The Wave Mic Arm Pro: Elgato's Ridiculously Strong Upgrade

[@Stone1108]

I like that, as far as I can tell, there’s no big BOLD, name branding visible to the viewer.

[@tombuck]

Nope! Theres a logo on the desk clamp and color matched ones on the joint caps but nothing egregious.

[@Stone1108]

@@tombuck Thanks Tom, encouraging, I am considering starting a channel, just laying the foundations. Btw, i’ve been watching your channel for a while now and enjoying your content more and more, audio, fascinating subject and with a sprinkle Toms humour it’s easier to digest. Your advice and guidance has been invaluable, big thanks.

[@markwiemels]

I just made the upgrade, from the original to the pro. If you use it everyday, like I do, it's 100% worth the upgrade, particularly if you are moving or repositioning the arm regularly. Adjusting the original one was always a bit of a project, and once I got it in position, I had to leave it there. Just wanted to note my experience for others.

[@markwiemels]

It's nice that the original is still an option, and more budget friendly, so it's not bad by any means, just a bit more fiddly to use.

[@tombuck]

Mark! Yes, great point, the more you use it the more the price makes sense. I can attest as a daily user, it does make a world of difference!

[@PreshitDeorukhkar]

Watching videos of all these Elgato products really makes me wish they had an official presence in India.

[@CityPlannerPlays]

Hey Tom! Just wanted to say how much I appreciate the even-handedness of your videos and the depth of review. I purchased this arm as soon as it released - so I would seemingly have little reason to watch a video like this - but I still found myself learning something new. I can always bank on that when I watch your videos. I would have never thought to use my other arms for cameras, but I am going to give that a go! One quick thing I'd mention - I upgraded from the original low profile arm and think it was worth it for the magnets alone. But being able to adjust on the fly has already been a game changer in the 24 hours I've had it at my desk, haha. Also, I had the same experience with cranking the arm a ton to increase the tension. My arm wouldn't support my SM7B out of the box, but after cranking beyond what we comfortable, my arm feels strong enough to hold a small package. Again, thanks for all you do! One of the few channels I watch every video from.

[@tombuck]

Wow thank you so much! I'm glad I could help you get a little more out of the arm even though you already own it. It's definitely the main one I have at my desk now and I'm seriously considering buying another one for my camera 😅

[@LEWITT-audio]

Awesome video and a great demo showcasing the mic arms! 👍👍 Now I also want one, haha.

[@tombuck]

It’s absolutely-lewittly awesome!

[@alanadams2018]

Good morning Tom. I just wanted to take a moment and write you. I’ve watched a lot of your videos in recent times and I’m not one to subscribe to tons of channels. I subscribed today and I’m not saying that for some thanks but I’m saying that to encourage you. You make really great content and you make make it informative and fun! It’s hard work to do what you do and I just wanted to say thanks! Keep up the great work! Thank you!😊👍🏻🙏🏻

[@tombuck]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind words of support and encouragement. Hopefully I can keep making videos that you find helpful/interesting. 🙏

[@tomsoccociojr.5776]

I don't say this lightly, but you are the best reviewer of audio and video products on the internet that I can find. I appreciate you and all you do for the industry. Keep it up😊

[@tombuck]

Thank you so much! Definitely means a lot to hear that!

[@sethclayton7518]

I completely agree! I love when videos come out because I know I don’t have to go research for another review😅❤

[@drtomrountree]

This is exactly what I was looking for this morning. I always love watching your videos because of the colors and your succinct explanations.

[@tombuck]

Really happy to hear that, thank you so much!

[@AudioHotline]

This title is great, the video is great, this arm looks great, and elgato knubbins are cool!

[@tombuck]

You're great.

[@markwiemels]

I nearly messaged you to see if you had your hands on one yet! So happy you made the video.

[@tombuck]

Yes! I’ve had it for a while and used it a lot. Just wanted to out it through its paces before making a video 👍

[@edwinquarcoo]

I like how you actually use the products before making a review. Been waiting since the wave arm lp pro came out for your review and it was worth the wait.

[@tombuck]

Thank you! I definitely like to spend some time with anything before making a video on it.

