Top 10 Microphone Isolation Shield Reflectors + Buyer’s Guide 2021

If you’re a musician, singer, or podcaster by now, you probably know that ambient noise and sound reflections can create noise interference. It’s challenging to produce a balanced recording when you can hear so much unwanted sound. Instead of spending hours watching YouTube tutorials on reducing sound reflection and unwanted noise from your vocal tracks, you might want to do something about your recording environment.

First up, you’ll have to kick your brother or sister out of their room first. They can share yours. After all, sharing is caring. Tell them to think of the bigger picture: you can finally have your personal recording space! Look at all that room for acoustic foam and noise isolation!

I’m only kidding, of course. Not everyone has the luxury of a professional home recording studio, but you don’t need one to produce professional sound. Microphone isolation shields exist for a reason, and some professional recording studios use them despite having a vocal booth. Microphone sound shields create the optimal recording conditions, regardless of where you are.

Mic isolation shields also make a great first purchase for up-and-coming podcasters, vloggers, and singers. We have selected the top 10 microphone isolation shields that suit everyone’s pocket and needs, so stay tuned for our reviews!

What Is a Microphone Isolation Shield?

Microphone isolation shields block unwanted background noise, ambiance, or sound wave reflection during recording sessions. Additionally, they improve audio clarity by a great deal through the isolation of the microphone from the rest of the environment. 

Microphone isolation shields are handy for YouTubers, podcasters, musicians, and singers who want to create professional audio without visiting a recording studio. They’re great for home recording or as part of university equipment, and they also save you from sticking acoustic foam all over your room or using any other type of permanent treatment. 

Microphone isolation shields are made of high-density foam and can sometimes have up to three layers. This thick acoustic foam can prevent sound waves from entering the mic’s proximity – no matter your setup. 

Isolation shields have different installation methods. For example, you might be one to record sitting down while gaming. In this case, you’re probably going to look for a desktop isolation shield or one with a tripod. In some cases, if you’re a musician or singer, you might be more interested in a microphone isolation shield with a stand. We’ll expand further on the specific features and advantages of isolation shields in the Buyer’s Guide section at the end of the article.  

You’ll come across many different types of isolation shields. Some of them have unique futuristic designs, while others are small, compact, and practical. We have a bit of everything on our list, so no matter what your budget is, whether you want the most premium microphone isolation shield or the most budget-friendly option, you are guaranteed to find what you’re looking for. Let’s take a look at the top 10 microphone sound shields!

Best Microphone Isolation Shield At A Glance

For those in a rush, here’s a summary of the top ten mics and their accolades!

1. Top Pick – SE Electronics SPACE Vocal Shield
2. Best Budget Microphone Isolation Shield – Aokeo Professional Studio Recording Microphone Isolation Shield
3. The Best Affordable Circular Microphone Isolation Shield – Neewer Pro Microphone Isolation Shield
4. The Best Microphone Isolation Shield for Vocals and Singing – XTUGA Recording Microphone Isolation Shield with Pop Filter, High Density Absorbent Foam to Filter Vocal
5. Best Compact Microphone Isolation Shield – Neewer Tabletop Compact Microphone Isolation Shield
6. Best Microphone Isolation Shield for Home Recording – LyxPro VRI-10 Vocal Sound Absorbing Shield
7. Best Microphone Isolation Shield for Podcast Recording – Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield
8. Best Cheap Isolation Shield Recommendation – Moukey Microphone Isolation Shield
9. Best Travel-Friendly Isolation Shield – MSIZOY 5-Panel Orange Foldable Studio Recording Microphone Isolation Shield, High-Density Mic Sound-Absorbing Foam
10. Best Premium Microphone Isolation Shield with Unique Design – Aston Microphones Halo Portable Microphone Reflection Filter, Black

Top 10 Best Microphone Isolation Shields – Reviews

Here are ten of the best microphone isolation shields you can find on the market today!

