Have you ever been recording something, only to listen back and hear unwanted noises echoing around in the background? These outside noises can be extremely irritating and frustrating. Even if you have a top-quality microphone, certain background sounds can still ruin a recording.
Even the best equipment can only do so much. Thankfully, microphone isolation shields can come to your rescue. These help to shield different noises so your recording should sound just as you want it to.
The best microphone isolation shields help to block out outside sounds as well as echoes and more. You may not think you need one but once you listen back to a recording done with and without a shield, you will notice a significant difference.
If you want to produce top-quality music, podcasts, or narration, a microphone isolation shield is a must!
Finding a quality isolation shield can be quite tricky. With so many on the market, you can be left in a daze trying to decide which is best. That is why we have done the hard work for you!
We have researched hundreds of microphone isolation shields and come up with the best 7 on the market. We have looked at their pros and cons so you can decide which one suits your needs best.
Let’s discover the top microphone isolation shields below so you can start recording masterpieces in no time.
OUR TOP PICK
With a distinct design that isolates vocals better than many of its competitors, the Aston Microphones Halo Portable Microphone Reflection Filter is the choice of many professionals.
We love the simplicity of this filter’s design. It is designed to purely block out unwanted sounds and get the highest levels of recording possible.
This isolation field is suitable for any type of vocals. It covers a horizontal and vertical plane and wraps around the microphone to prevent any other distracting sounds. If your microphone is installed properly, any outside sounds are automatically isolated thanks to this shield.
Due to this Aston microphone shield’s design, its isolation and full tone work perfectly with music, voice recordings, and more. You will love the clear sound this simple device helps you achieve.
One downside is that it doesn’t fold up so transporting it can become somewhat of a hassle. However, if you just want to set it up in a studio at all times, it remains one of the best options out there.
Pros
- Covers a horizontal and vertical plane - Isolates sounds from all directions so you can achieve a crystal clear recording
- Targeted for all types of vocals - Ideal for music productions, voice recordings, and more
- Has professional endorsements - This is the choice of many professionals so you know that it blocks out unwanted sounds very well
Cons
- Doesn’t fold - Has an awkward shape which makes it challenging to transport if and when you need to
EDITORS CHOICE
Here, we have a budget-friendly option that will ensure unwanted sounds are isolated during your recordings. This microphone isolation shield from Monoprice features all assembly and mounting hardware for you to easily set up and start recording as soon as possible.
This isolation shield also looks exceptional. It will make any recording space look supremely professional while doing a professional job. Its foam is upgraded and covers the whole area of this shield.
A bonus of this shield is that you can easily fold it away for storage. Measuring 17.3” x 15.4” x 5.5” when folded, you can keep it out of the way when not in use.
If you want a portable shield, this one from Monoprice is one of the best options. Although not small, its reasonable price will leave you with more cash to spend on other recording gadgets!
Pros
- Budget-friendly - One of the cheaper options currently on the market
- Can be set up on a desk - It features feet so you can set this shield up from a desk for more stability and take up less room
- Upgraded foam - Its thick foam covers the whole area of the shield so the sound is isolated from different directions
Cons
- Slightly heavy - A little heavy to transport and set up at first
BEST VALUE
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use microphone isolation shield, look no further than this model from Aokeo. This stylish shield includes an adjustable stand to suit your stance, an instruction manual to get you started and a metal thread adaptor to fit different microphones.
The internal area of this cover is made with absorbent cotton material that results in an ever-clear voice.
It also helps various instruments stand out more during recording. This wonderful isolation shield is scratch-resistant so it should stand the test of time, even in the busiest of recording studios.
Its premium steel construction with high-quality screws ensures that this remains sturdy at all times for durable, long-lasting performance. And unlike other shields on the market, this may be one of the easiest to operate.
Aokeo’s isolation shield can be installed on a countertop or tabletop as well as a microphone stand so you can set it up in different locations if required. Its acoustic foam front and metal backplate help reduce sound reflection and with its foldable design, it’s convenient to take anywhere you need to.
