I actually discovered this channel a few weeks ago through an Elgato LP arm review and loved the quality of the content after checking a few videos and it definitely deserves the subscription.
I've had the elgato arm for a couple of years now and have had 0 complaints... I had purchased a few other "cheap" amazon arms and was never satisfied. Deffinetly worth the hundred bucks lol
Interesting- maybe quality control is one of the cost saving factors? Not a huge deal since most people have Allen keys, but if you don't and it doesn't have one, it'd be frustrating.
Whoa dude, that Neewer arm looks like a game changer! I have an Elgato arm for my mic, and it does a great job, but this Neewer one looks like it has the potential to do some incredible Camera and light-stand duty on my desk! You're spot on though that teeth would be absolutely huge. Using that arm to hold a camera and Elgato prompter on the other side of a presentation table or something that you just swing out of the way when you're done? Whoa.
My FX3 plus Elgato Prompter was too heavy for it, but for a more sensible/small setup, it could be a great camera arm- especially with how the head can pan and tilt.
The Tonor low profile arm is worth considering too. It's solid for mics as long as they're not heavy, and it does allow you to life the arm for around $30.
Lovely comparison! It's still crazy to me that these LP arms were released only a couple of years ago (at least on the cheaper side). By the way, the new Elgato arm is great; they fixed everything. I had the old one, and the magnets were super weak. Happy that they fixed it! 😊
I've had the FiFine Arm for almost a year. Mine came with an Allen key. I have an SM7DB on it and it definitely has issues with the weight. Eother way, Im enjoying it and it does the job. It helps with making TH-cam videos quickly.
I've had the FiFine arm for a while now... 1. It did come with an Allen key for the tightness so they might just have missed it for yours 2. Yeah the cable routing was confusing but that's because I didn't read the instructions. If you don't change cables often then it's just a one time operation. Those points aside, it is very very sturdy and great arm for the price. Just a cheaper elgato arm in my opinion. Solid 9/10 in my opinion.
I hate having to use an Allen key to adjust it any time I want to change the position on the Fifine arm. In contrast, I love my Elgato low profile arm. It’s solid and easy to adjust.
@@milesian1 yeah fair enough. It’s very convenient for the elgato arm since it has the lever to tighten it. I’ve just had no issues with it whatsoever. Considering the price I think it was worth it for ME. It might not be the best for others and that’s ok 👍
@@milesian1 if you tighten it well enough, you shouldn’t have to use the Allen wrench hardly ever. I tightened it once maybe twice when I first got it and have had no issues adjusting daily
@@btmariano Glad it is working for you. I find that I need to use the Allen key to adjust it most times since I fold it away quite often when not in use, and I also like to rotate a bunch of different mics that take different adjustments. I still like it for the price.
You’re right about the clamps for the Fifine and Elgato being very close. In fact, both have suffered from the same design flaw. After time, the clamp part got tough to spin and eventually stopped raising or lowering. It’s almost as if the threading was stripped. The Elgato, which I’ve had longer, got so bad I had to send it back for warranty replacement. The good news is, Elgato took care of it and I’m awaiting a replacement free-of-charge.
Oh that's interesting to hear. I've had several Elgato clamps for a while, but haven't moved them around too much so they still work fine. I'm wondering if more screwing/unscrewing would cause the same issue after a while.
Thinking on this the threads on the bolt & bracket are taking all the load, especially if the top plate is small. It might be worse if you combine heavy mic, long reach and padding on both ends of the clamp. To stabilise it we'd be tempted to tighten hard and eventually one of the threads could suffer. Similar to the scissor arms where it's easy to butcher the pivot bolts.
The things you mentioned that stuck with me the most was everything about the NEEWER Low Profile Mic arm. You spend the most time on it that it made me forget everything you mentioned about the other Microphone arms 😂 The only nitpick I have about NEEWER is the exposed cable.
The Neewer was a pleasant surprise! The elgeto low profile has worked quite well for me too though. I do wish the joint had teeth instead of just a friction knob. It feels strong, but we’ll see how it fares over time.
Tom, I love the Elgato low profile arm. I own 2 of the low profile and two of the regular Elgato arms. I love the low profile arm when I am in front of the camera doing my livestream. Happy to hear they made some slight changes. Great video! Thanks for all you do. - Marty
I got the Fifine LP Arm which was $47 two days ago.. it does come with the allen key, the cable covers arent sharp like Tom elaborated.. I didnt once need to look at instruction manuals and this is my first mic arm experience. I did look at the elgato, but for half the price and only small differences, it’s a no brainer. I personally would recommend it 👌🏾
I second this - the arm is frequently on sale for less than $50 and mine came with tools. I compared it to an elgato a coworker has and it wasn’t worth the extra $50 for me
Mine must've just been missing the tools then? Fifine products have typically been impressive in the past, so maybe this is just a mistake. The cable covers themselves aren't sharp- it's the clips underneath. Maybe it's just me, but the only way to unclip the cover is to kind of slide it with a finger and as soon as it unclips my finger get slammed into the clip. I don't know how to explain it better, but it's happened every single time.
Found your channel while looking for my first mic (landed on a shure MV7X after trying a $50 usb mic), love how informative and punny you are. But mostly, I love all your colorful stuff. I need it
Great video I bought two OC whites two years ago. I wanted it for the side to side. If the neewer existed back then I would have bought it. The OC White doesn't come with a clamp.
So I got the Fifine low profile to save a few dollars. Mine did come with an Allen wrench. I have my SM7B mounted. If I want to raise the arm, you almost have to be superhuman to lock it down so it won’t sag with my mic. Thinking of replacing with the Elgato or the Neewer. love your channel man.
