How to Choose Shock Mounts & Pop Filters

Shock mounts and pop filters protect your microphone and your recordings. A shock mount isolates the microphone from vibration, while a pop filter softens the bursts of air from plosive sounds such as P and B. This guide explains how to choose from our range of shock mounts and pop filters for studio, broadcast and home recording.

What a shock mount does

Vibrations travel up the stand, through the floor and from desks into the microphone body, where they become low-frequency rumble. A shock mount suspends the microphone in elastic bands or a soft cradle, so that these vibrations are absorbed before they reach the capsule. It is especially helpful with sensitive condenser microphones, and on desks, boom arms and in untreated rooms.

Matching the shock mount to the microphone

Fit is the most important choice. Microphones differ in body diameter and length, and the shock mount must hold the microphone firmly without slipping and without squeezing the body.

• Check the microphone body diameter and the range the mount supports
• Choose a mount with a threaded stand fixing that matches your stand or boom, commonly 3/8 inch or 5/8 inch
• Some microphones come with a dedicated mount from the maker, which is often the best fit
• Large-diaphragm studio microphones usually need a spider-style or ring suspension
• Small shotgun and broadcast microphones use cradles or rubber-lyre style suspensions

Suspension types

Elastic band suspension is common and effective, and the bands can be replaced as they age. Foam or rubber-ring mounts are simple and compact. Elastic bands need correct tension: loose bands let the microphone sag, while very tight bands pass vibration. For broadcast, a robust mount is combined with a boom arm; see our microphone accessories.

What a pop filter does

Plosive sounds create bursts of air that overload the microphone capsule and cause thumps. A pop filter placed in front of the microphone diffuses and slows the air. There are two common designs.

• Nylon mesh screens: a fine fabric stretched on a ring, giving good plosive reduction and a natural sound
• Metal screens: perforated or woven metal, easy to clean and durable, with less effect on the top end

Many users combine one filter with a shock mount. Mount the filter on a flexible gooseneck attached to the stand, so that it can be positioned correctly.

Placement and distance

Place the pop filter about 5 to 10 cm from the microphone, and the singer or speaker a few centimetres behind it. Singing slightly off axis helps too. A filter too close to the microphone reduces its effect, and one too far away allows the air to disperse again before it reaches the screen. Spare filters and a wind screen for outdoor use are worth having.

Foam windscreens and outdoor use

For voiceover and singing in a studio, a pop filter works best. Foam covers help with light breath noise and speaking at close range. Outdoors, a foam cover is not enough against wind, and a furry windshield is needed. Keep foam clean, and replace it when it becomes brittle or damaged.

Choosing for your application

Vocal recording

A shock mount plus a pop filter is the standard combination for studio recording chains.

Podcasts and broadcast

A boom arm, shock mount and a sturdy metal pop filter keep the microphone steady and consistent.

Live and stage

Heavy-duty clips and windscreens suit handheld microphones, while mounts matter more for static installations.

Common mistakes to avoid

Most issues come from mismatched sizes and poor setup.

• Buying a shock mount without checking the microphone diameter
• Over-stretching or under-tensioning the elastic bands
• Letting the pop filter touch the microphone, which transmits vibrations
• Placing the filter too close or too far from the microphone
• Connecting the cable tightly to the stand, which bypasses the suspension; leave a loose loop of cable
• Expecting a pop filter to remove wind noise outdoors

Buying shock mounts and pop filters at Shivansh Electronics

Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India supplies genuine products only, exactly as the manufacturers build and specify them. Every product page has its specifications, so you can compare models side by side before you decide. Our team can help you shortlist options for your studio, venue or project, explain how the specifications apply to your setup and suggest the accessories you will need. For advice, message us on WhatsApp or call us, and we will be glad to help.