RØDE’s new LPA1 is a low-profile studio arm that keeps a microphone close to the presenter but out of shot, and at 2kg it’s the company’s highest-capacity arm yet.

RØDE has announced the LPA1, a professional low-profile studio arm designed for video podcasting, live streaming and on-camera content, where the microphone needs to be close to the source without dominating the frame.

Rather than rising up and over the desk like a traditional boom arm, the LPA1 sits low and reaches in below the camera’s line of sight. For anyone filming a talking-head setup, that means a cleaner frame and far less fiddling to keep the mic out of the top of the shot.

Built for heavier mics

The headline figure is the 2kg payload, which makes the LPA1 RØDE’s highest-capacity studio arm. That’s enough for broadcast dynamics such as the PodMic, PodMic USB, Procaster and Broadcaster, as well as large-diaphragm condensers like the NT1 range. The arm is all-metal, which should help it hold position once set.

Reach is generous at 750mm horizontally, with 90° of upward and 60° of downward adjustment. Add 360° articulation and a ball-mount head, and you can position the mic above or below desk level.

Cable management is built in, with clips that route XLR and USB leads along the arm. The included clamp fits desks up to 70mm thick.

Not just for microphones

What makes the LPA1 interesting for photographers and videographers is the thread support. It accepts 1/4in, 3/8in and 5/8in fittings, so it can hold a small camera, an LED light or a monitor as easily as a mic. For a compact studio or streaming desk, that flexibility could let one arm do several jobs.

We’ve seen plenty of creators struggle with tall boom arms that either creep into frame or sit so far back that audio suffers. The LPA1 looks like a sensible answer to that problem, and we’ll be keen to see how rigid it is at full extension with a heavy dynamic mic on the end.

RØDE LPA1 specifications

RØDE LPA1 price and availability

The RØDE LPA1 is available now in black for US$139, with a white edition coming soon. RØDE hasn’t yet confirmed UK pricing. Full details are on the RØDE website.