RODE PSA1+ Studio Microphone Arm

In this episode, we have a look at the RODE PSA1+ studio microphone arm for live streaming, podcasting, voice over recordings, or any other case where you need to capture great audio at your desk. This is an updated and more “premium” stand over the original PSA1+, one of the most popular microphone arms in the market.
If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses at school.learnlightandsound.com including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest course is Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini.
Support my work creating videos by donating at ko-fi.com/curtisjudd
Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:
- RODE PSA1+ microphone boom arm - B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store geni.us/jr7s
- RODE NT1 large diaphragm condenser microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/Uz0w
- RODE NT USB microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon geni.us/U2FA
- Desk microphone stand - B&H, Amazon geni.us/cJUHuw
- Earthworks SR314 condenser vocal microphone - B&H, Sweetwater geni.us/AqRF
- SHURE SM7B dynamic broadcast microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/GYU7dHy
- SHURE A26X extension adapter so that the SM7B will fit most arms - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/bRmPfE
- Electrovoice RE20 dynamic broadcast microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/kP1lo
- Canon C70 camera - B&H geni.us/ABYB
- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens - B&H, Amazon geni.us/qwsEs
- Panasonic GH5 camera - B&H, Amazon geni.us/InspOl
- Lumix 12-35mm f/2.8 lens - B&H, Amazon geni.us/gr47
- Canon C200 camera - B&H geni.us/9Zi4m4a
- Canon EF 24-105 f/4L lens - B&H, Amazon geni.us/kZyU7e
- Aputure C120D II LED light - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon geni.us/deg3
- Aputure Light Dome II soft box - Aputure, B&H, Amazon geni.us/AuMKRr
Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: geni.us/G7by
Copyright 2021, Curtis Judd
#RODE #PSA1+ #MicrophoneArm
Index:
00:00 Start
00:12 Summary
00:22 Other studio arms I’ve used
00:28 HEIL studio arm
01:10 Yellowtec M!ka
02:49 OC White Ultraboom low profile arm
03:27 PSA1+ weight
04:03 Mic mounting mechanism
04:58 Isolation, movement, typing samples
06:28 Desk mounting hardware
07:06 Cable management clips
07:18 Parallel aim
07:30 Reach and range
07:43 Pricing
07:50 Branding is too prominent
08:11 Recommendation
08:32 Pleas buy my courses

[@AndrewVanBeekOttawa]

This is a weird comment but I even watch your reviews when I’m not interested in the product. So clean and clear, information packed, accurate, and never a remotely annoying aspect. A lot of KZbinrs would benefit by learning this.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Andrew, much appreciated!

[@lindalawson4296]

I concur.

[@tvnathreviews]

Same here 😁

[@elephantgrass631]

Again, the only youtuber I trust about audio gear.

[@curtisjudd]

🙏

[@carlwingard8241]

Marketing team at Rode: "You know what would make the PSA-1 cool? A black wetsuite with lots of logos on it!" ;) The PSA-1 is a really nice microphone arm.We use them every day with SM7B & MV7. The "+" really looks like added neoprene and branding. Thank you as always for sharing your knowledge and experience. I do appreciate your channel.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Jon. To be fair, I believe they added some additional things like new rubber damping in the joints, a new desk-hole mount, and new mic mounting hardware.

[@carlwingard8241]

@@curtisjudd You’re absolutely right. :)

[@jimallen6197]

The “+” is improvements to the mic mount, as well as the desk mounting hardware and black hardware for mic angle adjustment.

[@carlwingard8241]

@@jimallen6197 I’m also using the + now. And I have Curtis to thank for it 🙂 Online the difference might seem small but it is a good update.

[@parzi1006]

Got to say. Probably one of the best reviews I've ever seen. Getting right to the important stuf, nicely time stamped, great sound. And you said everything I needed to know. Great video Curtis.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks, Parszi.

[@alaneddy4575]

Thanks Curtis. I'll be replacing my old Rode arms with these as I've just bought a heavy mic. I like the solidity of this design. I noticed that Gerald Undone and Make Art Now's "Not a Podcast" gave you a well deserved mention as highly underrated. They classed you as essential film kit. I agree. I think you'll get a few more followers and thumbs for that. Thanks for all the great info over the years and also for your direct and personal advice. You go the extra mile sir. I look forward to the day when you are too famous to to answer my questions.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks so much, Alan!

