Elgato
Elgato Wave Mic Arm MK.2
In: Best Microphone Boom Arms 2026
- Flexible high or low positioning
- All-metal build
Category guide
Microphone Accessories: Arms, Pop Filters, Shock Mounts and Cables
The right accessories improve recordings as much as a new microphone, often for much less money.
- 4 roundups · 1 reviews · 1 comparisons · 2 guides
- Updated
- No paid placements
Shop the shortlist
Top microphone accessories we recommend
Standout picks from our best-of lists. Tap any product for features, pros and cons.
- Elgato
Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP (Low Profile)
In: Best Microphone Stands 2026
- Stays below the shoulder line
- Magnetic cable management
- Best ValueHosa
Hosa CMM-103 XLR Cable
In: Best XLR Cables for Microphones 2026
- Balanced XLR-M to XLR-F
- Silver-plated contacts
- SUNMON
SUNMON Microphone Boom Arm
In: Best Microphone Boom Arms 2026
- Very affordable
- Fits common USB mics
- Elgato
Elgato Wave Mic Arm High Rise
In: Best Microphone Stands 2026
- Tall reach over monitors
- Riser included
- Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable, 6 ft
In: Best XLR Cables for Microphones 2026
- Very affordable
- All-copper conductors
- Hosa
Hosa HMIC-015 Pro Microphone Cable, 15 ft
In: Best XLR Cables for Microphones 2026
- REAN (Neutrik) connectors
- 90% braided shield
Best by need
Best microphone accessories for every buyer
Ranked shortlists for specific budgets and use cases. Start with the one that matches yours.
- Best Microphone Boom Arms 2026: Desk Arms for Podcasting and StreamingRode PSA1, Blue Compass, and budget alternatives compared for heavy and light microphones.See the picks
- Best Microphone Stands 2026: Desk, Floor, and Tripod Stands for Every SetupMicrophone stands position your mic at the right height and distance.See the picks
- Best Shock Mounts and Pop Filters 2026: Vibration Isolation and Plosive ReductionShock mounts isolate microphones from desk vibration; pop filters reduce plosive sounds (B, P) in recordings.See the picks
- Best XLR Cables for Microphones 2026: Length, Quality, and What to AvoidXLR microphone cables carry balanced audio between microphone and audio interface.See the picks
Know before you buy
About Microphone Accessories
Accessories solve specific audio problems. A boom arm puts the mic close to your mouth and off the desk. A shock mount reduces thumps from typing and desk bumps. A pop filter or foam windscreen stops plosive bursts from P and B sounds.
Before buying, check your microphone's thread size and weight so the arm and mount can hold it.
How to choose microphone accessories
Boom arms
Check the arm's weight range against your mic. Heavy broadcast mics need sturdier springs or the arm will droop.
Shock mounts
Shock mounts isolate the mic from desk vibrations. Make sure the mount fits your mic's body diameter.
Pop filters and windscreens
Mesh pop filters sit in front of the mic. Foam windscreens are more discreet and suit on-camera setups.
Cables
Good XLR cables with solid connectors prevent crackling. Keep runs short and away from power cables.
Thread adapters
Most mics use 5/8 inch threads; some stands use 3/8 inch. A small adapter solves mismatches.
Research-based picks from specs, independent reviews and owner feedback.
No paid placements, ever.
Our methodologyQuick buying tips
What matters most in microphone accessories
- Check the arm's weight range against your mic. Heavy broadcast mics need sturdier springs or the arm will droop.
- Shock mounts isolate the mic from desk vibrations. Make sure the mount fits your mic's body diameter.
- Mesh pop filters sit in front of the mic. Foam windscreens are more discreet and suit on-camera setups.
- Good XLR cables with solid connectors prevent crackling. Keep runs short and away from power cables.
- Most mics use 5/8 inch threads; some stands use 3/8 inch. A small adapter solves mismatches.
Deep dives
In-depth reviews
Learn first
Buying guides & how-tos
- Buying guideHow to Set Up a Condenser Microphone: Audio Interface, Phantom Power, and PositioningSet up a condenser microphone by connecting it to an audio interface via XLR cable, enabling 48V phantom power, and positioning at 6-8 incheRead
- Buying guideMicrophone Accessories Buying Guide: What You Actually Need for a Complete SetupA complete microphone setup needs a boom arm, shock mount, pop filter, and XLR cable (for condenser mics). This guide explains what each accRead
- Buying guideHow to Fix Microphone Feedback and Echo: Causes and SolutionsFix microphone feedback by reducing monitor volume, using headphones instead of speakers, or adjusting microphone polar pattern. This guide Read
Answers
Microphone Accessories: common questions
What is the best microphone accessorie to buy?
One of our strongest picks is the Elgato Wave Mic Arm MK.2, a standout in our Best Microphone Boom Arms 2026 list. The Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP (Low Profile) is another excellent choice.
How do I choose the right microphone accessories?
Start with your main use and budget, then compare our shortlists: Best Microphone Boom Arms 2026, Best Microphone Stands 2026, Best Shock Mounts and Pop Filters 2026.
What should I look for when buying microphone accessories?
Check the arm's weight range against your mic. Heavy broadcast mics need sturdier springs or the arm will droop.
What is phantom power and do I need it?
Phantom power (48V) provides electrical power to condenser microphones through the XLR cable. Condenser microphones require it to operate, without phantom power, they produce no signal or a very weak signal. Dynamic microphones do not require phantom power and are not damaged by it (when properly designed). Enable 48V phantom power on your audio interface when using a condenser microphone.
How far should a condenser microphone be from my mouth?
6-8 inches is the standard positioning for voice recording. Closer produces a warmer, more bass-heavy sound with more room noise rejection. Further away produces a thinner sound with more room ambience in the recording. Some broadcast-style microphones (Shure SM7B) are designed for very close positioning (2-4 inches), check your microphone's datasheet for the optimal working distance.
Should I angle the condenser microphone or position it straight?
Angling the microphone slightly off-axis (10-15 degrees to the side) reduces plosive sensitivity without meaningfully affecting the sound. An off-axis position avoids the direct path of plosive air bursts (p, b sounds) while keeping the microphone within the pickup pattern for normal voiced sounds.
Do I need a shock mount for a condenser microphone?
Yes for recording use. Condenser microphones are sensitive to vibration, footsteps, desk contact from typing, and air conditioning vibration all transmit through a rigid stand into the microphone body and into the recording. A shock mount isolates the microphone from the stand with elastic suspension, eliminating this. For podcast and voice recording, a shock mount is an essential accessory.
Do I need a pop filter for recording vocals?
Yes for close-mic vocal recording. Plosive consonants (p, b, t) create a burst of air pressure that hits the microphone diaphragm and produces a thump in the recording, this is the popping sound you hear on budget podcast recordings. A pop filter (mesh screen) diffuses the air burst before it reaches the microphone. It is inexpensive and resolves the problem completely.