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Are you looking for a way to improve your audio quality without spending a fortune? A shock mount will protect your recordings from unwanted noise caused by vibrations and other low-frequency sounds caused by movement and electronic equipment. We’ll explain how a microphone shock mount works, explore some of the benefits of using a shock mount in your recording setup and provide our top pick for the best shock mount for recording a podcast.
What is a Shock Mount?
A shock mount is a piece of equipment that attaches your microphone to either a mic stand or boom arm while protecting it from shock or vibrations. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate different types of microphones and mic designs. Shock mounts are circular and use elastic suspension to keep your mic protected against contact with surfaces and other pieces of equipment that could cause audio interference in your recordings. They also protect against vibrations in your recordings caused by vibrations in the microphone itself.
What Does a Microphone Shock Mount do?
Using a shock mount will protect your microphone from picking up vibrations and low-frequency rumbles from your recording environment. Suspending your microphone with a shock mount prevents vibrations from affecting your mic and reducing your recording quality. Microphone diaphragms are designed to respond to and record sound waves, which means they can easily pick up electrical sounds created by your recording equipment or even sounds from things like your home’s HVAC system.
Your mic will also pick up sounds from movements you may make while recording. A shock mount minimizes the likelihood that you’ll pick up noises caused by bumping against your mic, tapping on your desk as you record, or moving your chair to find a more comfortable position to sit. If your microphone is positioned on the floor, any vibrations caused by footsteps will travel through your mic stand and affect your audio quality. Keeping your mic isolated and separate from your mic stand is key to recording clear, crisp audio.
Do You Really Need a Shock Mount for Your Microphone?
You can record efficiently without a shock mount, but they will significantly improve your recorded audio by helping to reduce unwanted noise in your recordings. Shock mounts are especially helpful when recording with condenser mics since they’re especially sensitive. However, you may not need a shock mount if you’re recording in a professional environment that’s optimized to reduce the presence of vibrations and low-level noise.
To determine whether or not you need a shock mount, try a practice recording to test your setup and recording studio. Begin recording with your microphone without using a shock mount and move around your recording space. Be sure to walk near your mics and even tap on the surface the microphone is set up on. If you play back your recording and don’t notice a lot of sounds caused by vibrations and movement, you might not need a shock mount.
Benefits of Using a Shock Mount When Recording
There are many advantages to including a shock mount in your recording setup. Though it’s possible to record without one, shock mounts can save you time and improve the overall quality of your recording. They can also protect you from having to scrap an otherwise great recording that’s ruined by mechanical noise or interference caused by bumping your mic or too much movement in your recording environment.
The top three benefits of recording with a mic shock mount are:
Improved audio quality
Your audio will sound better if you use a shock mount to isolate your microphone. Not all sounds captured in your recording can be edited out in post-production, and a shock mount will keep your audio safe from unwanted noise.
Less time spent post-production
A shock mount will save you time and work post-production. You won’t have to worry about editing out background interference that a shock mount will protect your audience against. You can spend more time recording and producing content when you don’t have to make as many edits.
More recording flexibility
When you use a shock mount, you’ll have more freedom to move around your recording environment and to use multiple mics for recording. Without shock mounts, the vibration caused by multiple microphones in a recording setting can negatively affect the quality of your audio.
How to Choose the Best Shock Mount for Your Recording Setup
Not all shock mounts will be a perfect fit for your needs and your recording setup. There are a couple of factors you must consider when you want to purchase the best shock mount to record with:
- Price: Have a clear idea of how much you’re willing to spend on a shock mount before you start researching and reading reviews. Just like with any other piece of recording equipment, they can get pricey. We recommend spending a little more on a shock mount if you’re using a condenser microphone.
- Your microphone: While there are some universal shock mounts on the market, many mounts are compatible with a specific mic type, model, or brand. Know which type of mic you have and who makes it before you start looking for a shock mount. Many mic models have shock mounts designed specifically to hold their shape and size.
- Your other recording equipment: Be sure any mounts you’re considering are compatible with the mic stand or boom arm you’re using in your setup. Check to see the equipment that’s included with the shock mount for mounting to other recording equipment.
Are Shock Mounts Universal for All Microphones?
Generally, shock mounts are not universal for all microphones. This is because mic shape and size can vary, and it’s hard to create a single mount that meets the needs of different mic types. Many manufacturers create specific mounts that are meant to be used with their microphones. However, there are some mics that don’t have compatible shock mounts, so there’s a market for universal mounts. These mounts are adjustable to accommodate different mic shapes and sizes, but may not be as effective as mounts designed for specific microphones.
How Well Do Shock Mounts Work?
Shock mounts block vibrations and low hums caused by recording equipment and movement in a recording studio. Shock mount microphone effectiveness depends on the mount and the mic you’re using to record. Mounts designed specifically for a certain microphone will perform better than universal mounts that have to be adjusted depending on mic type and size.