[@BrendanEvan]

Curtis respects our time more than most everyone else on KZbin

[@bite-my-shinny-metal-ass]

That is so nice, actually. I always view the whole video to the end but I love the review I the beginning

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Brendan.

[@GregStonham]

The original Rode PSA1 is also solid enough to hold a lightweight mirrorless camera rig - they've been great for desktop streaming setups. I have two Panasonic G7 kit lens, in small rig cages, attached to boom arms via a ball-head out of the top of the cage.

[@curtisjudd]

Good idea!

[@PatrickRambles]

Hi Curtis, this was an excellent review. I purchased the Ultima last week and I am in love with it. It’s so smooth and it stays right where I put it, every time. Amazing quality. Yes it’s expensive but worth every penny.

[@curtisjudd]

Agreed! Thanks for sharing, Patrick!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Very happy with my PSA1 - Mine is about 1 year old and has shiny chrome knobs that often create glare from my lights so its nice to see that they have fixed that now with the black knobs.. When i first got mine it could not hold the weight of my RE20... took me a while to figure out that the tension is adjustable on the arm.. once i tightened it, it worked great.

[@curtisjudd]

👍🎙 RE20, nice!

[@neiloler]

This was just the ticket, I’ve been hunting for a mic arm for a couple years, always going back and forth between super cheap options that seem to have a high rate of failure and expensive options that seem too much money for a simple concept. Thanks for reviewing.

[@curtisjudd]

You're welcome!

[@cyberdefenseddi]

I agree. The OC white is the best boom arm so far. It ain’t cheep, but it pays back with positioning and it just works. You can tell its made well.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@AironExTv]

Thank you for this thorough overview. I use a PSA1 on a home machine and wanted to add a mic arm to my work setup. I'll be using a very light mic, a small condenser that's sitting in a suspension, the Lewitt LCT 140 Air. Great for handling conference calls, gaming and recording. Small enough to sit between the Cherry Red-Silent switch keyboard and below my chin. The PSA1+ looks like a safe bet at a reasonable price. I'm already fairly happy with the PSA1 but this is a definite improvement. Better dampening, good reach, more flexible mic positioning ... and I'll be taping up the branding. Thanks again for the video and may I say, your voice sound sounds great to this dialogue mixer.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Airon!

[@mr.bond2023]

That’s a beautifully made arm. But that branding is just too much.

[@AndrewVanBeekOttawa]

Rode ruins a lot of stuff by doing that

[@curtisjudd]

That gaffer tape, tho... 😉

[@stevetimko1461]

That's why God invented spray paint.

[@AlainLafleche1]

@@curtisjudd Just add a sticker with your Learn Light and sound logo from your channel Rode pub is out.

[@curtisjudd]

@@AndrewVanBeekOttawa Which products did you have in mind aside from the Wireless GO?

[@JimRobinson-colors]

Glad you mentioned the branding. That was the first thing I noticed when the video started. maybe they should include a cover or even a small strip of black gaffers tape. Nicely done Curtis, as per usual.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Jim.

[@MeetInvesting]

Thanks so much! I've been looking for how a mic sounds on a boom arm when hitting the desk and keyboard, and your video answers my questions!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@atishep]

5:08 nice flex using a Shelford Channel as a preamp meanwhile I'm stuck here with a Zoom H4n as my main interface. :D Cool review, I have no intention buying a boom-arm but I always enjoy watching your videos.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for stopping by, Ati. That Shelford Channel is a dream. Sorry for the flex, but not sorry to use it. 😉 I figure we all benefit from hearing it.

[@Andrewc87563]

I'll be sure to send RODE a bill for the advertising!

[@curtisjudd]

I'm betting that bill will not make it to accounts payable.

[@RustyTube]

Wow, looks good. Thanks, Curtis! 😁

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks RustyTube!

[@cantinasound]

You didn't mention this video on your livestream today. I ordered one the day after they were announced, but the dealer had no idea when they would actually start shipping. Glad to see one in the field and it sounds like I made a good choice (currently using standard mic stands or usually a clamp-on clip).

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Randy, congrats on the new studio arm and I hope it works well for you. I was impressed for its price.

[@rockatanescu]

Awesome video, Curtis. Since I do own a PSA1 and this one looks identical except for the microphone mounting hardware, here are two tips: * The upper tube of the PSA1 arm is hollow and you can route an XLR cable through it. There is even plastic hardware in place to protect the cable from being pinched by the arm joints. The only downside is that you need to solder the cable at one end once you're done, but you only need to do this once. * If you don't like the branding, it looks like it's just a piece of cloth that's wrapped around the metal tubes. You can unscrew the silver rivets using a flat screwdriver which will allow you to take off the top and bottom joints (I believe that only the middle one has springs) and you can take off the branding.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Adnrei, the neoprene covers offer some damping so I'd prefer to keep them on.

