The Best Mic Boom Arm - Rode PSA1 or Blue Compass?

[@GeekDetour]

Blue Compass Boom Arm: ▶︎ geni.us/8GAy6 Amazon Blue Yeticaster (Yeti mic + Blue Compass + Shockmount): ▶︎ geni.us/JB8MxqE Amazon (affordable bundle with all you need to start recording good sound) RØDE PSA1 Boom Arm: ▶︎ geni.us/4ICSNGa Amazon JOBY Ballhead: ▶︎ geni.us/kGCAVBo Amazon JOBY GorillaPod Kit (Ballhead + Stand): ▶︎ geni.us/i7DI3 Amazon Blue Spark (XLR Microphone): ▶︎ geni.us/YsXR93 Amazon (a newer version of the microphone I use most of the times) Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd gen): ▶︎ geni.us/pRjN Amazon (you probably won't ever need a better audio interface!) TP-Link 10400mAh PowerBank: ▶︎ geni.us/05JCm Amazon My review on KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIecZX-mipiAr9k Tripod from Amazon Basics: ▶︎ geni.us/5FYV0 Amazon (super cheap and yet, it is the tripod I've been using all these years) GoPro Hero 7: ▶︎ geni.us/VsCG Amazon (I actually have the Hero 5, but you should get the Hero 7) Yongnuo YN300 III (LED Video Light, 5500 kelvin): ▶︎ geni.us/MbqTs Amazon I have 2 of these lights, and I use them with sofboxes. PS: I made a custom mount to hang them. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@Seedx]

Are there any boom arms that fit the Blue Yeti X??

[@Cravact]

What acoustic panel do you use? Thanks!

[@JesusCondeArt]

your content is GOLD my friend. was nice meeting you at youtube space.

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you so much! I need to watch your awesome illustration tutorials! Will you be at the party 🎉?

[@michaeljemery]

Thanks for mentioning the parallel motion linkage advantage of the Rode. You’re the only reviewer I have seen who has bothered to say it, it’s a massive deal for me and is extremely good to know.

[@GeekDetour]

Thanks Michael 😊 When I was researching for this video, I watched most of the reviews (I am tempted to say ALL 🤣) exactly to discover what could I say that nobody said about these boom arms. I really appreciate your comment!!! 😁

[@cantthinkofnameyeah7249]

It can also be a disadvantage if you keep your mic in only 1 use position and after you pull it back from its resting spot and want to know the exact same spot you had at last time you used, to keep the same mic distance but I know im only keeping my mic im two postions.

[@AI3Dorinte]

"to me every inch counts" - I feel you bro!

[@GeekDetour]

Hum... you also have an average size table? 🤣 Someone said there is not a big enough table 🤔🤪

[@leonruvalcaba1549]

So hot n' kinky m8

[@CybertroninfiniteOfficial]

@@leonruvalcaba1549 "I feel you bro!"

[@Swordonator]

Thats what she said 😏

[@sebii6898]

Spifiii are you sure?

[@winddoggo9406]

I just got the rode psa1 today, the parallel motion linage is awesome and the big bottom axis makes it easier to move the arm trough there without help since I am disabled. Thanks for helping me choose a great boom arm

[@GeekDetour]

Hey Christopher, my pleasure man! Oh boy, it is amazing how each person might evaluate the same features from very different angles - I am glad I was of help for your decision, although I never considered accessibility. Actually, you are the first person EVER in my channel (not huge, but still) to give some feedback on this aspect. Thank you so much for that!

[@GeekDetour]

Hi everybody 👋 I had to “re-upload” a new version of this video to fix a problem in its beginning. The content is basically the same as the one I published a few weeks ago.

[@beeclair480]

I wish yyou have shown more clips of the angle of the blue compass getting screwed up in comparison with the psa1. im trying to figure out if that would bother me or not.

[@SnowRBX_youtube]

Nice I'm going for Rode coz... I'm lazy to adjust my mic all the time

[@GeekDetour]

Good choice :)

[@lazlo342]

I am so glad that you included what many other reviewers have overlooked, showing the range of motion. I came here specifically looking for a boom arm to hold some LED light panels that I want for a tech assembly bench, so what coincidence that you showed that too. Thank you!

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you Lazlo! Yeah, the PSA1 makes for awesome “universal tripods” for video production. Hey, there is a video from the channel DSLR Video that you will find insightful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJrPg3afmb53mdk

[@NateIsLame]

WOW! I'm impressed! Your videos are so much fun, your personality is so fun and interesting... You really set yourself apart from other similar creators! What a breath of fresh air. You're a stellar creator. Definitely subscribing.

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you so much! You made my day 😁 Welcome to the channel 👍

[@godyvdb]

Great review GD! Thanks for exposing the pro's and cons nicely as well as telling us about that hidden spring tension option! Keep up the great work. One small note for people in doubt between these two mounts. The Rode PSA1 comes with a desk clamp mount AND a through-desk mount. The second one requires you to drill a hole in your desk but results in a nice desk-embedded mount.Good luck everyone with deciding which boom arm to buy.

[@iBertz]

Wowzers, what a perfect video showcase between both booms. I also have the PSA1 and not that I have a problem with it, I also wanted to upgrade to the more on camera visuals to clean up since I might move forward with having it in the frame. Thanks for an awesome video. Great quality content, I'm a first time viewer!

[@GeekDetour]

Hi iBertz 👋 Thank you so much for the kind words! It made my day 😊 I had a few unanswered questions before buying the Compass, that I couldn’t find on the KZbin reviews at the time... I bought it anyway and made the video 🤣 Welcome to the channel!

[@JCB23]

Excellent video! That hidden feature you mentioned about the tension screw on the blue compass boom arm to me is 1 of the best parts! I have had this arm for a year and did not even realize this.

