The Buyers Guide to Best microphones accessories

While a microphone is a self-contained device, it often requires additional accessories and supplies. No vocalist, whether working in the studio or performing in a concert, can do without a microphone mount, stand, filters, and other small details. Let’s take a look at what they are and how to choose the right model. Read more on microphonetopgear.

Adapters

Microphone adapters connect the electrical conductors. These are devices with a plug and socket, there are many models in the range, each of which has its characteristics.

Adapters are also called adapters, and when choosing the right one it is important to consider the model of microphone that needs the adapter.

Wind Protection

Wind protection clears the microphone sound from unwanted whistling or other similar distortions. Manufacturers produce wind protection for all types of microphones: Studio, head, vocal, etc. It is usually made of soft materials such as felt or foam.

Most often, microphones are equipped with foam caps, but they will not help much in a strong wind. In this case, it is recommended to buy a windshield made of fur with lint. Structures of this type are put on top of a foam cap or a “naked” microphone.

Useful tip: if the windscreen is going to be used outdoors, it must be waterproof.

Acoustic microphone screen

An acoustic microphone screen is a sound wave absorber. It will help you record the vocals or voice of the speaker better in an acoustically imperfect room. You can find the desired sound by adjusting the screen distance relative to the microphone.

Holders and Mounts

Holders and mounts, as well as microphone hangers, are different in shape, made of different materials, produced by many brands. But they have one function – they simultaneously hold the microphone and attach it to the stand.

Microphone cable

The sound depends on the quality of the signal transmission from the audio source. That’s why it’s important to get the right cable to the equipment. Otherwise, even the best equipment will not give out all its power and quality.

Signal acoustic cables are used for transmitting audio signals. They can be symmetrical or asymmetric. The latter are usually included with Amateur or semi-professional equipment.

If it is important to get the best quality while recording or performing on stage, choose a coaxial cable. It has protection against electromagnetic interference and is used by professional musicians.

Power Supply Unit

Microphone power supplies are standard and phantom. In the latter, current and information signals are simultaneously transmitted over the wires.

Most often, phantom power supplies are needed to connect condenser microphones, where microphone circuits are used not only for power but also for polarization.

Microphone capsules

Microphone capsules are sound receivers. In this device, sound signals are converted into electrical signals.

The capsules consist of two special plates: one fixed and rigid, and the other – mobile and flexible to vibrate from sound waves. In some models, there are several mobile microphone plates.

Microphone stands

The microphone stand frees the vocalist’s hands and most often it falls to the floor during a concert. Types of microphone stand: “crane”, straight or shortened (floor), and desktop.

Racks firmly fix the microphone at a specific angle and the desired height. They are also used to fix microphones for musical instruments.

Floor stands are popular among vocalists. They are adjustable for any height, convenient to use, light and durable.

Pop Filter

If you say “p” or “b” into the microphone, you will hear an unpleasant loud Bang. This moment is called the pop effect, and the flow of air from the mouth is to blame for it.

To prevent this from happening, you need a pop filter consisting of several layers of translucent nylon or the metal stretched over a round frame. The pop filter not only disperses the airstream but also protects the microphone from slobber containing harmful salts for the equipment.

If the microphone is used often enough, a replacement metal lattice will be useful.

Preamplifier

The output signal from the microphone is always weaker than the one used in the studio. Microphone preamplifiers are used to amplify this signal. They are available separately or embedded in a device, such as an audio interface.

It doesn’t make sense for novice vocalists to buy an external preamp. If you buy a good audio interface, its built-in preamp will be enough. For example, a condenser microphone doesn’t have such a weak signal. So an external preamp won’t affect the sound much.