The Best Microphone Arms in Australia

Your microphone needs to sit where you speak without taking over your desk or blocking the camera. If you’re comparing the best microphone arms, start with the RØDE PSA1: its 4.35 out of 5 from 17 JB Hi-Fi reviews gives us a positive owner score to back the recommendation, and it costs less than the PSA1+.

For a camera-facing setup, we’d choose the Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP instead. Its low profile and concealed cable channels address a different problem: keeping the equipment out of your view.

The short answer

The best microphone arms in Australia

• Best starting point for most buyers: RØDE PSA1
• Best for an unobstructed camera view: Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP
• Best for frequent adjustments while recording: RØDE PSA1+
• Best value choice for heavier microphones: Samson MBA38
• Best budget choice for a small XLR setup: On-Stage MBS5000
• Best for a heavier video podcast setup: Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro
• For buyers who need included cable clips: Audio-Technica AT8700

Product		Price
	Rode PSA1 Table Clamp Microphone Boom Arm	from $139.00	$139.00 at Amazon
	Elgato Wave Mic Arm Low Profile Microphone Boom Arm (LP)	from $147.53	$147.53 at Amazon
	RØDE PSA1 (PSA1+)	from $183.00	$183.00 at Amazon
	Samson MBA38	from $127.95	$127.95 at Amazon
	Onstage On-Stage MBS5000 (MUS MBS5000)	from $99.00	$99.00 at Amazon
	Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro (20AAT9901)	from $239.00	$239.00 at Amazon
	Audio Technica Audio-Technica AT8700 Adjustable Microphone Boom Arm	from $129.00	$129.00 at Amazon

1. Best starting point for most buyers: RØDE PSA1

If you want your microphone off the desk but don’t have a particular camera or cable-management problem to solve, the RØDE PSA1 is where we’d start. Its owner rating gives it the clearest reason to lead this guide.

Seventeen reviews isn’t a large sample, but a 4.35 score is a reasonable basis for putting it ahead of the AT8700’s single low rating. Our take is that the PSA1 makes sense for someone who values an owner score over a longer feature list.

The catch is that the supplied specifications don’t give its load limit, reach or clamp opening. Check those against your microphone and desk before ordering. Don’t assume the PSA1 has the features listed for the PSA1+ just because the names are similar.

It costs less than the PSA1+, though the LP and Samson below are cheaper again. Choose it for its owner rating, rather than expecting it to win every feature comparison.

Our verdict: Start with the PSA1 if owner ratings matter most to you. Buy once you’ve confirmed its mounting and weight limits suit your setup.

2. Best for an unobstructed camera view: Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP

An arm across your face is distracting when you’re on camera. The Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP addresses that directly: Elgato says it sits below shoulder level, while magnetic covers hide the cables.

For a setup where appearance matters, we’d take this over the PSA1. The reason is specific: you get a stated low-profile design and concealed cable routing for less money at our check.

Tom Buck highlights its low profile for keeping faces, cameras and conversations unobstructed. We found no independent owner rating at the retailers we check; it was ranked number 6 in Stands on Amazon Australia when we checked.

Its 740 mm horizontal reach is useful information when planning where the clamp will go. Measure from that spot to your intended microphone position, and confirm the load limit before pairing it with a heavy mic.

Amazon Australia is the only retailer in our supplied data that stocks this pick, so check the warranty and returns terms before buying.

Our verdict: Choose the LP when a clear camera view and tidy cables are your priorities. It’s our value choice for that problem, provided your microphone fits its confirmed load limits.

3. Best for frequent adjustments while recording: RØDE PSA1+

Moving the microphone during a recording shouldn’t become another thing to worry about. The RØDE PSA1+ is worth considering if you regularly change its height or speaking position.

RØDE says the spring system allows smooth, quiet movement and maintains parallel positioning as you adjust the arm. That should matter more to someone who moves their mic during a session than someone who sets it once and leaves it there.

Producer Hive recommends it for serious podcasting and streaming because of its smooth placement, near-silent movement and effective noise damping. We found no independent owner rating at the retailers we check.

Our take is that the higher price makes sense when adjustment is part of your recording routine. If you rarely touch the arm, we’d start with a cheaper pick rather than pay extra for a benefit you won’t often use.

Amazon Australia is the only retailer in our data that stocks the PSA1+; check its warranty and returns terms.

Our verdict: Buy the PSA1+ if you expect to reposition your microphone during recordings. For a largely fixed setup, the extra spend is harder to justify.

4. Best value choice for heavier microphones: Samson MBA38

A heavier microphone makes the arm choice more consequential. The Samson MBA38 deserves a look before you spend substantially more on the Elgato Pro.

Digital Camera World recommends it as the best mid-priced boom arm and a strong choice for heavier microphones, with generous reach and quiet adjustment. We found no independent owner rating at the retailers we check.