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you Joe! Yeah! I didn’t know about it before I purchased the Compass... Not a single review was mentioning it at the time. I installed mine, used it for a couple of weeks... BUT, I have a thing for manuals - I keep them at my bedside 🤣 I was reading the Compass paper and a tiny paragraph mentioned an “tension adjustment screw” and I jumped: “What??!” I had to raise my compass out of its base and check... That’s when I decided to make the video.

[@thisdigital8177]

@@GeekDetour great video...Although not obvious, I discovered you can tighten the silver screws on the rode boom arm to adjust the tension also....mine is just right now.

[@sammyboy816]

Thank you for finally answering a question that I have been searching the internet far and wide for! The compass is taller!!! I don't know why it was so hard to find the answer, but you got yourself a new subscriber! Thank you sir!

[@GeekDetour]

Hey Samuel 👋 my pleasure man! Well, not many people have both arms 😄 To me, even more weird is that, before I made my video, NOBODY showed the tensioning screw of the Compass - it seems like KZbinrs are mostly copying other KZbinrs and nobody reads manuals 🤣 Welcome to the channel!

[@NT-or9wh]

Lot of it is Blue’s fault for not listing each segments length.

[@H5Motivation]

One of the best video comparison ;)

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you! And have an amazing 2021!!!

[@thisdigital8177]

Thanks for the review and comparison. However the Rode's tension is adjustable also although not mentioned in the instructions. Just tighten the silver screws with a screwdriver to increase tension for lighter mikes.

[@GeekDetour]

Hi there! You are “kind of right” 😁 If you tighten the silver screws on the Rode PSA1, you actually make the arm stiffer, harder to move (of course it can help either with lighter or heavier loads). What the Compass has is indeed a tension adjustment - when correctly calibrated, you can have the arm quite lose on the hinge screws and yet it would balance itself quite nice. I don’t think this is possible to adjust in the Rode - but, true, it you make it stiffer, it it easier to make it stand still.

[@zlerner716]

Another well done video. I don't have any need for a boom mic but still loved the education and was excited to watch. Congrats on the daughter! She's adorable.

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you Zlemer! Oh, she is super curious about everything 😁 We are totally in love (and with far less time for anything else... but that was expected) 🤣

[@platespinner681]

Fantastic review! I got gifted a blue yeti and radius by a friend for gaming, but ordered a Rode PSA1 as my hunch from my background working as musician is that the Rode would be more durable and I love parallel motion linkage as saves valuable seconds when setting up/changing around equipment on stage or in the studio. Loved the intro by the way! Thanks, Emerson :)

[@coastie.]

honestly it might just be my psa1 but the tension for adjusting is actually perfect. i didnt touch the screw since unboxing, had it for almost 2 years now i think and it works perfectly.

[@GeekDetour]

Hi! Are you talking about the Rode PSA1 or the Blue Compass? The two Rode PSA1 I own don’t have any tension adjusting screw (like the Compass) - but indeed for my use they always worked very nice 👍

[@WillKlein]

I think I've watched this video three times now. I love how you pointed out the common mistakes of setting up both of these boom arms. The product reviews are littered with people who never took the time to understand how to adjust them. Plus you're just so engaging to watch. A couple years ago this helped me decide on the Blue Compass for my needs, which I've used with both a Blue Yeti mic and a Rode NTG5. I split my Mac + PC station across two workstations this week and after looking at the latest from Elgato and Rode, I think I'll be going back for another Blue Compass arm (now owned by Logitech).

[@GeekDetour]

Hi Will 👋 thanks for such nice words! It made my day 😄 Making reviews seems easy, right? Buy things, unbox them, say those are amazing and provide affiliate links for people to buy them too 🤣 Well, it kind of works this way, But A LOT of people are making reviews in a rush - many just imitate other reviews 🤷‍♂️ To me it just makes sense to make a video when you can bring something different, when you saw something new. Otherwise I feel like an impostor 🤣🤣 Oh! I didn’t know Logitech bought BLUE!!! Thanks for saying that! Blue is a company with such an interesting history and products with great personality - I was missing this recent chapter! Happy holidays 🎄🎉🎊🎅🎁

[@dreadmorg]

I just bought the Blue Compass. GREAT tip on that tension screw adjustment!

[@GeekDetour]

Awesome! It is a really beautiful boom arm, you will love it - it is weird so many people mentioned the tension screw - it is in the manual after all... Well, I love to read manuals 😆

[@dreadmorg]

@@GeekDetour I looked at a few of the pictures in the manual, then said "Yea, I got this..." LOL!

[@vespa731]

I had to decide between the Blue Compass and the Rode PSA1. And your video is pretty accurate. The FUNCTION of the PSA1 is more useful than the Blue Compass. Plus the PSA1 is a lot more compatible to move from one place to another. I ended up getting the PSA1 because even though the Compass looks great, I have my camera focused on my face and not on my equipment. Most of the content providers I watch have either great content and/or have something great to say. And I personally am not one to say "Hey, he or she is using a (enter brand name here) mic! He or she is using a (enter brand name) boom arm!" Thank you again for your video.

[@GeekDetour]

Awesome! I feel the same way - I got the Compass because I wanted to try it out myself (and I like it, for my microphone), but I am about to buy a third PSA1, for another camera 😜

[@owlnonymous]

I've never even considering using a boom arm for a camera. That's a fantastic idea! I'm going to place an order for a Rode PSA 1 for my Yeti, and use my generic scissor arm mount for my camera.

