Microphone support system

A microphone support system and a method of manufacturing therefor that substantially isolates a microphone from extraneous vibrations. In one embodiment, the microphone support system comprises a base assembly, a microphone support rod, a microphone sheath, a microphone cable, and a microphone cable sheath. The base assembly is configured to dampen at least some of the extraneous vibrations communicated to the support system. The microphone support rod is coupleable to the base assembly and is configured to support a microphone. The microphone sheath is coupled to the microphone support rod, substantially surrounds the microphone, and is configured to substantially isolate the microphone from at least some of the extraneous vibrations. Furthermore, the microphone cable is coupleable to the microphone, and the microphone cable sheath substantially surrounds the microphone cable and is configured to substantially isolate the microphone cable from at least some of the extraneous vibrations.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed, in general, to a microphone holder and, more specifically, to a microphone support system that incorporates vibration shielding and damping to substantially isolate a microphone from extraneous vibrations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In modern music performance/recording, mechanical vibration effects on recorded/reproduced audio frequency program material are responsible for perceived (and measured) degradation of the natural transient response of all audio signals captured, stored, replayed, or reproduced by equipment of the prior art. It is a problem that exists at the system level, in all components of the system in one form or another.

The audio industry, since the inception of digital audio in the early 1980s, has faced criticism that digital recordings did not sound as good as their analog counterparts. Indeed, some fine quality recordings were produced by the technology of the late 1950's with analog recording and playback means. This was partially due to the prevalent design techniques used for microphones and microphone stands, along with the materials used in the wiring, and the design of enclosures and chassis. It was also partially due to a more direct signal recording and playback equipment path. That is, there were fewer pieces of equipment to contribute bad effects to the program material, and extra “processing” was not thought of as necessary. Additionally, since the effects of vibration, in some respects, are more detrimental to digital recording and reproduction than to analog processing, the analog recording/playback systems sounded better. In fact, they did indeed capture a better transient response in program material than did the newer digital recordings for reasons disclosed herein.

Microphones are the most susceptible link in the reproduction chain due to their proximity to the original sound source and their natural susceptibility to vibrations. They are self-evidently and inherently, the most sensitive component due to their function, which is to convert airborne vibrations sensed by the element(s) into low level electrical signals for further amplification, storage, analysis, or later reproduction. However, microphone designers have not successfully understood the issue of microphone enclosure vibrations that are also received from the environment, and how they translate into extra modulations which add to the sound already received and are converted by the main microphone sensing element(s). These enclosure-borne vibrations seriously degrade the signal received by the microphone sensing element(s). More specifically, it has been determined that the resonances of various materials comprising the microphone mounting mechanism(s) and stand assembly can cause smeared signal transients.

Common sources of vibration (unwanted inputs to the system) include the program material of interest, “monitoring” equipment used to listen to the desired program material during the recording/reproduction process, internal vibrations generated by power transformers or the mechanisms used to manipulate media (CD or tape transports) used to record or process the desired program material. Even air pressure changes caused by low frequency air handler equipment for HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning) can cause vibrations to be introduced into the recorded/amplified program.

The degradation comes in multiple forms, depending on: (a) the type of equipment (analog or digital based signal processing), (b) location in the recording/reproduction chain (microphone or front end processing vs compact disc player playback and power amplifier combination back end processing), and (c) the relative magnitude of the vibration in relation to the signal processing being performed at that stage in the chain. Common effects of the various vibration sources include, but are not necessarily limited to: (a) data clock perturbations in digital systems as a byproduct of the reference crystal vibration (jitter, drift, modulation based on program material), (b) microphonic transfer of vibration to power supply lines which then subsequently modulate the desired program material as a product of amplification, and (c) microphonic transfer of vibration to the microphone electronics through the microphone stand/holder assembly and microphone wiring which then subsequently modulates the desired program material as a by-product of sensing and amplification.

Referring initially toFIG. 1, illustrated is a conventional microphone stand100holding a conventional microphone110. The conventional microphone stand100comprises a base120, a first vertical support pole121, a second vertical support pole122, an adjustable support pole123, a first support pole clutch assembly124, a second support pole clutch assembly125, a pole-to-microphone adapter130, a microphone holder140, and cable clamps150. The microphone stand100stands upon a floor101and supports the microphone110. The microphone110has a microphone body111coupled to a microphone cable160. The microphone cable160is coupled to the first vertical support pole121, the second vertical support pole122, and the adjustable support pole123with the cable clamps150. In the embodiment shown, the base120, the first vertical support pole121, second vertical support pole122, adjustable support pole123, first support pole clutch assembly124, second support pole clutch assembly125, pole-to-microphone adapter130, microphone holder140, and cable clamps150typically comprise resonant materials such as metal, hard plastic, etc. In one embodiment, the base120may have rubber feet126to decouple vibration arising from the floor101.