I just got fifine bm88 boom arm and man is the awesome. Great quality and good price, the only cheapish thing is the wire guard is made of plastic but I personally think it is better then magnets since magnets can fall off if you move the mic.
now don’t go dissin’ on velcro’s for cable management, if the arm comes with velcros it has cable management ;) Great video as always, this gave me idea to build one of those, in my DIY-series, might come in handy (sorry, couldn’t think of an arm related thingy there), but having one of those for my mic available at an arms length (*nailed it*) might be good for the studio setup tutorials.
I use the Vivo Broadcast Arms -- $66, but with the Triad-Orbit ball head, and Triad-Orbit quick release. Visually, its not great, but allows for tons of flexibility, and can hold really heavy mics.
Great video! Really like the Neewer from the bunch for my LCT240 pro and Ethos mics. Funny you mentioned this..I actually use mic boom arms for my LED Panel light at my livestream desk so I can maneuver the lights to different positions for more versatility. 👍🏻 Also my fifine bm88 that I reviewed did come with an Allen wrench, but it was such a poor fit that one of the cons I pointed out was how easy it is to strip the tension screw for heavier mics. I now use my own wrench I keep in my desk, and that has solved the stripping issue.
I am glad I found this video and comparing them using the Rode NT is exactly what I was looking for because I got the NT2-A and it’s not standing in my old neewer arm. I need to find a solid arm to hold this heavy mic. Thank you for this video 🙏
Glad it was helpful! The heavier duty options from OC White and Ultima will likely be the most sturdy way to go, but I just personally can't bring myself to spend that much money on an arm 😁
Many video seem to assume that we all use "regular" XLR cables that are rather thin compared to what I use. I would prefer videos that go into more detail on cable "management", providing actual numerical information on the "channels" booms feature and the clips they employ to hold cable.
Maono LP arm love it, elgato LP arm seems to struggle holding a 2 lb microphone, I had to turn the first one because no matter how tight you tightened it would just sag and would not hold a 2 lb microphone, got the second one and it works but I find it to be pretty disappointing.
I feel like that Neewer one would have been sweet for me to use with the Rodecaster Duo for my deskmount since it has the strength of the VESA arm and is longer to move around. The light stand idea was cool for that. Great video as always.
Having trouble finding a low-profile mic boom that can accommodate my 5/8" thick, extra shielded XLR cables. Surely there are products that can meet this rather elementary requirement! Most low-profile boom with "cable management" seem to only work for regular XLR (or other) cables that are NOT as thick as the ones I use. Life is too short to waste on issues that could be avoided.
Tom, you really need to start adding the ***crickets*** chirping sound with a quick zoom into your face looking uncomfortable as you become aware of the awkwardness after you say one of your punny comments....your deadpan is hilarious already but this would take it over the top.....
Excellent reviews! I started with a Rode PSA1 but it didn't have the reach I needed on my edit console. I currently am using an OC White triple scissor version with a longer reach. I expected the OC White arm would be smoother, especially for nearly $300... but it isn't. There's play in the joints and no adjustability. Then there's the dismal customer service at OC White where they don't return calls or answer emails. Sorry, didn't mean to rant on them but their arms are not worth $300. The triple arm with pan tilt head you show here may be a better choice for me if they have the reach. Thanks for a great review.
This is really interesting. Up until now I've only heard great things about them, so this is good insight. Sorry you've had to deal with all the frustration.
@@tombuck Thanks nothing for you to be sorry about! They do seem to be made of a little sturdier metal and springs but there's tons of play in the joints and the cable routing is iffy. I should have known when I had to call 3x just to speak to someone there who could recommend which model. It's not like it doesn't work well with my SM7B extended out 44 " from the base, but you'd expect it to have less play than the RODE PSA1 and that's not the case. I've been thinking about switching to a traditional mic stand and boom coming in low and up, instead of high and hanging down into my shots, so maybe something like the Newer boom arm might be a better solution. That way I could now have two unused booms sitting on the shelf... 😇 Thanks again and I still want to hear how you use your calendar / show strategy.
Great comparison! I actually ended up going with the Elgato Low Profile after watching your last video on it. You were the deciding factor, lol. I do have a request for a future video as I haven't been able to find this type of tutorial easily and I think it would help a lot of us new youtubers/streamers out. Can you do a video on actually recording your voice and how you adjust/master it? For example: I have the Shure SM7db with elgato low profile arm and have a vocaster two all running to my macbook pro. I just tried my first voiceover with it for my next video. I hit between -18 to -12 db to capture my voice in premiere (easier to keep it all in one place for me) but then I feel like I need to still bump up the db's a little bit. Another issue is the mic is so good, that it captures the saliva in my mouth, haha. So I run it through podcast enhance by adobe to clean it up, but that's another step. Any kind of simple step by step you can provide for us newer peeps would be very appreciated! If you already have a good video on this, I may have missed it.
@@tombuck Yes please! Like "Here is the Shure SM7b or db and here is a beginner audio interface. Scarlett Solo or Vocaster". And we are using "premiere pro" editing software. We're going to record a quick voiceover for our youtube video. Just a simple step by step of how you dial it in while keeping in mind being efficient. Something like that. Asking for those specific products to be used selfishly, but any other ones would do to help us newer creators. lol. I guess coming at it from a simple productivity side.
Hey thank you for walking through all of this! The neewer looks really interesting. I've got a mind to mount something to a shelf above my setup hanging upside down, do you think the fifine or neewer would work like that? Hard to tell how the arm attaches to the clamp. Thanks!
This is interesting! I've seen people do this with the Rode PSA 1 style arms, but never a low profile. I'm actually not sure if it'd work, but could be an interesting experience. I think the Neewer would come apart at the middle joint if it were upside down, but the Fifine might work.
@@tombuck Thanks, I wasn't sure about the neewer piston but the middle joint is more of an issue. Can you tell me how the arm mounts into the clamp part on the fifine? Is it secure?
Great video! I've got a question about the Neewer mic arm. A lot of reviews on Amazon state that the pneumatic adjustment system is way too strong for even a mic like the Sure SM7b, causing it to not stay in position and move upwards by itself. They say this happens even on the lightest setting. What's your experience regarding this aspect of the mic arm? Thanks!
