At a glance
| Accessory Type | Spring-loaded boom arm |
|---|---|
| Works With | Microphones 700 g to 1.1 kg with mount |
- Model PSA1
- Released 2011
RodeLast updated on November 2026
Rode PSA1 Review
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On this page
Overview
The Rode PSA1 is a spring-loaded studio boom arm with 820 mm of horizontal reach, 840 mm of vertical reach, 360 degree rotation and support for microphones weighing 700 g to 1.1 kg.
- Long reach for flexible positioning
- Desk clamp and permanent insert included
- Rotates 360 degrees
- Proven, durable design
Key Takeaways
- Fits desks up to 55 mm with the clamp
- Desk insert fits up to 70 mm
- Standard 3/8 inch mic thread
Best For
- Podcasters
- Broadcast mics
- Home studios
Avoid If
- Your mic weighs under 700 g
- You want a low-profile arm
Pros & Cons
The PSA1 remains a dependable boom arm for heavier microphones. Reach and stability are excellent, but light mics and quiet recording setups suit newer, damped arms better.
PROS
- Long reach for flexible positioning
- Desk clamp and permanent insert included
- Rotates 360 degrees
- Proven, durable design
CONS
- Too strong for very light mics
- Exposed springs can twang on recordings
- Cable management is basic
Review Scores
Score Breakdown
7.8/10 Expert Score
- Primary Output Performance7.3/10
- Build & Desk Ergonomics8.3/10
- Universal Compatibility7.6/10
- Setup & Installation9.0/10
How this score is calculated
Each criterion is the weighted average of its available spec scores (0–10) from our Accessories scoring matrix. Empty specs are skipped, not scored as 0. The Expert Score is the weighted average of the scored criteria, shown out of 10; stars = Expert Score / 20, rounded to the nearest half star. Not scored for this product (it doesn't apply, or the published specs don't cover it): Software Suite & Automation. Its weight is shared by the other criteria.
| Criterion | Weight | From specs | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Output PerformanceAccessory Type (Lighting, Mounts & Stands, Docks & Hubs, Capture, Backdrops, Other): Spring-loaded boom arm → 7.0; Max Load: 1.1 kg → 5.3; Mount Type: Desk clamp or desk insert → 9.0; Tilt / Swivel: Yes → 10.0; Key Features: 820 mm horizontal reach → 6.5; Materials: Steel → 8.0 | 47% | 7.3 | 7.3 |
| Build & Desk ErgonomicsMaterials: Steel → 8.5; Mount Type: Desk clamp or desk insert → 8.0 | 24% | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Software Suite & Automation | — | No software expected for this accessory type | N/A |
| Universal CompatibilityMount Thread: 3/8 inch (5/8 inch adapter) → 8.0; Compatible Devices: Microphones 700 g to 1.1 kg with mount → 7.0 | 18% | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| Setup & InstallationTool-Free Setup: Yes → 10.0; In the Box: Arm, desk clamp, desk insert → 9.0; Mount Type: Desk clamp or desk insert → 7.0 | 12% | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Expert Score | 7.8/10 | ||
Rode PSA1 Review
Rode has sold the PSA1 for more than a decade, and it became a familiar sight in radio studios and on streaming desks. In 2022 Rode added the PSA1+ with internal damping, but the original remains a cheaper choice for heavier mics.
Primary Output Performance 7.3/10
Horizontal reach is 820 mm and vertical reach is 840 mm, which is generous for this kind of arm. That puts the mic about a hand width from your mouth at most desks.
Closer positioning matters for meeting audio, because the inverse square law means the voice gains level while room noise does not. The proximity effect also adds warmth with directional mics.
The arm swings out of the camera frame easily, so you can keep the mic close for audio and still show a clean shot on video.
- Type Spring-loaded boom arm
- Max Load 1.1 kg
- Mount Desk clamp or desk insert
- Tilt Yes
Build & Desk Ergonomics 8.3/10
The arm is steel with exposed springs, and it supports a microphone plus mount weighing 700 g to 1.1 kg. Joints are firm and the base swivels a full 360 degrees.
