JOBY Wavo Boom Arm Review
We’re taking a closer look at the features and performance of the JOBY Wavo Boom Arm to help you decide if it's the right choice for your audio recording needs. We are looking at its build quality, ease of use, overall value, as well as its compatibility with different microphones and setups. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out in the world of audio recording, read on to find out more about the JOBY Wavo Boom Arm.
Design
At its core the JOBY Wavo Boom Arm is a simple device that allows you to position your microphone or other mountable devices exactly where you need them. The arm itself is made from high-quality metal finished in matte black, and the cable is concealed by plastic slide-on strips, resulting in a clean appearance that also reduces the risk of damage, making it easy to move the arm around as needed. One of the key benefits of the JOBY Wavo Boom Arm is its compatibility with a wide range of microphones thanks to its 1/4"-20 mounting screw. This means it can accommodate almost every microphone brand and model, including Shure, Rode and Blue. Of course, you can also configure this to be used for photography and videography with cameras, but importantly they need to weigh less than 1kg as that's the maximum payload before you'll start seeing the arm sag. However, this does mean it can withstand the weight of most microphones, so it's fairly easy to integrate this arm with your existing microphone setup or upgrade to a new microphone without having to replace the entire arm.
Setup
One of the standout features of the JOBY Wavo Boom Arm is its ease of setup and placement. Rubber protections are placed on both the top and bottom of the table to prevent any indents or marks when the arm is clamped onto the surface, which is very welcome with our wooden surfaces. These rubber materials also enhance the grip on the surface, allowing for stable movements throughout the entire range of motion. Additionally, an extra desk grommet is included to allow for direct mounting on top of a table surface, which we haven't yet utilised.
Usability
The JOBY Wavo Boom Arm can be extended up to 29.5in/74cm, including a 360-degree swivel and a tilt function that allows you to adjust the angle of your microphone. This provides plenty of flexibility when it comes to positioning, and the secure mounting system does make it easy to position your microphone exactly where you need it without any wobbling or instability, whether you're recording solo or with a group. It's incredibly smooth and responsive to manoeuvre, and it’s certainly a pleasurable piece of equipment to use. Importantly, it's quiet in operation too. Users can quickly and easily adjust the microphone's position whilst recording without causing any unnecessary noise or disturbance. The JOBY Wavo Boom Arm also features a range of adjustable settings with the allen key that can be used to loosen or tighten the mechanisms. This is useful to add more correlation between the arm and the mic, based on its weight, for optimal sound quality, whether you're recording a podcast, streaming a live performance or creating other types of content.
Somewhat surprisingly, the aluminium cup and headphone holder integrated into the Boom Arm base are also useful features. These are leisurely features when recording something like a podcast, but also help to reduce clutter on your workspace and free up more room for your other tools and equipment.
Verdict
With its sturdy construction, quiet operation, easy-to-use universally compatible design and wide range of motion, the JOBY Wavo Boom Arm is a useful and versatile accessory for content creators, streamers and podcasters who demand unhindered access to obtain high-quality audio recordings.