[@nickglover]

Thanks for this. Everyone else seems content to gush over this arm, but I noticed in the announcement videos that the mic didn't stay level and I'm glad you devoted some time to that here. I don't know if that can be addressed without reworking it entirely, but I do hope they find a way eventually.

[@tombuck]

I’m really not sure why it doesn’t. I figure they HAVE to have thought about it, so there must be a reason, but I can’t figure it out.

[@KempuraChicken]

​@tombuck It's specifically a thing scissor arms are able to do because there are two bars that allow the arm to maintain the same angle. Tube style arms aren't able to replicate that.

[@popkwizcom]

Excellent and engaging video. It inspired me to have another look at my (revised) regular Elgato LP arm. Its upper arm has the holes and magnet parts on top, and thanks to your video, I figured that I could take it apart and flip the upper arm, so now the holes are on the bottom. The magnets are strong enough to keep the plate from falling. Now my cable is routed more neatly. Thank you!

[@tombuck]

Hey that's awesome! Little fixes like that are some of the most satisfying changes to make. Anything that reduces friction or frustration is always nice.

[@popkwizcom]

@@tombuck Yes exactly, it felt very satisfying indeed.

[@Fresheys]

Happy to watch this, I've been through 3 different RMAs with the old Low Profile arm, Luckily the awesome team at Elgato upgraded my RMA for free and I can't wait to get the upgraded arm.

[@tombuck]

Oof, that's a bummer, but glad they took care of you!

[@MagNovax]

Love your review on this! Ordered this to actually use for a camera mount to replace the multi mount I currently use, do thank you fir showing it's capable to hold cameras. The multi mount is nice, but I move the camera angle a ton to get different shots, and loosening and re tightening the mounts over and over again takes so much time. Only having to change one clamp now will save me so much time! Thanks again for the review.

[@tombuck]

Glad it helped! Once I realized how strong it is, the price suddenly made a lot more sense.

[@EposVox]

When will someone launch a Mic Arm Con? I’m tired of all the pros

[@tombuck]

I'd be content to create content about a Mic Arm Con.

[@markhuf]

Thanks Tom, good overview 👍

[@tombuck]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

I already planned to get the elgato low profile pro boom arm in the future and Im glad I waited. I love that its corded in the bottom as my xlr cables loves to hang low

[@UltratecJS]

I ordered this a few minutes before you posted your video, my current arm for my mic is a mess and I can't wait to try this.

[@tombuck]

Hope this one works out for you! I’ve really been enjoying it a lot overall.

[@cheezyjokester]

Thats why I got rid of my original, the plates basically just fell off. I have a Beacn mic are I got recently, BUT I have to really torque down the tension to keep my Shure SM7db from dropping. So I might look into picking one of these up. I wish too the clamp mount had more of a butterfly version to tighten. Thanks for pointing out all the info for this.

[@tombuck]

I'm very shocked at how strong the arm is. I thought it was fine, but then once I unleashed it's full power...dang! I'm not even joking when Isaw it almost flung my a7IV into the wall 😅

[@dwylhq874]

How often do you find yourself adjusting it upward? 💭 We bought the Elgato LP based on your previous review and it's been great. 🛒👍 But don't see the point of changing height of the Mic ...

[@tombuck]

I think it depends on the person/setup. I change mine often since I switch mics a lot, but my wife has the regular LP arm and it literally never moves because she keeps her setup very consistent. 😎

[@dwylhq874]

@@tombuck Cool. In @HeatherRamirez we trust. 😜Thanks as always. 🙏❤

[@GwallahGwallah]

Okay glad I saw this before my final purchase .. good man

[@Nero-here]

You can actually unscrew and screw the lp upside down to have the cable routing on the buttom! I did that and it's great

[@thejoshthat]

The riser makes it be able to go over the top of the RCP2 with the cover

[@leonardboyer7601]

Hi Tom, The Pro looks interesting and as always your videos provide excellent information. Can is Pro arm be used with the Blue Yeti or any other microphones? Thanks in advance.

[@tombuck]

Yep! It comes with all the adapters needed to use it with pretty much any mic.