[@MichaelFrazer]

I wasn’t ever really sold on the original PsA1 but this one looks pretty sweet. Agree on the branding being a bit much, but I feel that way about many rode products. Another awesome review! Thanks Curtis.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Michael.

[@sung_yun]

Thank you for this very helpful post.

[@curtisjudd]

You're most welcome.

[@ramonbs6075]

Awesome review!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@bite-my-shinny-metal-ass]

Excellent content. Thank you

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Robot Bender

[@johnheiser2604]

I love my Rode boom arms. They've never let me down. The branding doesn't worry me.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for sharing John.

[@DronieUp]

I was excited to hear that rode made a “new” stand. Then on closer look, it seems like it’s the same PSA1 with neoprene covers and new thumb screws near the mounting head.

[@fluphybunny930]

I was wondering if there was anything different under the cover.

[@THE_BASED_GOD]

The biggest change seems to be they lowered the minimum weight from 700g to about 100g, which i actually need so ill probably get this instead of the regular psa1

[@curtisjudd]

Agreed with @makhmaltchi, the lower weight limit will be useful to some people. Does the original come with the desk hole mount hardware?

[@THE_BASED_GOD]

@@curtisjudd it does come with another variant, its smaller in diameter and doesnt provide an extra hole for wiring.

[@cli23]

Great stuff!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Casey.

[@PeterMossUkulele]

I enjoyed this - Very informative thanks. Peter.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Peter.

[@peacesellsprod]

Used a PSA1 for 2 years and then switched over to recently to the elgato mic arm and was pleasantly surprised of the build quality. This one is tempting to try though!

[@curtisjudd]

Good to hear the Elgato is working out. Thanks for coming by!

[@jannarkiewicz633]

I have had this in my Amazon cart for 2 weeks - pondering. They will ship to Manila where I am at (for free). Dang this is solid. I guess I will pull the trigger.

[@markanderson6639]

Good video Curtis. I'll be buying one of these.

[@curtisjudd]

I hope it works well for you, Mark.

[@AllenCavedo]

Excellent video

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Allen.

[@Findyourtriib]

Great video!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks.

[@mogwix]

Quick note: the SM7B normally has the XLR connector facing towards the front of the microphone, not towards the rear. The yoke can be removed and flipped around however if you need it in a different position for different types of stands and mounts. I already have the PSA1 and I don't really see a benefit to replacing it with this new one. It's great that Rode is continuing to update the products though.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the tip. Does that solve the issue in this case? I think that'd put the XLR output on the other side of the finger nut.

[@easonwat4920]

thanks for sharing！

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@FishFPS]

I sold my PSA1 and bought another mic arm, just for a change. Ended up going back to the PSA1+. I don't regret it at all. If you don't like the branding, you can cover it well enough with a black marker.

[@curtisjudd]

👍 it is a great arm.

[@1BabaSalam]

The prominence of the brand on the arm is the first thing I noted about the arm. And probably I won’t buy it for that reason 😅

[@curtisjudd]

I'm willing to "fix it" with gaffer's tape. It really is a good arm.

[@Krfifteen]

@@curtisjudd I ordered one. I am hoping a little India ink will black it out. We will see.

[@MrPhilbautista]

@@Krfifteen Gaff/Gaffer’s tape is a better solution. It covers the branding well enough but, thanks to the ability to take it off without leaving residue, gives you a non-destructive solution to covering up the branding. If you decide to replace it later on, you can easily remove the tape without damaging the logo.

[@gutterg0d]

@@MrPhilbautista Plastidip paint or some type of vinyl wrap would also peel right off when you dont want it anymore, should work great for covering it up. Tape is probably fine for video purposes too, but it usually doesn't look very nice for the person sitting at the desk. :)

[@jeffwongdesign]

I’ve been happy with mine. It holds the sm7b well.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for sharing.

[@reinhardkotze8053]

Hay Curtis. i work at a radio station and we use the yellow tec arms with SM7b. at my home studio i use the PSA1 with Sm7b without the xlr issue . what you can do and what i did was unscrew the bracket on the mic and turn it around so the xlr will be on the front side. that is a "commen" practice in the industry but not so well known in the new consumer market that has spiked the sales of sm7b in recent years. give it a try. Ps just take note of the order of the washers and the placement bracket forks. Side note: it does hinder the mobility of the mic slightly depending on where you place the mic , ither from above or below.