1. SE Electronics SPACE Vocal Shield – Top Pick

Last update on 2024-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The SE Electronics SPACE Vocal Shield is compact and light, and it can quickly turn your amateur mic setup into a professional vocal recording environment. I recommend this mic sound shield to anyone recording while standing upright – for singers and instrument recordings especially. It’s made of a vented aluminum surround panel with a metal frame and 2 inches worth of acoustic foam. You can attach the shield with the included mounting brackets.

All you need is the mic itself and a standard microphone stand. If you haven’t found one yet, you’re in luck! We wrote a review of the best microphone stands, and we can’t wait to share them with you! You can position your mic as close to 2 inches away from the screen, and you can adjust the screen vertically if you want – between 5 and 1/2 inches. It has a great-looking exterior and does an incredible job isolating the mic from air-con sounds and traffic noise while reducing sound wave reflection.

2. Aokeo Professional Studio Recording Microphone Isolation Shield – Best Budget Microphone Isolation Shield

Last update on 2024-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Listen, I am no fool. Not everyone can afford a $200 microphone isolation shield. Take a deep breath and relax because I’ve got a little something for those short on cash. The Aokeo professional studio recording microphone isolation shield is cheaper than $50 and has many great perks.

The Aokeo mic shield’s acoustic foam is made of absorbent cotton, reducing sound reflection when recording. The hardware of the mic isolation shield features two folding metal panels featuring variable angle adjustments for optimal sound isolation. It has a porous metal casing as well as metal fittings where your microphone hangs.

It has a lightweight and compact design paired with a foldable construction. If you’re one to record in various locations, you can easily transport this equipment with you without breaking your back.

The Aokeo professional studio recording microphone isolation shield is also surprisingly versatile. You can fix it on a countertop or tabletop or use it as an upright standing shield and record on your feet.

3. Neewer Pro Microphone Isolation Shield – The Best Affordable Circular Microphone Isolation Shield

Last update on 2024-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

You might have heard of Neewer before, but they produce great microphones, like the Neewer NW-700 and Neewer NW-800 that we reviewed. Now, they have dabbled into microphone accessory creation with their very own vocal shield – the Neewer microphone isolation shield.

The professional design of this mic isolator consists of vented metal outer panels and two-layer acoustic foam at the front. The layered design efficiently defuses acoustic waves and keeps the sound bouncing back into the microphone, controlling reflected sound waves. The mic isolation shield contains two threaded adapters, 3/8 and 5/8 adapters, so you can easily mount it on a boom arm or mic stand. 

You can mount the isolation shield on a mic stand or fix it onto a tabletop. You can also fold the two outer panels inward for storage or create a tighter acoustic isolation chamber. The compact design, lightweight structure, and foldable shield features allow you to carry the vocal shield with you quickly, and it’s completely hassle-free! Likewise, the isolation chamber will help you create clear sound quality when recording.

4. XTUGA Recording Microphone Isolation Shield with Pop Filter, High Density Absorbent Foam to Filter Vocal– The Best Microphone Isolation Shield for Vocals and Singing

Last update on 2024-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This microphone isolation shield looks like it’s out of this world! The XTUGA Recording Isolation Shield is made for high-end microphones. You probably haven’t heard of it because it grew popular in China, where it had great success in the electronic industry. But what makes it so special?

Glad you asked. The XTUGA is made of two components – a folding diffusion shell and a foam absorption lining. You can choose to get it with 3 or 5 plastic plates, the inner walls of which are lined with high-quality acoustic foam. The vocal shield is also bendable up to 45 degrees, which helps isolate the sound inside the chamber. 

The XTUGA vocal shield is designed to be mounted on a mic stand, and it can work just as well with any condenser microphone. The isolation of this microphone shield helps create dry and controlled vocal or instrumental recording. 

It has a sturdy and stable construction, without being too heavy. You can easily fold the isolation shield and carry it with you to live concerts or record at home. It won’t occupy too much room and it’s easy to pack.

5. Neewer Tabletop Compact Microphone Isolation Shield – Best Compact Microphone Isolation Shield

Last update on 2024-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Are you looking for a curved microphone isolation shield? The Neewer tabletop microphone isolator is here to impress you with its compact size, impressive design, and free tripod! Desktop vocal shields are great for YouTubers, podcasters, singers, and streamers. The mic isolator is ultra-easy to set up.

