In a variety of applications, a shock mount is a mechanical fastener that connects two parts elastically. They are used for shock and vibration isolation.
In this post we'll cover:
- 1 Why use a shock mount for microphones?
- 2 What is a Microphone Shock Mount?
- 3 What Shock Mounts Should I Get for My Microphone?
- 4 The History of Shock Mounts
- 5 How Do Shock Mounts Work?
- 6 The Different Types of Shock Mounts
- 7 Rubber Shock Mounts: The Durable Solution
- 8 The Consequences of Not Using a Shock Mount
- 9 Differences
- 10 Conclusion
Why use a shock mount for microphones?
It can help reduce handling noise. It can also provide some protection against mechanical shocks and vibrations. Plus, it can give your mic a more polished look.
What is a Shock Mount?
Shock mounts are designed to reduce the amount of vibration that is transferred to a microphone when it is in use. They are typically made of rubber or foam and are designed to absorb the vibrations from the environment and keep them from reaching the microphone.
Do You Need a Shock Mount?
When it comes to recording audio, there are a few scenarios where a shock mount can be beneficial:
– If you’re recording in a noisy environment, a shock mount can help reduce the amount of background noise that is picked up by the microphone.
– If you’re recording in a space with a lot of reverberation, a shock mount can help reduce the amount of echo that is picked up by the microphone.
– If you’re recording in a space with a lot of vibration, a shock mount can help reduce the amount of vibration that is picked up by the microphone.
In short, if you’re looking to get the best possible sound quality out of your recordings, a shock mount can be a great way to do it.
What is a Microphone Shock Mount?
The Basics
A microphone shock mount is a device used to securely attach a microphone to a stand or boom arm. It’s designed to protect the microphone from any contact with the stand, which can cause low-frequency rumbles (aka structure-borne noise) that can ruin a recording.
Quick Tip
If you do end up with some low-frequency rumbles on your recording, don’t worry. Just use a low-cut filter to remove them. Easy peasy!
What Shock Mounts Should I Get for My Microphone?
Shock mounts are like the little black dress of the microphone world – they’re essential for any mic setup. But here’s the thing: not all shock mounts are created equal. While some may work with multiple models, it’s best to get the one designed specifically for your microphone. That way, you can be sure it’ll fit like a glove and do its job properly.
The Science Behind It
Shock mounts are designed to hold a specific microphone model and its particular mass. That means if you try to use a shock mount that wasn’t made for your mic, it might not be able to handle the weight or size. And that’s not a good look for anyone.
The History of Shock Mounts
Shock mounts have been around for a while, but they weren’t always used in the music industry. In fact, they were originally designed to reduce the noise and vibration of large machinery, such as cars. If you’ve ever been in an old car, you’ll know that the noise and vibration levels are pretty high. This is because shock mounts weren’t as important to car manufacturers back then.
However, thanks to the improvements done in submarines and other high-tech vehicles, shock mounts have become a popular way to reduce noise and vibration.
How Do Shock Mounts Work?
Shock mounts work by suspending the item they are protecting with elastic elements that absorb the vibrations. In the case of microphones, this is done with a circular shock mount with springs that hold the round microphone capsule in the middle. Nowadays, shock mounts come in different shapes and sizes, but the basic principle is the same.
The Different Types of Shock Mounts
Shock mounts come in various shapes and sizes, depending on the type of microphone they’re designed to house. Here are the most common types:
• Large Diaphragm Side-Address Microphone Shock Mounts: These are generically called the cat’s cradle shock mounts and are the industry standard for larger side-address mics. They have an exterior skeleton and hold the microphone with fabric-wound rubber elastic bands.
• Plastic Elastomer Suspension Large Microphone Shock Mounts: Similar in shape to the cat’s cradle, these shock mounts use plastic elastomers to suspend and isolate the microphone rather than elastic bands.
• Pencil Microphone Shock Mounts: These shock mounts have two points of contact to hold and isolate the microphone in the centre of a circularly designed skeleton. They can come with either elastic bands or plastic elastomer suspensions.