Would be very cool and entertaining to watch a darkest and muddiest microphones comparison and then maybe a shiniest and brightest microphones comparison
Scissor style preserves desktop real estate when your desk is needed for other office tasks; I don’t see how low profile is practical unless you’re using the desk only for audio/video work.
Low profile is mostly nice for getting it out of your face, which is handy for streamers. I can't find any position for a scissor arm that gets it out of my line of sight, which I find bothersome. Others may not care, but that was the primary factor for me. Scissor arms are otherwise way more convenient for positioning.
I have my Monitor on a monitorarm and the low profile with mic goes under it when I don't need it. That absolutely perfect and doesn't need any space on the side of my table, like my scissor style needed before.
I think this is key. I love scissor style arms, but depending on the mic, when you do a lot of video it can end up either blocking your face or cluttering up the frame.
I was made by Luca from this channel: www.youtube.com/@LucaDePazzi He's been experimenting with different ones if you want to reach out to him (his channel is Italian but he speaks English)
Which one would you say is the least "bouncy"? I'm thinking of getting one for a camera and I'm sure bounce will be inherent but looking to see if one is better than the others.
So Elgato recently released the Wave Arm PRO, and that's the one I would definitely recommend for a camera. It's insanely strong and the pneumatic top arm is very smooth.
I got Ulanzi from Aliexpress recently for a very low price (around 30$ discounted). I guess it's fine for that price, but it can not hold the Blue Yeti on it's shock mount when extended :/ The weight brings it aaaall the way down
There’s one I found, I think it’s Ulanzi or something here. It’s low profile boom arm and it’s cheap (Kinda) It’s got a tripod mount or something for attaching camera mics or even the camera themselves. I still haven’t got it yet since it’s still in my cart for a while now. 😅 But I’ll going to use it if I get one. 🙂
I watched this video a back when you first published it. I guess I had blinders on for the Elgato. I ended up going with the Elgato LP (2nd Gen) of that first LP version. I wasn't happy with it. It sags a LOT. So I started searching again and almost bought a $400 O.C. White Altima to hold my $100 mic. It was in my shopping cart for about a month. But when I went to pull the trigger when I saw just the desk clamp was an additional $60 to $100, so I bailed on the purchase. About a month ago I stumbled across it in a Rodecaster Video, video but it of course wasn't the subject of the video. It just looked like a Neewer mic arm but an O.C. White knock off. I went searching for reviews but there are so few video about it. I guess because it is not so sleek it' not so popular. It is certainly cheap. To cut the story short, a conversation last night got me thinking about mic arms again. I guess that why this showed up in my feed again. That is when I spotted the Neewer in your thumbnail. Now the Neewer is in my shopping cart for a second time. I guess that will teach me to pay attention to everything, not just what I am shopping for.
Kool vid. Way up in last year I asked u to review the FDUCE SL40 DSLR microphone & haven’t seen any videos from it. Because it’s not a popular mic? Lol Please to do a review on it. It’s a really good mic.
i went with Mount-it! version, i like theirs cuz it comes with built in cable management and a neck extension for the grommet. has an option for desk clamp or grommet style mounting for the clamp. was about $40 when i bought it on amazon. personally like it just a tads better than the elgato version (which i had before i got this one). have to ask though, where on earth did you get the blue headband and blue earpads for the Rode headphones? i've been wanting to replace my earpads on mine for forever but they dont have them on amazon, all they have for replacements for that headset is the cable.
hello there I love your content. what is the best portable audio interface to be used with smartphones and an SM7DB. preferably one with a monasterio mix switch as well as a TRS input for backing tracks and or music players. planning on using it to live stream music covers on Facebook Instagram TikTok etc. so having the feed on both left and right channels would be much appreciated. stay healthy and cheers from a blind subscriber in the Philippines! edit: a TC helicon Mic Mechanic 2 analog vocal processor will be used in between the SM7DB and the audio interface. the TCMM2 itself has automatic gain which sadly cannot be disabled. so having an interface with the lowest pre-amp noise possible would be amazing for gain staging. as an aside, I like using the TCMM2 because I am legally blind and therefore do not have the capability of using DAWs in order to add vocal effects to my live performances. so essentially having a guitar pedal but one made for vocalists is a godsend for me.
Hi Tom. I need advise. Every video I've seen in TH-cam seem to show boom arms with clamps. I have a unique problem and I'm hoping you can advise. My desk is a built-in desk with overhead cabinets with doors. There are no space for me to clamp at the back of the desk as it is built against the wall. There's no space on the overhead cabinets to clamp the arm because of the doors and I don't want to permanently leave the doors to the overhead cabinets open, or remove them. Are these arms, or do you know any arms, that can fix boom arms into built-in desks?? I really need advise or help!
I think there are two options that might help! 1. The Rode arms come with an in-table mount, so if you're comfortable drilling a hole in your desk you can install the mount directly into the desktop. 2. If you're like me and don't want to drill into your desk, you can screw a clamp to the side of a desk or a wall. My friend Gail shows how he did it in a studio tour video: th-cam.com/video/A9EIycE6POI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=TCXuDmiNuJMHXGck&t=369
@@tombuck excellent ideas 💡! I'll definitely go check the Rode again! Thanks!! 🙏 Do you know if the other brands have the same option as Rode, for example the Elgato?
Have you tried the Thronmax S6? I originally found that one, but my entire setup is white, and now I'm in a bit of a conundrum (Do I get the S6 or the Elgato?). The S6 looks very good, but there are so few reviews!
My elgato wave lp (white) which is the new one, could hold my Lauten Audio LS-208 temporarily, after a while, the tightening knob in the middle is broken.
