The Best Mic Mounts
Whether you're a musician looking to lay down some beats or a newbie streamer in search of a fanbase, you'll never get the clear, full-body sound you're looking for without a proper setup. If your microphone has an awkward placement or is hanging dangerously during your takes, you should consider a microphone mount for your home studio or battle station. Mic mounts come in all shapes and sizes but share the common purpose of securing your microphone in place. By doing so, a mic mount prevents your microphone from falling and reduces the amount of vibration and distortion on your tracks. If you're ready to sound like you're recording in a professional studio, check out this list of our favorite mic mounts.
Auphonix Pro Microphone Shock Mount
A shocking sound standard
Do you have trouble with sound distortion in your home studio? If so, the Auphonix Pro is the solution you’ve been waiting for. While shock mounts are great at cutting down on vibrational and airborne interference in general, the Auphonix Pro is especially useful for snowball mics. The mount is incredibly lightweight and universally compatible across boom arm manufacturers, and it is compatible with accessories such as pop filters as well. When vibrations and ambient distortion threaten to disrupt your track, trust Auphonix to deliver clarity in studios of all sizes.
Pros:
- Patented suspension bands provide an unmatched hold
- Multiple threads to accommodate different mount sizes
- Metal construction for heavyweight mics
Cons:
- The design may block some bottom-facing microphone ports
InnoGear Microphone Stand Set
Make a note of it
If you’re looking to start a sound studio from scratch, InnoGear is a fantastic option for beginners. This microphone set has everything you need to suspend, isolate, and protect your microphone from ground- and air-based hazards. To start, we love the table-mounting boom arm that offers quick installation and has an impressive weight capacity. The hardy metal coils can handle three pounds, so they can bear the weight of the included accessories and then some. While the shock mount is far from professional-grade, for artists just starting to vlog or cut tracks, InnoGear’s mount provides stability and versatility while minimizing distortion.
Pros:
- Adjustable width on shock mount elastic
- Also includes wire organizers and a mic stand
- Incredible value for the price
Cons:
- Not compatible with popular Blue Yeti mics
Blue Compass Premium Boom Arm
Extend with ease
Whether it’s from instruments, noisy neighbors, or uncontrollable external factors, vibration can ruin otherwise clear tracks instantly. Blue’s premium boom arm can help you produce clear audio tracks by keeping the recording clean at the source. Most importantly, we love that all of Blue’s important components are internal. Boasting reinforced springs and three points of angle adjustment, this boom arm also cuts down on interference, because both of its supports are isolated from accidental bumps. Thanks to its universal mount hardware, this boom arm is best for professional streamers looking to take their equipment upgrades to the next level.
Pros:
- Internal cable management
- Slim, sleek design that won’t get in the way
- 360 degrees of swivel
Cons:
- Expensive, but well worth it for the quality
Btoop Microphone Shock Mount
Clarity and consistency
Btoop’s shock mount is a wonderful device for those planning on recording vocals. While we’re major fans of the microphone’s clever metal anchors that make removal a piece of cake, the pop filter is also a big draw. The filter is built from three porous layers of polymer, metal, and foam that prevent sharp distortion, hissing, and background noise from passing through to your microphone. Although you’ll still need to find a stand for your microphone, Btoop’s shock mount has connectors that make it easy to install.
Pros:
- Available with foam cover options for extra wind resistance
- The elastic shock mount rope allows for additional angle adjustment
Cons:
- The pop filter’s standard mounting location is too close to the mic, but it can be adjusted
Gator Frameworks Weighted Base Microphone Stand
Bring the beat
For artists that don’t have a surface suited for clip-on models, Gator Frameworks’ weighted base microphone stand is an excellent alternative. While standard mic stands are ideal for large studio spaces, this miniature weighted base is an exceptional choice for amateurs and hobbyists who are looking to keep costs down. Even though the substantial steel foundation weighs in at seven pounds, it will only take up slightly more room on your desk than a large smartphone.
Pros:
- Available with standard mic cables and windscreens
- A great option for recording ground-level percussion, like a kick drum
- Easy to adjust tension and direction
Cons:
- The base’s feet may leave black marks on surfaces
Frequently Asked Questions
How close does my mic need to be for clear sound?
The placement of your microphone is perhaps the most important factor when it comes to recording a clear vocal take. While noise-canceling features and wide pickup ranges are nice, every microphone has a sweet spot. This depends on the type of microphone you have though, so broad generalizations cannot be made without knowing what type of mic you’re using.
What are the different types of microphones?
When purchasing a microphone, the main options to consider are polar pattern, diaphragm size, and microphone style. To start, polar patterns are a fancy way of saying sound pickup area. If, for example, you are recording a round-table conversation, you would favor an omnidirectional pattern over a unidirectional or cardioid pattern. In contrast, one-on-one conversations work best with a figure-eight or shotgun-style bidirectional pattern.
Larger diaphragms in general translate to a higher air pressure sensitivity and, therefore, enhanced sound quality. Microphone style varies greatly with sound type, size, and location. Condensers are currently one of the most popular styles because of their high-quality pickup for vocals and near-universal use of USB cables.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.