[@GeekDetour]

Hi there! I’ve been recording almost everything recently on a Panasonic G7 on the PSA1 - the best thing ever in terms of convenience! BUT, I must tell you: if you are working on the table (like, recording stuff you are building, repairing, cutting, etc) and your table is not super heavy, the camera will shake a bit. Of course, a tripod on the floor doesn’t have this problem - but... 🤣 Oh, you might like to watch this video from another channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZbHeGuCgLRpodU

[@jadewolf3416]

i watched this video again and i fell in love with my rode psa1! I am getting my sm7b in a couple of days and it will be complete, thanks so much! The blue compass wire covering is nice but with the psa1, u can also do the same with the rode psa1 rubber band thingy they give you, and while the compass does fit the mic comfortably, the rode psa1 and a shure extender is lovely :)

[@loser-nobody]

Here I am racing through reviews and comparison videos but you're so enjoyable to watch, even with a slight accent barrier, you deserve to know I like you already! 👍

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you! 😁 In a sense, the world is getting really “small”, like if all of us were next-door neighbors. Different accents are inevitable 🤗

[@loser-nobody]

@@GeekDetour I've already heard you talk more than any of my next-door neighbors anyway! As far as that's concerned, we're practically roommates! So when's it your turn to do the dishes? 😁

[@MEDspiration]

super helpful. Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Your sound quality & production is EXCELLENT!

[@GeekDetour]

Hey, thank you! 🥰 It was recorded with an old Canon T3i (600D) - Lighting is everything 😁 But I got a new camera, let’s see if I can finally go 4K 😳 Happy 2020!

[@Lady_Tism]

I originally bought the blue compass mic arm. I don’t like having to constantly adjust the knobs if I need to move it any tiny amount so I ordered the rode one today.

[@GeekDetour]

Hi there! When you used the Blue Compass, was the Arm naturally falling or moving upwards? Have you tried adjusting the hidden screw I showed in the video? 2:48 You might still be able to use your Compass in a satisfactory fashion - and you will have a second arm to use in a different way (like I do, for camera or lights, ha ha)

[@mrheng562]

I agree with clearing up floor space. I also use a boom arm to carry a camera too. The only down side is micro movements when you shake the table. 😁

[@GeekDetour]

That’s true man! But there are many trade-offs we tend to make peace with because we value comfort, convenience and space (which is very valuable). Example: I loved the quality of lighting I had when using 3 huge softboxes, really soft light, very diffuse shadows. But I couldn’t keep them permanently set up... so it took lots of time assembling and disassembling them... not to mention it was even difficult to move in my tiny studio with so many tripods... The LED panels with smaller diffusers I use now don’t give me the same soft look... but they are permanently available in my table and I value that more now.

[@mrheng562]

Geek Detour , yup. There are always trade offs. In the end, it’s all about what works for you and what kind of sacrifices you’re willing to make. I hope more people actually understand that idea instead of, “Just tell me what to buy so that I can do what you do.” It’s more about, look at all your options and do what works for you. In short, you do you. 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@CupidGaming522]

Thanks a bunch. I randomly came across the Rode PSA1 and I knew some people used it but I didn't know how good it was.

[@catjack90]

How on Earth you have 62K subs? With this quality you deserve millions, thanks a lot for sharing, it was really helpful and funny.

[@GeekDetour]

Hey Marco! Thanks man 😁 I think it is my fault, ha ha ha, very few videos yet and my posting schedule was always very irregular 🤷‍♂️ I am supper happy you enjoyed it!

[@joanlyoung1]

Thank you for the clear and enjoyable review. Your little is adorable too. She'll have her own studio like papa one day.

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you! Oh, too soon to know if she will enjoy making videos or not - but she is growing very accustomed to the gear 😁 Oh, you might enjoy this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/np7ZqaCpbsqCa6c

[@Yorkia]

It's really useful for me . My blue compass is so tied that I want to return it without you remind.

[@grgameready7363]

wow. i was totally thinking , rode podmic, rode boom arm .. (i recently had a my rode mic bust on my iphone, their customer service was excellent, replacement was a cinch), but now that i see the blue yeti in action. i'm going that way. thanks for doing this video!

[@GeekDetour]

It is amazing how each person sees value in different things! Hey, my pleasure!

[@KingsMenRadio]

Can or do you have a video on the boomarm and light making and assembling

[@GeekDetour]

Hi KingsMenRadio 👋 I never made a video about my LED lights on the Rode PSA1 boom arm - maybe I should. It has a bit of DIY-tinkering. My lights are the Yongnuo YN-300 III and I modified them a bit to have a very convenient way to hang them.

[@KingsMenRadio]

@@GeekDetour well bro I as I'm sure many new influencers would watch, like and share the vid if you did...

[@randomgoose01]

my days this guy really goes and respond to all comments (as far as i wanted to scroll) respectable stuff

[@GeekDetour]

Wow, thank you! 😄 Well, I try to answer most comments and questions - a few times some of my videos went “viral”(ish) and the amount of comments was insane - I didn’t answer all of them... but I read EVERYTHING 😁

[@tonysenseii]

damn , didnt realize this video was 5 years old , couldnt find a better video explaining the boom arms , PERFECT VIDEO brother !

[@GeekDetour]

Hi there Tony! Thanks mate! During COVID this video exploded - lots of people looked for boom arms to put webcams, microphones, to start making videos at home… it actually helped us paying the bills during that period. I need to update you: this year I finally gave up on the Blue Compass - it is not bad, but I really prefer the parallel motion of the Rode PSA1 - I have 4 of them in my desk now 🤣

[@tonysenseii]

@@GeekDetour crazyyyy you replied and actually told me this CRUCIAL info !!! 😭😭😭 because I was getting ready to order the compass tomorrow 💀 lmao , I guess I’m going straight to my Best Buy and getting that rode 😭🤣🤣🤣

[@GeekDetour]

That’s awesome, Tony 🤣 I don’t know how far I will be able to continue answering most of the comments myself - I do everything on my own here, I love it ❤️ But every video takes lots of time. I am glad answering to you was helpful. You cannot go wrong with the Rode PSA1

[@tonysenseii]

@@GeekDetour I’m about to get it. The blue yeti fits on it right ??

