Admittedly I did not watch the whole video but you do have to oil the Rode PSA1 to make it quiet. It won't be dead silent but it should be as quiet as it was out of the box. I used a thicker gun oil since it's what I had out at the time. REM oil is thin and will likely make a mess but should work just as well. It's a moving metal part so it needs to be oiled just like anything else. Not only will it not squeak as badly but it will move smoothly.
Yeah...Dylan loves to brag about his setup...lol Also...LOVE your channel! I am a big SOD fan brother! You and Brian are a couple of my favourite channels to watch!
That plastic sleeve around the mounting pin looks like a sacrificial bushing to me. Instead of wallowing out your clamp/hole/whatever mount, the bushing takes the wear and can (or should be able to?) be replaced easily and cheaply while wasting far less resources.
Some comments in this video are strange to say the least. The original Rode boom arm has internal routing so the Velcro's are not necessary, and the hole in the base mount (the one that requires drilling in your desk) can run your XLR cable (nearly) invisible under your desk. In my opinion running cables on the outside of the arm is simply ugly.
Old review, but a current issue, as the old PSA1 is now out there for $99 and the PSA1+ for $129 retail. The issues you cite are small but not minor, especially when ganged together. I am very happy with the PSA1+,and the things you point out about the PSA1 would drive me nuts in daily use. And cheaper options out there under $50, well, I chose not to even consider them. Thanks for the shootout.
I have the PSA1+. It was a little noisy right out of the box, but that cleared up after a few days. (It would kind of pop when I moved the arm upwards). It pretty much holds a mic wherever you put it, no real adjustment necessary. I tightened the thumb nuts on the head just right and now it’s a sorta friction fit. So any angle I set it, it just stays and I haven’t had to readjust the thumb nuts for weeks. I use an AKG P42O in its shock mount since it rejects handling noise a lot better than my other mics. It’s pretty heavy and it stays in place just fine. I’m very happy with it so far
Hi, could you give an update to how the spring holds the mic after 8 months? I'm having problems with my previous boom arms (Compass and a Vonyx mic stand) where they stop holding the position I want them to be in after 1 day. My table is really wide and long and so I have to really extend my arms and so far almost none managed to hold the mic without sagging.
@@mladyswagalot I've had my PSA1 for a few years. It just needs some oil every once in awhile and you're good. Never had it get weak or show signs of breaking.
The new boom arm is fantastic. Finally picked it up from the drop off spot the other day and set it up this afternoon. It stays where I need it to stay and the cable run is cleaner than with the WA model I had before.
I got a rode psa1+ for Christmas the only thing I don't like is the the tightening knob on the top of it I feel like I have to tighten the screw for a bit
might be a little late with this comment but i think the plastic on the monting point is there to give it a smoother felling when (rotating) the mic arm itself. less friction between plastic and metal then plasic and plasic or metal and metal=) but have never tried the mic arm before sooo idk! it kinda makes sense to me!! good video btw!!
My WA boom swivels too easily at the base attached to the desk. It makes it difficult to place my microphone where I need it and know that it will stay.
@@DarkCornerStudios Yes. I have had it for less than a year. Now it seems a bit wonky. So much that last night I switched to a table microphone stand and used my SM57 rather than trying to remove the SM7b from the boom arm.
Thanks for the review. This answered all the questions I had about the differences between the stands, especially about the mount and the bolt impeding mic rotation.
I just got a PSA1, and I'm still waiting for my Shure SM7B to arrive in the mail. Should I just return the PSA1 and get the PSA1+? I have the extra $30 in my budget, and I'd be happy to spend that extra money if it means a better stand for the long term.
@DarkCornerStudios Honestly, I'm also worried about the sound because I have a very cheap $20 arm right now, and the sqeaking drives me crazy. Thank you for the comments!
@DarkCornerStudios I'm just going to return my PSA1 I got from Amazon. I'm able to get a B&H EDU deal on the Rhode PSA1+ for $116. Thanks for all the feedback. It's much appreciated!
