Rode PSA1 and DS1: Podcast Desk Setup That Stays Put
By Borge's Imaging — Shop Photography, Printing and Studio Gear in Melbourne Borge's Imaging | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Handleidingen
Set up a Rode PSA1 boom arm or DS1 desk stand for podcasting without wobble, cable snags or clamp damage. A step-by-step mounting guide with checkpoints.
Quick answer
For a podcast desk setup, choose the Rode PSA1 Studio Arm when you need the mic to swing out of the way between takes, and the Rode DS1 Desk Stand when you want a fixed, compact footprint. Either way, mount it to a solid desk edge, route the cable along the arm or stand, and set the mic at mouth height before your first recording.
Boom arm vs desk stand: which one fits your desk
The Rode PSA1 Studio Arm reaches up to 820mm horizontally and 840mm vertically and rotates 360 degrees, so it can serve a seated host and a guest position without moving the base. It holds up to 2kg, which covers most podcast microphones and shock mounts. The Rode DS1 Desk Stand is a simpler fixed mount with height adjustment from 280mm to 400mm, so it suits a single seated position where the mic stays in one place.
The trade-off is floor and desk space. A boom arm needs a clear swing path and a desk edge that can take a clamp, while a desk stand needs a stable spot directly in front of the speaker. If your desk is against a wall or shared with a monitor, the DS1 avoids arm collisions; if you record with guests or move the mic often, the PSA1 saves repositioning time.
Check your desk before you clamp anything
Both mounts put load on the desk edge, so inspect the underside before installation. The PSA1 includes two desk mounting options, and the DS1 includes a 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch adaptor for common mic mounts. A desk with a thick apron, a drawer directly under the edge, or a hollow core can limit clamping. In those cases, use the mounting option that fits your desk or add a solid mounting plate rather than overtightening the clamp.
Podcast desk setup steps
- Pick the mount for your recording style: Choose the Rode PSA1 Studio Arm if you need to swing the mic between positions or clear the desk between takes. Choose the Rode DS1 Desk Stand if you record from one seat and want a fixed mount with a small footprint. Write down the maximum reach you need from the desk edge to the mic position before you buy; that single measurement decides between the two mounts.
- Clear and inspect the desk edge: Remove monitors, drinks and cable clutter from the mounting area. Check that the desk edge is solid and that nothing under the desk blocks the clamp. The PSA1 includes two desk mounting options, so test-fit the one that matches your desk thickness before tightening. If the desk edge flexes under hand pressure, reinforce it or move the mount rather than overtightening the clamp.
- Mount the base and set the arm or stand height: Clamp the PSA1 base or place the DS1 stand, then set the height before attaching the microphone. For the DS1, adjust between 280mm and 400mm so the mic sits at mouth height when you are seated. For the PSA1, set the arm so the mic reaches your mouth without pulling the base. Sit in your recording position while adjusting; setting height standing up is the most common reason a podcast desk setup feels wrong on the first take.
- Attach the mic and balance the arm: Fit your mic clip or shock mount using the supplied 3/8-inch or 5/8-inch adaptor. On the PSA1, use the 2-axis swivel mount to angle the mic precisely and check that the arm holds position with your microphone fitted. Keep the total load within the 2kg limit. Let go of the arm and watch for slow sag; if it drifts, reduce the load or reposition the arm rather than forcing the joint.
- Route the cable along the mount: Run the mic cable along the arm or stand and secure it with the two cable clips supplied with the DS1. Leave a small service loop at the mic end so the connector is not pulled tight when you move the mic. Tug gently on the cable at the base; if it moves the mic, add slack before recording.
- Test the full swing path before recording: Move the PSA1 through its 360-degree rotation and full reach with the cable attached, checking for collisions with monitors, desk edges and walls. For the DS1, confirm the stand cannot be knocked over and that the mic stays at mouth height when you lean in. Record a 30-second test and listen for handling noise or cable rustle; fix it now rather than during an interview.
Product facts
- Rode Studio Arm - PSA1: The Rode PSA1 rotates 360 degrees and reaches 820mm horizontally and 840mm vertically, with a 2kg load limit. That range lets you move the mic between host and guest positions, but heavy microphone and shock-mount combinations should be checked against the 2kg limit before you rely on the arm staying in place.
Rode Studio Arm - PSA1 - Rode DS1 Desk Stand: The Rode DS1 Desk Stand adjusts from 280mm to 400mm and includes two cable clips plus a 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch adaptor. The height range suits a seated podcaster, and the included adaptor means you can mount most standard mic clips without buying a separate thread adapter.
Rode DS1 Desk Stand