[@curtisjudd]

Thank Reinhard, I find that on the PSA1+, the thumb nut still gets in the way so I will need to use an adapter which moves the mic a little farther away from the arm.

[@reinhardkotze8053]

@@curtisjudd yes you are right the nub is a bit short on the psa1+. And an adapter would do the trick

[@Sam-bu5iq]

Bought the røde psa1+ today very interesting video ✌️

[@curtisjudd]

I hope it works well for you!

[@tombuck]

They really did a great job on this arm! Almost as good of a job as you did on the review 👍 (I think that’s worded weird, but I promise it’s a compliment) I also agree about the branding…I actually ordered some solvent to try and remove it 😬

[@Findyourtriib]

100%

[@curtisjudd]

Aw, thanks Tom!

[@GuilDormeus]

Let me know if that solvent works

[@NeelsWorld]

That looks nice to have one.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@Hermiel]

Yeah, my fist instinct upon seeing this announced on Rode's socials was 'Uch, tacky." heavy-handed branding is a legitimate turn-off. Probably still going to buy one, though... 🤷 Gaffer tape to the rescue!

[@curtisjudd]

I agree - nice arm, gaffer tape should do the job.

[@360MIX]

PSA1 standard works perfect with a heavy mic like the EV-RE20 and SM7b...... I have 2 of them.... and have tried others and PSA1 (old one) works 100% perfect... and no branding issue!!

[@Hermiel]

@@360MIX My PSA-1 v1 got borked so I'm in the market for a replacement, and I rather like the sleeving over the arms on the plus.

[@RobKristjansson]

Wow! So fancy...

[@curtisjudd]

You know me, Rob!

[@RobKristjansson]

@Curtis Judd Hehehe

[@StarWarsJay]

Hey Curtis, I was thinking about buying this or the Gator Frameworks equivalent. I’m going to go with this. Thanks for some great advice.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks, Star Wars Jay! Happy recording!

[@NotoriousRP]

Wow very outstanding job on showcasing the new boom arm 👏🏽 . . Side question I'm planning on getting an sm7b what sort of extension exactly would you recommend for this arm?

[@curtisjudd]

The Shure A26x which is linked in the description.

[@mikewax6515]

Great review! I always love your videos! How do you feel this arm compares to the Blue Compass?

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Mike. I haven't used the Blue Compass, but Tom Buck had some thoughts on it over on his channel when he did a mic arm comparison.

[@mikewax6515]

@@curtisjudd Wonderful! I will head over there and check out that video. Thank you sir! Keep up the great work.

[@tvnathreviews]

I bought Elgato Wave low profile mic arm. Highly recommended.

[@ColeDeRuse]

been loooking into that one

[@tvnathreviews]

@@ColeDeRuse yeah, initially I was considering blue compass. But saw many comments and reviews that it's very hard to adjust and move. Then considered Thronmax too but finally settled for Elgato.

[@curtisjudd]

Mine's on its way. Looking forward to trying it out.

[@onocoffee]

Always good stuff, Curtis. Any chance you'll be reviewing the El Gato Wave Arm LP?

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks onocoffee! I hope to try out the low profile Elgato model.

[@nickynockyknackynoo2346]

Hi Curtis, Thank you for this video. It seems a good arm. One thing I am not clear about is seeing how it could work with a Shure SM7B. Would you please consider doing a short setup showing how it could work, what extras might be needed and a simple outline evaluation of performance - e.g. thumping the table etc. Thanks anyway regardless whether you do this. You are a great communicator!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@DanCBearded]

I really want to snag one of these!

[@curtisjudd]

🎙👍

[@THE-RED-LETTER-PROJECT]

Huh, I wasn't sure they made anything but the 7B anymore. It's a nice mic, I'm just amazed how it's been around for decades. Rogan speaks into it, and walla it's the only microphone you'll ever see anywhere. Crazy humans we are.

[@curtisjudd]

It is a common one.

[@Trevellian]

Thanks for another good review. Curious as to why you prefer desk mounts to floor stands? A floor stand behind the desk works well for me, allows overhead booms, while lessening the potential for desk and keyboard noise, as there is no contact with the desk.

[@curtisjudd]

In my setup, we don't have room for a floor stand. I wish I did, but we simply don't.