Our take is that it’s a sensible value candidate, but that recommendation isn’t a substitute for a weight limit. The supplied specifications don’t state one, so confirm the supported load for your microphone and accessories before buying.

Amazon Australia is the only retailer in our data that stocks it. Check the warranty and returns terms, particularly if you’re buying for an existing heavy setup.

Our verdict: Consider the Samson first if you want a lower-cost arm for a heavier microphone. Confirm the actual load limit before committing.

5. Best budget choice for a small XLR setup: On-Stage MBS5000

When desk space and spending are both limited, the On-Stage MBS5000 makes a convincing case. It’s the cheapest pick here, and its pre-installed internal XLR cable gives an XLR setup one less loose cable to manage.

Digital Camera World recommends it for small spaces because of its compact construction, reasonable price and internal XLR cable. We found no independent owner rating at the retailers we check.

The cable is the reason we’d favour it for a budget XLR desk. If your microphone uses USB, that included XLR cable doesn’t solve your connection needs, so the LP’s accessible cable channels may be a more useful feature.

Check your desk edge too: the clamp’s stated opening is 50.8 mm. Amazon Australia is the only retailer in our supplied data that stocks it, so review the warranty and returns terms.

Our verdict: This is our budget buy for a small XLR setup. Skip it if the cable type or clamp opening doesn’t match what you already have.

6. Best for a heavier video podcast setup: Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro

If your microphone and accessories need substantial support while staying discreet on camera, consider the Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro. Elgato states a capacity of up to 3 kg, including accessories, and provides hidden cable channels.

Australian podcast specialist Bamby Media recommends it for video podcasting thanks to its discreet appearance, concealed cables and customisable setup. We found no independent owner rating at the retailers we check.

Our take is that the Pro earns its place when you need its stated load capacity and want a clean video setup. It’s the dearest arm in this guide. If the less expensive LP meets your microphone’s requirements, we’d save the money.

Amazon Australia is the only retailer in our data that stocks this model; check the warranty and returns terms before ordering.

Our verdict: Choose the Pro for a video setup that needs its load capacity and adjustment system. For a lighter setup, establish whether the cheaper LP will do the job first.

7. For buyers who need included cable clips: Audio-Technica AT8700

Loose USB or XLR cables can make a desk awkward to work around. The Audio-Technica AT8700 includes clips for both, but its owner score makes it difficult for us to recommend ahead of the other picks.

Audio-Technica says the table-mounted design frees up space in a recording or streaming setup. The included clips give you a way to route either cable type along the arm.

The catch is a rating of 1 out of 5 from one JB Hi-Fi review. One review can’t settle the product’s quality, and we don’t have the review text to explain the score. It still gives us little reason to favour this over the LP at the same checked Amazon price.

Our verdict: Keep the AT8700 on your shortlist only if its included clips and mounting arrangement specifically suit your desk. At the same price, we’d choose the LP once compatibility is confirmed.

How we chose

These reviews are based on owner ratings and review counts, maker specifications, independent recommendations, and price and stock checks. All seven picks were in stock at Amazon Australia when checked. We put positive owner ratings or relevant independent recommendations ahead of sales rank alone, then considered the buyer’s needs and price; the AT8700’s single low rating places it last.

Microphone arm buying guide

If your microphone won’t attach, check the thread first

Check the connection on your microphone, clip or shockmount against the arm’s listed thread. A brand name alone doesn’t establish compatibility with your exact model. Confirm any required adaptor before ordering.

If the microphone is heavy, count the accessories too

Add the weight of the microphone, shockmount and anything else the arm must carry. Compare that total with the supported load, and check any minimum-weight requirement in the manual. Where this guide’s supplied specifications omit a limit, confirm it before buying.

If your desk edge is awkward, measure before choosing

Measure the thickness at the actual mounting point. Also check that the underside has room for a clamp; drawers and desk framing can get in the way.

A permanent mount is a different commitment from a clamp. Choose it only if you’re comfortable altering the mounting surface.

If the arm blocks your camera, prioritise placement

Work out where the microphone needs to sit and where the camera will look before choosing an arm. A low-profile design makes sense when keeping your face visible is the main problem. Check reach as well: the clamp location and speaking position need to work together.

If cables keep catching, choose the right cable management

Match the system to your connection. Clips organise cables along an arm; covered channels conceal them. A pre-installed XLR cable is useful for an XLR microphone, but doesn’t replace the cable needed for a USB connection.

If you adjust the mic while recording, pay attention to movement

Quiet adjustment claims matter most when you reposition during a session. If you normally set the microphone before starting, we’d prioritise fit, support and price over paying extra for the movement system.

An arm isn’t a guarantee of rumble-free audio. Correct microphone placement and the rest of your recording setup still matter.

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