The major effect of the various vibration sources is the microphonic transfer of vibration to the microphone electronics through the microphone stand/holder assembly and microphone wiring. The vibrations subsequently modulate the desired program material as a by-product of sensing and amplification. In most cases little special care has been taken to isolate the microphone sensing element(s) (not shown) from the microphone body111. In an embodiment considered to be among the best of the prior art, the microphone holder140comprises some form of elastic suspension bands141coupled between a circumferential ring142and the microphone110. Various forms of this general method of isolation are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,459,802 to Young, U.S. Pat. No. 4,546,950 to Cech, U.S. Pat. No. 4,396,807 to Brewer, U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,096 to Ramsey, ostensibly to isolate the microphone110from floor-borne, low frequency vibrations. The above listed patents are hereby incorporated by reference. While it is desirable to isolate the microphone/stand combination from floor-borne vibrations, the methods of the prior art subject the microphone elements to significantly larger degradations from airborne vibrations through the microphone enclosure (the microphone body111or case) which is generally not protected in any way from airborne vibrations. Extraneous vibrations can be additionally magnified when the microphone (sensor) is suspended via these weblike mechanisms, as in the listed prior art, in an effort to isolate it from the low frequency vibrations transmitted from the floor. This is accomplished at the expense of exposure to the significantly higher levels and wider frequency spectrum of vibration levels available directly through the air. These vibrations must also be addressed in the quest to control the recording/reproduction process in an effort to preserve the transient response of the desired signal to be recorded or processed. With the prior art, the conventional microphone110receives, and inadvertently converts to an electrical signal, those vibrations it receives through the microphone body111and the microphone cable160, along with the airborne vibrations sensed by the microphone element from the desired signal. Vibrations in the microphone stand/holder assembly also can cause very small movements of the entire microphone110, and therefore the element(s) of the microphone while it is receiving the desired signal. Vibrations of the microphone stand100also cause a lever arm effect on the suspended microphone110which magnifies the effect of small vibrations in the microphone stand100.

In most cases little special care has been taken to isolate the microphone sensing element(s) from the microphone body. Generally, the microphone itself is, in the presumed best form of the prior art, suspended in air via elastic webs, ostensibly to isolate it from floor-borne low frequency vibrations. While it is desirable to isolate the microphone/stand combination from floor-borne vibrations, the method of the prior art subjects the microphone assembly to significantly larger degradations from airborne vibrations through its enclosure (the microphone body or case) which is not protected in any way from extraneous airborne vibrations. Ideally, the best mounting mechanism would reveal the main (desired) sensing element(s) to the sounds to be converted into electrical signals, while keeping the body of the microphone, and therefore the remaining electronics inside it, isolated from extraneous airborne vibrations. With the prior art, the microphone receives and inadvertently converts vibrations it receives through its case and the microphone wire, along with the vibrations sensed by the main (desired) element from the desired signal. Consequently, any vibrations, including extraneous solid-body vibrations, received through the microphone body ill or its holding mechanism140, stand100, and cabling160get combined with the desirable sounds from an intended source impinging on the main microphone element (s); thereby the net combination of these signals becomes the overall signal produced by the microphone110, microphone holding system100, and cabling160.

Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a microphone support system that does not suffer from the transmission of extraneous vibrations to the sensing element(s) of the microphone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a microphone support system that substantially isolates a microphone from extraneous vibrations comprising a base assembly, a microphone support rod, a microphone sheath, a microphone cable, and a microphone cable sheath. In a preferred embodiment, the base assembly is configured to dampen at least some of the extraneous vibrations communicated to the support system. The microphone support rod is coupleable to the base assembly and is configured to support a microphone. The microphone sheath substantially surrounds the microphone and is coupled to the microphone support rod wherein the microphone sheath is configured to substantially isolate the microphone from at least some of the extraneous vibrations. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the microphone cable is coupleable to the microphone, and the microphone cable sheath substantially surrounds the microphone cable and is configured to substantially isolate the microphone cable from at least some of the extraneous vibrations.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a microphone support system that substantially isolates a microphone from extraneous vibrations. The method includes: (1) providing a base assembly configured to dampen at least some of the extraneous vibrations communicated to the support system, (2) coupling a microphone support rod to the base assembly and configuring the microphone support rod to support a microphone, (3) coupling a microphone sheath to the microphone support rod and substantially surrounding the microphone, the microphone sheath configured to substantially isolate the microphone from at least some of the extraneous vibrations, (4) coupling a microphone cable to the microphone, and (5) coupling a microphone cable sheath to and substantially surrounding the microphone cable, the microphone cable sheath configured to substantially isolate the microphone cable from at least some of the extraneous vibrations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now toFIG. 2, illustrated is one embodiment of a microphone support system, generally designated200, constructed according to the principles of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the microphone support system200comprises a first vertical support pole221, a second vertical support pole222, an adjustable support pole223, a first support pole vibration-conducting coupling224, a second support pole vibration-conducting coupling225, a pole-to-microphone adapter230, a microphone holder240, a microphone sheath243, cable clamps250, a base assembly270, and a counterweight280. The microphone support system200supports a conventional microphone210that has a microphone body211. The microphone body211is electrically and mechanically coupled to a microphone cable260. In a preferred embodiment, the microphone cable260is substantially surrounded about its entire length with a vibration-absorbing coating261that substantially isolates the microphone210from at least some of any vibration that might impinge on the microphone cable260. In one embodiment, only those areas of the microphone cable260very close to the microphone body211, and to the recording/reproduction electronics (not shown) are not covered with the vibration-absorbing coating/sheath261. In a preferred embodiment, the vibration-absorbing coating/sheath261is polystyrene foam. The microphone cable260is mechanically coupled to the first vertical support pole221, the second vertical support pole222, and the adjustable support pole223with the cable clamps250. In the illustrated embodiment, the microphone support system200is designed to be placed on a support element201that may be subjected to extraneous vibrations. In the embodiment shown, the support element201is a conventional floor, presumably of a musical performance/recording studio, although the microphone support system200may be used at other locations, e.g. a stage, meeting room, etc. In another embodiment, the support element may be a desk (not shown) or any surface suitably strong enough to support the microphone support system200. In such a desk-mounted system, as one who is skilled in the art will readily understand, the size and number of the support poles may be significantly reduced while the general principles of the present invention are applied. The extraneous vibrations may be caused by any of the previously listed sources including, but not limited to: a live music source, e.g., musical instruments, and the heating ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC), etc.

Details of two embodiments of the microphone holder will be addressed below with reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B. For the sake of the present discussion, it is sufficient to note that the conventional microphone210is substantially surrounded by vibration-absorbing or vibration-resistant material (microphone sheath243) in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the base assembly270comprises vibration-isolating feet271, a vibration-resistant sub-base272, vibration-absorbing receptacles273, a non-resonant base274, and a base assembly cover279. In a preferred embodiment, the non-resonant base274comprises a circular base made of carbon fiber material such as is produced by Black Diamond Racing, Inc. (BDR), a division of D. J. Casser Enterprises, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis. In one embodiment, the diameter of the non-resonant base274may be between about 16″ and 18″. In a preferred embodiment, the non-resonant base274may have a threaded hole275for coupling to the first vertical support pole221. In another embodiment, an upper surface276of the non-resonant base274may have a threaded flange (not shown) coupled to it for coupling to the first vertical support pole221. One who is skilled in the art is familiar with the use of threaded flanges for coupling threaded poles to flat surfaces. Performance of the recording/reproduction system was noticeably better with the threaded hole275embodiment.

In one embodiment, the vibration-absorbing receptacles273may comprise carbon fiber “cones”273a, “pucks”273b, and “pits”273c. The cones273a, pucks273band pits273cmay be ones available from BDR. The cones273acomprise solid carbon fiber formed as a cone with an imbedded threaded rod273d. In a preferred embodiment, the non-resonant base274may have a plurality of threaded holes274ain a lower surface277thereof to which the cones273aand pucks273bmay be coupled in a point-down configuration. The pucks273balso comprise carbon fiber similar in appearance to a hockey puck with a central hole273e. The pits273care coupled to an upper surface278of the sub-base272and have a depression273fon one surface that receives the point of a cone273a. In the illustrated embodiment, the pits273cmay include an imbedded threaded rod273gused to coupled the pits273cto the upper surface278of the sub-base272. In a preferred embodiment, at least three pairs of pucks273b, cones273a, and pits273care employed.

