How to Attach a Mic Arm to A Thick Desk (Easier Than You Think)

If you are a streamer or a remote worker, you know the importance of a mic very well. It helps to enhance the sound quality and overall recording experience. For getting a proper output, it’s important to set the mic at a proper distance and need to set it up at the right place.

When setting up the mic arm, the actual issues show up. It’s quite easy to attach it to a thin desk but it’s quite tricky for a thick desk. However, it’s not that hard. You will just need to use a few extra things to do so, such as a desk clamp or mount.

In this article, we have provided a proper guideline that you are looking for. So, stay with us till the end and attach your mic arm on your own.

Challenges of Mounting a Mic Arm to a Thick Desk

Thick desks are the guardians of stability, which is great for your work but not so great when you’re trying to attach a mic arm. The challenges you might face include:

Inadequate Clamping: Mic arms often come with clamps designed for standard desks. These clamps struggle to grip onto thicker surfaces.

Weight Distribution: Thick desks are heavy, and the weight distribution can affect the stability of your mic arm, leading to drooping or slippage.

Limited Adjustability: Some mic arms have limited adjustments, making it difficult to find the perfect angle or position on a thick desk.

Vibrations and Noise: Thick desks can transmit vibrations from your workspace, leading to unwanted noise in your recordings.

5 Steps for Attaching a Mic to a Thick Desk

The first thing you gotta do before you start preparing your fatso desk to attach a mic arm is…gather some tools and stuff you need. With the right tools, you can do this job much faster and easier. Here’s a checklist of the things you’ll need:

• A proper mic arm.
• Desk clamp or grommet mount.
• Screwdriver.
• Measuring tape.

Now that you have your tools and materials ready, let’s dive into the steps for attaching a mic arm to a thick desk.

Step 1: Measure Your Desk’s Thickness

The first step is to determine the exact thickness of your desk. Use a measuring tape to get an accurate measurement. This information is crucial when selecting a desk clamp or grommet mount, as it needs to be compatible with the desk’s thickness.

Step 2: Choose the Right Location

Select a suitable location on your desk for mounting the mic arm. It’s best to place it in a spot that provides optimal microphone positioning while allowing you to comfortably access your work area. Ensure there’s enough clearance for your microphone to move freely.

Step 3: Attach the Desk Clamp or Grommet Mount

Depending on your mic arm’s design, you’ll either use a desk clamp or amount. If your table has a thickness of 2.5 inch or lower then you can go for a desk clamp. 

But if it goes beyond 2.5 then you will need to use a grommet mount.

If you’re using a clamp, make sure it’s securely fastened to the desk without over-tightening, which could damage the desk’s surface. If you need to use a grommet mount, then you will need to create a hole in the table.

Step 4: Install the Mic Arm

With the desk clamp or mount in place, it’s time to attach the mic arm itself. Most mic arms come with an adjustable bracket that attaches to the clamp or mount. Ensure the arm is level and securely fastened.

Step 5: Attach Your Microphone

Now that the mic arm is in position, attach your microphone to the arm following the manufacturer’s instructions. Be gentle and ensure that the microphone is secure.

A Quick Review

Using a desk clamp

• Position the desk clamp at the preferred location on the edge of the desk.
• Tighten the screws on the desk clamp to secure it in place.
• Attach the mic arm to the desk clamp according to the instructions.

Using a grommet mount

• Drill a hole in the desk at the desired location for the mic arm.
• Insert the grommet mount into the hole and tighten the screws to secure it in place.
• Attach the mic arm to the grommet mount according to the instructions.

Questions You May Also Ask

Q: Can I attach a mic arm to any desk thickness?

While mic arms come with various clamp and mount options, it’s essential to check if your chosen mic arm’s accessories are compatible with the thickness of your desk. Most mic arm manufacturers provide this information in their product specifications.

Q: Is it possible to move the mic arm after installation?

Yes, most mic arms are designed to be adjustable. You can reposition the mic arm to achieve the desired microphone placement and audio quality. Just be sure to do so carefully to avoid any damage.

Summary

To sum up, attaching a mic arm to a thick desk might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, materials, and careful execution of the steps outlined above, you can have a sturdy and reliable setup that elevates your audio recording game. So, go ahead and enhance your content creation experience – your audience’s ears will thank you! If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy recording!