Over the past few years, the rise in popularity of streaming, gaming, podcasting, and other forms of digital content creation as a whole came as no surprise to anyone. That rise has also created a need for better-quality audio equipment such as mics and boom arms to pair. As a result, many new and seasoned content creators have decided to use the Elgato Wave 3 microphone.
But to get the most out of the Elgato Wave 3, you’ll need to pair it with a quality broom arm that can support its weight, has ample mobility, and has all the necessary features. Therefore, we have created this list of the best boom arms for Elgato Wave 3. We have also included a handy guide as to what you should be looking for in a good boom arm.
What to look for in a boom arm for the Elgato Wave 3
Before diving deeper into the specifics of each recommended boom arm for the Elgato Wave 3, let’s talk about what makes a boom arm good and what features should it have.
Sturdy Clamps
A good boom arm needs to have a sturdy and stable clamp that connects it to your desk. This is a necessity for two reasons. The first is the safety of your mic such as the Elgato Wave 3 to prevent it from falling and being damaged. The second is less vibration being picked up by your mic when streaming or recording due to disturbance such as repositioning your mic or accidentally hitting your desk for smoother audio.
Mobility and Flexibility
Next, we have the mobility and flexibility of a boom arm. A good boom arm should have at least 3 joints for flexibility with its base having 360 degrees of rotation. This will allow you to easily and smoothly adjust your microphone to your preferred position with ease.
Spring System & Tension
A good spring and tension system is also very important for a boom arm to have. They allow the boom arm to hold the weight of the Elgato Wave 3 microphone in your desired position. They also aid in keeping the mic arm quiet when retracting, extending, and or making other movements preventing unwanted sounds when recording or streaming. This is why you should look for a boom arm that has a good high-tension spring system.
Reach
You should also take the reach of a boom arm into account. A boom arm must be long enough to extend across your desk to your required position and also be able to retract out of view when need be. Therefore, it is important to identify the reach of a boom arm in proportion to your desk before buying one.
Durability & Build Quality
Last but not least we have the durability of the mic arm. It probably goes without saying, but the more expensive boom arms tend to have better quality. You should always strive for better quality, even if you are on a tighter budget. This is because a high-quality boom arm such as the first two on this list will likely last you for years to come when compared to cheap budget options.
Best Boom Arms for Elgato Wave 3
RODE PSA1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm
Verdict
No wonder the RODE PSA1 finds its place at the top of our ranking. It is the best option overall for any streamer, gamer, podcaster, etc. True, it is a bit pricier, but for the features you get from it, it’s worth it.
Benefits
- Rotation angle of 360 degrees
- Extra attachments can be added, like a shock mount or a pop filter
- Built-in cable management
Drawbacks
- On the pricier side
RODE audio equipment has been a staple in a lot of professional recording studios since the early 1990s. It is hard to find a displeased user of their RODE PSA1 Studio Microphone Boom Arm, which is why it finds itself at the top of our list.
This boom arm comes with two mounting options, a 55mm thick clamp or a 70mm insert-style desk mount. So, no matter what your desk situation is, you can easily find a place to mount this mic stand.
Its reach is excellent. It has a horizontal reach of 820mm (32.5”), a vertical reach of 840mm (33”), and a full 360-degree rotation. The mounts, along with this incredible reach, provide for great versatility and mobility while setting up your studio.
This boom arm supports most microphones, up to a weight of 700g (1.5lbs), or up to 1.1kg (2.4lbs) when combined with a shock mount. Perfect for the Elgato Wave 3, which weighs only 280 grams.
And as we said before, you can attach a shock mount and a pop filter to that microphone, which is fully supported by this boom arm. All these features make for a premium-level experience with the RODE PSA1 boom arm. This is one of the best boom arms for the Elgato Wave 3.
Blue Compass Premium Tube-Style Broadcast Boom Arm
Verdict
The Blue Compass is a premium tube-style boom arm with internal springs and built-in cable management. It is an ideal addition to any streamer or podcaster’s setup. It operates smoothly and looks very sophisticated.
