Cheap boom for a mic with this Ikea hack

I’ve modded a lot of Ikea stuff in the past (I mean really, if you receive something and decide not to use it, do you think you’ll actually get that thing back in the packaging????). Here is a rather simple, inexpensive mod you can do to create a rather decent boom for your mic.  I did something similar with a drafting lamp years ago and it really does work well.

Grab yourself a Tertial desk lamp.  Last I knew, it was around ten bucks at my local Ikea.  All you really need to do is lop off the lamp and cord.  Grab the hardware for your mic (you may need a few pieces of assorted hardware or epoxy, but it really isn’t difficult).

I have a few pages with links to help you out if you get stuck.

The following link:

Cheap DIY Boom Mic Arm Stand

has a decent write up.  However, I really have NO clue as to what that mic is in this tutorial.  The process is similar for any of our XLR or similar type mics and cages.

I think this is a little more for what we are looking at with this project.

I hope this works out for you and if you know of any similar boom hacks, let me know.  We can save a ton of money on buying something similar specific for our mics.

And if you find any neat Ikea ham radio hacks, let me know and I’ll make a post.  I like these rather inexpensive hacks!

Jonathan Hardy, KB1KIX, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from Connecticut, USA. Contact him at [email protected].

6 Responses to “Cheap boom for a mic with this Ikea hack”

  • Ernest Gregoire, AA1IK:

    What’s the blue screen for? Breath puff protection? This is pretty interesting. I don’t own anything that hasn’t been hacked in some way. Good for you!

  • Matt W1MST:

    Ernest, here is info on pop screens:

    http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may05/articles/popshields.htm

    Mostly used in broadcast/podcasting, but interesting idea for ham radio, too!

  • Ernest Gregoire, AA1IK:

    I’ll bet I could make one of these with a coffee can lid and a old pair of pantie hose! My Heil boom mic on my head phones has a foam wind breaker on it but I keep it in the corner of my mouth when I’m speaking just to stop that B’s and P’s from popping the audio.

    I’ll bet the screen you are displaying in this photo is very effective!

    Thanks for the information!

  • Mike KE5PNW:

    This is a great looking project. I also want to express my appreciation for the comments that Ernest and Matt made. This is an excellent example of helpful operators using media to further the cause of Amateur Radio. Thanks guys! And thank you John for the excellent post.

  • Tony Kobylski - K3AK:

    Great idea!!! I like anything that saves me a few bucks so I can spend them on other amateur radio equipment. I am looking at a new desk for the station and it just may come from Ikea. If it does i will be happy to send you a picture. Perhaps it will help my working Sweedish stations.

    Tony K3AK

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