[@KonkaBass]

You are the only one on youtube to give me all the answers I need to make this decision.

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you Konka! Oh, which boom arm will you buy? (Unexpected answer: “Both!” 🤣)

[@jfbarnard3109]

Damn, that's what all reviews should be like! Had to sort through so many people just talking about their setups and feelings while filming a motionless mic arm. Barely even moving it, as if we were there to see what it looked like in their own room. Hopefully, my comment will help slightly toward placing your video as the first search result to avoid such a waste of time for others

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it and found it useful! 👍

[@Cornissimodk]

I got the PSA1 some time ago. It's better than my old boom arm, but the thumb-screw for fastening the microphone to the boom arm, when not pointing upwards, I find hard, if not completely difficult to tighten. Which means the microphone is very difficult to keep in the same position as it swings around constantly. - I'm considering the Blue Compass for this reason.

[@media-blinker]

And that's why I bought 5th PSA1 arm even though I already have 4 of them. It just perfectly serves its purpose and so versatile.

[@GeekDetour]

Wow, you have 5 PSA1s??? I would love to see a photo of your setup! Happy 2021!!!

[@lukewest]

Really helpful - was teetering about getting a PSA1 - you decided me - thanks!

[@GeekDetour]

Glad I could help! It is a solid Boom Arm - I have two and they are sturdy.

[@SunkaWicasa]

Compass is ok but i think for heavy mic such as podmic, shure sm7b electrovoice re series

[@dennispeaks]

I love the look of the Compass, its the best looking stand out there but during my research both mics tend to rise if the mics are too light. I am thinking thin magnets. Too bad Rode doesn't come out with a version 2 with knobs to adjust. Great idea using the arm for a light and camera stand.

[@GeekDetour]

Thanks! 😁 Do you have the Compass? It has the screw for adjusting the tension. Most reviews I saw from people complaining about mics rising or falling didn’t seem to know about the hidden screw.

[@EdwardAhKee]

@@GeekDetour I have an at2020 on mine and even with the tension screw backed out completely it still moves itself around

[@SwitchedOnNetwork]

That's a really good idea using them to mount other things - I'll definitely be doing that with my old cheapo boom arm to mount lights or something. Thanks!

[@GeekDetour]

Go for it! The only thing about cheapo boom arms is how much weight they can handle, usually not so much - but hey, it is totally worth trying!

[@SwitchedOnNetwork]

@@GeekDetour ha yeah, just a little on-camera type LED I think... nothing big! :)

[@izzywithcheese]

Super useful video, thanks! I have been trying to decide between the two. I think I prefer going with the Blue Compass.

[@TepesEdi]

Production quality of this video is superb

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you! You made my day 🤗

[@lordpickle9564]

So happy I found this channel, your content is gold.. you deserve more subscribers. 👍🏻

[@GeekDetour]

Wow, thank you!

[@DavoGalavotti]

After wasting 45 minutes watching every other KZbinr showing me the best and worst of every boom arm I was getting frustrated and more confused. Thank you for making a very informative video, packed with the most relevant comparison points for each option, under 5 minutes.

[@GeekDetour]

Hey, thank you! Glad I could help. In the end, Boom Arms are not complicated... you just need something that handles the weight properly and that you like its looks :) I like my two arms, for different reasons.

[@MrXaniss]

Just came here for the comparison, got the Rode in the end, but i love everything about you and your content lol

[@GeekDetour]

Ha ha, thank you! 😄 You will see: the Rode is a workhorse - I use two of them and sometimes I think about having a third one, ha ha ha.

[@YetAnotherTechChannel]

Which of those will do a better job of holding a mirrorless camera for overhead shots? I've been using an el cheapo one for a while now and it's high time to invest in something more sturdy.

[@GeekDetour]

For overhead shots, the Rode PSA1 + ballhead is very nice to overhead shots of objects you are filming over a table. But if your table moves a bit, it might shake the footage. For 100% stability, it is better to have a tripod on the floor... but I prefer the flexibility and less cluttered solution of the boom arm on the table.

[@YetAnotherTechChannel]

@@GeekDetour Thanks very much :) I have the boom arm mounted to a window-sill so it doesn't shake every time I touch my workbench (instagram.com/p/BcsWmt5nHK3/) But the camera can still wobble slightly and I'm hoping that a quality boom arm will eliminate that.

[@1800BrokenSoul]

hey you got ti include the adaptor to mount a mount a to the psa1

[@GeekDetour]

Hello! Let’s see if I understood your comment: to mount the Blue Yeti or most microphones, the PSA1 comes already with an adapter. If you are asking about the ball-head mount I used to put cameras on the PSA1, I used the a Joby Ballhead and there are links in the Description of the video 👍

[@pol3605]

🤔 2022 and I am still confused between these two. which one should i buy?

[@GeekDetour]

I don’t know… do you make videos? Your channel seems empty - if you are beginning there are even cheaper bundles that come with a Boom Arm, an OK microphone and pop-filter for less that the PSA1 or the Boom Compass costs. I think the Rode PSA1 is more versatile - but that’s because I use it for many other things than holding a Mic “on Camera”.

[@ded6886]

Amazing use of the two boom-arms. Great video as always, and pease don't put less effort into videos by rushing them. I rewatched this re-upload with the same joy as last time. Keep the videos comming.

[@GeekDetour]

Wow, thank you so much for your support Yoyo Chip! Yeah, the intro missed a bit of energy in the editing :) I think it is better now (and in a few weeks the Analytics will tell me how much difference it makes, if any). Anyway, I am moving to produce the next video :)

[@TheMidfiddler]

THANK YOU! That tip about the Compass tension has saved my sanity. Many webite reviews complained about it being overly stiff, and I gambled thinking I'd get a "good one". I must've been so worked up about it being too stiff, that I glanced over that section in the manual. Sub earned!