The PSA1+ locking ring grinds against my XLR cable on the SM7B without the extension tube. It's a Neutrik connector on a Mogami cable. Astoundingly bad oversight.
Can't please everyone. There's always some whacky setup not accounted for, not really something that is Rode's fault. But you can get extensions for the thread if you need to.
@@-eMpTy- This is not a wacky setup. It's an SM7B attached using everything they included in the box and one of the world's most common XLR connector types (Neutrik) Used in Mogami cables, World's Best Cables, and countless other options available on Amazon. The standard PSA1 received all the same upgrades as this (The cable channel, quiet operation, and new build quality) So I'd recommend to just buy that instead.
Perhaps a strange question but would I be able to remove the "Rode" white letter branding on the newer 1+ version? As it'd be in shot of the camera, and I'd rather no big words/branding were on display..
@Dark Corner Studios in 2022 when anyone goes after anyone with a lawsuit for any reason it's best to stay on the safe side. Wouldn't want to say anything controversial, while branding a company to get sued by that company for some defamation bullshit
@@iiSup3rior It would be highly unlikely for a company to sue you for simply having their branded product in view, even if you were advocating taboo crimes. The reason being your very logic- their customers wouldn't trust them if they were suing people over their branding. Plus, the amount of money they'd stand to gain out of a lawsuit would probably not be "worth it" and would be more about punishing you than receiving compensation. You'd have to be practically trying to associate with their brand by positioning it in close up view of the camera, and they'd still probably send a cease and desist first.
Thank you for the review, this is very informative. May I ask whether the dimensions of both PSA and PSA1+ mounting joint are the exact one? And, is the diameter of the table mount for PSA1+ to mount the arm, is the same as the PSA version?
Im late bit i Hope You can answer this question i cant find on Google. Is there Any kind of resistans in the mountable table base? I have an issue with the original psa1 that My desk is tilting a tiny bit which makes the boomarm rotate by it self at the base. It could easily be fixed by having some rubber inside the hole in the base but its just blank metal og metal :(
As someone wanting to answer this very question this was great. You mention drilling through your desk? You didn't make it clear if this was an essential. Is it? Thanks good sir :)
I've been using the Blue Compass, but as cool as it looks, there are several big annoyances. I'm very interested in the RØDE PSA1+ after watching this video
@@DarkCornerStudios My main issue is with how much I need to adjust the tension. It's difficult to get it just right, and every time I switch microphones, I need to readjust the tension, sometimes even as far as having to take the arm off its mount and turn the tension screw at the bottom of the arm. Also, no matter how much I adjust it, there are at least one or two positions it just cannot hold at all. The arm just wants to swing back up. Another issue I have with it is that if it's been in one position for several minutes, it clicks/creaks when I move it. However, once it gets that first creak out of the way, it's completely silent when moving. One drawback to using this style of boom arm is that you lose out on the parallel motion linkage inherent to scissor-style arms. It's not so much an annoyance I have with the Compass as it is a bonus to using something like the RØDE PSA1. My last complaint is something that is no longer an issue, but something that was specific to where my home studio used to be: an attic. The low angled ceiling made the Compass a really tight fit, and I found it often would bump the ceiling because of how tall it is, but now that I've moved to a more reasonable space, that annoyance is gone. Overall though, I definitely love the Blue Compass and would certainly recommend it (though against the RØDE PSA1+ after watching a few videos, probably not). It looks gorgeous on camera for streaming, and the cable management is fantastic. I just wouldn't recommend using your fingernail to try to open the cable channel; I almost ripped min fingernail off. Use a small screwdriver instead.
This is good to know seeing how I'm just starting off and help on what kind for mr to get... Also have you heard or tried a Gear One MV1000 microphone?