Get the FFINE Microphone Boom Arm, Low Profile Studio-BM88. It's basically the El Gato. but smaller. So, more discrete. I bought it a few weeks ago and it's great, especialy for $42. The build quality is great (don't know what he's talking about), the movement is great, and IT DOES come with an Allen key. Don't know why his came without one. Overall, I have no issues with it yet. Don't buy the overpriced El Gato when you can get the FFINE.
How come you missed out on the one option that is found in so, so many studios all over the world! It is the m!ka Mic Arm by Yellowtec! Please get in touch if you want to add it to your review range!!
Tom… Do you have any experience with the Roland Aerocaster? If so, how do you get a line-in feed? I am using a Berlinger x-32 and can’t seem to get it to work
The Neewer arm seems the most interesting of the lot, but sadly not for sale in India (yet). Neewer products in India have sadly been grossly over-priced (as Elgato products have often been as well).
It should go in the direction of the arrow when assembling, but since it came assembled it seems weird to me that the first time I encountered it it was telling me to pull in the opposite direction 😅
@@tombuck Hahahaha, but with the arrow the other way it would be wrong when putting it back on after taking it off to insert the cable … somebody, at some point, would not have noticed the arrow when taking it of, and maybe notice the arrow on assembly and try to put it back on with the arrow in the wrong direction, its a loose / loose situation - they should have put two arrows, pointing to each end, then it’s a 50/50 chance to get it right ;)
I use the Rode PSA1 with the Rode desk mount in a hole drilled through my desk rather than the edge tighten mount because my desk has a lip. Will Elgato Low Profile arm fit in the Rode desk mount?
Agreed that there's a shortage of arms with a drill hole or grommet mount. My desk has a narrow lip and a metal frame, so I'll need to add or remove wood to use most if the arms. It seems quite random as to who has the option, even as a cost add-on.
I really need a long mic arm for a L shaped desk, i bought one from i-XTech but it doesnt reach far enough. Just 3-4 ft too short for me since I have a ultra wide monitor in the middle. Thinking maybe just an extension rod will do the trick but was wondering if you have any recs ?
bought myself the ELGATO Low Profile and Love the ARM! it's worth the 99 dollars... saving 50 bucks for a lower quality product... I'll pass! the Elgato is great
This was the most uncomfortable I've seen Tom about his puns. Are you ok Tom? Weirdly, pricing in the UK seems too be all over the place. The elgato is cheaper than the neewer...?
I got the Neewer. Very happy with it.
BTW you can take out the middle arm, and remain with a more sleek solution.
Ooh that's brilliant!
Dude I own the OC White and wish the Neewer was out before I splurged. It looks great and functions pretty much identically.
So the exposed cable isn't bothering you, at all?
@@naormeningher Wow that's actually an incredible feature, intentional or not. Thanks so much man
Update: I bought it
My fifine arm came with an allen key. No issues and very happy with it.
I actually discovered this channel a few weeks ago through an Elgato LP arm review and loved the quality of the content after checking a few videos and it definitely deserves the subscription.
Wow, thank you! It really means a lot to hear this.
I've had the elgato arm for a couple of years now and have had 0 complaints... I had purchased a few other "cheap" amazon arms and was never satisfied. Deffinetly worth the hundred bucks lol
I bought the fafine as a backup arm - it did come with the Allen key.
Interesting- maybe quality control is one of the cost saving factors? Not a huge deal since most people have Allen keys, but if you don't and it doesn't have one, it'd be frustrating.
Same, wonder why his didn’t.
Yeep. I also had it in my set
Have we considered that this is just Tom flexing his Rode NT1 variants collection?
🎤💪
Whoa dude, that Neewer arm looks like a game changer! I have an Elgato arm for my mic, and it does a great job, but this Neewer one looks like it has the potential to do some incredible Camera and light-stand duty on my desk! You're spot on though that teeth would be absolutely huge. Using that arm to hold a camera and Elgato prompter on the other side of a presentation table or something that you just swing out of the way when you're done? Whoa.
My FX3 plus Elgato Prompter was too heavy for it, but for a more sensible/small setup, it could be a great camera arm- especially with how the head can pan and tilt.
@@tombuck did you crank the tension of the arm to maximum?
The Tonor low profile arm is worth considering too. It's solid for mics as long as they're not heavy, and it does allow you to life the arm for around $30.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Lovely comparison! It's still crazy to me that these LP arms were released only a couple of years ago (at least on the cheaper side). By the way, the new Elgato arm is great; they fixed everything. I had the old one, and the magnets were super weak. Happy that they fixed it! 😊
I've had the FiFine Arm for almost a year. Mine came with an Allen key. I have an SM7DB on it and it definitely has issues with the weight. Eother way, Im enjoying it and it does the job. It helps with making TH-cam videos quickly.
I've had the FiFine arm for a while now...
1. It did come with an Allen key for the tightness so they might just have missed it for yours
2. Yeah the cable routing was confusing but that's because I didn't read the instructions. If you don't change cables often then it's just a one time operation.
Those points aside, it is very very sturdy and great arm for the price. Just a cheaper elgato arm in my opinion. Solid 9/10 in my opinion.
yup, i have one and it’s great!
I hate having to use an Allen key to adjust it any time I want to change the position on the Fifine arm.
In contrast, I love my Elgato low profile arm. It’s solid and easy to adjust.
@@milesian1 yeah fair enough. It’s very convenient for the elgato arm since it has the lever to tighten it. I’ve just had no issues with it whatsoever. Considering the price I think it was worth it for ME. It might not be the best for others and that’s ok 👍
@@milesian1 if you tighten it well enough, you shouldn’t have to use the Allen wrench hardly ever. I tightened it once maybe twice when I first got it and have had no issues adjusting daily
@@btmariano Glad it is working for you. I find that I need to use the Allen key to adjust it most times since I fold it away quite often when not in use, and I also like to rotate a bunch of different mics that take different adjustments. I still like it for the price.
Wow, thanks for the info about the Neewer mount...I fell so 'enlightened'.
Happy I could arm you with some good info 👍
For what it's worth, I just bought the FiFine boom arm, and it came with all the tools needed to tighten / adjust it.