[@GeekDetour]

Hi Dustin 👋 Thank you for sharing this - I am SO GLAD it helped you! Welcome to the channel!

[@Liz-ic6jb]

Excellent review. Super funny with humor and silly sound effects.😁

[@davesunhammer4218]

Wow. Nice. I think you have it right. I don't personally see moving the mic much, but the camera for sure. Having the camera on the PSA1 is a good choice that I will have to remember when I save up the cash.

[@GeekDetour]

Thanks! I still use my two PSA1 for lights and camera - many times I considered buying a third one 🤣 There is a disadvantage in having the camera attached to the table through the arm: anything more vigorous you do on the table, the camera moves/oscillates a little bit - it must be said. It surely will depend on how heavy/solid is your table. But, this is the most convenient setup I used to this moment.

[@raypace1739]

Thanks for the very informative video. I prefer the Rode PSA1 for the parallel motion feature.

[@GeekDetour]

Totally! To me, it is a more versatile boom arm - but I also enjoy the Blue Compass... I have one for my mic and it looks great. But I still have plans to have more PSA1 arms in my crazy setup 🤣

[@softlk8810]

Does anyone notice the cracked plastic in the middle of the PSA1 boom arm? People have said that a metal piece physically comes out of it once the plastic has deteriorated but the stand still works. Mine already came cracked new out the box.

[@GeekDetour]

Really? This is odd… I have two Rode PSA1 on my table and I don’t think there is anything broken on them… I check and didn’t find anything. You should make a video about it!

[@softlk8810]

Here is a link to a reddit forum for someone who experienced the same issue. It includes a picture so you can get an idea of the issue. I wonder if the plastic on yours or a brand new one runs all the way up. www.reddit.com/r/Twitch/comments/6xpyrf/my_new_rode_psa1_looks_broke_can_someone_with_the/

[@bdwdreamweaver]

imaging finding your video in 2020 - the blue compass looks awesome with the radius shockmount and blue yeti - really good

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you 😁 It amazes me how some of my videos keep being quite watched years later - my most popular video every month continues being one of 3 years ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKOzq6aGZ8yfaq8 😳

[@laggmonstret]

@@GeekDetour I am looking now aswell to make a decision hehe

[@MenacingThreat]

This review is BRILLIANT. Thank you! Got a PSA1.

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you! 😃 you just made my day 😊

[@NinjoOnline]

Can't argue enough against the Blue Compass boom arm. Brought 2, both arms could not keep my Blue Yeti down and would just rise back up to vertical position. The tension screw did nothing. Tightend to near snapping and loosed to where the screw was basically coming out on both arms, the boom arm would still rise back up. Unsure how that arm can work with 90% of mics, as I'd assume majority are lighter than Blue Yeti

[@GeekDetour]

Interesting… well, I have only one compass - but for me the bottom part stays basically upright most of the time. That might be the way most people use it, I suppose. Do you extend it a lot more closely to the horizontal?

[@ashconnor]

At 2:54 you can see the solid metal tubing of the Blue Compass. Does the Rode PSA1 also have this solid tubing or is it hollow? I had a cheaper mic arm which was hollow and this broke easily.

[@GeekDetour]

Hi Ashley, the center pin you see at 2:54 exist only in the base, for its rotation - it is the same dimension in the PSA1 (yeah, you could swap both boom arm and install them in each other’s bases). The Blue Compass is in fact less solid than the PSA1: its hinges are plastic where the PSA1 is metal. Anyway, both arms have hollow tubings. Both of them aren’t made to support more than 2kg of weight and keep balance. The hinges and spring mechanism is more limiting than their bodies.

[@ashconnor]

@@GeekDetour Awesome. Thank you for the prompt reply. Going with the PSA1.

[@GeekDetour]

My pleasure! Have a great 2021!!! 👏

[@j3sse149]

This guy needs more subscibers!!! Great video, was fun to watch and was informative. Keep going!

[@GeekDetour]

Tks Jesse! You made my day 😄

[@LosOverwapos]

Why not show the full extension of all hinges? Could you do this, please?

[@GeekDetour]

He there! Both the Rode PSA1 and Blue Compass can be fully extended horizontally (parallel to the table), but the PSA1 would require a heavier microphone to remain in that position, the Compass is more 'obedient' :) Also, the tip of the Compass offers has a wider angle on its hinge and the screwing tip is an inch away from the hinge. On the PSA1 the screwing tip is closer to the arm. I hope it helps :) (I cannot make another video about it right now)

[@matta6962]

Finally a video that actually contains useful information thank you!

[@GeekDetour]

Ha ha, thank you! 😁

[@KOKOBC]

The rode psa 1 is out of stock on Amazon. I decided to get a cheaper version and it works pretty much just as well

[@GlassParasite]

Thanks Alot for the advice, I'm streaming from my room and i have very little space. I was stuck trying to decide which boom arm i wanted but i just placed an order for the blue, thanks!!

[@GeekDetour]

Hey, my pleasure! The Blue Compass is a beautiful boom arm, I love its compact cylindrical base and the overall quality. Great arm - you will love it!

[@realrobertpopa]

Great video and comparison. Thanks for sharing this useful info, Everson!

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you Robert! I am glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@tokenasiankowboy9078]

Your video was very professionally done & hit most of the points I needed. Only one more point I needed was the quality or strength of the wing or knob bolt holding the angle of the microphone. The bolt threads on the cheap $30 arm's stripped in three uses. How was the tightening or threads on the Rôde arm?

[@GeekDetour]

Hi Token! The “wingnuts” of the Rode PSA1 are very strong - well, to me the whole arm is very well made. As I said, I have two PSA1s and I abuse them a lot. I really recommend it.