In a preferred embodiment, the vibration-resistant sub-base272comprises a circular oak plywood disk of a similar size to the non-resonant base274. In one embodiment, the sub-base272is 1.25 inch thick, circular oak plywood that is a substantially non-resonant material. In one embodiment, the sub-base272may additionally be coated with an additional, non-resonant material, such as a fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resin, to further reduce susceptibility to vibration. A suitable fiberglass-reinforced polyester/epoxy resin is Evercoat®, a product of the Fibre Glass-Evercoat Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. In one embodiment, an upper surface278of the sub-base272may have threaded holes (not shown) configured to accept mounting bolts for BDR “Thick Pits.” The Thick Pits have deep dimples273fon their exposed surface to receive points of the cones273a. The vibration-resistant sub-base272absorbs, through the vibration-absorbing receptacles273, at least some of the vibration that may impinge upon the entire microphone support system200.

In a preferred embodiment, the sub-base272has vibration-isolating feet271coupled to an undersurface280of the sub-base272. The vibration-isolating feet271serve to substantially isolate the vibration-resistant sub-base272from at least some of the floor-borne vibrations. In a preferred embodiment, the vibration-isolating feet271may comprise rubber bushings. In another embodiment, the rubber bushings may be a type 6 (ribbed bushing) or type 7 (ribbed ring) commonly available from the McMaster-Carr Company of Atlanta, Ga.

The base assembly270may further comprise a base assembly cover279substantially surrounding the sub-base272, the vibration-isolating feet271and the non-resonant base274. The base assembly cover279couples to the base assembly270by surrounding the first vertical support pole221and substantially shields the base assembly270from at least some of any extraneous vibrations, including airborne vibrations. The vibration-isolating feet271substantially isolate the sub-base272from floor-borne vibrations.

The base assembly270is coupled to the first vertical support pole221as detailed above with or without a flange. In turn, the first vertical support pole221is coupled to the second vertical support pole222with the first support pole vibration-conducting coupling224. The second vertical support pole222is coupled to the adjustable support pole223with the second support pole vibration-conducting coupling225. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second support pole vibration-conducting couplings224,225are constructed of substantially non-resonant material such as a brass collet and a brass jamb nut. However, these first and second support pole vibration-conducting couplings224,225are vibration conducting, and will serve to conduct any vibrations impinging upon the microphone body211down into the base assembly270.

Additionally, the first vertical support pole221, second vertical support pole222and the adjustable support pole223may be surrounded or coated with a vibration-damping coating221a,222a,223a. The vibration-damping coating may be a flexible rubber. Suitable flexible rubber coatings are also available from McMaster-Carr. In another embodiment, the vibration-damping coating may be polystyrene foam. In yet another embodiment, the vibration-damping coating may be polyethylene foam. In still yet another embodiment, the vibration-damping coating may be elastomeric foam. In a similar manner, the first support pole vibration-conducting coupling224and the second support pole vibration-conducting coupling225may be constructed of brass, which is substantially non-resonant. In this embodiment, the second vertical support pole222and the adjustable support pole223may be advantageously hollow and therefore filled with a vibration-damping filler222bto effectively dampen the normal resonant modes of the support poles222,223while allowing high frequency vibrations to be transmitted to the absorbing base assembly270. In one embodiment, the vibration-damping filler222bcomprises lead and sand. In a preferred embodiment, the vibration-damping filler222bis a 50/50 mixture by volume of #7 or #8 lead shot and play sand.

Referring now toFIG. 3Awith continuing reference toFIG. 2, illustrated is one embodiment of a microphone holder, generally designated340, constructed according to the principles of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a conventional microphone310has a microphone body311and a hard mount312for coupling to a conventional microphone stand323. The hard mount312also provides for the vibration coupling of the microphone body311to the microphone stand200ofFIG. 2. In this embodiment, the microphone holder340comprises a microphone sheath343of vibration-absorbing material substantially isolating the microphone310from at least some of any extraneous vibration. In one embodiment, the vibration-absorbing material is foam rubber. In another embodiment, the vibration-absorbing material is a polymer resin. In a perferred embodiment, the vibration-absorbing material is Rubatex insulation tape. Rubatex insulation tape is a closed cell, polymer foam insulation tape manufactured by RBX Industries, Inc., of Roanoke, Va. The insulation tape may be wrapped and shaped to ensure minimal impact on the reception pattern of the microphone310as well as thorough coverage of the exposed microphone body311. The use of vibration-absorbing material allows the sheath343to absorb extraneous vibrations, such as airborne vibrations, prior to the vibration's impact on the microphone body311. The result is that the microphone310is shielded from extraneous vibration, and whatever vibration the microphone body311does receive is channeled downward through the stand200into the base assembly270where absorbing material dissipates the vibration.