The outer shell of this mic isolator is made of ABS plastic material, making it lightweight and portable compared to other models with vented metal black plates. It’s practically a portable vocal booth! The high-density acoustic foam front absorbs unwanted noise and reduces sound wave reflection, providing a clear recording.

The metal tripod will support your microphone shield firmly in place whether you decide to put it on your desk, table, or countertop. You can also adjust the height of the tripod to create the ultimate recording experience. You’ll also be glad to hear that the Neewer tabletop compact microphone isolation shield is reasonably priced and won’t cost you a lot to get the pristine audio quality you’re after.

6. LyxPro VRI-10 Vocal Sound Absorbing Shield – Best Microphone Isolation Shield for Home Recording

Last update on 2024-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re looking for an upgrade to the previous model, you can take a look at the LyxPro VRI-10 vocal sound-absorbing shield. The vocal shield has a sturdy aluminum vented backplate with an adjustable support bar on the back.

The high-density EVA acoustic foam will do a magnificent job at improving the acoustic quality of your recording. The LyxPro isolation filter has two collapsible panels that sandwich together nicely. You can take it on the go with as little hassle as possible.

The microphone isolator includes mounting hardware and can easily be used for desktop recording. You have to place it on its four legs, and you’re all set! Alternatively, you can attach this mic to a mic stand if you want with the provided hardware.

Some microphone isolation shield reviews mention a few complaints about the lack of padding and instruction documents. Thus, keep that in mind when purchasing this item!

7. Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield – Best Microphone Isolation Shield for Podcast Recording

Last update on 2024-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Let’s welcome the royal guest of this isolation shield review. The Monoprice Stage Right series microphone foam shield measures about 23.5 in x 15.4 in x 11.0 in, making it the largest on our list. It provides you with enough space without feeling claustrophobic like with other microphone shields.

This premium acoustic shield features a vented metal backplate, which gives the microphone some breathing room. You can fold the two outer panels inward if you need to take the vocal shield with you. Also, you can use the dual-clamp mounting bracket to attach a microphone stand or booms up to 1 and ¼ inches in diameter.

You can use this microphone shield in its normal upright orientation, or you can decide to invert it and have the microphone hanging down. This helps reduce vibrations you may get from typing on your desk, which, unfortunately, your Monoprice microphone isolation shield can do nothing to prevent. However, you can fix it quickly with a shock mount. If you want to check out some great shock mounts, read our top 10 microphone shock mounts review!

Overall, this is an excellent addition to your recording equipment made of quality acoustic materials. You can upgrade your podcasts, interviews, voiceover recording, and any audio with this sound shield!

8. Moukey Microphone Isolation Shield – Best Cheap Isolation Shield Recommendation

Last update on 2024-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Another tremendously affordable product is the Moukey isolation shield. It requires no installation at all because it’s already built! The Moukey has four panels, making it relatively more significant than most isolation shields. Why is that important? Larger vocal shields wrap around your microphone better and effectively diffuse sound waves.

The Moukey has three-layer filtration, a protective layer, a filter layer, and an acoustic foam absorbing layer. The outer protective layer is made of ABS plastic material and won’t give you the weight and sturdiness of the Monoprice. However, it will still work fine as a reflection filter.

This microphone isolation shield is also foldable, creating a tighter isolation chamber or simply reducing in size so you can transport it with ease. Like other reflection filters on this list, it can be attached to most microphone stands or boom arms. This is a great cheap alternative to the Monoprice with exceptional functionality that won’t disappoint!

9. Msizoy 5-panel Orange Foldable Studio Recording Microphone Isolation Shield, High-Density Mic Sound-Absorbing Foam – Best Colorful Microphone Isolation Shield

Last update on 2024-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Are you tired of the same old dull black or metal isolation shields? I’ve got great news for you. The Msizoy isolation shield has seven vivid and bright designs to choose from, which will add a favor of creativity to your home studio.