[@vasileiospgr]

i've watched so many videos and none of then referenced the things you did. thanks 😉 i'm going for the new Rode PSA-1+

[@GeekDetour]

Thanks! I really appreciate 🤗 I watched a lot of reviews before making my video - didn’t want to say the same as everybody 🤣 But I am not the first one to use the Rode PSA1 for cameras and lights - more and more people are using them for that now! It’s great!

[@vasileiospgr]

@@GeekDetour for using Rode PSA-1+ with Shure SM7B do i need an adaptor like Shure A26X?? or it's not necessary?

[@GeekDetour]

Sorry man, just saw your new question now… I remember to have watched people recommending an extension tube to make the SM7B more flexible with the Rode PSA1 - without it, you cannot rotate the Mic so much.

[@vasileiospgr]

@@GeekDetour i use it without it and its fine. thanks 😊. from the videos i had watched, i thought that it was necessary so you can connect the SM7B to the PSA1+.

[@tnetroP]

This is a brilliant video and showed a really important feature of the PSA1. When I saw it I was like "whoah!!"

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you! 😃

[@jaimedegaming]

I got the Rode PSA1. It's OK for the most part. Figuring out the tension was a bit of a mission, but I managed. I'd really like it if Rode added some sort of retainer for the pole into the desk mount though, just to minimise the chances of it coming out too easily or spinning a bit too freely. One extra velcro strap would have been nice too. Other than that, the build quality is absolutely amazing. Just would have like in the box instructions on tensioning. I'm using it with an Elgato Wave:1 mic with the adapter that came with it and the Rode. Enjoying it :)

[@GeekDetour]

Ha ha, I might agree with you about the free rotation: I use a camera in one of my PSA1s and indeed, if anything slightly touches the arm, it rotates quite easily. It would be nice to have some dampening/adding some resistance to rotation. But I am not concerned about it getting out… gravity takes good care 🤣

[@leftblank]

Great video! you answered what I was looking for. I already have a rode with an LED light on it. I love how i don't need to adjust the light when I move the arm as it sits at the same angle. I'm looking to get another light and it wouldn't work the same with the blue so thank you for showing that off. much love!

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it - seeing other KZbinrs’ setup always give us ideas 😁

[@titilafolie]

Thank you ! First video I saw from your channel - great content - i subscribed - It is Blue Compass for me !

[@GeekDetour]

Thank YOU and welcome to the channel! 👍

[@-chanye-]

I went out and bought a Blue Compass and then when I tried it out I hated it. It was way too stiff for my setup; tension changers didn't seem to make a difference once the bottom one had any tension. I am using an Elgato Wave 3, so the mic is probably not heavy enough compared to something like a Blue mic. My PSA1 shipped yesterday!

[@GeekDetour]

Hi Chanye! Tell me your impressions about the PSA1 you just got! Do you like it better than the Compass?

[@-chanye-]

@@GeekDetour I do. It just seems to work way better and stay put right where I want it with my Wave 3. Again, this is probably because of the weight of the W3. I also like how easy it is to set up my camera on it for virtually any angel on my desk. I even ended up getting my mom one for her Zoom sewing group calls and she loves being able to move her GoPro around to show what she’s doing closer to the machine. It would honestly be impossible for the Compass to do movements like the PSA1 can do, especially with lighter gear.

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you for sharing! When I use a GoPro on my PSA1, there is not enough weight… I ended up making an “Extra-Weight-Clip” that I hook together with the GoPro - and it stays really nice. I love my two PSA1s ❤️ I also like my Compass, but it just holds my mic.

[@-chanye-]

@@GeekDetour I wish the Compass would’ve worked because I loved the look of it.

[@KneecapBandit]

That's fascinating, I haven't even considered mounting a DSLR to a boom arm. That genuinely does help me quite a bit, I'm amazed. The Rode PSA1 seems like a pretty fantastic choice, thanks for the great video!

[@GeekDetour]

Hey! Thank you! I am glad you found the video useful. The only drawback I can point about having the Camera on a Boom Arm attached to the table (compared to having it on a floor-tripod) is that if you move/vibrate the table wile you are recording, the camera very often shakes a bit.... If you have a very solid/heavy table, that might not be the case, but mine is an IKEA table - which seemed solid, but, you get it :)

[@hndembuon]

Your additional information is valuable to me :D especially about the pros of PSA1

[@GeekDetour]

Thanks! I appreciate your kind words! I still use the Blue Compass for my mic and also these same TWO Rode PSA1: one for the camera and the other holds my LED panels (almost twice the recommended weight, still strong). The PSA1 is a workhorse.

[@baeregard]

My desk has a built-in drawer unit, with only a couple inches of overhanging space. How much space is required to mount these arms? Another way, how much does the clamp's underside extend inwards from the desk edge?

[@GeekDetour]

Hi, yeah I got your question. The clamps of both arms need around 4cm... 4.5cm (1.7 inch) of free underneath table space to clamp perfectly.

[@baeregard]

@@GeekDetour Awesome, thank you! Think that they'd fit... very cool. Really appreciate your video + reply!! :D

[@ronmoravek17]

Excellent video! This will probably get lost, but for anybody that may Google their way to this video, I want to note that the Blue Compass does not seem to be compatible with my Yeti Nano. By "not compatible," I mean that there is no combination of tension screw or thumb screw settings I can use to properly use the Compass -- the Nano is simply too light. If anybody Googles their way here and finds a solution to this problem, I would be eternally grateful. Otherwise, the Nano is going back to the store.

[@GeekDetour]

Man... it really sucks! One solution is to add weight - the challenge would be doing so in an elegant way... this guy got “creative” and attached the Nano with its base 😁 Watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2LRoZuGntxgr5I

[@ronmoravek17]

@@GeekDetour ha! I actually had tried the same thing but didn't think to put the attachment point through the hole on the base. In either case, I'm well inside my return window for both the mic and the boom, so I've ordered the Yeticaster bundle off Amazon (for cheaper than my current setup!) and will get that in the next few days. Thanks for the reply! Easiest "Subscribe" button I've hit. Such a clear video.

