Best Microphone Isolation Shield and Reflection Filters 2020
Every podcaster knows that there’s no greater audience turn-off than poor sound quality. If you’re getting into the business of sound design, there’s no recording gear more needed than a high-grade microphone isolation shield. By blocking out unwanted noises, microphone isolation shields serve to reduce ambient noise and microphone bounce back.
Even if you’re using a home studio to conduct recordings, it may not be possible to achieve the best quality of sound without the added help of an isolation shield. Typically, home studios are not crafted with sound quality in mind. Thin walls, creaky construction, and sound reflection are the bane of all home recordings.
How to Choose the Right Microphone Isolation Shield
Wait! Before you go purchasing just any isolation shield, you should know that there are many different types of isolation shields available that are optimized for distinct recording environments.
If you’re a podcaster or voice actor, your needs will be distinct from vocalists and singers. Additionally, some isolation shields prize portability, ease of use, and versatility over achieving the highest possible sound quality.
For the best sound quality, you should opt for microphone isolation shields that create a chamber around both you and the microphone. Though they are typically heavier than 10 pounds, these shields create an arc of high density absorbent foam around you that helps to absorb just about any ambient noise. One rule of thumb is that the larger the scope of the shield, the better sound quality that is produced.
The one drawback of the large chambers is that they are trickier to install and not meant to be traveled with. For higher portability, it’s best to opt for a compact, foldable isolation shield that can be packed into luggage. Though they don’t block out every source of ambient noise, these small shields are still excellent for reducing microphone bounce back and sources of white noise.
No matter the shield you choose, the highest performers are typically made with thick sound-absorbing foam that is plated with vented aluminum. The plated steel helps to maximally reduce audio feedback and sound reflection.
Review of the Best Microphone Isolation Shields and Reflection Filters of 2020
Lucky for you, we’re going to lend some insight into some of the best microphone isolation shields currently available. We’ve made sure to balance concerns over portability, ease of set up, and producing maximal sound quality in our curated list of chosen products.
1. Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield
- Includes all assembly and mounting hardware | Branding/Logo on Product May Differ
- Dual clamp mount attaches to mic stands or booms up to 1.25″ diameter.
The Monoprice microphone isolation shield features high density absorbent foam front and vented metal back plates in order to capture the best sound possible. Offering all the assembly and mounting hardware needed, the Monoprice is well known for its ability to isolate sound just as competently as a professional recording room.
With a dual clamp mount that attaches to the mic stand or boom, you can rest assured knowing that all unintended vibrations will be cut out of the final recording.
The Monoprice comes with a standard 3/8 inch microphone threaded mount and a 3/8 inch thread adapter, measuring just over 17.3 x 15.4 x 5.5 inches when folded for storage. Moreover, the outer two panels can be folded inward for creating a tighter acoustic isolation chamber.
The Monoprice is perfect for recording interviews, radio shows, and podcasts while blocking out all ambient and reflected sound. The vented metal back plate allows the isolation shield to breathe, preventing any noise reflection inside the the semi-circle arc of the shield.
Additionally, the shield can be used in two ways: the normal upright position and the inverted position, where the microphone hands upside down inside the chamber.
For those who frequently travel to perform live interviews, the Monoprice is an excellent, compact way to complete recordings on the go. Weighing just a few pounds, the isolation shield is incredibly lightweight yet still provides excellent sound quality. It can even be mounted on top of a regular microphone stand for music recordings.
Pros
- Lightweight and folds for compact storage, making it easy to take the Monoprice on the go
- Venting chamber and sound absorbing foam work together to both block ambient noise and reduce audio reflection inside the chamber
- Very easy to set up and tear down with a quarter sized screw
Cons
- Some customers complain that the pads on the back clamps are weakly glued, leading to frequent unsticking
2. Sound Isolation Recording Shield Box
- ELIMINATES UNWANTED NOISE: The Sound Recording Booth Cube Shield features sound dampening foam that assists unwanted sounds from contaminating your recordings. Creates an acoustic boundary around the microphone that improves vocal audio flow
- RECORD LIKE A PRO: Acoustic foam platform pads that block off outside noise such as air conditioning or computer fans, reduce sound reflections or echo and attenuate unwanted acoustic interference, the soundproof filter will let you record like a pro
The Sound Isolation recording shield cube, with a sound dampening filter, is very effective at cutting out environmental vibrations and external disturbances. With an acoustic boundary around four sides of the microphone, vocal audio flows easily without reflecting back into the microphone.
The acoustic foam platform pads block off all outside noises and even loud, unexpected sounds, making the shield versatile enough to be used in chaotic or crowded environments. The wedgie foam is crafted from thick noise-absorbent padding, helping to shield the microphone while making sure that the recorded noise has a clear path.
Moreover, the microphone isolator box is very lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport from the recording studio to public spaces and countertops. It’s a great solution for studio recording, podcasting, vocals, and singing.
A rear panel zipper allows for cables to attach to the microphone for even cleaner installation, helping to achieve the most crisp sound required for professional tasks. Measuring a mere 12.2 x 13 x 13.3 inches.
Customers appreciate that they don’t have to stand particularly close to the microphone in order to capture great sound quality. In fact, standing back one foot still produces loud, clear, and crisp noise free of the sounds of air conditioning, white noise, and other acoustic disturbances.
Pros
- Lightweight box design makes it easy to take place to place in order to record
- Unique zipper back panel allows for adding cables without creating tangled wires or noise disturbances.
- One of the least expensive microphone isolation shields currently on the market
Cons
- Customers complain of less effective sound absorption than over comparable brands
3. AxcessAbles SF-101KIT Recording Studio Microphone Isolation Shield
- Professional microphone Isolation shield with stand, SF-101KIT is a studio environment equipment you want in your music recording studio. The half-dome shaped vocal sound booth is 20 inches in diameter and provides 180-degree coverage. The large dome gives proper sound isolation for a clean recording.