This foldable studio microphone isolation shield has five panels and can easily fold in to save you some space when recording in a different location. It has a porous metal protective layer, and like the rest of the microphone shield on the list, it’s made of a high-density sound-absorbing sponge.

The foam layer can effectively reduce echo and room ambiance, while the metal backplate can reflect noise and shield from unwanted frequencies. You can use this vocal shield on your desktop or by using a mic stand.

10. Aston Microphones Halo Portable Microphone Reflection Filter, Black – Best Premium Microphone Isolation Shield With Unique Design

Last update on 2024-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Of course, we have saved the best for last. The Aston Microphones Halo Portable Microphone Reflection Filter is a premium-quality vocal shield with a unique shell design. It’s the ultimate portable acoustic filter, and it has an almost velvety look to it.

The innovative technology of this luxurious filter proved 360-degree filtering, not just horizontally but also at the top and bottom. The Halo is made from a patented PET felt, lightweight, and unique to Aston products. It is made of 70% recycled material, creating an environmentally friendly portable vocal booth.

Many reflection shields suffer from overly complicated setup instructions, but not the Halo. It’s easy to put together, and it’s incredibly stable despite being lightweight. The built-in “ribs” of the Halo on the front and back of the shell help tackle sound diffusion. This premium portable isolation filter is one of the best solutions you’ll find today!

Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider Before Purchasing a Microphone Isolation Shield

There are plenty of factors that come together to create an ideal microphone shield for you. You need to consider all of them before buying a product, so you don’t get disappointed by your purchase. Don’t worry. I’m here to guide you and help make your shopping experience all the more pleasant!

Price

Everyone has a different budget, which is fine. Still, you should know that the cheapest reflection filter typically compromises the quality of the materials it’s made of and can make a difference to your sound. I’m not saying that you should buy the most expensive mic shield either! I would recommend up-and-coming audio recorders to start with the cheap versions. They still make a difference in your sound, and you can gradually upgrade and swap as your budget grows in the future. Start simple, but don’t forget to take a look at the rest of the features, too. 

Alternatively, if you want to save some money, you can make your DIY microphone isolation shield. There are lots of YouTube videos on the subject, and just know that it won’t always give you the same sort of noise isolation you would get from even the cheapest isolation shield on our list. 

Positioning and Mounting

Do you record sitting down or standing up? If you’re a singer, you probably want the least amount of pressure on your diaphragm, so you record standing. In that case, position your mic shield on a microphone stand. If you haven’t got a mic stand yet, there are plenty of options to consider in our top 10 microphone stands review!

If you record sitting down, you should mount your sound shield on your tabletop or desktop, and it’s dead simple. For your convenience, all of our mic shields can be used in either scenario!

Weight

Sometimes, your microphone, shock mount, mic stand, and isolation shield can get pretty heavy on top, especially if you’re recording while standing up. It’s essential to look at the weight of your audio equipment and accessories. However, you can’t guess the balance until you mount everything together in person. Luckily, you can buy sandbags and use them over your mic stand base to add extra weight at the bottom of your microphone stand. A lot of these bags are used by gaffers to balance all light on movie sets and usually aren’t particularly costly. 

Size

Depending on how much room you have on your desk or in your home studio, the size of your isolation shield is another thing you should consider. Try to get a giant mic shield if you can, so you don’t feel cramped up in a tight spot. The size of your mic shield can cover a greater area and provide more protection to your microphone, too.

Materials

Materials are also necessary. Look for three-layered microphone shields – one with a protective layer, preferably made of metal. Metal protective layers are better at reflecting unwanted noises in the opposite direction of your mics. Plastic layers will do an excellent job of isolating sound within the vocal shield but won’t provide much sound reflection. 

You Made It!

Congratulations! You made it to the end of our article. You are a microphone isolation shield pro now! However, if you want to learn more about microphones, you can check out our article on the different microphone types! I wish you a happy shopping!

Best Selling Microphone Isolation Shields

Last update on 2024-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API