Do I need a shockmount or are they just for posers?
A suspension shockmount of the type normally seen on large-diaphragm condenser mics isn’t just for show it can be extremely effective in reducing the levels of unwanted noise recorded. A studio mic can be very sensitive to mechanical vibrations, so the elasticated suspension is used to isolate it from the stand, reducing the degree to which stand-borne vibrations can reach the capsule. If you’re overdubbing vocals in a quiet room with a solid floor, then you can get away without a shockmount provided that you’re not in the habit of tapping your feet! But a shockmount can be very important in studios with wooden floors, or where several musicians are playing together in the same room.