You’re right about the clamps for the Fifine and Elgato being very close. In fact, both have suffered from the same design flaw. After time, the clamp part got tough to spin and eventually stopped raising or lowering. It’s almost as if the threading was stripped. The Elgato, which I’ve had longer, got so bad I had to send it back for warranty replacement. The good news is, Elgato took care of it and I’m awaiting a replacement free-of-charge.
Oh that's interesting to hear. I've had several Elgato clamps for a while, but haven't moved them around too much so they still work fine. I'm wondering if more screwing/unscrewing would cause the same issue after a while.
Thinking on this the threads on the bolt & bracket are taking all the load, especially if the top plate is small. It might be worse if you combine heavy mic, long reach and padding on both ends of the clamp. To stabilise it we'd be tempted to tighten hard and eventually one of the threads could suffer. Similar to the scissor arms where it's easy to butcher the pivot bolts.
The things you mentioned that stuck with me the most was everything about the NEEWER Low Profile Mic arm.
You spend the most time on it that it made me forget everything you mentioned about the other Microphone arms 😂
The only nitpick I have about NEEWER is the exposed cable.
The Neewer was a pleasant surprise! The elgeto low profile has worked quite well for me too though. I do wish the joint had teeth instead of just a friction knob. It feels strong, but we’ll see how it fares over time.
Tom, I love the Elgato low profile arm. I own 2 of the low profile and two of the regular Elgato arms. I love the low profile arm when I am in front of the camera doing my livestream. Happy to hear they made some slight changes. Great video! Thanks for all you do. - Marty
It's a perfect balance of price/features/quality.
I got the Fifine LP Arm which was $47 two days ago.. it does come with the allen key, the cable covers arent sharp like Tom elaborated.. I didnt once need to look at instruction manuals and this is my first mic arm experience. I did look at the elgato, but for half the price and only small differences, it’s a no brainer. I personally would recommend it 👌🏾
I second this - the arm is frequently on sale for less than $50 and mine came with tools. I compared it to an elgato a coworker has and it wasn’t worth the extra $50 for me
I bought mine about a month back, and it also came with an allen key :) maybe Tom got some old stock or something?
I concur
Mine must've just been missing the tools then? Fifine products have typically been impressive in the past, so maybe this is just a mistake.
The cable covers themselves aren't sharp- it's the clips underneath. Maybe it's just me, but the only way to unclip the cover is to kind of slide it with a finger and as soon as it unclips my finger get slammed into the clip. I don't know how to explain it better, but it's happened every single time.
@tombuck The same thing happened to me when I first opened it to put a cable in, felt very sharp against my finger
I dig the Seattle Kraken Winter Classic crest in the background! Also, great video!
Hey thanks! Someone on Reddit was making them so I had to order one. It’s all wood- super cool.
Found your channel while looking for my first mic (landed on a shure MV7X after trying a $50 usb mic), love how informative and punny you are. But mostly, I love all your colorful stuff. I need it
Hey thank you! I genuinely appreciate the kind words. Hope you're enjoying the new mic- it's definitely quite a step up!
Great video I bought two OC whites two years ago. I wanted it for the side to side. If the neewer existed back then I would have bought it. The OC White doesn't come with a clamp.
Thanks for this video. I was between Elgato Low Profile and the Fifine, and your video clarified some questions.
Glad it was helpful!
So I got the Fifine low profile to save a few dollars. Mine did come with an Allen wrench. I have my SM7B mounted. If I want to raise the arm, you almost have to be superhuman to lock it down so it won’t sag with my mic. Thinking of replacing with the Elgato or the Neewer. love your channel man.
Been using the fifine one for a little while now. I came from a cheap boom arm, and holy smokes it is way better.
Neewer makes some great stuff I have the Neewer low profile arm and love it. love the review Tom
I'm really impressed with it! Their mics made a bad impression on me, but the arm has been terrific!
I have their key light and a couple lenses for my cameras and they’re amazing.
I just got fifine bm88 boom arm and man is the awesome. Great quality and good price, the only cheapish thing is the wire guard is made of plastic but I personally think it is better then magnets since magnets can fall off if you move the mic.
now don’t go dissin’ on velcro’s for cable management, if the arm comes with velcros it has cable management ;)
Great video as always, this gave me idea to build one of those, in my DIY-series, might come in handy (sorry, couldn’t think of an arm related thingy there), but having one of those for my mic available at an arms length (*nailed it*) might be good for the studio setup tutorials.
I use the Vivo Broadcast Arms -- $66, but with the Triad-Orbit ball head, and Triad-Orbit quick release. Visually, its not great, but allows for tons of flexibility, and can hold really heavy mics.
Those Triad-Orbit mounts are no joke!!
Great video! Really like the Neewer from the bunch for my LCT240 pro and Ethos mics. Funny you mentioned this..I actually use mic boom arms for my LED Panel light at my livestream desk so I can maneuver the lights to different positions for more versatility. 👍🏻
Also my fifine bm88 that I reviewed did come with an Allen wrench, but it was such a poor fit that one of the cons I pointed out was how easy it is to strip the tension screw for heavier mics. I now use my own wrench I keep in my desk, and that has solved the stripping issue.
The Neewer really won me over. I absolutely dislike their mics, but it seems like their supports/stands/etc are pretty hefty and well done.
I am glad I found this video and comparing them using the Rode NT is exactly what I was looking for because I got the NT2-A and it’s not standing in my old neewer arm. I need to find a solid arm to hold this heavy mic. Thank you for this video 🙏
Glad it was helpful! The heavier duty options from OC White and Ultima will likely be the most sturdy way to go, but I just personally can't bring myself to spend that much money on an arm 😁
The Beacn mic stand is another option in this category. Would love your opinion of it when times allows. ♥
Don't know how you come up with such great topics but thank you for your efforts and reviews!
