Samson MBA26 26-inch Articulating Microphone Boom Arm with 360 Degree Desk C-Clamp
The MBA26 is a 26-inch articulating microphone boom arm with a desk clamp, aimed at podcasters, streamers, content creators and radio broadcasters who want the microphone in front of them and the stand out of the way.
- 26 inches of reach: the articulating design provides a total arm reach of 26 inches, enough to bring a microphone across a desk and up to mouth height.
- Up to five pounds: accommodates any microphone weighing up to five pounds, which covers most large diaphragm condensers and broadcast dynamics with a shockmount fitted.
- Quick release friction hinges: the hinges hold the stand at the desired angle and allow easy and silent positioning, so moving the microphone mid-session does not end up on the recording.
- Durable aluminium construction: light enough to swing out of the way, solid enough to stay where it is put.
- 360 degree C-clamp: the included C-clamp mount attaches to a table or desk and swivels a full 360 degrees.
Samson lists the MBA26 for working from home, content creation, audio for video and education. On a standard desk with the microphone coming in over a screen or from the side, 26 inches is usually the right length.
The Samson MBA26 is a 26-inch microphone boom arm with a desk clamp. It solves a small problem that has an outsized effect on recordings. A desk stand puts the microphone too low and too close to a hard surface, and a floor stand takes up room most desks do not have. A boom arm brings the capsule up to mouth height, holds it there, and folds back out of the way when the session is over.
Reach and load
The durable aluminium construction and articulating design provide a total arm reach of 26 inches while accommodating any microphone weighing up to five pounds. That weight allowance is the number worth checking before buying anything, because it has to cover the microphone plus a shockmount and often a pop filter as well. Five pounds is generous for a desktop arm and takes in most large diaphragm condensers and broadcast dynamics.
Silent positioning
Quick release friction hinges hold the stand at the desired angle and allow for easy and silent positioning to achieve optimal mic placement. Silent is the operative word there. An arm that creaks or clunks when it moves puts that noise straight into a live stream or a take, and the friction hinge design is what keeps repositioning quiet.
Mounting to the desk
The MBA26 attaches to a table or desk with the included C-clamp mount, which can swivel 360 degrees. That means the arm can be parked on either side of the desk and swung across to whichever seat is being used, which is useful for a two-person podcast setup or a desk that gets rearranged.
Is 26 inches the right reach
The MBA26 gives 26 inches of reach, which suits a standard desk where the microphone comes over a monitor or in from the side. Measure from the point where the clamp will sit to where your head will be before choosing a length, because that distance, and not the size of the desk, is what the arm has to cover.