Benefits
- Hidden cable management
- Hand-tightened hinged for squeaky-free movements
- 360-degree rotation
Drawbacks
- Relatively expensive
The Blue Compass and its studio-grade design are a great addition to your studio. This boom arm was designed with professional broadcast mics in mind, mics just like the Wave 3.
It is made of extruded aluminum and has a C-clamp desktop mount. The stand can hold a maximum of 2.4lbs, or 1.1kg, and has a standard 3/8” to 5/8” adapter.
The spring system on this boom arm is placed internally. This means that all the friction hinges are hand tightened, no need for any extra tools. Along with the hidden springs, it also features hidden-channel cable management. All the cables needed for the microphone will always be placed out of view.
It has a maximum reach of 32” and a full 360-degree rotation. With this mic stand, you will be covered for any application. Plus, the design will wow your audience if you decide on placing the stand in view of the camera.
And just like the RODE, this one supports a shock mount and a pop filter. A great option as a mic stands for the Elgato Wave 3.
TONOR Microphone Boom Arm with Pop Filter
Verdict
Made from durable steel, this mic stand can handle its weight, and can stand up to time. Its universal compatibility and versatile use make it a great option.
Benefits
- High-quality and super-tension springs
- Made of durable and high-grade steel rods
Drawbacks
- Cable management isn’t built-in, only external cable ties
The TONOR boom arm and the durable high-grade steel rods it is made from make for an excellent mic stand. Thanks to that steel build, it can support up to 1.8kg, or 4lbs of weight easily. Not that it needs to, in this case, as the Elgato Wave 3 is a relatively light mic.
It comes with an upgraded desk clamp, with a contact area that is 4 times larger than any of its predecessors. This will ensure it is firmly placed on your desk.
That, along with the horizontal and vertical reach of 700mm, and the 360-degree rotation angle, provide the user with maximum versatility. This boom arm along with the mic can be placed in various ways that will be best suited for you.
It is also worth mentioning that with the purchase of this boom arm, a pop filter will be included, so you don’t have to get an extra one. Just the shock mount if you decide on getting one.
InnoGear Microphone Boom Arm
Verdict
This foldable boom arm is great if you don’t have a lot of free space. It is made from sturdy materials, looks very professional, and was made with convenience in mind.
Benefits
- High-quality steel
- 360-degree rotation angle
Drawbacks
- Cable management isn’t built-in, only external cable ties
The InnoGear boom arm is made of premium cast metal and is very sturdy. All the springs on this one are internal and the max bearing capacity is 3.5lbs making it very suitable to hold the weight of the Elgato Wave 3.
Thanks to its internal springs, the mic arm makes little to no noise while moving it, or simply just extracting or retracting it. While talking about extending, this boom arm has a reach that goes to a maximum of 28” horizontally and 27” vertically. It can also be rotated at a 360-degree angle making it both adjustable and versatile.
It has a 5/8” connector that is compatible with many microphones, including the Elgato Wave 3. The price of this boom arm is also quite good value in terms of the ample features and quality you are getting when compared to the more premium options above. Simply put, this is a great mid-range choice overall.
Neewer NW-35 Suspension Boom Scissor Arm
Benefits
- A cheaper model
- 360-degree rotation
- A pop filter will be included
Drawbacks
- Not the quietest spring system
The Neewer NW-35 is the cheapest boom arm option out for the Elgato Wave 3 but is still worth considering if you are on a tight budget. At the set price, it comes with a lot of great functionalities.
Its adjustable arms will allow you to carry it with you anywhere easily and to choose the exact angle and height that matches your needs. It also has a standard microphone clip that fits most standard-sized handheld microphones. Wave 3 is also included in that category.
It comes with a secure, 4.5cm thick desk clamp which was made to securely mount the stand on any flat surface. This is a stand that also comes with both a shock mount and a pop filter included. And they both are a good fit for Wave 3.
Final Thoughts
A great mic like that the Elgato Wave 3, should come with a good boom arm to support it. This is why we have some great options included as well as a handy buyer’s guide to help you in your search for the perfect boom arm for your Elgato Wave 3 as to your needs. With that said, we hope you found this article helpful and happy recording/streaming.