[@leonardboyer7601]

@@tombuck Thanks Tom, I appreciate it.

[@pengayho]

This is something I wanted. I have the OC White Boom arm in which is over $300 at the time (there was no low profile boom arms at the time). I loved it but it stuck out like a sore thumb because its thick and most of my desk accessories are white. The fact theres' more flexibility with its colors makes me want to look into this product. I have a nasty habit of moving my mic while recording lol, it's a me issue but this would make my life easier.

[@tombuck]

I’ve only heard good things about out OC White arms, but they do look massive!

[@technologyhack99]

Haven't watched yet, but my LP Arm gets delivered today. Good timing Tom!

[@tombuck]

Woo hoo! Hope you enjoy it!

[@technologyhack99]

@@tombuck Great info about camera and prompter! Hadn't really thought about using it in that fashion, but could come in handy. Right now I am using the older rode psa1 for mic and arm is always in shot to the point the camera sometimes focus's on that instead of me! Hoping the LP arm fixes that glitch.

[@KaibillKaan]

looks to be the best low profile arm on the market! the price tho, a bit too high, itll cost an arm and a leg.... still waiting for Rode to design a low profile arm.

[@JayHorsley]

I have the Revised Low Profile Arm. I discovered immediately that the sag issue with my RE 20 was real, and not fully solvable by cranking the knob. I solved it by adding some cardboard shims into the joint and cranking the knob unit it creaked under the strain. My height is now permanently set-no sag-but it is no longer adjustable vertically. It works, I only use one mic, and it swings out of the way horizontally when not in use. Not perfect, but good enough, and I feel no need to replace it with the new, obviously better one.

[@TigroGumi]

It's better ergonomics to run through the bottom as you cable comes from the bottom

[@leonardboyer7601]

Hi Tom, Good morning from the Catskills in NY. Since you are the most friendly and knowledgeable person on KZbin I thought you would be the best person to ask, with your knowledge of the Elgato ecco system. I know I must be missing something, but I'm apparently blind to it. I have (can't have a lot of computer stuff on my home office desk since it is in a corner of my S.O's kitchen). I have the Elgato Stream Deck Plus, and I have a wired head set (which Dragon Pro Legal edition does not work with) so I have the following mics that I think I should be able to control somehow with the Stream Deck Plus, a Rhode Lavalier mic, the Rhode Wireless Pro set, an a Black version of the Blue Yeti. Right now if I want to change mics, I have to go into control panel, change things there and reboot the computer. I don't have a camera that I can connect the receiver unit of the Rhode Wireless Pro to (I have the Elgato Prompter and new Facecam Pro 4K) so I was wondering if there is a way to control and switch between different mics, because it is supposed to control audio and video. I am not using any boom arms for any of this. I wish my S.O. was even 1/2 as understanding as Heather is to you. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my question and help me. I am a Windows person who has to farm out my editing.

[@tombuck]

Hey Leonard! There might be a better way to switch mics with the Stream Deck, but what immediately comes to mind is to add your mics to either Ecamm or OBS and then use the Stream Deck to mute/unmute those mics. You can download specific packs for Ecamm/OBS, add a mute option, and then select which audio source it affects. Hope that helps at least a bit! And as always, thank you for the kind words! 🙏

[@ykhemani]

Looks like a great improvement! I used the Elgato LP arm, but I couldn't get the connection at the mic nubbin to stay when I got the SM7B, so I moved to the BEACN arm, and it's been great. This arm from Elgato looks like it takes some queues from the BEACN (cable at bottom).

[@fidiak]

Nice, thank you

[@Sowah023]

They have a desk top stand too. Much cheaper than Rode but looks similar

[@tombuck]

Yes! I have that and it’s quite nice. I like the Rode but the Elgato is $30 cheaper and has a little more positioning versatility so I think it’s the winner.

[@jonathanramsey]

I did recently purchase a couple of cheaper boom arms for my livestream setup. I rigged it up inside a vintage suitcase from Goodwill, so I can stash it and set up in the living room at will. I’ll probably get the nicer arms in the near future (“Buy it nice, or buy it twice”). Those could be a nice way to set up the camera and key light, too. That would be four arms in the suitcase, if I can manage that

[@tombuck]

That sounds like a really fun setup!