- Lined with high-quality reflective acoustic foam and absorbing filter layers. The inner layer is made of 2-inch high-density acoustic foam. The acoustic foam helps in reducing ambient sound. The microphone shield comes with an adjustable mic holding bracket and 2 screw thread sizes. You can adjust your recording microphone’s distance from the foam.
If you’re looking for professional studio quality recordings, look no further than the AxcessAbles SF-101Kit microphone isolation shield. The 10 pound, heavy duty vocal booth comes with a recording stand that make it ideal for voice acting and singing.
Additionally, the isolation shield can be easily detached from the stand and used for desktops, other stands, and tubes ranging from the size 15mm to 35mm. The sharp, 2 inch thick foam has a very high density that makes it ideal for unwanted noise reduction and sound absorption.
Featuring 6.5 inch panels with two outer adjustable panels, the isolation shield can be fully closed or adjusted for more specific recording tasks. The AxcessAbles purchase comes with a professional-grade pop filter, mounting hardware, and optional foot stands for desktop recording.
Many customers prefer the AxcessAbles brand since it comes with extensive documentation for the best set-up and use practices. According to the manufacturers, the angle of the isolation filter can be adjusted to create the ideal degree of sound absorption for specific recording tasks.
Pros
- Comes with heavy-duty tripod stand that minimizes environmental vibrations and other movement-based disturbances
- Completely adjustable panels that optimize the microphone isolation chamber for ideal use in specific tasks
- Comes with plenty of documentation, extra optional foot stands, and all the hardware needed for set up
Cons
- Weighs over 10 pounds, which makes it hard to take the microphone isolation shield and tripod stand on the go
4. LyxPro VRI-40 Portable Acoustic Isolation Shield
- ELIMINATE AUDIENCE CHATTER AND NOISE INTERFERENCE : High quality Acoustic sound absorbing foam insulation sound diffusion reduces noise and room ambience to Create An Optimal Recording Condition in the Studio Home or Office vented thru the perforated aluminum back plate panel
- ACOUSTIC SOUND VOICE AND LOCAL TRACKS RECORDING : Preserve the clarity of your voice and instrument sound while eliminating audio wave bounce back and Interference when recording your favorite songs and tracks to deliver Dry Clear Crisp Sound with this high quality EVA foam sound absorber
Hands down, the LyxPro VRI-40 is one of the most affordable sound isolation shields currently available. Featuring crush resistant aluminum plating and absorbing foam, the LyxPro is perfect for reducing ambient room noise and audience chatter in live environments. The vented metal plating helps to reduce microphone feedback, environmental disturbances, and sound-caused vibrations.
The EVA sound absorbing foam serves to deliver dry, clear, and crisp sound while eliminating audio wave bounce back and any other interferences. Additionally, the LyxPro is probably the most portable it can possibly get in terms of isolation shields.
The sleek 13.3 x 10 x 3.2 inch shield weighs only 2.25 pounds, can be easily disassembled for transport, and attaches onto any standard size microphone stand. The flexible gooseneck cord allows for the shield to be adjusted at any time in order to optimize the angle of the sound recording.
In addition to mini shield, the LyxPro brand also offers small, standard, jumbo, and upgraded options meant to fit any recording environment.
Customers should be aware that all LyxPro products come with very little documentation, making set up for confusing for sound-design beginners. Thankfully, there are many unaffiliated online tutorials available that can help with the process.
Pros
- Small, easily disassembled, and fits on any standard sized microphone stand for maximal portability
- One of the most inexpensive microphone isolation shields currently available
- Small size makes it appropriate for use in a live audience, since the shield doesn’t block the view of the presenter
Cons
- Flexible gooseneck attachment may degrade or get weaker over years of use
- LyxPro products come with very little documentation detailing set up and sound design tips
5. Portable 2 Fold Design Microphone Isolation Shield
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The portable, two fold isolation shield is an excellent choice for achieving crisp and uninterrupted sound. Plated with vented aluminum casing on the backside of the foam, maximal sound quality can be achieved that comes close to the performance of professional studios. The shield is composed of two panels connected by a strong hinge, allowing the whole unit to collapse into a highly portable component.
In fact, Both panels form a slight arc shape that helps to maximize sound absorption while reducing the noise of air conditioners, computer noises, and other sources of background white noise. The isolation shield can be mounted on a microphone floor stand or desktop.
Overall, the isolation shield measures 19.6 x 13.4 x 2.5 inches, with a foam thickness of 2.4 inches. The whole unit weighs merely 3.85 pounds, which makes creating high quality recordings in any environment possible.
In addition to the isolation shield, the whole package comes with one connection plate, connection bar, screws, and a set up manual.
Pros
- Two panel design makes the isolation shield very portable and lightweight
- The sound absorbing foam is more thick than comparably priced microphone isolation shields
- Both panels are shaped in a gentle arc, allowing for maximal sound quality and crispness
Cons
- Doesn’t come with pop filter or any hardware to stabilize microphone within the isolation shield
For the most premium performance possible, the AxcessAbles microphone isolation kit achieves the sound quality of professional recording studio like none other. It’s hard to go wrong when the whole unit features a tripod, several dual-paneled isolation panels, and a high-grade pop filter.
However, some consumers may prefer balancing sound quality with portability and ease of set up. With that in mind, the stand-attachable LyxPro beats out the competition in terms of simplicity of use and cost effectiveness. Compact enough to be packed into your purse or carry-on luggage, the LyxPro is great for international jet-setters who wish to conduct interviews or record on the go.