6 Best Microphone Shock Mounts in 2024
There are many affordable shock mount options available for you to improve the quality of your recorded audio. We’ve reviewed some of the best mounts out there below to help you find the best one for your specific needs. Keep reading to discover our pick for the best shock mount for podcast recording.
Rycote Invision USM Shock Mount
Price:$79
Dimensions: 7.87 x 5.51 x 3.15 inches
Universal?: Yes
The Rycote Invision USM Shock Mount is a studio mount compatible with mics that range from 18mm to 5mm in diameter. The Rycote shock mount can be used both horizontally and vertically and includes a mic cable clip to keep your mic cable from touching your boom arm or mic stand. Instead of elastic or rubber bands, this mount uses a material called Lyre to keep your microphone suspended.
Elegato Wave Shock Mount
Price: $39.99
Dimensions: 4.53 x 5.31 x 1.26 in
Universal?: No
This Elegato shock mount is designed specifically for Elegato Wave microphones to perfectly fit the shape and size of these mics to provide the best suspension and protection. The Elegato Wave Shock Mount is made of solid steel and has reinforced elastic suspension and is able to hold up against bumps and knocks to allow you to capture rumble-free audio. The shock mount includes an adapter that allows you to attach it to the most common boom arms.
Blue Radius III
Price: $49.99
Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.3 x 2.4 inches
Universal?: No
The Blue Radius III fits the unique design of Yeti and Yeti Pro USB microphones since they aren’t compatible with other shock mounts. This Blue Yeti shock mount is compatible with standard mic stands and can be used with mic clips with a standard thread count. The shock mount can be used vertically or horizontally and features a lightweight and streamlined design that keeps microphones isolated and protected from noise, shock, and vibrations.
Etour AT2020 Microphone Shock Mount with Pop Filter
Price: $29
Dimensions: 6.4 x 4 x 1.6 inches
Universal?: No
The AT2020 shock mount fits a number of Audio Technica mics that include the AT2020 USB, AT2035, AT2050, AT3035, and AT3060. The mount includes a foam windscreen to help protect against plosives and other harsh vocal sounds. It’s made out of durable polycarbonate, which makes it heat and cold-resistant so it can be used effectively in a number of recording settings from studios to live concerts. The locking knob makes it easy to adjust the mic angle and the mount comes with 3/8"-16 and 5/8"-27 threaded brackets.
Rode PSM1 Shock Mount
Price: $39
Dimensions: 6.1 x 4.3 x 4.8 inches
Universal?: No
This mount is compatible with the Rode Podcaster, the Rode NT2-A, and other Rode mics that have a port on the bottom where the shock mount can screw in. This mount’s larger size makes it great for handling noise by keeping your microphone completely isolated. The Rode PSM1 can be rotated 360 degrees and is compatible with the Rode PSA1 Microphone Studio Arm.
Shure MV7 Shock Mount
Price: $19.99
Dimensions: 5.5x7.5x1.2 inch
Universal?: No
This mic mount fits the Shure MV7 and features a more compact and streamlined design that will easily fit into your recording setup. The Shure MV7 shock mount is compatible with almost all boom arms and doesn’t require an adapter to attach to one. The shock mount uses a locking hinge that allows you to adjust your mic 180 degrees.
What is the Best Microphone Shock Mount for Podcasting?
Our pick for the best shock mount for podcasting is the Rycote Invision USM because of its affordability and versatility. This mount can be adjusted to fit a number of different mic sizes and styles comfortably and its durable construction assures that it won’t wear out over time.
Improve Quality With a Microphone Shock Mount
You can reduce noise in recordings caused by electrical equipment and movement in your recording environment with a shock mount. Shock mounts isolate your microphone so that it’s not affected by vibrations that can negatively impact your audio quality. Be sure to have a clear idea of your budget, the specs of your microphone, and the compatibility with your other recording equipment to choose the best shock mount for your recording setup.
FAQs on Microphone Shock Mounts
Do you still have questions about how to use a shock mount or which shock mount is best for the microphone you have? Read answers to some of the most commonly asked about shock mounts and how to use them.
What is a shock mount for?
A shock mount uses isolation to protect your microphone from vibrations that travel through your boom arm or mic stand. These vibrations can cause interference in your recording and reduce your overall audio quality.
What does a shock mount attach to?
Shock mounts can attach to a mic stand or boom arm depending on your recording setup and equipment. Once you’ve attached the shock mount to a stand or boom arm, you can suspend your microphone for recording.
How do you attach a microphone to a shock mount?
Microphones are attached to a shock mount using elastic bands that suspend the microphone in the center of the mount. The exact way you attach your microphone to your shock mount will depend on the type of mic and shock mount you’re using. See the article above for our shock mount recommendations.
Do dynamic microphones need shock mounts?
Dynamic microphones are less sensitive than condenser mics and pick up less vibration while recording, however using a shock mount when recording is recommended. Check out the article above to learn about the benefits of using a shock mount in your recording setup.
How much does a shock mount cost?
Shock mounts range in price just like other pieces of recording equipment. Check the section in the article above for our recommendations for some affordable mounts.
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