[@StarWarsJay]

Have you seen those high end boom arms with the red/amber/green LED band on it? I can’t remember the name and while I use boom arms, I probably don’t need LEDs on it, but I still want one 😂. That’s a good boom arm you have there though. I might have to dip into the rent this month.

[@tombuck]

I have! They seem pretty cool, and if I were still teaching or working somewhere where groups of people regularly recorded I think I'd definitely get some!

[@StarWarsJay]

@@tombuck I do my stuff on my own and lock the door, so I don’t really need one. Pretty though!

[@johnwarren1]

Great review! This will help me in the future. Have you ever tried the O.C. White ProBoom Ultima mic arm? I'd be interested in your thoughts comparing these two. I have a client that I put a studio together for and I tried to talk them into the Elgato Wave original to save them a few hundred dollars but they wanted the O.C. White because they saw a big time streamer using one. Then they went with really cheap furniture. Oh well, Keep up the awesome work!

[@tombuck]

I've heard nothing but good things about the OC White arms! I haven't tried one though because for some reason they just feel a bit too expensive for me (I know that sounds ridiculous considering the things I HAVE spent money on...), and they look absolutely massive!

[@45KevinR]

2nd go as YT app bombed out my comment. I thought I'd remind everyone that the pneumatic function was the feature you really liked on the Neewer low profile arm when you did a comparison test of arms a while ago. So thats a useful product & review for people to compare this new one to. I've been eyeing the Neewer vs normal Elgato in the UK as discounts come & go. I assume the traditional overhead arms contain the double bar like on a cheap anglepoise arm or lamp. Having two parallel bars provides the geometry to keep the head alignment. That may be hard to combine with the sprung mechanism.

[@45KevinR]

It's really hard to find a diagram, but the aligned motion you want is like the blue and green arms in the video below which describes bus windscreen wipers. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3mVopJ4qbRpobssi=m8DvU26K1nYhAiYo

[@tombuck]

Yeah, there are A LOT of similarities between this and the Neewer, but the Elgato build quality is significantly better. $100 better? I’m not sure, but I do prefer it.

[@binaryfire]

Is the PSA1+ still better in terms of overall quality / sturdiness? I'm not worried about the low-profile thing - I just want something with the lowest chance of mic droop or breakage in the future.

[@tombuck]

The arm of the Pro is ridiculously strong, but the Rode's actually mic mount, while less convenient, is probably a bit more sturdy.

[@GamerTigerBonsu]

actually, this looks like an amazing piece of gear. I’ve always want to get an Elgato product, this might be the one. Thanks for reviewing and giving an insight.

[@soaringje9]

I'll buy this when Elgato fixes that one thing. I have faith they will. Thanks for the review!

[@stubbyninja_]

5:46 The stubby way is the best way

[@Farhan-l4g6o]

Can you do a video on EQ (maybe on OBS)? I got the Shure MV7+ and it's amazing with the Motiv Mix app, but I feel like the options are limited.

[@tombuck]

Interesting idea! I've mostly used mine with the Rodecaster on the SM7B preset, but I'd actually be interested to learn more about how OBS' eq works.

[@Farhan-l4g6o]

@@tombuck Ooo highly recommend it! Massive new wave of Shure/OBS users :)

[@itsstrez]

I'm DYING to get my hands on this LP boom arm. My current setup takes so much fiddling with when I'm setting up for a video or for going live. I NEED IT @elgato hmu!

[@judawork]

I'm about 85% sure that the proprietary nubbin isn't as proprietary as you think. It looks like it should be compatible with PanaVise ball clamps as well. Potentially meaning that you could use a PanaVise plate mount or ipad mount directly onto your LP arm.

[@JoshRazauskas]

Hey Tom. I have cerebral palsy and I’m wheelchair bound so I’m thinking about picking one of these up because I really wanna be a creator myself, but I’ve never had anything but a WebCam because I don’t know the right actual camera to get because in my condition I would have to have it function as a WebCam and just leave it on all the time rather than being able to take the memory card in and out of them and I always hear there’s a danger of them overheating if you do that. Would you have any recommendations in this case? I’m definitely probably still going to get one of these for a microphone at least even if I have to stick with using a WebCam.