Thanks Mark! Maybe great minds just think alike 😉
Love these type of videos! They're extremely helpful!! Thanks for doing the comparisons!
So glad to hear it!
Many video seem to assume that we all use "regular" XLR cables that are rather thin compared to what I use. I would prefer videos that go into more detail on cable "management", providing actual numerical information on the "channels" booms feature and the clips they employ to hold cable.
Maono LP arm love it, elgato LP arm seems to struggle holding a 2 lb microphone, I had to turn the first one because no matter how tight you tightened it would just sag and would not hold a 2 lb microphone, got the second one and it works but I find it to be pretty disappointing.
Great video Tom. it's an area I've been interested in, and the info was great. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
The FinFine Low Profile arm does come with an Allen Key to adjust it.
You gotta do a review on the OC white book arm! I would be interested in seeing that!
I've only heard great things about them!
I feel like that Neewer one would have been sweet for me to use with the Rodecaster Duo for my deskmount since it has the strength of the VESA arm and is longer to move around. The light stand idea was cool for that. Great video as always.
I was actually thinking about you when I was setting it up. Ultimately though I think a native VESA mount is just easier for that overall. Maybe.
@@tombuck ya I am happy with it
Thanks for this video, Tom. Glad I found it. Very helpful information.
Happy to hear it! hopefully it helps you find something that works best in your setup!
I'm just here for the dad jokes.
I got the old version of the Elgato. I just put some velcro around the arm to hold the lids.
Having trouble finding a low-profile mic boom that can accommodate my 5/8" thick, extra shielded XLR cables. Surely there are products that can meet this rather elementary requirement! Most low-profile boom with "cable management" seem to only work for regular XLR (or other) cables that are NOT as thick as the ones I use. Life is too short to waste on issues that could be avoided.
Tom, you really need to start adding the ***crickets*** chirping sound with a quick zoom into your face looking uncomfortable as you become aware of the awkwardness after you say one of your punny comments....your deadpan is hilarious already but this would take it over the top.....
😅
9:45 Park Tool represent 🙌🏻
I'm planning to buy one and currently I'm torn between the Elgato LP and BEACN! I wish you included BEACN in this comparison!
Haven't used that one myself yet!
@@tombuck Well, would appreciate if you make it into a separate review, it's worth it!
Excellent reviews! I started with a Rode PSA1 but it didn't have the reach I needed on my edit console. I currently am using an OC White triple scissor version with a longer reach. I expected the OC White arm would be smoother, especially for nearly $300... but it isn't. There's play in the joints and no adjustability. Then there's the dismal customer service at OC White where they don't return calls or answer emails. Sorry, didn't mean to rant on them but their arms are not worth $300. The triple arm with pan tilt head you show here may be a better choice for me if they have the reach. Thanks for a great review.
This is really interesting. Up until now I've only heard great things about them, so this is good insight. Sorry you've had to deal with all the frustration.
@@tombuck Thanks nothing for you to be sorry about! They do seem to be made of a little sturdier metal and springs but there's tons of play in the joints and the cable routing is iffy. I should have known when I had to call 3x just to speak to someone there who could recommend which model. It's not like it doesn't work well with my SM7B extended out 44 " from the base, but you'd expect it to have less play than the RODE PSA1 and that's not the case. I've been thinking about switching to a traditional mic stand and boom coming in low and up, instead of high and hanging down into my shots, so maybe something like the Newer boom arm might be a better solution. That way I could now have two unused booms sitting on the shelf... 😇 Thanks again and I still want to hear how you use your calendar / show strategy.
Great video. First time watching the channel and impressed by the video quality! Plus, awesome shirt!
Hey thank you! I really appreciate all the kind words!
My FiFine boom arm came with a small Allen key in a little bag.
Great comparison! I actually ended up going with the Elgato Low Profile after watching your last video on it. You were the deciding factor, lol.
I do have a request for a future video as I haven't been able to find this type of tutorial easily and I think it would help a lot of us new youtubers/streamers out. Can you do a video on actually recording your voice and how you adjust/master it? For example:
I have the Shure SM7db with elgato low profile arm and have a vocaster two all running to my macbook pro. I just tried my first voiceover with it for my next video. I hit between -18 to -12 db to capture my voice in premiere (easier to keep it all in one place for me) but then I feel like I need to still bump up the db's a little bit. Another issue is the mic is so good, that it captures the saliva in my mouth, haha. So I run it through podcast enhance by adobe to clean it up, but that's another step.
Any kind of simple step by step you can provide for us newer peeps would be very appreciated! If you already have a good video on this, I may have missed it.
So like a processing/EQ overview? I’m definitely no expert but I’d be happy to share what I know and do.
@@tombuck Yes please! Like "Here is the Shure SM7b or db and here is a beginner audio interface. Scarlett Solo or Vocaster". And we are using "premiere pro" editing software. We're going to record a quick voiceover for our youtube video. Just a simple step by step of how you dial it in while keeping in mind being efficient.
Something like that. Asking for those specific products to be used selfishly, but any other ones would do to help us newer creators. lol. I guess coming at it from a simple productivity side.
Hey thank you for walking through all of this! The neewer looks really interesting. I've got a mind to mount something to a shelf above my setup hanging upside down, do you think the fifine or neewer would work like that? Hard to tell how the arm attaches to the clamp. Thanks!
This is interesting! I've seen people do this with the Rode PSA 1 style arms, but never a low profile. I'm actually not sure if it'd work, but could be an interesting experience. I think the Neewer would come apart at the middle joint if it were upside down, but the Fifine might work.
@@tombuck Thanks, I wasn't sure about the neewer piston but the middle joint is more of an issue. Can you tell me how the arm mounts into the clamp part on the fifine? Is it secure?
Great video! I've got a question about the Neewer mic arm. A lot of reviews on Amazon state that the pneumatic adjustment system is way too strong for even a mic like the Sure SM7b, causing it to not stay in position and move upwards by itself. They say this happens even on the lightest setting. What's your experience regarding this aspect of the mic arm? Thanks!
