Blue Microphones Compass Premium Tube-Style Broadcast Boom Arm

Tough Product

I originally purchased the Rode PSA1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm in 2012 and used it with my Blue Yeti microphone. It was very reliable. Earlier this year I was looking for a new boom arm and saw this and decided to try it out. Here is my comparison of both products. I am using the Blue shock mount and a pop filter in addition to my Blue Yeti microphone.

Installation
Installation for both products is very easy and quick in that you just clamp it to the edge of your desk. Between the two I would judge the base of the Blue boom arm to sturdier than the Rode. You screw in the shock mount on end of the boom arm, screw in the Blue Yeti into the shock mount and the clamp the pop filter to edge of the shock mount and twist it until it is in front of the microphone. I was able to attach the Rode boom arm to the back side of my desk so it will be out of the way when not in use. I was not able to do that with the Blue boom arm because I just could not get it to adjust to being in the right position when recording so I had to attach it to the side of my desk. This means it will get in my way when not in use as I move things around on my desk.
Overall for installation Rode wins because it is not in the way when not in use.

Adjusting Placement
For Rode, you just grab it and move it where you need to have the mic placed for recording. Once you get it placed you have to let go and hope that it does not automatically start to retract due to the weight. Sometimes I have to position it, wait for it to rise, reposition it and wait for it to rise and reposition it until eventually, it stays in place. For Blue boom arm, it has three joints that you can rotate to move the mic into position. They all have a knob that you twist to loosen for it to move and when you have mic positioned then you twist it to lock it in place. Adjusting these knobs can be a challenge. But once you have the mic in place it will not move. I do 4 hours of podcast recording every Sunday and it stays in place the whole time.
Overall for quickly positioning the Rode wins but you have to fidget with it. If you want the positioning to be permanent and stay there then the Blue wins by a wide margin.

Cable Organization
The Rode boom arm comes with some velcro straps that you can use to gather cables and then put the velcro strap over the boom arm. You get two straps to attach the cable on both halves of the boom arm. Blue, on the other hand, includes a slot built into the boom itself for the cables. Since it is built into the boom itself the cables are completely hidden from view. If you are on air when recording this is an extremely nice feature because the cables do not distract from your image on the screen. For Rode, the cables are very visible on the screen.
Overall Blue wins this hands down

Overall User Experience
I had my original Rode boom arm for 5 years. Eventually, it got to the point where it sagged from the weight and I had to purchase a second one in 2017. I have had the Blue arm for less than half a year. I was satisfied with the Rode arm so much that when I needed to replace it I purchased it again and didn’t even bother comparing any other product. When I started a new podcast as well as recording training videos I decided to get a new setup so it was consistent in color. (My original Blue yeti mic was silver and shockmount was black). I got a new black Yeti mic, black shock mount and realized they made a boom stand. After reading the reviews I decided to invest in it. I have been beyond pleased with this setup compared to the Rode. Knowing everything that I know now if I had to start over again I would purchase the Blue boom arm over the Rode hands down.

Littarly all I have to say, great

It is a highly impractical design.
Too much work to adjust it.
Better go for Rode PSA1

Guys note that the bolts need to be tightened too much. The one I purchased had an issue in the upper arm so I’m gonna return it.
The mounting screw will definitely damage (puncture) your wooden table.
As advertised, it can handle heavy microphones.

Pros:
– Great build quality
– Provides a stable and sturdy boom arm for microphones
– Suitable for professional broadcast and recording setups

Cons:
– Design requires attaching the microphone upside down
– Perception of paying more for the brand name
– Cheaper alternatives offer comparable functionality

Summary:
The boom arm offers excellent build quality and stability, making it a suitable choice for professional broadcast and recording setups. However, there are some design limitations and cost considerations that may impact its overall appeal.

One of the advantages of this boom arm is its superior build quality. It provides a stable and sturdy support for microphones, ensuring minimal vibrations and improved recording quality. The durable construction enhances longevity, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.

However, a drawback is the design requirement of attaching the microphone upside down. This arrangement may be inconvenient and counterintuitive for some users, especially when using specific microphone models like the Baby Bottle Spark SL. It can lead to difficulties in positioning the microphone and may affect the user experience.

Additionally, some users may feel that they are paying more for the brand name with the Blue Microphones Compass boom arm. While the brand is renowned for its quality, there are cheaper alternatives available on the market that offer comparable functionality and performance.

In summary, the boom arm provides excellent build quality and stability. However, the design limitation of attaching the microphone upside down may be a significant concern for some users. Furthermore, the perception of paying more for the brand name may make the boom arm less appealing, especially considering the availability of cheaper alternatives that offer similar functionality.

TL;DR:
The boom arm offers great build quality and stability for professional broadcast and recording setups. However, the design requiring the microphone to be attached upside down may be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, the perception of paying more for the brand name may make it less appealing, especially considering the availability of cheaper alternatives that offer similar functionality.