A boom is an adjustable, often counterbalanced arm mounted to a stand or rig that supports cameras, lights, or microphones in AV and broadcast production.
In commercial AV and broadcast environments, a boom provides flexible positioning for equipment while keeping stands and operators out of view. The horizontal arm extends from a vertical base and may use counterweights to balance heavy loads. This allows microphones, lights, or cameras to be securely suspended overhead or placed at challenging angles without obstructing subjects or sightlines. Booms are essential for maintaining professional-quality audio and lighting while minimizing visual or physical interference in production spaces. Industrial-grade designs are built for repeated adjustment, durability, and heavier payloads, making them a staple in studios, theaters, and live venues.
Boom equipment does not fall under a single regulatory body but may follow safety and performance guidelines from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) or ANSI (American National Standards Institute) when deployed in commercial environments.
The first booms emerged in the 1920s film industry to position microphones close to actors while keeping them out of the camera’s frame. Over time, the concept expanded into a wide variety of audio, video, and lighting booms, now common across professional production, broadcast, and AV industries.