[@GaryStockton]

I have two of these arms and swear by them. Great product. I like that snazzy cover you have for yours with the RODE logo.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@65Drums]

That's a great looking thumbnail

[@curtisjudd]

Thx.

[@LensVid]

I was looking forward to this one Curtis. I am still waiting for my PSA1+ (B&H have them on backorder since they were announced - not sure what is up with that - they have quite a few of our other orders on this state - I guess the global thing is affecting stocks). Anyway - looks cool - the knobs do look better than the original version and the cable holder as well. Maybe look into the two new Elgato arms (I was talking to them about maybe getting one for our studio as an overhead A-roll mic arm but it needs height extensions).

[@curtisjudd]

👍 I hope the PSA1+ works well for you! 🎙

[@IddoGenuth]

@@curtisjudd Me too (we just want it to arrive already...). P.S. I was looking more closely into the DT 700 PRO X that you reviewed recently (you might remember the discussion we had here) and I have to say that at least based on some buyers on Amazon the new ones are actually a downgrade in terms of quality compared to the original DT 700 - do you have any thoughts on that? (I am still not sure about the Neumann NDH 20).

[@curtisjudd]

@@IddoGenuth I've used the original DT 700 for over a decade and I prefer the DT 700 PRO X. There is plenty of subjectivity involved when it comes to headphones, so keep that in mind.

[@terryoneill2493]

I have the original, and boy is the spring SQUEAKY! That alone is worth the upgrade.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@RennyChuggs]

Hi, im sorry if you already know this but it isnt really made clear by yellowtec! with the mika arm there is a little hex bolt in the bottom where the mounting mechanism is, you can use a hex wrench to turn that and increase tension for heavier microphones!

[@curtisjudd]

Good to know, thanks for sharing.

[@zedamex]

Nice work Curtis. Im curious with arms that can rotate easily, in earthquake prone environments, how easily it might swing and put a hole in my monitor or speakers. I don't really want to constintantly dismount the arm when I walk away from my pc heh

[@curtisjudd]

I would be surprised if this was capable of that, though I suppose that is possible. The bigger issue in that situation might be whether the speakers would still be where they're supposed to be and not on the floor.

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

Hi Curtis. This mic arm looks good for what I need. Thanks for reviewing it. I've been searching for a good tutorial on the best way to reduce the dynamic range of the speaker's voice captured in a Zoom recording. I think Zoom is dynamically adjusting the mic gain of the speaker. I want to level it out, only keeping the speaker's natural dynamics. I'm using Fairlight in Davanci Resolve and would like to use the dynamics tool that comes with it. (If it isn't good enough then I'd like to know what plugin you would recommend.) As a side note, I'd like to understand how to read and understand the volume/loudness meters as well as selecting a loudness standard to select. (They have one for Netflix.) Thanks for a fantastic channel.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Robert. I have to confess, I have given up trying to fix Zoom.us audio. If you have control before the recording, I'd turn off the auto gain feature. That's about all I have to offer, unfortunately.

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

@@curtisjudd Thanks for the reply. We have several speakers on each call ... and they're not all tech savvy. We do a rehersal a day before the call. Maybe I'll try to get them to turn the auto gain off. Thanks for a great channel.

[@believe-in-righteousness]

Thanks.

[@curtisjudd]

Welcome!

[@Coxtoasten12]

the sleeves on the 1+ Besides the big advertising letters for Rode. Those sleeves should be designed that you can run an XLR cable thru it and have the clips there if you want to use those.

[@CryoftheProphet]

Curtis, I have about 2k worth of yellowtect arms and mounts, and you really gotta get the taller table posts so that the long mic arm doesnt cave under the weight, this also allows you to use a shorter arm.

[@curtisjudd]

Hmm, thanks for sharing. No budget at the moment, but it works fine for my RODE NT1. Its just things like the RE20.

[@J94_Film]

For streaming purposes, Nvidia broadcast also helps a lot to cut out tapping, keyboard noise etc

[@curtisjudd]

Yep, another option. Just be sure not to apply too much noise reduction. I find it sounds like you're talking into a pillow when too much is applied.

[@aaronfriedman8201]

Great review. Did you ever try the Elgato low profile?

[@curtisjudd]

Looks like my order is finally on its way so I'll have a try soon. I do like low-profile arms so I'm hopeful this one works out nicely.