[@GeekDetour]

Thank you! 😃 Oh, yeah, it makes complete sense - no point to fight it when you can get a whole set just fine out of the box.

[@radityaindera3442]

What about Elgato Multi Mount? Pretty sure it was designed to hold a camera unlike the psa1

[@GeekDetour]

It seems so! I watched a few reviews - but I don’t have one to test and review 😭

[@Nocturnes11]

Couldn't get my at2020 to work with the blue compass even completely unscrewing the tension wasn't enough to keep it from moving on its own

[@ElPePe10300]

Watched the video but still decided to go with the compass and then returned it. The compass is only good for the “7” shape position and very difficult to move around. Going to get the psa1.

[@GeekDetour]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I like my Blue Compass - but the versatility of the PSA1 is undisputed 👍😃

[@AlexGraciov]

I have reduced the tension on the my blue compass to the absolute minimum and tried adjusting the friction knobs too, but it's still raising my QuadCast like crazy, i think my mic is just way too light and I should switch to PSA1

[@GeekDetour]

Wow! That might be a really light Mic! I looked at your channel to hear your voice on it - but I suppose you were not talking in any of the videos.

[@AlexGraciov]

@@GeekDetour Yeah I don't make videos, I use it for work conference calls and gaming with pals. It sounds really great for it's price. It is a very light mic, I did not expect that lol

[@italienn]

bought Blue Compass. Love it except it will NOT hold positions well using BLue Snowball ICE I assume this is because its very light, but even holding it down with my hand it feel like it was way too much tension in it. I removed the tension screen all together to relieve as much as possible, but it still won't stay in any position which is very disappointing seeing as the mic used was made by blue and this thing cost $100. Maybe I just got a bad one, but the middle friction screw hardly seems to do anything.

[@FabianAdriann]

The only thing I hate about PSA-1 is that the base where the arm is attached to starts to wear off after couple years of use. The holder is made from plastic and if you rotate the arm enough over the years it starts to eat that plastic slowly. I have a white desk so the dust that comes off from the holder is very visible and I have to wipe my desk weekly. Really wish Rode would come up with version 2 that would fix that and also maybe make it little quieter to move too :)

[@GeekDetour]

Very nice observation Fabian! Are you talking about the desk clamp or have you installed the desk insert? (The one that needs a hole on the table to be installed)

[@rexwithers]

Thanks a LOT loads of useful detail that I wasn't getting anywhere else

[@GeekDetour]

Hi Rex! Thank you! I appreciate 🤗

[@bmkq2007]

Very well done and love the effort put to post this video Thanks for tips mate

[@GeekDetour]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching 😁

[@absxlute]

I am highly upset that this video does not have 10% of the worlds population in views. Grrreaat video!-

[@GeekDetour]

Ha ha ha Thank you 😊This is a very specific subject, very niche - there are about 10 good reviews of the Blue Compass on KZbin - all of them have around 20k views per year. I must expect to have about the same with mine 🤔. The Yeti, in contrast, seems to continue having a super wide audience - any good video about the Yeti will get easily 100k views 🤗

[@petethe-thief3546]

Great video. I wonder if anyone could help me find out if either of these would work fixed upside down? So fixed from rig above. I wondered if the arm just sits in the fixing, or if it is more a secure fixing? Any info would be great! Thanks in advance

[@GeekDetour]

Oh... you want to know what would happen if you hypothetically could take your table and fix it upside down on the ceiling, right? If the boom arms would operate in that position? Nope. They would instantly fall from their C-Clamps. There are no security mechanisms. Both the Compass and the PSA1 are just inserted and rotate freely. If you pull the arm up, it comes out easily.

[@petethe-thief3546]

Right. It’s pretty much what I assumed. Thanks for getting back to me. Saved me a bunch of time. Thanks again

[@kvens3229]

Hey can u help me here my røde psa-1 is making a lot of noise when i move it. I have tried to loosen the springs but nothing happens. I have just gotten it and i think its broke pls help!

[@YeetusMcfeetus]

I would use some wd40 to make the springs quiet

[@Defffman]

Yeti caster is good for twitch? This arm and mic? O its best yeti and rode arm? Thx bros

[@GeekDetour]

For Twitch I suppose looking “cool” is very important - both arms work very nice with the Yeti. Choose what you think looks better with your setup.

[@Defffman]

Yeti caster its nice option all in one👍 i read bad opinions in amazon but ur video looks very god...

[@GeekDetour]

The good thing is that there are LOTs of reviews and comparisons for you to watch to help you make an informed decision and buy something that will serve you well 😊

[@digitaltactics9234]

which is a blue yeti basically comes with the arm blue yetis. if you get it need's a ton of compression and a noise gate or they will pick all the noise in your room like pc fans keyboard sounds they are too sensitive. If you see a streamer using those they are use software too fix it like Voicemeeter Banana or other software too fix it. most condenser mics will pic up too much in the room. that is why you see peolpe like shroud chocotaco use the shure sm7b or Rode Procaster Broadcast or re 20 they are Cardioid Dynamic Microphone they only pic sound right in front of the mic. that is why you see so many switch. the yeti will pic sound all most like in a 360. plus look up broken usb blue yeti look at this kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqOoXnyCqt-tbdk i say if yoru going too stream in the long run get the rigth mic that will a be 1. and xlr 2 .Cardioid Dynamic & use you have too use a mixer. if it must be usb mic twitch.tv/spreeezy uses this beyerdynamic FOX USB Condenser Microphone with this mic arm RODE PSA 1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm that he talks about up above. but you could use the Blue Compas arm. i would not buy the blue yeti based on what your friends say too get or it you see streamers using that mic too much floor noise i hope all this helps i know it's a lot lol

[@Aravindarts]

I have a question, I just bought the Blue Compass Boom Arm. Everything works well. Love it. One issue I am having is arm is not tight enough on the base. It does not stay tight at the base. When I tried to fix it at the position I wanted, It moves away too far. Basically it can not be tighten at the base. Do you have a solution? Much appreciated.

