- Manufacturer: Thronmax
- Model: Caster S2
- Type: Boom stand with integrated XLR cable
- Supplied by: Thronmax
Thronmax Caster Boom Arm S2 Review
The Thronmax Caster Boom Arm is sturdy, looks amazing, and the overall build quality is far superior to cheaper options. A budget stand often looks great, to begin with, but over time you’ll find the clamp loses grip and drifts, or where the mount joins the arm will become loose and wobble, not to mention the springs losing tension. I’ve been putting the Caster S2 through its paces for well over a month and have had no issues at all; The clamp is in the exact position it started in and there is no give or loss of grip in any of the joints.
Constructed from aluminium box tubing that conceals the springs and integrated XLR cable, the Thronmax Caster S2 Boom Arm feels incredibly durable, but also looks amazing, too. The dark grey metallic coating is very appealing and the branding is kept subtle, with a low contrast Thronmax logo on the side of the lower arm. The use of aluminium has also kept the Caster Boom Arm light, with the whole arm weighing just 1.4 kg (3.08 lbs). Its maximum supported weight is 1 kg (2.2 lbs), which means the stand is suitable for all but the chunkiest, heaviest of microphones.
Integrated cable and concealed springs
Having the cable integrated means you need to choose carefully whether you want the S1 which has a USB-C cable or the S2 which has an XLR cable. Due to the all-enclosed design, if you change microphones it doesn’t look like it will be easy to change the cable. Similarly, it may be trickier to repair yourself if a user repair were to become necessary. Fortunately, from my experience, the stand feels incredibly robust, so this is unlikely to be necessary.
The tool-less hand-tightened friction hinges have a large surface area to grip onto and they are silent in operation, so you can freely adjust positioning without having to worry about unwelcome noise or reaching for a toolbox mid-stream.
If you have a thicker desk (or a Frankensteined one like mine) you’ll be pleased with the size of the clamp, which should open up enough to fit any setup. It still keeps a very low profile at the rear, so it’s perfectly suitable for mounting at the back of your desk if you want to position it behind your screen.
Effortless positioning
Though the arm position is easily locked into place, the stand itself sits freely into the mount, so you can effortlessly move the mic into position without having to fiddle with tensioners. I’ve been using it attached to the side of my desk so I can swing it out of the way when it is not in use, but come game time I just pull it into place and it’s in a perfect position.
The stand can be extended fully out, with a 32” maximum reach, but it is restricted in its positioning somewhat. The very end where the microphone attaches only folds back on itself by about 10°, for example, so you can’t have your mic pointing vertically from the stand. The other hinges will extend so they are straight, but can’t be folded back on themselves, and have a restricted maximum bend due to the force of the springs.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have an XLR microphone to test the quality of the cable, but it looks to be of high quality, and the connectors are solid and snap firmly into place. It comes as standard with a universal 5/8“ screw fitting that is compatible with shock mounts, and also includes 3/8“ and 1/4“ adapters.
Pricing and availability
At £75 it is certainly at the higher end of the price range, but justifiably so. Whilst it’s true that you can pick up a stand for £20 that essentially does the same job, they tend to be less durable and often won’t look anywhere near as good as the Thronmax Caster S1/2 Boom Arm.
Thronmax is currently still establishing itself in worldwide markets, so you’ll need to shop around to find one in your region. Amazon does stock them from various sellers (no surprise there), so you shouldn’t have any problems getting hold of one.
Summary
Thronmax’s Caster Boom Arm S1/2 is a great option if you want a solid, hard-wearing stand for your microphone. It looks great, and it is flexible enough to be suitable for most users. The internal cable is a welcome addition for those who want a clean and clutter-free setup, but if you decide to switch from USB-C to XLR (or vice versa) down the line, you may be stuck with an unused cable dangling from your boom. It may be pricier than many competing boom arms, but you certainly get what you pay for, making it a great choice for most people.