Would be very cool and entertaining to watch a darkest and muddiest microphones comparison and then maybe a shiniest and brightest microphones comparison
DisARMingly good video, thanks Tom!😂
Scissor style preserves desktop real estate when your desk is needed for other office tasks; I don’t see how low profile is practical unless you’re using the desk only for audio/video work.
Low profile is mostly nice for getting it out of your face, which is handy for streamers. I can't find any position for a scissor arm that gets it out of my line of sight, which I find bothersome. Others may not care, but that was the primary factor for me. Scissor arms are otherwise way more convenient for positioning.
@@nickglover Good points. I don’t stream…I use my Blue Yeti for Zoom/FaceTime, and the visuals aren’t that vital.
I have my Monitor on a monitorarm and the low profile with mic goes under it when I don't need it. That absolutely perfect and doesn't need any space on the side of my table, like my scissor style needed before.
I think this is key. I love scissor style arms, but depending on the mic, when you do a lot of video it can end up either blocking your face or cluttering up the frame.
We need a studio set up and tour I love ur wall so much such a nice blue
I recently changed A LOT so an updated video is overdue. 👍
up in arms. lol i come here for the education i stay for th puns
Hi Tom - nice video! Where did you get the blue custom made cover for the PSA1+ from?
I was made by Luca from this channel: www.youtube.com/@LucaDePazzi
He's been experimenting with different ones if you want to reach out to him (his channel is Italian but he speaks English)
The AVerMedia BA311 Live Streamer Microphone ARM is the best in the world. Only cost $50 more but well worth it.
Which one would you say is the least "bouncy"? I'm thinking of getting one for a camera and I'm sure bounce will be inherent but looking to see if one is better than the others.
So Elgato recently released the Wave Arm PRO, and that's the one I would definitely recommend for a camera. It's insanely strong and the pneumatic top arm is very smooth.
I got Ulanzi from Aliexpress recently for a very low price (around 30$ discounted). I guess it's fine for that price, but it can not hold the Blue Yeti on it's shock mount when extended :/ The weight brings it aaaall the way down
Ooh, the Ulanzi stuff I've used in the past has always been great, but I've never tried their mic arms.
@@tombuck Same here. The model is LS26, if you ever want to grab one for testing 👌
I really dont know why
But the very bad dad jokes make this video a thousand times better
No matter how much i tightened my Fifine, i couldnt get it to stay stiff enough to support my Samson G-track Pro.
My Fifine came with an allen key. It might be a shipping mistake.
There’s one I found, I think it’s Ulanzi or something here.
It’s low profile boom arm and it’s cheap (Kinda)
It’s got a tripod mount or something for attaching camera mics or even the camera themselves.
I still haven’t got it yet since it’s still in my cart for a while now. 😅
But I’ll going to use it if I get one. 🙂
Fabuloso! TY for sharing.
Boom arm video are popular? You could say its BOOMing. Anyways great video with amazing info. Really love the pan and tilt boom
Booming at an alARMingly hight rate!
I watched this video a back when you first published it. I guess I had blinders on for the Elgato. I ended up going with the Elgato LP (2nd Gen) of that first LP version. I wasn't happy with it. It sags a LOT. So I started searching again and almost bought a $400 O.C. White Altima to hold my $100 mic. It was in my shopping cart for about a month. But when I went to pull the trigger when I saw just the desk clamp was an additional $60 to $100, so I bailed on the purchase. About a month ago I stumbled across it in a Rodecaster Video, video but it of course wasn't the subject of the video. It just looked like a Neewer mic arm but an O.C. White knock off. I went searching for reviews but there are so few video about it. I guess because it is not so sleek it' not so popular. It is certainly cheap. To cut the story short, a conversation last night got me thinking about mic arms again. I guess that why this showed up in my feed again. That is when I spotted the Neewer in your thumbnail. Now the Neewer is in my shopping cart for a second time. I guess that will teach me to pay attention to everything, not just what I am shopping for.
Kool vid.
Way up in last year I asked u to review the FDUCE SL40 DSLR microphone & haven’t seen any videos from it.
Because it’s not a popular mic? Lol
Please to do a review on it.
It’s a really good mic.
Hi, Have you ever used the Shure mv7+ its new and there aren't a lot of reviews about it
Definitely hoping to get one at some point!
i went with Mount-it! version, i like theirs cuz it comes with built in cable management and a neck extension for the grommet. has an option for desk clamp or grommet style mounting for the clamp. was about $40 when i bought it on amazon. personally like it just a tads better than the elgato version (which i had before i got this one). have to ask though, where on earth did you get the blue headband and blue earpads for the Rode headphones? i've been wanting to replace my earpads on mine for forever but they dont have them on amazon, all they have for replacements for that headset is the cable.
hello there I love your content.
what is the best portable audio interface to be used with smartphones and an SM7DB. preferably one with a monasterio mix switch as well as a TRS input for backing tracks and or music players.
planning on using it to live stream music covers on Facebook Instagram TikTok etc. so having the feed on both left and right channels would be much appreciated.
stay healthy and cheers from a blind subscriber in the Philippines!
edit: a TC helicon Mic Mechanic 2 analog vocal processor will be used in between the SM7DB and the audio interface. the TCMM2 itself has automatic gain which sadly cannot be disabled. so having an interface with the lowest pre-amp noise possible would be amazing for gain staging.
as an aside, I like using the TCMM2 because I am legally blind and therefore do not have the capability of using DAWs in order to add vocal effects to my live performances. so essentially having a guitar pedal but one made for vocalists is a godsend for me.
with the neweer arm, is it possible to remove the second straight section and attach the hydraulic directly to the first arm?
Yeah, you can do that if you want it a little shorter.
