The Best Microphone Shields and Acoustic Panels For At-Home Recording
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Whether you’re a podcaster or a musician, you know that ambient and reflected noises hinder the quality of your vocal recording. Instead of trying to clean up your audio during the editing process, you can utilize a microphone isolation shield while recording to achieve that sought-after crisp, professional sound, free of interference.
The best microphone isolation shields act as filters, minimizing unwanted background noise while also reducing sound-wave reflection for a more balanced recording of your vocals. By isolating your microphone from its surrounding environment, the shield enhances the quality of your voice and prevents distortions. While microphone isolation shields can further professionalize your home recording studio, they also make a great first purchase for those who have yet to establish a fixed recording space but are ready to take their recordings to the next level.
When shopping for the right shield, it’s important to consider the installation process. If you typically use your recording equipment sitting down, then a shield that stands upright on a desktop surface is best. However, if you record your vocals standing up using a mic stand, then you’ll require a shield that can mount to the stand.
Having multiple means of adaptability and high-density foam largely determines the quality of a shield. Finding how your shield can best improve your sound will require manipulating the shield’s distance from your microphone and adjusting its angles until you feel comfortable. Meanwhile, having thick, acoustic foam will better absorb sound waves no matter the configuration of your setup.
1. Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield
If your ideal recording process looks like sitting down at a desk with your microphone, then this upright standing shield is the perfect addition to your setup. Measuring about 17.3 by 15.4 inches, its panel-style build makes the shield easy to fold up and store, while also enabling you to bring the panels inward to create a tighter isolation chamber. The shield may also be inverted from its standard position should you prefer the microphone to hang down into the chamber.
High-density acoustic foam not only minimizes ambient noise but enhances the sound quality of your own vocal track. This shield is also built with a vented metal plate behind the foam, which prevents sound reflections within the shield.
Pros: Great for podcast recording, made with high-density foam.
Cons: Mounting it to a mic stand will require additional set up.
2. LyxPro VRI-10 Vocal Sound Absorbing Shield
This shield makes creating your own personal vocal booth hassle-free. All mounting equipment and setup accessories are included in order to get your mic stand ready to record. Measuring 16.5 by 15.3 inches, the shield has both high-density foam and aluminum panels that work together to decrease bounce-back and block out the surrounding noise.
We also love this shield for its versatility. Thanks to three detachable feet, it can also be used upright on a desktop surface without compromising stability.
Pros: Easily mounts to mic stands, a great addition to a musician’s home recording studios.
Cons: Some mic stands may require a smaller, lighter shield.
3. Neewer Microphone Isolation Shield
While the angles of this shield are not adjustable, the lack of flexibility is not a loss in this case because it is specifically designed for making optimal recordings on mic stands.
The shield weighs just over six pounds and can be easily mounted to most mic stands. Its curved design creates the feeling of being in a vocal booth and reduces unwanted echoes, plus it is built with sound-proofing foam and an outside, perforated aluminum shell.
Pros: Designed for mic stand use.
Cons: Not suitable for desktop use.
4. Aokeo Studio Recording Microphone Isolation Shield
Weighing only 3.39 pounds and measuring 12.6 by 10.9 inches, this shield is ideal for minimalists or those who are tight on space. However, just because this shield is lightweight doesn’t mean it’s not durable.
It’s made out of premium steel that’s designed for long-lasting use. When it comes to minimizing noise interference and isolating your vocals, this shield uses a three-layer design to ensure quality. An outside layer of thick foam absorbs sound waves, while a second layer of cotton works as a filter before the final layer of perforated steel acts as a reflector.
Whether you’re recording a podcast at your desk or laying down vocal tracks to a new song, this shield is adaptable to your needs.
Pros: Lightweight, with added layer of insulation.
Cons: Some may prefer a more heavy-duty option.
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