Back in the 50s, 60s, 70s and even the 80s, it was impossible almost to hide the fact you were using a mic. This was before the days of wireless mics being freely available, and unless you had a boom and boom operator, there was no escaping it, especially for solo performers or those creating one-person shows of dialogue only. You either had the mic hand held or on a mic stand.
The advent of the wireless mic, especially the lavaliere version put paid to that issue, and particularly the newer models from Sennheiser, Hollyland, DJI and of course RØDE which are now very affordable.
So, it amazes me that so many podcaster / vloggers stick with the standard boom arm and mic front and centre when it simply not necessary. (If you are recording for later playback, headphones are also not necessary by the way and studio monitors do a better job).
But OK, if you insist on using a specific mic for whatever reason , that needs a boom, and you’d like it to stay out of sigfht, there is anow a solution.
I am guessing RØDE may have done some research on this too as today it announced the LPA-1, a new professional low profile studio arm.
Describing it as stylish, compact and in a low-profile form, the LPA1 sits neatly below the camera’s line of sight, keeping the frame clear and the microphone close to the source. This makes it well suited to video podcasting, live streaming and on-camera content, where the equipment should support the creator rather than compete.
A 2kg payload capacity makes the LPA1 RØDE’s highest-capacity studio arm, supporting a wide range of end-address and side-address microphones, from broadcast-grade dynamic microphones like RØDE’s PodMic, PodMic USB, Procaster and Broadcaster to large-diaphragm condensers such as the NT1 range. Its all-metal construction delivers a solid, premium feel, while providing the strength needed to support heavier professional microphones and studio equipment.
A horizontal reach of 750mm and wide vertical adjustment of 90° up and 60° down, combined with 360-degree arm articulation and an integrated ball-mount design, allow for precise positioning at virtually any angle, above or below desk level.
Integrated cable management keeps XLR and USB cables neatly routed along the arm and out of sight, reducing desk clutter for a cleaner workspace. The LPA1 mounts effortlessly to desks up to 70mm thick with the included clamp and a universal thread compatibility across 1/4″, 3/8″ and 5/8″ mounts ensures broad compatibility across microphones, cameras, lights and accessories, providing everything needed to mount mics and creator equipment straight out of the box.
TheLPA1 is available now in black for US$139 and shipping worldwide, with a white edition coming soon. To learn more, visit https://rode.com/products/lpa1