[@ahmedadambd1939]

Thanks for this helpful sharing Curtis. Maybe it will be good if Rode also produces an arm which looks like this PSA1+ but which could be used as a Boom Stand, during an interview for example. That's to say a much longer arm but which can bend over several segments. On one end there will be the "directional" mic clip (or even just a Boom holder) and on the other end, maybe a disc (to place on the floor) heavy enough to be able to keep the balance. Classic boom stands are very heavy and are not made to be transported easily. If the proposal is reasonable, I hope Rode will read my comment ^^

[@curtisjudd]

Interesting idea, thanks for sharing!

[@thedoodler882]

nice BRANDING rode. gj.

[@curtisjudd]

Just looking for something a bit more subtle. 😉

[@honestnerd]

You should try Elgato's version or the LP. I own one myself and it's amazing. Also just 99$. I like the PSA1 but for my use, the Elgato is much better.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, I've been trying to get my hands on the LP version. It looks nice.

[@michaeljemery]

The branding was the first thing that caught my attention, and ultimately the reason I never pursued this model any further.

[@curtisjudd]

Bold.

[@michaeljemery]

@@curtisjudd BIG, bright, and *bold*.

[@hellolau]

Same, it's too much. Rode is using us for their free ads. The irony is that we are paying for that.

[@robwasnj]

Agreed, it was the very first thing I saw in this review. I am actually in the market to guy an arm too, sad this is such a huge downside of what looks like an otherwise good product.

[@TDCIYB77]

Curtis, great review as always. One question: Most mic arms have problems with really small/light mics and are more geared to the SM7B type crowd. How well does this one handle smaller mics? Is Rode's claim correct that this new version is much better in this regard? To the branding: I am pretty sure in some weeks time the Chinese will sell 3. party replacement covers on Aliexpress without the branding (no joke, they are amazingly fast to exploit even such a niche market need).

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Steven, I'll give it a try with my Sennheiser MKH8050 when I get a chance.

[@theCOATINGlife]

Great review, if RODE would have the brand in a muted black that is slightly different from the sleeves black colour or if they repositioned it would be preferable for sure. I agree that it is just too much the way it is. Putting tape over it seemed to work and not be to distracting. How do you feel about the visibility of the tape? Thanks Curtis!

[@curtisjudd]

That's a good idea, and maybe move the RODE back closer to the first joint. The tape can still be seen, but workable in my opinion.

[@theCOATINGlife]

@@curtisjudd thanks for the feedback Curtis.

[@wilrobbins7595]

Great video Curtis! Have you had any experience with the Vivo “STAND-MIC01” pneumatic desk arm? I would love to know your thoughts and opinions.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Wil, no, haven't heard of it. Do you use one?

[@wilrobbins7595]

@@curtisjudd I haven’t, I’ve seen others on KZbin have/use it. Just wanted your 2 cents.

[@bewsket]

Hi Curtis, i can't find a single video online that shows the setup that i want before i buy this boom arm. Does this boom arm bend downwards in any capacity? i am trying to understand if it can bend straight and down at a 90degree position? I have a sofa setup with a desk sitting right behind it, slightly above it I wanted to attach a boom arm on the top of desk, so as i am sitting on the sofa - the boom arm comes behind me and over the shoulder to reach me and i could rotate the mic position 180 degrees and talk straight into it. Thanks

[@curtisjudd]

I’m having a hard time picturing exactly what you have in mind but I think so, yes.

[@Matthew_Raymond]

If you have a Shure SM7B, you’ll probably want to pick up a Shure A26X extension tube, which typically costs about $8. That should fix all your issues with having clearance to plug in the XLR cable. It’s also good for when you have a tabletop mic stand that you need to raise a couple of inches.

[@curtisjudd]

It is on its way to my house presently. Thanks! 👍

[@tech.inspector]

As always a great video, Curtis! Btw: What is the thing beside your monitor at 3:08 called?

[@curtisjudd]

The 7" OSEE monitor? I use that as a program monitor during livestreams so I know what the audience sees. Here's a review of the monitor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX2xY4JqeKyIb8k

[@tech.inspector]

@@curtisjudd well that's nice. Thank you very much :)

[@CoachCoop]

I currently use the previous model (PSA1) and i've had an issue with it squeaking very loudly while moving it around. I'm very "animated" in my videos, so I move the arm/mic around a lot and it's very noticeable in my videos. When contacting Rode they suggested that I apply oil to several places, but unfortunately it made no difference. They proceeded to recommend this upgraded "silent" model. I didn't notice any grinding or squeaking noises while you moved it around in this video. Have you had any of those issues? Thanks for the great review and I dropped a like as well!

