Shure A53M - Shock Stopper for SM81, SM86, KSM141, KSM137, 16A, VP64 and SM63 Models

To start, please note: Shure makes the A53M and the A55M that from illustrations look like they might be the same thing. They are similar, yes, but they provide shock mount support for two different diameter microphones. The A55M is useful for microphones that are similar in diameter to the Shure SM57 and microphones that are slightly larger in diameter than an XLR barrel. In this review however, we are concerned with the A53M which is appropriate for microphones with a diameter that is essentially the same as the diameter of an XLR barrel, like the Shure SM81.The design of this shock mount is fairly simple---a circular collar with a floating rubber gasket where the microphone seats into place; all connected to a typical hinged mic clip part that threads onto a stand.I am fairly certain there are shock mounts that will do a better job of isolating the microphone from the rest of the world, so if you want the best separation from bumps and thuds, like on a boom pole for film/ TV work, you might want to consider something else. But for stage and studio work, the Shure A53M is super handy given its ease of use and its slim / low profile. This is where the A53M wins compared to shock mounts of other designs: you can mount your drum and percussion microphones into one of these and slip the mic into a tight space on a gooseneck of short boom stand between drum shells and cymbal stands... larger shock mounts are not going to fit into the tight spaces, but the Shure A53M (and A55M) will.Storing these little shock mounts is a simple matter as they are durable, on par with most normal mic clips. So you can throw four or more of these into a travel bag, grab your mics and do a recording or live sound job without any extra concern for cases and bags.Place one of these (or the A55M for most vocal mics) on a stand that is suffering from vibrations across stages that are hollow or flex to eliminate some rumble. This style shock mount should also eliminate the THUD sound from when someone bumps a mic stand on the stage.The Shure A53M is a real problem solver when it comes to blocking vibrations from affecting a microphone on a stand. It is a simple, not terribly expensive, low profile and useful shock mount that any professional is well advised to add to their bag of tricks.

This is a great shockmount, especially for the price.Some comments on the reviews here:1. Isn't pretty vs a suspension mount? Who cares? I'm touring with these. How much room does a suspension mount with cables take up in a mic box, compared to one of these? Multiply that by 4 or 8. You'll have to go back and get a bigger mic box.2. A KSM137 sags and is held off-axis? What? My photos below show a KSM137, a Beyer MC930, and a Peluso P-414 being held safely and exactly where I want it. (The Peluso is top-heavy, though, so this shockmount is not the best for that particular mic. It'll be fine if you want the mic to be oriented as in the photo, for miking a cello or upright bass, for example, or vocals). Sorry, I don't have an SM81 available for a photo.I've A/B'd this shockmount against an Audix SMT19, which I also own several of. The Shure provides more isolation through the mic stand. The Shure A55HM is also a good choice.

It isn't pretty vs. a suspension mount with cables, and it doesn't seem particularly high-end. Like usual, however, Shure has created an incredible product that is perfectly balanced for its application. I am using this to hold a Shure SM81 over my hi hat. It is difficult to tell from the pictures, but this unit utilizes an air cushion, rubber sleeve device to hold the mic. It is a bit hard to describe, but it works very well and allows easy adjustment of the microphone and shock resistance. At $30, it is a little expensive, but overall worth it, especially to protect a higher-end mic.A few notes: The microphone is relatively easy to remove/install from the unit, and it holds very well once placed. I continued to be impressed by how easy it is to adjust the mic with this stand -- it has just the right amount of "give," if you will.

Great for reducing handling or stand noise from a mic stand or a fixed mic on a keyboard stand!One of the few noise reducing Mic adaptors that actually work UNLIKE the OnStage version.This is made for Mics like the SM58 or SM57, or any similar Mic with that base/barrel size.

These are great with the A27M bar because they are so small - especially compared to other shockmount adapters which from other people's photos do not look fun to mount on a bar like the A27M. The mics are super easy to slide back and forward and only sag a tiny bit. It's easy to adjust them because of the A27M, so I definitely recommend buying both if you are doing an XY / ORTF setup with a single mic stand.The isolation from the stand and floor is the best I have experienced from any studio shockmount, so that’s a huge plus too.

I have a mic that is very sensitive to handling vibrations. I shot this clip out vs several other shock-mounts by hitting the mic stand with a drum stick and recording the results. This clip won the shootout by a wide margin. Very little of the "thunk" sound got through.Check the diameter of your mic, as this clip only handles thinner mics. Shure makes another model for larger mics.

So happy to find these clips from Shure! Schoeps makes such nice microphones, but their clips are just too flimsy. These from Shure are far more solid, and the rubber isolation works very well.No problem inserting or removing the mic from the clip -- the mic is held firmly, but slips in/out with relative ease. There's a bit of streaking left on the microphone. This might only happen the first few times of use as the new plastic scrapes on the body of the mic -- can't say. It's not significant to us and not a problem.