[@tombuck]

Hey Josh! I'm so excited that you want to dive into the world of creating. Based on the info you shared, I think there are a few options: 1. If you want the look of a mirrorless camera, something like the Sony ZV-E10 could be a good choice. I'm currently working on a video about it, because even though it's not the newest, it's a very solid performer. There has been talk about overheating, but I haven't personally had that issue, especially if the screen is left open. As for memory card stuff, if you're running the camera through a capture card, you can record directly into your computer, so that way you never have to worry about it. You could even use a dummy battery for the camera and connect the power to a remote control power switch (kind of like this geni.us/j9xX ) and that way once the camera is set up, you basically never need to physically touch it again. 2. The simple route of course is to go with a webcam. You won't get quite the same look as a mirrorless camera, but there are some really nice webcams out there that can definitely get the job done without needing to every worry about peripherals or other accessories. Hope that helps! Feel free to shoot me an email [e-mail] if you get stuck with your setup 👍

[@JoshRazauskas]

@@tombuck Thanks so much for the advice Tom! I really appreciate it! I just sent you one to say thank you again for your advice and to give you a little bit of backstory on me and how helpful you have been already!

[@ItsRyukin]

Overhead Camera Clamp, Lol. 😅 A low profile boom arm does it all!

[@megajonson9075]

I understand that they have strengthened the magnets already in the previous update but even further as the lid is now underneath the arm. Wouldn't this risk interference to the audio signal in the XLR cable?

[@tombuck]

I could be wrong, but I don't think it makes any difference.

[@Pumpyaa]

I was really looking to buy the pro but im actually wondering how much often you’ll gonna need a new gas spring for it as it will lose its gas naturally, like you don’t even need to do anything for it to happen. If you are the type of person that adjusts the mic too often then that period of replacement of a new arm entirely or gas spring much often…

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke! ☕️

[@jeremyhubbell]

Hope you didn't break that tensioner. Expect a call from Elgato engineering. 🤣

[@tombuck]

I don't think I broke it (hopefully 🤞), I think it was just new and since I'm not used to pneumatic arms I didn't realize how much pressure was needed to get it going. It was kind of shocking though, haha

[@HalStaniloff]

Can you do a video on the new virtual channels in the Rodecaster Duo firmware? Please show us how you split the application sound output over USB-C channels. I don't see a way to do it without using Loopback to create a virtual device for the sound output of an app and assign the Rode virtual channel to the monitor of the virtual device. Total kludge.

[@tombuck]

Definitely planning to! Was waiting for them to add more Mac support, which it looks like has happened!

[@HalStaniloff]

@@tombuckAwesome! Looking forward to it. Thanks! 😊👍🏼✨

[@JeremySeanA]

I’m interested in the Sennheiser Profile but am curious if I should buy the streaming kit with Sennheiser’s arm or would it be better to just buy the mic and pair it with the Elgato Low arm? How does the quality compare?

[@tombuck]

The Sennheiser arm is nice if you want something very compact, but the Elgato is much more sturdy and robust.

[@JeremySeanA]

@@tombuck thanks so much. Love your channel!

[@solodolo6291]

Can it handle the weight of Rodecaster pro 2, someone let me know please ?!!

[@tombuck]

Absolutely! It almost flung my a7IV into the wall 😅

[@solodolo6291]

@@tombuck I appreciate the reply, even on a two week old video broskavich

[@jonathanramsey]

6:36 “Brian, for example, has thirty seven pieces of flair, okay. And a terrific smile.”

[@IamEQUIX]

How to differentiate between one model and another when purchasing? That difference does not appear on the Elgato website.

[@tombuck]

The Pro is called the Pro and has a $179 MSRP, so that's the easy way to find it. As for the different revisions of the original, they no longer make the "original" versions, so any that are ordered now are the most updated design.

[@IamEQUIX]

@@tombuck Nice news bro... THX!!!

