What Is a Shock Mount?
Updated October 2026
A shock mount holds a microphone in a cradle of elastic bands, so vibrations through the stand, desk or floor do not reach the capsule.
The short version
- A shock mount isolates the mic from vibration through the stand and desk.
- It stops thumps from footsteps, typing and bumps reaching the recording.
- It does not reduce airborne noise such as a fan or voices in the room.
- It helps most on a boom arm or a desk stand that carries knocks.
The short definition
A shock mount is a bracket that suspends the microphone on elastic bands or springs. Vibration that travels through the stand, the arm or the desk is absorbed by the bands before it reaches the microphone.
What it stops
Typing on a desk, a knock on the stand, footsteps on a wooden floor and the thump of a boom arm being moved. These all travel through solid parts and into the capsule as low rumble or sharp knocks.
What it does not stop
Sound in the air, such as a fan, traffic or other people talking, still reaches the mic. A shock mount is about solid vibration, so pair it with a soft room and a close mic.
When you need one
If your mic sits on a desk or boom arm and you hear every tap, a shock mount is worth trying. A mic held on a stand with a soft base often needs none.
Isolate the desk from the mic
A shock mount stops solid knocks. Tunedzy’s cleanup handles the steady noise that remains.
Free tools for this
Frequently asked questions
Is a shock mount the same as a pop filter?
No. A pop filter handles air from the mouth; a shock mount handles vibration through the stand.
Can I use a shock mount on a phone?
Phones usually have no mount for one, but a phone holder with soft padding can reduce knocks.
Does it reduce the room?
No. It isolates the mic from solid vibration only.
Keep going
What Is a Pop Filter?How to Remove Keyboard and Desk Noise From a Recording
How to Set Up a Quiet Recording Corner on a BudgetAll guides and comparisons · Tunedzy Go on your phone · Pricing