want a desk mount, it don't get much better- not for near this price.

Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:

Well built, nicely priced boom arm..performs as well and a near clone to many I've worked with in Broadcast over the years, except for a bit of spring noise if moving the arm vertically while the mike is hot. A small complaint seeing those beefier '"pro console" arms are easily twice the price and then some. I've got an RE 20 on it, with pop screen added on ..handles it perfectly.

Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:

I use the PSA-1 for my home studio for voice overs and internet radio. It came complete with two ways to mount it and has thus far not given any bad results. I have yet to find any flaws, and I doubt I will.

Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:

This was used in a small VO booth, it works well, with a mic on it it stays right where you put it, and has a good range of movement.

It IS a bit noisy when moving it, so i wouldn't recommend using it for live radio where you would move it while on air. It's a sort of rubbing sound of the metal on the springs? Not sure exactly what it is, or how bad it would be on different mics.

I would recommend,

Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:

WONderful space saver, almost ZERO footprint, yet sturdy as a rock!

Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:

OK, I have a two-tiered, glass computer desk that is about 40" wide x 20" deep. The top tier is only about 12" deep. On this desk, I have:
23" Apple Cinema Display
Kodak 3200 Series All In One Printer
Canopus ADVC 100
JVC 9600 U SVHS Deck
Sony DSR 20 DV Deck
iSight Firewire Camera
Apple Extended Keyboard
Mouse
USB Hub
WD Passport USB Drive
oh…and a coaster for my occasional coffee!

NEEDLESS to say, I have ZERO desktop real estate left!

RODE's PSA-1 TO THE RESCUE! A few turns of the handy, built-in desk clamp and I had my "no room for a mic" problem solved!

The ONLY thing cooler about how mad, crazy well this thing works, is how mad, crazy EASY it was to install! It took more time to unbox the boom than it did to setup and connect my mic (a BLUE 8-ball, which it holds on the BLUE RINGER like a champ!).

Exceptionally well made and designed, this unit had me up and podcasting in mere seconds! Heck - I'm gonna have to order me a mic flag now--the PSA-1 has my desk looking totally PRO!

Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:

When I purchased this product I wasn't sure that I'd be getting a product that best suited our needs, but much to my surprise it was everything and more! The arm moves just as I would expect a studio arm to move. It comes with all the extra components needed to make sure your mic (or shock mount) fits safely. And it's affordable!

Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:

I create screencasts and prefer to record audio simultaneously with video. I use a pen tablet and keyboard and that left little room for my Snowball microphone on my work area.

The PSA-1 boom arm alleviated that problem totally. It works great with the Snowball mic. I attach a pop filter to the upper boom arm.

The boom arm works nice as I can move the mic incrementally and it holds position well.

I did have to add a USB cable extension for the mic because the PSA-1 arms used up most of the original length of cable. Rode supplies these handy velcro straps for managing the cable. Nice touch.

It's just nice to buy something that does what you hope and expect it to do...and at a reasonable price. I highly recommend.
Roger

Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:

Perfectly balanced when paired with my rode podcaster. Glad I spent the $'s even though initially I was a bit hesitant.

Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:

I own 4 of these. This is well weighted for a rode podcaster/procaster combo but when you start adding a spider and pop shield it is not strong enough. I've ended up adding elastic to the back, but it's a hassle re-balancing them as the elastic loses it's stretch.

Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:

I just purchased a new digital workstation and wanted to upgrade my set-up. The old boom mic stand had to go. It was hard to place and kept falling over. I use Rode mics exclusively for both recording and live performance so, when I saw this boom arm, I decided to give it a try. I couldn't be happier with either the PSA-1 or B&H Photo. It works perfectly, the price was right and I got it in only a couple of days. I used the clamp method to mount it to my console but a fixed mount is provided as well. It operates smoothly, swings out of the way when I'm not using it and keeps the mic at the same angle no matter what position I extend it to. The included wire wraps keep the mic cord out of the way and my console looks neat and professional.

Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:

I recently purchased this boom for my Voice Over studio. This is an amazing boom at any price. I love the fact that it can be setup without drilling any holes. I also love the fact that it stays where you put it. I use this boom with a TLM 103 with complete shock mount setup and it performs perfectly. If you have any application that requires a boom I highly recommend you pick this one up.

Comments about Rode PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones:

Being a former broadcaster, I wanted an articulated arm-stand rather than a music stand. This works a charm. Not quite the indestructible types seen in the better radio studios, but for a home studio, it's' great.