Pros
- Includes a removable adaptor - Can attach different microphones to this isolation shield
- Very durable - Its premium steel construction will ensure this shield is long-lasting
- Versatile - Can be fixed on different surfaces so you can record from various locations to get different sounds if required
Cons
- No accessories included - You will need to purchase microphones and stands separately which may drive the cost up significantly
RUNNER UP
Another highly affordable option is this portable microphone isolation shield from LyxPro. This offers a more compact design that is completely foldable for easy portability. If you’re on the lookout for a clear sound, then this is certainly a shield to consider.
This LyxPro VRI-20 microphone shield is easy to set up so you can start recording within minutes. Its durable aluminum exterior protects everything inside including the shield’s interior and microphone. This interior is designed with a very thick sound-absorbing foam to isolate a range of sounds.
We love the lightweight nature of LyxPro’s isolation shield. It is certainly one of the most portable options available. It weighs just six pounds and due to its foldability, it’s easy to place in a bag and take anywhere.
We were also impressed by the different sizes that are available depending on what you may need. You can choose from a mini size all the way up to a jumbo with prices increasing with the sizes.
Pros
- A range of size options - Can choose from different sized shields to suit your needs and space
- A curved design - This provides a tight enclosure to eliminate any unwanted noises from outside the shield
- Very thick sound-absorbing foam - Its interior is made with this foam so outside sounds can not penetrate through to the microphone
Cons
- Support bracket could be sturdier - Some customers have found the two thumb-wheel screws at the bottom of the support bracket are not strong enough leaving the shield wobble a little
RUNNER UP
AGPTEK is one of the most trusted brands on the market. Yet again, this microphone isolation field from AGPTEK proves how reliable their products are. Any acoustic noise from outside your intended recording sounds is blocked by the interior cotton insulation material of this shield.
This shield is fantastic at curtailing any echo or noise reflection while you’re recording. You can adjust its angle up to 145 degrees to block out sounds from certain areas if needed. We love the portability of this booth too so you can take it to a friend’s studio to record.
Its durability is also impressive thanks to its exterior premium steel construction. You should be able to get years of use out of this high-performance shield. You can utilize it in many ways over those years too such as on a table-top, a desk-top, or on a microphone stand. Flexible and convenient. That’s a recipe for successful noise isolation!
Pros
- Highly durable - Its premium steel construction ensures many years of use, even in the busiest of recording studios
- Can adjust its angle - Can swivel it up to 145 degrees to suit your requirements
- Versatile - Can install this on a variety of surfaces such as a table-top to save space for other recording equipment
Cons
- Doesn’t include pop filters - For further noise protection against popping sounds, you will need to purchase an additional pop shield
RUNNER UP
Featuring an adjustable stand from 4 feet to 6 foot 6” in height, the AxcessAbles SF-101KIT Recording Studio Microphone Isolation Stand is built for professionals. This is an excellent choice for acoustic recording and podcasting sound booths.
This heavy-duty shield can be set up for desk-top use if your recording space is a little small but you can also adjust it on various microphone stands. It features a 2” thick high-density foam that ensures you get extreme noise reduction every time you record.
This AxcessAbles isolation shield also has a microphone adjusting system with customizable depth. This allows you to set the microphone to your desired height and level.
We were highly impressed by the inclusion of an outstanding heavy-duty tripod stand. This can be adjusted from 4 feet to 6 foot 6” in height to suit everyone. Furthermore, this is compatible with all microphones so you can set up and start recording in a matter of minutes.
Pros
- Various usages - You can install this on an array of surfaces to suit your recording space
- Heavy-duty - Very durable shield and tripod that should be long-lasting
- Lightweight - Easy to set up and takedown for storage or when needing to transport to another location
Cons
- Mic holder is not the strongest - May not stay fully secure after some use so you may need to invest in a new holder
RUNNER UP
Here’s one that is a little different but no less effective. The Pyle Recording Shield Box could be a great option for a closed-off area. Unlike other shields, this recording booth box encompasses the surroundings of the microphone so no outside sound can reach your recording.