$77 for the elgato arm and mic for $140 (white) black for (118) wave 3 btw
Hi Tom. I need advise. Every video I've seen in TH-cam seem to show boom arms with clamps. I have a unique problem and I'm hoping you can advise.
My desk is a built-in desk with overhead cabinets with doors. There are no space for me to clamp at the back of the desk as it is built against the wall. There's no space on the overhead cabinets to clamp the arm because of the doors and I don't want to permanently leave the doors to the overhead cabinets open, or remove them.
Are these arms, or do you know any arms, that can fix boom arms into built-in desks?? I really need advise or help!
I think there are two options that might help!
1. The Rode arms come with an in-table mount, so if you're comfortable drilling a hole in your desk you can install the mount directly into the desktop.
2. If you're like me and don't want to drill into your desk, you can screw a clamp to the side of a desk or a wall. My friend Gail shows how he did it in a studio tour video: th-cam.com/video/A9EIycE6POI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=TCXuDmiNuJMHXGck&t=369
@@tombuck excellent ideas 💡! I'll definitely go check the Rode again! Thanks!! 🙏 Do you know if the other brands have the same option as Rode, for example the Elgato?
Have you tried the Thronmax S6? I originally found that one, but my entire setup is white, and now I'm in a bit of a conundrum (Do I get the S6 or the Elgato?). The S6 looks very good, but there are so few reviews!
My elgato wave lp (white) which is the new one, could hold my Lauten Audio LS-208 temporarily, after a while, the tightening knob in the middle is broken.
I really wish arms used locking teeth instead of just friction for tightening.
Get the FFINE Microphone Boom Arm, Low Profile Studio-BM88. It's basically the El Gato. but smaller. So, more discrete. I bought it a few weeks ago and it's great, especialy for $42. The build quality is great (don't know what he's talking about), the movement is great, and IT DOES come with an Allen key. Don't know why his came without one. Overall, I have no issues with it yet. Don't buy the overpriced El Gato when you can get the FFINE.
I have purchased one from Aliexpress and I can't wait to unbox it, is it good by the time you used it?
Strong arm tactics!
Will the Elgato clamp fit my desk if I only have 2 inches of room on the side till the bottom clamp hits my desk legs/frame?
It’ll likely clamp but probably won’t be ultra secure.
Wasn't aware that I was having the "new" version before I watched half of the video 😂
Outside of the elgato I would get the fifine tbh I think these companys make better low profile arms than boom arms
I have been using an 18 dollar boom arm I grabbed from new egg it's genuinely terrible lol I would almost rather use my desk mount
How come you missed out on the one option that is found in so, so many studios all over the world! It is the m!ka Mic Arm by Yellowtec! Please get in touch if you want to add it to your review range!!
I think the worst one out the lot is the tonor one because it has external springs
Tom… Do you have any experience with the Roland Aerocaster? If so, how do you get a line-in feed? I am using a Berlinger x-32 and can’t seem to get it to work
I haven't used that one yet!
The Neewer arm seems the most interesting of the lot, but sadly not for sale in India (yet). Neewer products in India have sadly been grossly over-priced (as Elgato products have often been as well).
oh, and the opposite arrow of the second arm? it’s the correct direction when you assemble the cover right?
It should go in the direction of the arrow when assembling, but since it came assembled it seems weird to me that the first time I encountered it it was telling me to pull in the opposite direction 😅
@@tombuck Hahahaha, but with the arrow the other way it would be wrong when putting it back on after taking it off to insert the cable … somebody, at some point, would not have noticed the arrow when taking it of, and maybe notice the arrow on assembly and try to put it back on with the arrow in the wrong direction, its a loose / loose situation - they should have put two arrows, pointing to each end, then it’s a 50/50 chance to get it right ;)
I use the Rode PSA1 with the Rode desk mount in a hole drilled through my desk rather than the edge tighten mount because my desk has a lip. Will Elgato Low Profile arm fit in the Rode desk mount?
Sadly their slightly different sizes.
Agreed that there's a shortage of arms with a drill hole or grommet mount. My desk has a narrow lip and a metal frame, so I'll need to add or remove wood to use most if the arms. It seems quite random as to who has the option, even as a cost add-on.
i just gor Neewer Low Profile Mic Arm but any one can explain the installation?
QQ where did you get your custom blue sleeve for Your rode Mic arm in the background
www.youtube.com/@LucaDePazzi made it for me! It's awesome, so feel free to reach out to him because I think he's open to taking orders.
Hi! Could you help me saying how the Neewer Low Profile Mic Arm goes with the Ethos or the SM7B?
Yes, all of these arms will work with either mic. 👍
@@tombuck I have the Elgato LP and it goes down by itself with the weight of the SM7B
I really need a long mic arm for a L shaped desk, i bought one from i-XTech but it doesnt reach far enough. Just 3-4 ft too short for me since I have a ultra wide monitor in the middle. Thinking maybe just an extension rod will do the trick but was wondering if you have any recs ?
maybe the neewer but it doesnt look that great aesthetically
great vid again. me likee the elgato. I bet u sure miss your uncle buck. I do. really sorry.
bought myself the ELGATO Low Profile and Love the ARM! it's worth the 99 dollars... saving 50 bucks for a lower quality product... I'll pass! the Elgato is great
Glad you're enjoying it!
Voting poll: Are Low Profile mic arms taking over your traditional High-profile microphone (boom) arm?
Y for YES
N for NO or NEVER
U for UNDECIDED
You are so colorful.. and I like that about your videos.. because I’m the complete opposite, black everything 😂
Hey thanks! I love colors, but also love dark moody stuff too!
14:29 what light is that?
It's the Intellytech Pocket Canon Mini with a diffuser. Such an awesome little light!
Armed and dangerous lol
I got the Fifine, mine did came with the allen key
This was the most uncomfortable I've seen Tom about his puns. Are you ok Tom?
Weirdly, pricing in the UK seems too be all over the place. The elgato is cheaper than the neewer...?
fifine is half the price for 90% of the arm