[@GilbertTV]

great review , I trust what you say

[@tombuck]

That means a lot 🙏

[@JasonTaylor-po5xc]

I got the LP arm hoping I could use it but it won't work well for my RE20 or even the Shure SM7B - they are just too heavy to stay put. I have a CAD100E that I'm using on it now and that seems to be ok. However, I would _love_ a solid LP arm that could support the weight of the beefer mics.

[@tombuck]

This will easily hold those once you crank the pneumatic part to have more tension.

[@luke_1234]

When elgato sent you the arm was it for keeps or a trial period?

[@tombuck]

It was to keep. But I didn't ask for it and am not required to make a video/say anything specific.

[@claywalsh6853]

Hi Tom Thank you for the in-depth review. Can the second section of the arm drop down into a negative gradient... go downhill, which would put the mic below the desktop ?? I need this to align mic with the soundhole of an acoustic guitar. I would very much appreciate your advice. Regards from "DownUnder"

[@tombuck]

Yes, you can position the pneumatic section down under 😁

[@claywalsh6853]

@@tombuck Thanks Tom. 😜

[@paulengle5784]

This looks sturdier and more adjustable than the Rode PS1/PS1+ arms.

[@IJayJayI]

Can I know your 90 degree xle adapter. I see the XLR cable Link just not the 90 degree adapter . Thanks !

[@tombuck]

These are the ones I use: geni.us/WUf8pz They've held up for quite a few years and don't have any impact on audio quality.

[@IJayJayI]

@@tombuck thank you sir!

[@FharishAhmedPortfolio]

Somebody needs to install hydraulics to the old skool chunky ones 😁

[@Claxxiq]

I like Elgato and their aesthetics but they can be a bit overpriced at times, i went with the fifine low profile arm for the studio and it’s amazing

[@tombuck]

Fifine makes some really nice stuff!

[@NithilanDhandapani]

Ha I am the first one to comment 🤩✨🕺🏻

[@Thomas-z3p6b]

Hey, great video. Thanks. Since you also tested the Rode PodMic a while ago, have you tried the Podmic on the Wave Pro? Is it strong enough, since the (XLR) Podmic is really heavy? Thanks

[@tombuck]

Yes, the Wave Pro is ridiculously strong! Much mores than it probably needs to be, but that's a good thing for sure.

[@bigman8733]

$180 is the only bad thing I can think of for this boom arm. The competition is all in the 100-130 price range so I don’t get why they had to make such a huge jump

[@tombuck]

I think it's the strength of the gas pneumatic part- it's insanely strong.

[@bigman8733]

@@tombuck I know the gas spring is a new thing that the other ones don’t have, I still feel like they could’ve priced this at $150 and that would’ve made more sense. I’m sure it’ll sell like crazy and hypocritically I might get one in the future too lol. Great review!

[@-Cristian420]

Can u please let us know what xlp mic cables u use? i like the colors and the 90 degree conector. thank you

[@tombuck]

I really like Rode's XLR cables: geni.us/bluexlr The adapter is a separate thing here: geni.us/WUf8pz

[@-Cristian420]

@@tombuck Thank u so much! i didn't realised u using adapters

[@404fernandez]

😀

[@UnitedcPlugin]

Ridiculously Strong Upgrade and Ridiculously expensive! $300 bucks!?

[@tombuck]

$179

[@AJTrucker]

$180? F no!

[@czerskip]

Using custom mounts is beyond disgusting. Boycott elgato.

[@tomaszgens]

In general - I agree. In this case - not so much. Elgato has a really high quality mounting clamps and they provide you with mounting screw for your mic. In the same time, because of their ball joints, this arm is compatible with other Elgato products so to me - it's a win-win situation.

[@czerskip]

@@tomaszgens As I mentioned in another comment, the original low profile arm can't even properly support itself, so no, their clamps are miserable.

[@tomaszgens]

@@czerskip I use those clamps on Key Light and Flex Arm and have no issues since I purchased them. Maybe yours have some kind of a defect?

[@hey_im_him]

Do you homie. Their mounts don’t bother me. In fact, I prefer it 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@帝釋古佛因陀羅]

這個PRO型號太貴了179usd？？？

[@john-lenin]

Why don't they just design mic arms with counterweights?