Microphone isolation methods

  • Thread starter Thread starter DrewE
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DrewE

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Hello everybody!

I am pretty new to the whole home recording world, and I have a few questions:

1. What is the difference between a microphone isolation shield and an isolation box?
2. If there is a difference, which is more recommended for home recording music/podcasting?
3. If you have a microphone isolation shield/box, is a pop filter still needed?

Thanks!
 
A shield is usually a semi-circular screen around a mike.

A box is, well, a box, with one face open, in which the mike is located.

Whether you have one or the other, you still need a pop filter, because neither deals with the causes of pops, i.e. how you use your mouth.

I daresay that either a box or a shield is not going to do you any harm when podcasting, but I would be inclined not to bother with them.
 
I daresay that either a box or a shield is not going to do you any harm when podcasting, but I would be inclined not to bother with them.

My thoughts exactly…you'd be better off without it
 
I bought something like that made by auralex that mounts on the mic stand behind the mic being used, mainly for vocals and acoustic guitar tracks; some electric guitar amps, too. For what it's worth, I'm in a completely untreated 14 x 9 room (with the exception of guitars hanging on the walls, and the carpet that covers the floor) and I find myself tracking more of any of the sources without it. Was it a waste of money? Not necessarily, it's just a matter of preference when you're tracking - experimenting with mic placement within the room (depending on the source) might take more time to find a decent sound but, IMO, it sounds better than using the isolation device when tracking.
 
Thanks for the advice. You saved me a decent piece of cash.
 
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