With a mic in that weight range the arm stays where you leave it, even when you push it aside between calls. It feels sturdy on a desk used for hours every day.
The exposed springs can transmit a metallic ring if you bump the arm while recording. A shock mount helps, and the PSA1+ fixes it with internal damping.
- Materials Steel
- Mount Desk clamp or desk insert
Universal Compatibility 7.6/10
The arm uses a standard 3/8 inch thread, with a 5/8 inch adapter for many broadcast mics. It suits heavier mics such as the Shure MV7+ and Rode’s own PodMic.
Light microphones under 700 g cause the arm to spring upward unless you add weight or tighten the joints hard. That makes it a poor match for small USB mics such as the Rode NT-USB Mini.
For lighter mics, the Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP offers better balance and a lower profile.
- Thread 3/8 inch (5/8 inch adapter)
- Devices Microphones 700 g to 1.1 kg…
Setup & Installation 9.0/10
Rode includes a desk clamp for tops up to 55 mm thick, plus a desk insert for a permanent install in surfaces up to 70 mm thick. Assembly takes a few minutes with no tools.
The clamp holds tightly on solid wood and thick laminate desks. On thin or hollow desks, use a reinforcing plate so the clamp does not crush the surface over time.
Cable clips run along the arm, though the cable stays visible. Velcro ties give a neater look for desks that appear on camera.
- Tool-Free Yes
- In Box Arm, desk clamp, desk insert
- Mount Desk clamp or desk insert
Value
The PSA1 typically sells for less than many damped arms, and Rode backs it with a solid warranty. Spare parts and mounts are easy to find.
For heavier microphones it offers excellent reach and durability for the price. The design has barely changed because it works for the job it was designed to do.
If your budget allows, the PSA1+ adds quieter movement and better cable handling. For most meeting setups, the original is still a sensible, long-lasting pick.
Full Specifications
General
| Best For | Desk microphones for calls and podcasts |
|---|---|
| Accessory Type (Lighting, Mounts & Stands, Docks & Hubs, Capture, Backdrops, Other) | Spring-loaded boom arm |
| Release Year | 2011 |
| Launch Price | $99 |
| Use Case | Desk microphone positioning |
Compatibility
| Works With | Microphones 700 g to 1.1 kg with mount |
|---|---|
| Compatible Devices | Microphones 700 g to 1.1 kg with mount |
| Screen / Device Size | 700 g to 1.1 kg |
| Max Load | 1.1 kg |
Features
| Key Features | 820 mm horizontal reach, 840 mm vertical reach, 360° rotation |
|---|---|
| Adjustable | Yes |
| Tilt / Swivel | Yes |
| Mount Type | Desk clamp or desk insert |
Design & Build
| Materials | Steel |
|---|---|
| Tool-Free Setup | Yes |
| Mount Thread | 3/8 inch (5/8 inch adapter) |
| Cable Management | Cable clips |
In the Box
| In the Box | Arm, desk clamp, desk insert |
|---|
Identifiers
| Model Number | PSA1 |
|---|
Product Details
| Brand | Rode |
|---|---|
| Model | PSA1 |
| Model number | PSA1 |
| Release year | 2011 |
Price Comparison
| Store | Price | Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Rode.comOfficial Rode store | Launch price $99 | View deal (opens in a new tab) |
The Verdict
I’d pick the PSA1 for a heavy broadcast mic on a solid desk. With a light USB mic, choose the Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP instead.
FAQs
How far does the PSA1 reach?
820 mm horizontally and 840 mm vertically.
What microphone weight does it support?
700 g to 1.1 kg including the mount.
How thick a desk does the clamp fit?
Up to 55 mm.
Is a permanent mount included?
Yes, a desk insert for desks up to 70 mm thick.
Does it rotate?
Yes, 360 degrees.
What thread does it use?
3/8 inch, with a 5/8 inch adapter.
Is it good for light USB mics?
Not really. Mics under 700 g may make it spring upward.
What is the difference from the PSA1+?
The PSA1+ adds internal damping and better cable management.
