When it comes to recording, you might hear other podcasters tell you to use a shock mount with your mic. So what is a shock mount, and do you need to use one?

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My equipment:

• Shure SM7B dynamic mic
• TZ Audio Stellar X2 condenser mic
• Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio
• Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones
• JOBY Wavo Boom Arm
• Elgato Wave Mic Arm Low Profile

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Substack
• Boomcaster remote interviewing

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(upbeat music)

I'm Danny Brown,

and you're listening to One Minute Podcast Tips,

the show that helps you be a better podcaster

in just a minute a week.

If you want more specific tips just for you in your podcast,

check out the Magic Mic membership

at oneminutepodcasttips.com/support.

And now, this week's episode.

When it comes to your microphone,

you might ask yourself if you need a shock mount or not,

and really it comes down to your style.

But first, what is a shock mount?

Well, a shock mount absorbs the shock

when you accidentally knock your mic,

desk or boom arm, et cetera.

You can get shock mounts in different shapes and sizes,

including specialist ones for certain mics.

But generally, they follow the design

of a round piece of metal or plastic that the mic sits in.

And this is usually protected by elastic suspensions.

And it's these suspensions that absorbs the bumps.

So who should use a shock mount?

Well, shock mounts are great for podcasters and creators

that like to be active and move the mic around while talking.

This movement can cause bumps,

and it's these bumps that give that reverberation sound you can hear on live streams or non-edited audio.

However, you don't necessarily need a shock mount if you have good mic technique and control,

where you're sitting relatively still during recording and ignoring the urge to touch your mic or move it around.

So it's really down to your style.

If you're active, shock mounts are great.

If you're more restrained in your approach though, you might not need one at all.

And if you do need one, the good news is a lot of shock mounts are generic and will fit multiple mics.

So you won't have to spend a lot of money on getting one for your microphone.

Until the next time, happy podcasting.

Thanks for listening.

If you enjoy One Minute Podcast tips, be sure to share with your friends and other podcasters so they can enjoy it too.

Until the next time, happy podcasting.

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