• Shotgun Microphone Shock Mounts: These are similar to pencil microphone shock mounts, but are longer to accommodate shotgun microphones and mic blimps.
Rubber Shock Mounts: The Durable Solution
The Benefits of Rubber
Rubber is a great choice when it comes to shock mounts. It’s more durable and effective than elastic bands, so you can trust it to do its job for a long time. Plus, it’s used in all sorts of places, from car batteries to acoustic treatments in buildings.
Why Rubber is the Way to Go
When it comes to shock mounts, rubber is the way to go. Here’s why:
– It’s more durable than elastic bands, so it’ll last longer.
– It can be used in a variety of places, from car batteries to acoustic treatments.
– The Rycote USM Model is designed to keep your equipment safe and sound.
The Consequences of Not Using a Shock Mount
The Risk of Missing an Epic Performance
So you’re a singer, and you’re feeling the song you’re singing. You’re moving around, and you’re feeling it. But wait, you’re not using a shock mount? That’s a big no-no!
All those footsteps, all that movement, all that emotion – it’s all going to be translated to the resulting sound. And when you crank and compress the lead vocals, you’ll hear those unwanted noises.
So if you don’t use a shock mount, you risk missing out on that epic performance, all because of a $50 accessory.
Noise From Mechanical Sources
Noise from mechanical sources is a real pain in the microphone! It’s like a pesky little brother that just won’t go away. Vibrations from solid materials can travel a long way and wreak havoc on your microphone signal.
Here are some common sources of mechanical noise:
• Handling noise: Any sound made while handling a microphone, like adjusting your grip on a handheld mic or bumping the mic stand.
• Low-end rumble: Low-frequency sounds from things like trucks, HVAC systems, and even the Earth itself.
The best way to avoid mechanical noise is to use a shock mount. These nifty little devices are designed to isolate the microphone from vibrations and keep your recordings clean.
But if you’re not using a shock mount, there are still some things you can do to reduce mechanical noise. For example, try to keep your mic away from any loud sources of noise and make sure the mic stand is firmly secured. You can also use a high-pass filter to reduce low-end rumble.
Differences
Shock Mount Vs Pop Filter
Shock mounts and pop filters are two different audio tools that are used for different purposes. Shock mounts are designed to reduce vibrations and noise from external sources, while pop filters are used to reduce plosive sounds from vocal recordings.
Shock mounts are great for recording instruments and other audio sources that are prone to vibrations and noise. They are made of foam and elastic material that absorbs any external vibrations and noise. Pop filters, on the other hand, are designed to reduce plosive sounds from vocal recordings. They are usually made of nylon or metal mesh and are placed in front of the microphone to reduce the intensity of the plosive sounds.
So if you’re looking to record some vocals, you’ll want to grab a pop filter. But if you’re recording instruments or other audio sources, you’ll need to get a shock mount. It’s as simple as that! Just remember, a shock mount will help you keep your recordings clean and free of unwanted noise, while a pop filter will help you get the best vocal recordings possible.
Shock Mount Vs Boom Arm
When it comes to recording audio, you’ve got two main options: shock mount and boom arm. A shock mount is a device that helps reduce vibrations and other external noises that can interfere with your recording. It’s great for recording in noisy environments, like a busy street or a crowded room. On the other hand, a boom arm is a device used to position a microphone in the optimal spot for recording. It’s great for recording in a studio or other controlled environment.
If you’re looking to record in a noisy environment, a shock mount is the way to go. It’ll help keep out external noises and vibrations, so you can get the best sound quality possible. But if you’re in a studio or other controlled environment, a boom arm is the way to go. It’ll help you get the perfect mic placement, so you can get the best sound quality. So whether you’re recording in a noisy environment or a studio, you’ve got two great options to choose from.
Conclusion
A shock mount is a great way to get the most out of your microphone and recording setup. Not only does it reduce outside noise and vibrations, but it also helps to ensure that you get the best sound quality possible. So, if you’re looking to take your recordings to the next level, don’t forget to SHOCK your audience with a shock mount! And don’t forget to use a pop filter too, for that extra bit of ‘pop’ in your recordings.
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