[@GeekDetour]

Hi Jay! Did you already installed your microphone on it? Is the arm going down? Or going up?

[@Aravindarts]

@@GeekDetour Thx for your reply. Completely installed with EV20 mic. My complain is that arm's side way movement. No complains about up and down. Say u want to position the mic at 6 o clock, it goes to 4 o clock and stops. It's loose at the base. So the full arm doesn't stop in the position u wanted. It goes too far to the right side .

[@GeekDetour]

Oh, if I got it right, it looks like your table is not perfectly horizontal, right? Either my Rode PSA1 and my Blue Compass rotate freely on the base (I mean, like a clock laid horizontally on the tabletop). If the table is leveled, there shouldn’t be a tendency for any particular “angle/hour”, you rotate the arm around and it stops where you point it to. By the way both arms have exactly the same measurement on the base pin - you can take the compass and stick it on the Rode PSA1’s desk clamp and vice-versa. The pins rotate freely.

[@Aravindarts]

@@GeekDetour I have 4 Rodes arm too. Let me see if table is not level or not. I will try with PSA base holder as well. Thx so much buddy

[@nxnowtf]

Mine didn’t come straight and I bent it the wrong way cause it was slightly bent the other way. It still works Just I lost the middle piece to make it tight. Is there another way I can tight it?

[@GeekDetour]

The Tension Screw, hidden at the bottom, adjust the tension of the internal springs. Maybe you can find a perfect adjustment in which your arm is well balanced with your microphone, so it won't matter if you can tight the middle joint... BUT, you should contact Blue and explain your problem - maybe they can ship a replacement part. Here: support.bluedesigns.com

[@yeskeyofficial]

my friend you do an AMAZING job with your videos. They're informative, incredibly engaging & you make world-class videos in my opinion. So good! I'm inspired and felt like I should say that to you!

[@GeekDetour]

Wow, thank you! It means a lot to me - you made my day 🥰

[@NightmaREE3Z]

My Blue Compass broke, so now I'm looking for Rode PSA1. A quick question about Rode, can I just mount the yeti to it from yeti's bottom?

[@GeekDetour]

Hi there! My Rode PSA1 came with a 5/8” to 3/8” thread adapter (I guess they still come with it) that you use to screw it directly.

[@NightmaREE3Z]

@@GeekDetour Alright, thank you for information! :) I guess I'll get the PSA1 myself, this video helped me to decide it, so thanks!

[@treyharshaw7276]

Fantastic video! I watched this video on mute because I just wanted to see the swivel of the compass, but it was so entertaining to just watch that I had to go back and rewatch. Great job, now take my sub.

[@GeekDetour]

Ha ha, thank you Trey! I am glad you enjoyed it! 😄 Hey, totally different topic, but have you watched my last video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGaxfZyVismKi7c

[@MlDVS]

can someone tell me if they are using the rode PSA1 with a hyperx quadcast. I'm not sure if the mic is heavy enough. so the arm stays in place.

[@GeekDetour]

You are right: I watched a few reviews of people who used the HyperX Quadcast with the Rode PSA1 and it is a bit too light - I don’t know if there is a good quality boom ARM that is “less strong”. If you add a shockmount and a Pop Filter it probably adds enough extra-weight - but I am guessing

[@MlDVS]

@@GeekDetour I was thinking about that. I want a good quality boom arm and the PSA1 is the perfect arm for that. Thank you for your advise!

[@callisoncaffrey]

This was actually very useful. Gets a like.

[@GeekDetour]

Thanks! 👍😄

[@MatthewA1106]

Managed to pickup my new Shure SM-58 for £55 so doesn't seem right spending double on a scissor arm, My current one I got for £15 is bending already. Idk what to do.

[@GeekDetour]

Ha ha ha, well... if you care about having the Mic on a decent position, and stable, you buy a better arm - even if it cost more then the microphone. My first microphone was the Blue Yeti - and I used it without a boom arm or stand during its firs two years (I was really broke back then)... Two years later I really had to buy an arm... it has cost me almost the price of the Yeti. BUT, a good arm might last for many many years. If it is important, you buy a good arm. If it is not that important, well, the bent arm might be fine I suppose :)

[@LocalWatchGuy]

Which would you recommend for the hyper x quad cast mic ?

[@GeekDetour]

Hum... hard to know: another person commented here that his HyperX Quad was too light for the Blue Compass - even after softening the tension screw... I don’t know if the Rode PSA1 will handle it better... the HyperX is very light.

[@LocalWatchGuy]

@@GeekDetour yikes, I actually really liked the style of these boom arm stands but I'll guess I have to stick to the cheap one I have

[@GeekDetour]

I am sorry... 😢 Try to find reviews of people who have your mic and one of the boom arms and see if the PSA1 works better with it. Good luck!

[@DMsXLosTops]

From my experience I can recommend that the Rode does a very good job with the Blue Yeti. The best support I have ever bought

[@GeekDetour]

Totally. The Rode might look a bit old fashioned... but it is a great arm, it got cheaper in the last couple of years and I find it’s “parallel motion linkage” useful for more than just mics. It is a no brainer: a great purchase.

[@JabiLikesMusic]

but it's not only old fashioned, it starts to squeak A LOT! i'm not the only one but MULTIPLE streamers i've seen also deals with this

[@Kwtsoss]

@@JabiLikesMusic if it squeaks, then just oil it