[@curtisjudd]

No, I haven’t had squeaking issues with the PSA1+.

[@photojoseph]

LOL I have, sitting unopened on my floor, the PSA1. Now watching this to see if I need to return this and get the PSA1+ instead! 😂

[@curtisjudd]

Ha! This one is nice, just wish the branding was a bit more subtle. But it isn't anything a little gaff tape won't fix.

[@Thomas_Speck]

PS1 user here. What I like about the "old" arm is the price to value ratio. But, the arm was always very loud. Grinding noises and, when moving, now and then a sound as if I was tapping the tabletop with my knuckle. From what I could see in your review, the new arm is the same, with slightly different joint hardware to install the microphone. The table mount looks different, now has a cable grommet, I like that. The branding is horrendous, I would paint or tape over that. Seems like a legit upgrade to the original arm, but I will switch to Gator Frameworks or Warm Audio Boomarms in the future because I like it much better visually and the features and reviews of it have won me over.

[@curtisjudd]

Interesting. I didn't notice any grinding noises on the PSA1+.

[@Thomas_Speck]

@@curtisjudd Not the + version, the Original.

[@GareWorks]

I ordered a PSA1 recently (though nobody has them in stock in New Zealand until the middle of next month, so it's almost a moot point not waiting for the PSA1+). The price difference is relatively large over here, and I just can't justify the difference. I like the extra rubber on the clamp, but that's hardly worth more than pennies. The biggest upgrade is the new head (and desk mount, if you use that), but the covers are pretty basic upgrades with ugly logos that I shouldn't need to waste gaffer tape on. The added cable management is nice, but all the minor upgrades don't feel like they're worth the major difference in price to me, even though I'd love the upgraded head and the bottom part of the clamp being rubberised.

[@curtisjudd]

Interesting that they're so much more expensive in NZ when the manufacturer is in Australia. I feel for you! Happy recording/streaming/etc!

[@patlecat]

@Curtis You should try the K&M (König & Meyer) German brand of stands, they are exceptional and sturdy. For the SM7B I use the quick mount adapter from K&M and it's just giving enough distance for it.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@annekedebruyn7797]

I am surprised you got those weight issues with the M!ka arms. Have you tried adjusting the tension with the tension screw inside the arm? The arm should be balanced even with the tension knobs some what lose. You can find it in the base of the mic arm. Those arms are industry standard in the EU and they all hold SM7b's (with the Shure A26X extension rod which was made to solve the length issue) and heavier mics fine. As for the original PSA1, the main arm is identical. The only real differences are the mounting head and the cable clips (versus branded velcro on the old one.) I am happy with both. So for those with the original, don't bother upgrading.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, tightened it up and it still sinks and makes a squeaking noise when the joints move. I may have a defective copy, not sure.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

@@curtisjudd The squeaky noise is a signature feature of the M!ka arm. Hahaha. But yeah it not being able to handle your typical broadcast mics shouldn't happen. Even if the arm is fairly straight out.

[@LiftedNoise]

I have some cheap Amazon boom arms and they pick up a lot of desk vibrations in the mic. Will the rode eliminate some of that?

[@curtisjudd]

Some of it, yes.

[@koenignero]

Tip: You can also attach a Camera or Webcam to it for moving them around instead of a mic

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@AnthonyGoodley]

I already own the Rode PSA1. This looks very comparable to the original PSA1 with some minor design changes. Overall it looks like it would function a bit better than the original. But not a big enough difference to make upgrading worthwhile if a person already owns the PSA1 in my opinion. If I were just getting my first boom arm this would likely be my first choice. But since I already own the original PSA1 I'll be sticking with that one for now. Should I need a another or a new boom arm this upgraded model would be hard to beat value and function wise.

[@curtisjudd]

Agreed. That makes sense.

[@thomasjdurfee]

General boom arm question: when not in use, how should you position the arm? I take the mic off, should I take the shockmount and windscreen off too? I leave the arm at 90 degrees, but should I move it to 180 when not in use? Does baby-ing the arm preserve the springs significantly, or is it not worth the hassle? I have a Blue compass, which is probably fine, but I'm curious

[@reinhardkotze8053]

so from personal experience the more you fiddle with it the more chances there are for damage. modern-day kit is so well build, if its not abused or recklessly handeld ither option should be fine. "bending " the arm down to somewhat 180 is always a good idea, it takes tention off and it also takes up less room. in your case removing the mic might make the arm spring open i guess. if you don't need to move the mic to different locations or if its not in the way i would'nt take it off every time. and leaving the mic in the shock-mount is in my view safer if you take it off the arm its just like a little bubble surrounding it.