I was actually sold, right up to the part you pointed out the plastic connection. What kind of Mickey Mouse company would make a load bearing connection out of plastic? . Even the $20 Chinese made boom arms sold on Amazon are made of metal. I've always said that with the possible exception of the NT1 everything this company makes is junk..
For me, it was a tossup between Samson's MBA (28,38,48) series and the RODE PSA1. They're almost the same, except Samson has size options and the microphone's mount is long enough to accommodate a fuller swivel. Plus, it costs a fraction of the PSA1 (at least where I live). The PSA1+, though. Different story. Aside from the cable management, desk mounting system, and neoprene "anti finger injury" cover, I love those Podmic side gears that they attached. Definitely considering this as an upgrade if my MBA28 dies on me.
I just bought a psa1+. I was very surprised to see it in the clip stating that the core is plastic. I hurriedly opened the box. As far as I can see, it looks like metal, not plastic, or I don't look clear. Will it be a weight problem? Sorry in my terrible English. I'm from Thailand.
To my eyes, is as ugly and outdated as the previous one. Its chunky, it's not like a modern design like other companies have achieved but rather look like a tank (in a wrong way) and to be honest, the cable all visible all the way over the arm looks even worse than it used too as now it looks not well finished as oppossite from b4 that looks just oldfashion... oh well...
I got the original one b/c the branding on the Plus is not camera friendly at all.
True! Personally went with the elgato high profile and I’m very happy.
Admittedly I did not watch the whole video but you do have to oil the Rode PSA1 to make it quiet. It won't be dead silent but it should be as quiet as it was out of the box. I used a thicker gun oil since it's what I had out at the time. REM oil is thin and will likely make a mess but should work just as well.
It's a moving metal part so it needs to be oiled just like anything else. Not only will it not squeak as badly but it will move smoothly.
With some quick soldering work, we can route the cable internally!! That's what I have done and it looks fantastic!!
Yeah...Dylan loves to brag about his setup...lol
Also...LOVE your channel!
I am a big SOD fan brother!
You and Brian are a couple of my favourite channels to watch!
@@DarkCornerStudios Just now saw this comment DC!! You know, YT won't notify us about comment replies anymore lol
One thing that I like from PSA series is the ability to maintain the balance on both lightweight and heavyweight microphones. Nice review man!
You can send cable through the PSA1 if you un-solder and re-solder the connector (obviously XLR connector is too large)/
That plastic sleeve around the mounting pin looks like a sacrificial bushing to me. Instead of wallowing out your clamp/hole/whatever mount, the bushing takes the wear and can (or should be able to?) be replaced easily and cheaply while wasting far less resources.
Some comments in this video are strange to say the least. The original Rode boom arm has internal routing so the Velcro's are not necessary, and the hole in the base mount (the one that requires drilling in your desk) can run your XLR cable (nearly) invisible under your desk. In my opinion running cables on the outside of the arm is simply ugly.
Old review, but a current issue, as the old PSA1 is now out there for $99 and the PSA1+ for $129 retail. The issues you cite are small but not minor, especially when ganged together. I am very happy with the PSA1+,and the things you point out about the PSA1 would drive me nuts in daily use. And cheaper options out there under $50, well, I chose not to even consider them. Thanks for the shootout.
I have the PSA1+. It was a little noisy right out of the box, but that cleared up after a few days. (It would kind of pop when I moved the arm upwards). It pretty much holds a mic wherever you put it, no real adjustment necessary. I tightened the thumb nuts on the head just right and now it’s a sorta friction fit. So any angle I set it, it just stays and I haven’t had to readjust the thumb nuts for weeks. I use an AKG P42O in its shock mount since it rejects handling noise a lot better than my other mics. It’s pretty heavy and it stays in place just fine. I’m very happy with it so far
Hi, could you give an update to how the spring holds the mic after 8 months? I'm having problems with my previous boom arms (Compass and a Vonyx mic stand) where they stop holding the position I want them to be in after 1 day.
My table is really wide and long and so I have to really extend my arms and so far almost none managed to hold the mic without sagging.
