How to Set Up a Mic Arm
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through the Amazon links on this page costs you nothing extra. Full disclosure
To set up a mic arm, clamp it to the edge of your desk, mount the microphone on the thread adapter, and adjust the arm so the mic sits in front of your mouth. A low profile arm sits below the shoulder line. Check the desk thickness and the mic weight against the arm's limits first.
Clamp the arm to your desk
Start by clamping the arm to the edge of your desk where the mic will sit. The FIFINE clamp fits a desktop 0.8 to 2.4 inches thick, the Rode clamp fits desks up to 70mm thick, and the InnoGear clamp fits desks up to 2 inches thick. Tighten the clamp until the arm does not move, and keep the arm clear of the monitor so it can swing.
Mount the microphone on the arm
Screw the microphone onto the thread adapter at the end of the arm. The FIFINE arm ships with 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch and 3/8 inch to 5/8 inch adapters on the rotatable ball-head, and the Elgato arm ships with 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch and 1/4 inch to 5/8 inch adaptors. The Rode arm fits 3/8 inch and 5/8 inch mic mounts, and the InnoGear arm has a 5/8 inch metal connector. Check the thread size on your microphone before you buy.
Adjust the reach and the angle
Swing the arm into place and set the height so the microphone sits in front of your mouth. The FIFINE arm extends to 29 inches and adjusts 220 degrees up and down and 360 degrees horizontally. The Elgato arm reaches 29.1 inches with 360-degree horizontal and 90-degree upper vertical rotation. The InnoGear arm reaches 32.3 inches horizontally and 37.4 inches vertically, with a 6.3 inch extension riser in the box.
Run the cable through the channels
Run the microphone cable through the cable channels on the arm so it does not hang loose or snag. The FIFINE arm has built-in cable management, the Elgato arm has magnetic cable channels with covers, the Rode arm has internal cable management, and the InnoGear arm has built-in channels with rubber cable covers. Keep the cable slack near the mic so the arm can move.
Check the weight limit before you mount
Check the weight of your microphone and shock mount against the arm's limit before you mount it. The FIFINE arm lists a maximum weight recommendation of 1.5 kg, the Elgato arm lists 2 kg, the Rode arm holds microphones from 0.25 kg to 1.2 kg including shock mounts, and the InnoGear arm lists a maximum load of 3.5 pounds. Weigh the microphone and the shock mount together before you mount them.
What you need
FIFINE BM88W Low Profile Mic Boom Arm
A low profile metal arm that extends to 29 inches, adjusts 220 degrees up and down and 360 degrees horizontally, with built-in cable management and a 1 year warranty.
- Cable management
- Low profile
- Desk clamp
- 1 year warranty stated
Elgato Wave Mic Arm Low Profile Microphone
A low profile all-metal arm with a 29.1 inch reach, 360-degree horizontal rotation and magnetic cable channels, backed by a 2-year warranty.
- Cable management
- Low profile
- 2-year warranty stated
Rode RØDE PSA1+ Professional Studio Boom Arm
A studio arm with internal spring damping, 360 degree rotation and internal cable management that holds microphones from 0.25 kg to 1.2 kg.
- Cable management
- Desk clamp
- 2-year warranty stated
InnoGear Mic Arm Microphone Boom Arm Cable
An alloy steel arm with a 32.3 inch horizontal reach, a 6.3 inch extension riser and built-in cable channels, rated for a 3.5 pound load.
- Cable management
- Desk clamp
- 12-month warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Mic Arm, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What desk thickness fits a mic arm clamp?
It depends on the arm. The FIFINE clamp fits a desktop 0.8 to 2.4 inches thick, the Rode clamp fits desks up to 70mm thick, and the InnoGear clamp fits desks up to 2 inches thick. Measure your desk before you buy.
Do mic arms include the microphone?
No. The microphone is not included with the FIFINE arm. Each arm ships with a desk clamp, and the FIFINE, Elgato and Rode arms include thread adapters.
How far can a mic arm reach?
It depends on the arm. The FIFINE arm extends to 29 inches, the Elgato arm reaches 29.1 inches, and the InnoGear arm reaches 32.3 inches horizontally and 37.4 inches vertically. Check the reach in the specs before you buy.
Ranked mic boom arms lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.