Heil Sound PL-2T
36-inch overhead broadcast boom trusted by radio professionals
Best for: Broadcast-style home studios and podcasters who want an overhead mic position with a clean, cable-managed look
Check price on AmazonThe Heil PL-2T is an overhead-style articulating boom arm with a 36-inch reach and up to 2.5 lb load capacity. Internal springs are factory-balanced for smooth, quiet repositioning, and the topless design lets you route the mic cable along the spine under removable cover plates. A standard C-clamp mounts to desks up to 1.5 inches thick, and the 5/8-27 thread accepts standard shock mounts.
Key features
- 36-inch reach, fully articulating design
- Internal spring system, factory-balanced
- Removable cover plates for internal cable routing
- Supports up to 2.5 lb of microphone and mount combined
- Standard C-clamp for desks up to 1.5 inches thick
- 5/8-27 thread stud, compatible with standard shock mounts
Our take
The PL-2T has been a radio and broadcast staple for decades and transfers well to podcast studios that prioritize an overhead, out-of-frame mic position. The topless cable routing is a genuine practical advantage - the mic cable is hidden inside the arm and protected from tangles. The internal spring system is quieter and more balanced than external spring designs. The limitation is real: the 2.5 lb load cap means heavier mics paired with heavy shock mounts can drift over time. Position it properly at the start of a session and it holds well.
Pros
- Broadcast-grade build quality with decades of radio use behind it
- Internal cable routing is cleaner than external velcro routing
- Overhead position keeps the arm out of camera frame
Cons
- 2.5 lb load limit can be tight with heavy mics plus heavy shock mounts
- Overhead positioning requires more vertical clearance than front-facing arms
- Older design - no integrated XLR cable option