@@mladyswagalot I've had my PSA1 for a few years. It just needs some oil every once in awhile and you're good. Never had it get weak or show signs of breaking.
@@Trippsy05 I also am now an owner of one and it feels so good to finally have an arm that works with now complications.
I own the PSA1 and now I know it's not worth to upgrade but the PSA1+ is amazing. Thank you!
The new boom arm is fantastic. Finally picked it up from the drop off spot the other day and set it up this afternoon. It stays where I need it to stay and the cable run is cleaner than with the WA model I had before.
Hope you like it so far. How wide is the desk clamp, I wonder? I have a desk that is around 3 inches thick. I wonder if it fits.
@@iamajuthomas Now that I look at it closely, I think that I bought the older model. Oh well. it still works for me.
Hey Sean...long time no see!!
@@seanwebb605
I got a rode psa1+ for Christmas the only thing I don't like is the the tightening knob on the top of it I feel like I have to tighten the screw for a bit
might be a little late with this comment but i think the plastic on the monting point is there to give it a smoother felling when (rotating) the mic arm itself. less friction between plastic and metal then plasic and plasic or metal and metal=) but have never tried the mic arm before sooo idk! it kinda makes sense to me!! good video btw!!
My WA boom swivels too easily at the base attached to the desk. It makes it difficult to place my microphone where I need it and know that it will stay.
Actually have a review on that boom coming out soon.
Liked it at first...but it didn't last long
@@DarkCornerStudios Yes. I have had it for less than a year. Now it seems a bit wonky. So much that last night I switched to a table microphone stand and used my SM57 rather than trying to remove the SM7b from the boom arm.
As of now, PSA1 Norwegian kroner 999,- vs PSA1+ Norwegian kroner 1990,- . What would you do?
Thanks for the review. This answered all the questions I had about the differences between the stands, especially about the mount and the bolt impeding mic rotation.
Glad I could help!!
Thinking about trying this. Anybody successfully using a U67 on this?
Do you have the distance from the center of the clamp to the C part of the clamp? My desk has a beveled edge and many clamps can't go deep enough.
1.5 inches.
My desk is beveled as well
Is the arm easily detachable from the drill in insert ? I am a DJ and need to be able to remove the boom arm for gigs
Yes...you don't need to drill either.
It has a removable mount
I just got a PSA1, and I'm still waiting for my Shure SM7B to arrive in the mail. Should I just return the PSA1 and get the PSA1+? I have the extra $30 in my budget, and I'd be happy to spend that extra money if it means a better stand for the long term.
The stand isnt that big of a deal.
If you want the upgraded cable routing it is totally worth it
@@DarkCornerStudiosWould it be worth it long term? I just want something that will last and works well as a boom arm
@@epicsnake21 both will last long term...the + just has some premium features
@DarkCornerStudios Honestly, I'm also worried about the sound because I have a very cheap $20 arm right now, and the sqeaking drives me crazy. Thank you for the comments!
@DarkCornerStudios I'm just going to return my PSA1 I got from Amazon. I'm able to get a B&H EDU deal on the Rhode PSA1+ for $116. Thanks for all the feedback. It's much appreciated!
Can the PSA1+ hold more weight than the PSA1?
Something about the dimensions and different mounting styles would have been useful.
Is the plus better, I will let you know when it shows up. Thank you for influencing my decision.
"10 bucks apart" sadly in Brazil it's almost a whole month's pay on minimum wage apart :( why can't things just be reasonably priced around here ffs
Can you have the mic upside down? i really like the style when talking into the mic.
Your affiliates link for Amazon Canada doesn't work. Currently unavailable. Perhaps due to that whole trucker thing.
Thanks for the heads up...I will fix!
Try it now...though I think they are out of stock
@@DarkCornerStudios Yeah. Out of stock.
@@seanwebb605 yeah...it was tough even getting a review sample
The PSA1+ locking ring grinds against my XLR cable on the SM7B without the extension tube. It's a Neutrik connector on a Mogami cable. Astoundingly bad oversight.
