Microphone Shockmounts

Modern studio and stage microphones are sophisticated and sensitive. That's what makes them so powerful—but it also means protecting them from shocks, vibrations and other interference if you want to get the best possible performance and sound quality. One of the tools you can use to protect your microphones is a shockmount. The idea behind the microphone shockmount is simple enough: separate the microphone mechanically from its stand and you eliminate unwanted vibrations that would otherwise travel up from the floor and affect the sound pickup. Most shockmounts do this by suspending the microphone on elastic cords, but there are other varieties available as well. The classic-style shockmount is ideal for your ribbon or condenser studio microphones. Other shockmount styles, such as a sling mount or a rubber isolation mount with no elastic bands, may be a better choice for on-stage use, especially if you like to take your microphone off of its stand during a performance. Certain types of microphones, like shotgun mics, work best with a specialty shockmount that's designed to fit their specific shapes. On the stage, a shockmount helps to keep the vibrations of the drums and bass amp from contributing noise to the mic. The shockmount is also a must-have in the studio, where something as simple as footsteps walking down the hall or a truck driving by outside can cause vibrations to creep into your microphone stand. With your mic isolated from these disturbances, your low-end frequencies will stay as clean as you intend them to be. To sound the best that you can, it's important to keep your microphones protected from interference and vibration. Shockmounts are one important part of getting there. Paired with a good pop filter, a shockmount is one half of a team that lets the microphone deliver its highest level of performance.