Finding a great concept is just the first step in creating a successful podcast, but if you can't bring it to the listeners with consistent, professional quality then you'll find your numbers dwindling before they've had a chance to grow.
That's where the boom arm comes into play.
What is a Boom Arm?
Think about any footage you've seen of someone's podcast set up or, to go old school, in a radio station. That robot looking contraption that holds the mic in front of their faces is the trusty boom arm.
A boom arm is simply an adjustable "scissor arm" that clamps onto a desk or table and holds the microphone so that it can move freely without making any sound, providing more mobility and more room on your work surface. Most boom arms are 20-31 inches in height and made of steel or aluminium. The cables for your microphone either run along the side of the arm (attached with velcro or something similar) or can be hidden inside the arm itself for a cleaner look.
Why Use A Boom Arm?
There's a multitude of advantages to using a boom arm while recording.
When recording a podcast for 30 minutes or more, it can become quite uncomfortable sitting in the same position but you're not able to move much for fear of bumping the microphone. Using a boom arm not only lets you move freely, but it will also minimize shock noises (noise from the microphone being hit) that can reach your microphone if it's directly on a flat surface. If you or a guest tend to speak with your hands a regular stand mic can pick up even the slightest rustle of your shirt or your fingers rubbing together. Even if you don't hear it, your microphone will hear it, which means your audience will hear it.
A boom arm also takes up less surface area than a regular stand mic, leaving you with more space for a script, for your other recording gear, or just for resting your arms.
An additional thing to consider is the potential of having guests. Having a boom arm gives you the flexibility to rearrange your recording set-up to accommodate guest hosts, meaning you don't have to sacrifice sound quality over people's comfort while recording.
How Much Does a Boom Arm Cost?
A good boom arm can cost as little as $50 or as much as $300. There are several different factors that go into the cost As with any piece of kit, you could take the chance on a cheaper option, but lower cost usually means lower quality, and you run the risk that it might bend, or even break, with heavier mics. A Blue Yeti, for example, can be too heavy for some of the lower quality boom arms to handle. Keep the weight of your mic in mind and research the load weight of various boom arms before making a purchase. Of course, the more weight you need, the more the boom arm will cost.
(If you're a fan of Blue Microphones, they released their own Blue Compass boom arm in March 2018 which is solid enough to hold the weight of a Blue Yeti plus a shock mount.)
Another factor adding to the cost is height and stability. While some podcasters won't care about looks, some will, and there are brands that offer something for everyone. When deciding on a model consider your audience, if you have a visual component you might prefer a more professional looking arm that hides the cables and springs. If your podcast is purely audio, this will be less of a concern and you can focus purely on a model that just gets the job done. Also, consider ease of travel. If you're going to be on the road and interviewing others you might want something easy to set up and remove, such as the Heil PL-2T which attaches to your desk with a vice and can be set up in as little as two minutes.
The metal your boom arm is made of will factor into the cost, as well as other optional features (some models that have an LED light so you know when you're recording). Adding these extras can obviously boost the price.
Do I Really Need A Boom Arm For Podcasting?
In my opinion, if you're going to be doing a lot of podcasting and you don't want to be confined to one position, you'll definitely want to invest in a boom arm. They really aren't feasible for standing and recording, but they provide plenty of freedom for seated recording. Sitting stationary for too long isn't good for you, a boom arm helps to prevent a stiff neck, you'll be able to move your legs so they don't fall asleep, and your body will appreciate that after long recording sessions. Not only does a boom arm prevent the aches and pains that come from sitting in one position for a long time, but it also eliminated the need to edit out every time you bump your knee on the desk! One thing to bear in mind is that the boom arm itself could be a source of noise interruption, this can easily be avoided with the use of a shock mount. A good universal shock mount (like the Rycote inVision) will attach to your boom arm and reduce the noise created by vibrations when moving the boom arm during recording.
At the end of the day, your setup needs to fit your style of recording. If you are a person who records on your own, sitting perfectly still, not moving your arms or body then sure, a Snowball mic and some headphones are all you need. However, if we're being realistic, having the flexibility to move without fear of creating background noise is key. A good quality boom arm is a cost-effective way to bring your recording set up to the next level and ensure clear, consistent recording quality across all of your content. There are plenty of resources out there to teach you how to set up your own boom arm so nothing is stopping you from finding the boom arm that works for you and achieving the professional standard your content and audience deserve.
It doesn't have to cost a fortune to build a professional quality podcast set up, it's about finding the right tools for the job. If you do your research, work out the best configuration for your recording space, and set it up in a way that flows with your recording style, you'll soon find a solid boom arm is going to pay back your investment tenfold.
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