Can't please everyone. There's always some whacky setup not accounted for, not really something that is Rode's fault. But you can get extensions for the thread if you need to.
@@-eMpTy- This is not a wacky setup. It's an SM7B attached using everything they included in the box and one of the world's most common XLR connector types (Neutrik) Used in Mogami cables, World's Best Cables, and countless other options available on Amazon.
The standard PSA1 received all the same upgrades as this (The cable channel, quiet operation, and new build quality) So I'd recommend to just buy that instead.
I can't choose between the PSA1+ and the Elgato Wave High Rise
Perhaps a strange question but would I be able to remove the "Rode" white letter branding on the newer 1+ version? As it'd be in shot of the camera, and I'd rather no big words/branding were on display..
Tom Buck tried.
I mean you could...like Tom...watch his video first...
the huge rode branding is huge down side for me also, surprised it wasn't mentioned in the video
@@spacexmike personally I understand the sentiment...though how can you fault a company for branding their product.
I can't find a reason
@Dark Corner Studios in 2022 when anyone goes after anyone with a lawsuit for any reason it's best to stay on the safe side. Wouldn't want to say anything controversial, while branding a company to get sued by that company for some defamation bullshit
@@iiSup3rior It would be highly unlikely for a company to sue you for simply having their branded product in view, even if you were advocating taboo crimes. The reason being your very logic- their customers wouldn't trust them if they were suing people over their branding.
Plus, the amount of money they'd stand to gain out of a lawsuit would probably not be "worth it" and would be more about punishing you than receiving compensation. You'd have to be practically trying to associate with their brand by positioning it in close up view of the camera, and they'd still probably send a cease and desist first.
Would the psa1+ work with an interview go?
Great review!
Thanks!!
Thank you for the review, this is very informative.
May I ask whether the dimensions of both PSA and PSA1+ mounting joint are the exact one?
And, is the diameter of the table mount for PSA1+ to mount the arm, is the same as the PSA version?
Im late bit i Hope You can answer this question i cant find on Google. Is there Any kind of resistans in the mountable table base? I have an issue with the original psa1 that My desk is tilting a tiny bit which makes the boomarm rotate by it self at the base. It could easily be fixed by having some rubber inside the hole in the base but its just blank metal og metal :(
Nope...better to level the table
@@DarkCornerStudios Damn. I cant level the table unfortunatly. Weird design 😴
New outro song , nice good input
Yeah...I like switching it up
Love your videos. Will this Røde mount my Heil PR40 easily?
Yep!
Totally a universal connection.
Cheers!
As someone wanting to answer this very question this was great. You mention drilling through your desk? You didn't make it clear if this was an essential. Is it? Thanks good sir :)
Nope...they both come with clamps as well
@@DarkCornerStudios Thanks sorry for the silly question, I looked for the manuals and found out. :)
I think you have convinced me, PSA1+ for me.
I've been using the Blue Compass, but as cool as it looks, there are several big annoyances. I'm very interested in the RØDE PSA1+ after watching this video
Do tell me about your annoyances.
I may pick one up for a review
@@DarkCornerStudios My main issue is with how much I need to adjust the tension. It's difficult to get it just right, and every time I switch microphones, I need to readjust the tension, sometimes even as far as having to take the arm off its mount and turn the tension screw at the bottom of the arm. Also, no matter how much I adjust it, there are at least one or two positions it just cannot hold at all. The arm just wants to swing back up.
Another issue I have with it is that if it's been in one position for several minutes, it clicks/creaks when I move it. However, once it gets that first creak out of the way, it's completely silent when moving.
One drawback to using this style of boom arm is that you lose out on the parallel motion linkage inherent to scissor-style arms. It's not so much an annoyance I have with the Compass as it is a bonus to using something like the RØDE PSA1.