[@curtisjudd]

I don't do anything special to baby my mic arms. Haven't had any issues yet.

[@tricogustrico]

Gaffers tape to the rescue, I use it on my NT1 shock mount.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@JeremyLeech]

The Shure SM7B yoke can be flipped around to the other side. Its what I did and its easy to do.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@iveritnet]

Off topic: what is the white headphone-amp looking box on the right-hand side of your desk please?

[@curtisjudd]

Tha's a Little Labs Monotor headphone amplifier.

[@GamersPlayerUnion]

Once I brought my OC White Ultraboom LP mic arm I can never go back to a standard mic arm though that rode mic arm look like it can do the job.

[@curtisjudd]

yeah, hard to compare those two!

[@robertsaca3512]

Rode is the best, no nonsense, no premiums, all quality and whoever designs them actually must use them, i.e. it's not designed by marketing departments.

[@curtisjudd]

I've been happy with most of their products, too. Nice price to value ratio.

[@robertsaca3512]

@@curtisjudd Just a quick one Curtis, this arm cannot handle some of Rode's own mics which I expected it to, for instance, I tested a K2 and it wouldn't hold it, I tried tightening everything but the weight is just, just a little too great. I gave my arm to a friend and bought another to see if it was copy variance, no go. I even tried to minimise weight by using a lighter shock mount -to no avail. Might be worthwhile mentioning the weight 'issue' since Rode so say it will carry the weight of a K2, but it won't.

[@curtisjudd]

@@robertsaca3512 Thanks for sharing, Robert. 🙏

[@TransplantHelper]

The knows are better but other than that it looks like the one with a bulky wrap around the arm. Great review

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks.

[@harsha345155]

Definitely agree with the branding. And the simple idea to cover it with a tape.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@thamichaelated]

Rode needs to come up with a low profile arm just like oc white. I replaced my ps1 arms as they kept making noises when moved after a while.

[@curtisjudd]

That'd be neat.

[@barneyallen5377]

You could always cover the Røde branding with a sticker showing your own logo or branding. It would look much better than gaffer tape.

[@curtisjudd]

Ha! I'm looking for a clean, no-logo look. 😀

[@StarWarsJay]

Hey Curtis. Sorry for two questions on one video. Just a quick one. Is there a way to de-S my vocal recordings using a Rode Podmic and Garageband, or is it something I need to put up with at that price level?

[@curtisjudd]

I don't know Garageband really well, but if it can take plugins, you should be able to add a de-esser plugin.

[@StarWarsJay]

@@curtisjudd thanks Curtis. Sorry for all the questions. See it as a testament to your great sound engineering wisdom haha. Have a great weekend mate.

[@shoushi01]

Hi Curtis, are you feeling difficult installing pop filter onto the new PSA1+?

[@curtisjudd]

Good question. I don't usually use pop filters, but opt for foam covers instead. I see that attaching a traditional stand mount pop filter could be difficult with this.

[@broddybounce]

I bought my new PSA1+ because of you and other KZbinrs' vids like this, thank you. I loved it from the minute I put my MV7 on it and it worked beautifully. Agreed, best value for an arm! And, to your point about the logo: since I'm exclusively VO and not a vlogger, vid podcaster or gamer, the logo doesn't bother me in the least ... actually, I'm totally good with it, sorta gives it gravitas, same as with SHURE on my MV7 (I know, I get it, that sounds like Martian to most of you). Really appreciate your doing excellent pieces like this - really helped to make my decision. (FYI, in the first paragraph of your description, 2nd sentence, I think you meant to say "original PSA1" not "PSA1+".)

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks and happy recording.

[@insanejughead]

"Now hearing the Røde PSA1+" My caveman brain: "Dang that is one quiet mic!"

[@curtisjudd]

Hahaha!

[@noenken]

Pausing at 3:56, it looks like you would be able to plug it in if the XLR was on the front facing side of the yoke. Is it possible to detach the mic from it and flip it 180°?

[@curtisjudd]

Tried and the thumb tightening nut is still in the way. A short extension should do the job.

[@noenken]

@@curtisjudd Welp... But thank you for trying! :)

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Will you do a review or talk about the Canon C70? 😀

[@curtisjudd]

Probably not a dedicated video as I'm not a camera reviewer, but probably in a video along the lines of, "My thoughts on the cameras I've used..."