Recently started using a AT8700 mic boom with my AT2020USB+ microphone:
One thing you notice with the professional podcasters is that they all have the mic very close to their mouth, and the way you get it there is with a boom.
The AT8700 seems very sturdy and can support quite a bit of weight. The downside is the boom is very stiff to move. I’ve found it helps if you grab the lower arm of the boom with one hand, and the mic with the other hand when you move it, instead of trying to move it only from the mic end. With this technique, it is quite easy to adjust.
An additional benefit is that even without a shock mount, the boom isolates the mic from vibrations and noise on the desk pretty well. I probably won’t bother with the shock mount going forward.
I really like the mic on a boom – it is super fast to swing into place, and is well out of the way when I don’t need it. It is also easy to type underneath it and still see my entire screen.
The biggest benefit is that the audio sounds much better, and the volume is high enough that I don’t have to do any postprocessing. That is where we need to be – record high-quality and publish. Anything else is too much friction.
Even if you are not a podcaster or youtuber, a good mic setup can benefit the average developer:
- You sound better on video calls, a courtesy to your listeners, but also makes you more effective.
- You can record quality demos and screencasts to better collaborate with your team.
- It is super fast to use as it is already set up – low friction.