Tech
I bought a $3.50 boom arm from Temu (and it’s actually good)
Summary
- My microphone stand took up a lot of space on my desk and was uncomfortable to use.
- A cheap boom arm transformed my desk, giving better mic placement, a cleaner setup, and podcast-like sound.
- Budget arms can perform well if you keep your expectations realistic.
Upgrading your setup doesn’t always have to break the bank. In fact, I’m a huge fan of affordable desktop accessories—they’re some of my favorite things to spend money on. One such addition I’ve recently made is a humble boom arm for my dynamic microphone, which lets me position it exactly where I want, and now my setup looks and feels so much cleaner.
My microphone stand made me not want to use my microphone
As much as I love my Shure MV6 microphone, I’m not a big fan of its stand. It’s not that it’s poorly built—in fact, it’s heavy, sleek, and sturdy, making it one of the best non-adjustable stands out there. It’s also quite tall, so when I place it on my desk, it sits at the perfect height and distance from my mouth to capture high-quality sound, which is especially important for a dynamic microphone with low sensitivity.
Unfortunately, the stand is huge and takes up a lot of desk space. To get the best sound quality, I need to place it directly in front of me, which isn’t comfortable if I’m also taking notes on my computer or trying to play a match with friends.
Because of that comfort issue, I’d sometimes opt for the built-in microphone on my SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset outside work. Having the mic right in front of me meant I’d occasionally bump my mouse into it, and I had to shift my keyboard into a less comfortable position. Moving the mic too far away, on the other hand, reduced volume and clarity significantly, defeating the point of having an expensive standalone mic.
Even when not in use—which is most of the time I’m at my desk—the microphone still takes up a ton of space. I couldn’t place it under my monitor because the stand is too tall, so I’d have to move it to the side.
A boom arm solved all of my problems
I always had the intention of mounting my microphone to a boom arm; I just didn’t bring myself to order one. I was considering a premium model, like the Elgato Wave Mic Arm, but the price was a bit too much for me to justify for something I wouldn’t use very often. It’s not like a monitor arm that’s always in use, saves even more space, and lets me turn my monitor sideways, all for under $100. Ultimately, a boom arm is too niche for me to splurge on.
However, I eventually couldn’t stand (pun intended) the situation anymore, so I finally caved and ordered a cheap boom arm from Temu.
Of course, the flimsy thing I got is a long way from an Elgato Wave or RØDE PSA1, but the core functionality is still there. I can now get the microphone very close to my mouth to achieve the best, most podcast-like sound without any discomfort. The arm pivots, swings, and extends, allowing me to place the microphone exactly where and how I want it. Whether it’s right in front of me, to the side, or above something I’m recording (like a keyboard), I can do it effortlessly.
Most importantly, I can now tuck the mic away into the corner of my desk when it’s not in use. My desk looks sleek and professional, and it’s all thanks to this cheap boom arm.
Boom arms don’t have to be cheap to be decent
While this Temu arm definitely feels cheap, that doesn’t mean it’s bad or not worth buying. I got it for just $3.50 with a Temu discount coupon, but honestly, I think it’s worth every penny of the $11 full price.
The bottom section that mounts to the clamp has a bit of play, causing the mic to droop slightly when adjusting, but it stays in place once set. The tension springs provide adequate support and allow smooth pivoting and extending. Overall, it’s functional and does its job exceptionally well, so I can forgive it for not feeling premium.
I actually found an identical one on Amazon called the GLEAM Boom Arm. It even comes with extra goodies like a foam windscreen, an adapter, a clip, and cable ties. Mine didn’t include the cable ties, but luckily I had some hook-and-loop tape lying around, which I used to tidy up the cables.
- Brand
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Gleam
- Dimensions
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15.75 x 4.53 x 1.77 inches
The GLEAM boom arm is compatible with most standard microphones that use a 3/8″ thread, but it also includes a 5/8″ adapter. The arm folds for easy portability and can be mounted to any desk.
If you have a standalone condenser or dynamic microphone, a boom arm will quickly become one of your favorite accessories. Don’t be afraid to try a budget option, though premium boom arms are worth the extra money for anyone who wants a more durable and refined product.
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