These shield boxes are very popular with people who record podcasts as they can stay in one area and don’t have to worry about any complicated setup procedure. One of the main selling points of this shield is its affordability. It’s a lot cheaper than many shields on the market and just as effective.
With horizontal and vertical coverage, Pyle’s recording shield box blocks out sounds from all angles apart from the sound you wish to record. It’s very lightweight at only two pounds so you can easily take it to other recording facilities.
Its high-density foam is super strong and absorbs most unwanted sounds. Whether you’re beginning your recording journey or like to make podcasts regularly, the Pyle Recording Shield Box could be your perfect match.
Pros
- Lightweight - Whole box only weighs about two pounds so it’s easy to set up and transport
- Durable - Should be long-lasting so you will more than likely get a good return for your investment
- Affordable - Extremely low price compared to other shields on the market
Cons
- Box can lose its shape after some time - Due to no solid metal parts keeping the box in place, it can lose its shape after some use and become hard to use
Top 7 Microphone Isolation Shields Buying Guide
You must take some conscious measures when purchasing a new microphone isolation shield.
It’s vital that you understand some of the key factors that make up a top-quality isolation shield. That way, you can buy yours in the knowledge that you are getting the best possible in your price range.
Let’s take a look at the factors and features you should consider below.
Size
For the best noise lessening and reflective filter results, you should consider the size of the shield. An acoustic shield with a sizable noise absorptive filter is a great place to start. These curve around your microphone to deflect sounds from different angles around the room.
If your vocal filter is too small, the background noise and reflection waves may not become fully filtered. Therefore, your recording can become affected and its quality will sound worse.
Furthermore, larger microphones tend to require more isolation so the bigger the microphone, the larger an isolation shield or booth you will need to trim out any background noise.
Positioning and adjustability
As you know, the positioning of your microphone’s angle, depth, and height are important for getting a good recording sound.
The same goes for your isolation shield. You must set it according to your microphone to achieve improved recording conditions. If its angle is wrong, certain sounds can creep through and reach the microphone.
You can set up microphone shields in many ways. These include installing them on tabletops, desktops, and microphone stands. If you have little space, a table-top shield may be best but it’s recommended that you opt for a shield that can attach to a microphone stand for the best results.
Performance
The performance of your shield should be of priority. Ensure that it significantly isolates sounds and simply does its job.
You can find this out by reading previous customer’s reviews and look at the pros and cons to see if it blocks enough sound for your recordings.
High-density foam
Microphone isolation shields must have at least a 2” thick high-density foam. Any less and sounds can find it easier to seep into your recordings. This foam also obstructs unnecessary echo and the smallest of sound waves.
It will result in a much drier sound. This foam also acts as protection so you can use the shield for a long time.
Mounting and adjustments
You should select a shield with an easy mounting procedure. If various mounting options are not available, it may not be worth investing in.
Ensure that your shield has an ideal depth so that you can adjust your mic to your desired height every time. A good quality isolation shield should be able to accommodate all types of microphones. It doesn’t matter how many you have. They should all fit an ideal isolation shield.
Top 7 Microphone Isolation Shields - FAQ's
How do microphone isolation shields work?
Most microphone isolation shields are constructed with uneven acoustic materials. These absorb any unwanted noise and dampens the music voice wave reflection.
These shields are often placed behind a microphone to block out any extra sounds. This usually results in the production of sharper vocals. A shield is typically internally padded with acoustic foam which absorbs ambient noise before it reaches the sensitive microphone. Most models tend to have hard outer shells that trap the desired recording sounds inside the shield and help reduce echoes.
The shields are normally molded into a shape to reduce sound reflections but are slightly vented so your microphone can breathe. Without this venting, your sound could become too harsh for listeners.
How do you maintain and store an isolation shield?
You should always keep your shield in a plastic bag when it’s not in use. The bag can act as the shield’s shield, protecting it from dust and other particles. You should do the same for a microphone too whenever you need to store it.
Some shields are foldable and are easy to store while others are bulkier. Whatever size they are, every isolation shield should be stored somewhere safe and out of the way until it’s needed again.
