shockmounts

A shockmount is a device used to isolate a microphone from vibrations. These vibrations can be caused by a variety of sources, including handling noise, movement of the microphone stand, or the general acoustics of a room. By absorbing these unwanted vibrations, a shockmount helps to prevent them from being transmitted to the microphone element and subsequently recorded as audible noise.

Shockmounts typically consist of a suspension system, often employing elastic bands or springs, that holds the microphone in place within a larger frame. This frame then attaches to a microphone stand or boom arm. The isolation is achieved because the elastic or spring suspension decouples the microphone from the physical vibrations of the stand. Different shockmount designs exist, catering to various microphone sizes and shapes, and some are optimized for specific types of microphones, such as condenser microphones which can be more sensitive to handling noise.

The primary benefit of using a shockmount is improved audio quality by reducing low-frequency rumble and mechanical noise. This is particularly important in live recording situations, broadcasts, and film production where minimizing extraneous noise is crucial for a clean and professional sound. While not always essential for every recording scenario, a shockmount is a standard and valuable accessory for many audio professionals.