Luling Arts Microphone Boom Stand Review
As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon links are affiliate links that support the site.
The easiest way to improve your microphone’s audio quality is by adjusting its placement When positioned too far or angled improperly, your audio will sound distant, tinny, and lose its bass. When the mic is closer, however, it is easy to blow too hard into it and cause popping and distortion.
Boom stands, such as this one from Luling Arts, solve this issue by allowing you to place the mic wherever you need and hold it steady to ensure you get the best sound. The pop filter included is designed to stop plosives. It is compatible with most microphones including the popular Blue Yeti. But is it worth the price? Let’s find out.
-Price
-What's in the box
-Setup
-Build quality
-Performance
-Verdict
Price
At the time of writing, the Luling Arts Mic Stand is about $26 (Amazon). The link will include updated pricing.
What's in the box
-desk clamp
-boom Arm with threaded end
-nylon fabric pop filter
-5/8'' male to 3/8'' female adapter
-microphone clip
-shock mount
-3 cable ties
-instructions sheet
5/8 to 3/8 inch adapter
Setup
Setup took me 3-5 minutes and a small instructions sheet is included in the box. Even though I lost the instructions after the first day, I was still able to figure out how to swap out the different parts (shock mount, microphone clip) because of how intuitive it was.
The 5/8" to 3/8" adapter will fit most microphones. It fit both the Blue Yeti and Fifine K669B that I tested. For mics that do not connect with a screw, there's a clip and a shock mount. The Blue Yeti does NOT fit in the shock mount, but does connect directly to the adapter.
Build Quality
The Luling Arts Microphone Boom Stand is made of mostly metal, but it is thin and the inside is hollow. It shouldn’t be be taking a lot of bumps though, so the mediocre sturdiness shouldn't be a problem in day to day use. The pop filter prevents puffs of air from distorting your sound, and I demonstrate that in my video review at the top.
One nitpick, though. While the double layered mesh is good design, the actual wire of the pop filter does not hold its shape when bent as much as I want. So it just kind of droops down unless it's placed exactly right. Once you find the perfect angle for it, it works well. Actually getting to that point for the first time - or rediscovering that sweet spot after replacing the mic or mic attachments - is annoying.
Performance
In real world use, this boom stand is excellent. The desk mount holds snug and the padding prevents any scuffing to the surface it's on. The arm drops into the desk clamp and can be tightened with a knob on the side. It allows for a full 360 degree rotation and movement away and towards the subject.
The arm's springs hold it in place and allow it to be set to up to almost a complete 180 degree straight line and any angles you'd need up to that. It holds its shape with no wobble and has a maximum arm length of 29 inches. If you're using a mouse and keyboard while using the mic (perhaps while streaming or on a Zoom call), the shock mount will prevent small bumps on your desk from negatively affecting the sound.
Shock mount for mics with no threaded hole (or to reduce vibration)
Verdict
I recommend the Luling Arts Boom Stand. It's inexpensive, but it does exactly what it needs to do which is hold your microphone steady at the perfect angle. The included pop filter and shock mount work as intended, and the only real weakness is the pop filter wire. Otherwise, great buy. The two microphones I've been using most on this are the Fifine K669B and Blue Yeti which I have reviewed and compared here.