My last complaint is something that is no longer an issue, but something that was specific to where my home studio used to be: an attic. The low angled ceiling made the Compass a really tight fit, and I found it often would bump the ceiling because of how tall it is, but now that I've moved to a more reasonable space, that annoyance is gone.
Overall though, I definitely love the Blue Compass and would certainly recommend it (though against the RØDE PSA1+ after watching a few videos, probably not). It looks gorgeous on camera for streaming, and the cable management is fantastic. I just wouldn't recommend using your fingernail to try to open the cable channel; I almost ripped min fingernail off. Use a small screwdriver instead.
Which mic are you using during this recording?
That is the Shure sm7b
This is good to know seeing how I'm just starting off and help on what kind for mr to get... Also have you heard or tried a Gear One MV1000 microphone?
Nope...I will look it up though
I wish it was a little bit smaller. It seems so clunky
I was actually sold, right up to the part you pointed out the plastic connection. What kind of Mickey Mouse company would make a load bearing connection out of plastic? . Even the $20 Chinese made boom arms sold on Amazon are made of metal. I've always said that with the possible exception of the NT1 everything this company makes is junk..
The plastic tube is around a metal tube, the piece of plastic is there to reduce friction and make the operation smooth
It's a plastic bushing, nothing more.
Great! Video! Thank you sir, want PSA1+ now)
will it work with Rode XCM50 mic?
Yes.
All boom arms have standard attachments
@@DarkCornerStudios thank you
Looks nice and great review... but I have Yellowtec Mika on air (way over the top) for home use but I love the clean look
Nice!
I have an OC White...overkill indeed
For me, it was a tossup between Samson's MBA (28,38,48) series and the RODE PSA1. They're almost the same, except Samson has size options and the microphone's mount is long enough to accommodate a fuller swivel. Plus, it costs a fraction of the PSA1 (at least where I live).
The PSA1+, though. Different story.
Aside from the cable management, desk mounting system, and neoprene "anti finger injury" cover, I love those Podmic side gears that they attached. Definitely considering this as an upgrade if my MBA28 dies on me.
PSA 1+ has been out of stock for so long
But that awful giant signage. Hate that.
Biggest con...honestly hate the big Rode branding. Tacky as hell
Everything has branding these days...perhaps I just dont care as much
Is this video sponsored?
I would think so
Both are on sale right now. $30 price difference. Cheaper at $97.5.
Perfect review! helped me to avoid purchasing the PSA1 and focus on PSA1+ :)
I'm babysitting. The baby is fascinated with Aiden. 👶🏽
It's the large comical facial features...kids love me...lol
And when those plastic clips break, and they will....they will....you're back to velcro straps. But overall still seems like a nice mount. Thank you.
looks like a crane arm
I just bought a psa1+. I was very surprised to see it in the clip stating that the core is plastic. I hurriedly opened the box. As far as I can see, it looks like metal, not plastic, or I don't look clear. Will it be a weight problem? Sorry in my terrible English. I'm from Thailand.
Yeah Psa1 is better in handle heavier mics it's been 20 years psa1 released in 2003 i know people that have psa1 in 13 years and it's still working
psa1 released in 2003 i know people that have psa1 in 13 years and it's still working
psa1+ released in 2021 people still didn't test it long enough many people said it can't handle havier mics but it can handle light mics
Psa1 is better than psa1+ and more reliable in survive unless we wait more 20 years to see lol😂
To my eyes, is as ugly and outdated as the previous one. Its chunky, it's not like a modern design like other companies have achieved but rather look like a tank (in a wrong way) and to be honest, the cable all visible all the way over the arm looks even worse than it used too as now it looks not well finished as oppossite from b4 that looks just oldfashion... oh well...
I'm new here, great video! Subscribed!
Cheers!
@@DarkCornerStudios Just bought a PSA1+ using your referral link. Thanks again!
Oh this mic arm is phenomenal! Had it a week or so now, Sheeeeesh!
jamescnnor