Referring now toFIG. 3B, illustrated is an alternative embodiment of a microphone holder341constructed according to the principles of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the conventional microphone310has a microphone body311but does not have a hard mount for coupling to a conventional microphone stand, thereby requiring a different approach. A microphone310of this type typically uses a holder shaped like a circle, or semi-circle, into which the microphone310is slid, or a clamp of some sort to grab the microphone body311in order to hold the microphone310. In this embodiment, the microphone holder341comprises a two-part outer shell342,343, and an inner packing344shown as two parts344a,344b. In one embodiment, the two-part outer shell342,343comprises a section of PVC pipe shorter than the length of the microphone310and cut lengthwise to create two halves342,343. The two halves342,343have rounded/sculpted ends to minimize the shielding effect on the desired reception pattern of the basic microphone310. In a preferred embodiment, the inner packing344comprises a lining of the two halves342,343with Evercoat. The Evercoat lining comprises a densely packed fiberglass material which allows a good vibration-resistive coupling to the microphone body311while enabling a channeling of vibration received by the PVC halves342,343down into the microphone stand. This effectively isolates the microphone310from both airborne and floor-borne vibrations. It should be understood that the alternative microphone holder embodiments ofFIGS. 3A and 3Bmay be employed with any of the microphone stand embodiments ofFIG. 2,4,5or6.

Referring now toFIG. 4, illustrated is an alternative embodiment of a microphone support system, generally designated400, employing non-concentric vertical poles constructed according to the principles of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the microphone support system400comprises a first vertical support pole421, a second vertical support pole422, an adjustable support pole423, a first support pole vibration-conducting coupling424, a second support pole vibration-conducting coupling425, a pole-to-microphone adapter430, a microphone holder440, cable clamps450, and a base assembly470. The microphone support system400supports a conventional microphone410that has a microphone body411that is coupled to a microphone cable460. The microphone cable460is coupled to the first vertical support pole421, the second vertical support pole422, and the adjustable support pole423with the cable clamps450. In the illustrated embodiment, the microphone support system400is designed to be supported on a support element401that may be subjected to a mechanical vibration. Of course, one who is skilled in the art will recognize that the microphone support system may also be subjected to other extraneous vibrations, such as airborne vibrations, as detailed above.

The illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 4demonstrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention constructed with non-concentric vertical support poles421,422. Such a configuration takes advantage of further damping material within the support poles421,422. In this embodiment, the first and second vertical support poles421,422are advantageously hollow and are filled with a vibration-damping filler422bto effectively dampen the normal resonant modes of the support poles421,422while allowing high frequency vibrations to be transmitted to the absorbing base assembly470. In a preferred embodiment, the base assembly470is analogous in materials and construction to the base assembly270ofFIG. 2. In one embodiment, the first and second vertical support poles421,422comprise steel. In one embodiment, the vibration-damping filler422bis a mixture of lead shot and sand. In a preferred embodiment, the vibration-damping filler422bis a 50/50 mixture by volume of #7 or #8 lead shot and play sand.

Referring now toFIG. 5, illustrated is an alternative embodiment of a microphone support system ofFIG. 2, generally designated500, employing a tripod style of a base assembly constructed according to the principles of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the microphone support system500comprises a first vertical support pole521, a second vertical support pole522, an adjustable support pole523, a first support pole vibration-conducting coupling524, a second support pole vibration-conducting coupling525, a base-to-pole vibration-conducting coupling526, a pole-to-microphone adapter530, a microphone holder540, cable clamps550, and a base assembly570. All components above the base-to-pole vibration-conducting coupling526are analogous to and therefore may be identical to the associated components of the microphone support system200ofFIG. 2.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 5, the base assembly570employs a tripod style of base assembly. In one embodiment, the base assembly570comprises vibration-isolating feet571, a vibration-resistant sub-base572, vibration-absorbing receptacles573, and a plurality of non-resonant legs574. In one embodiment the microphone support system500may also comprise a base cover (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of non-resonant legs574comprises hollow steel poles with a vibration-damping coating575or a vibration-damping filling as in the support poles421,422ofFIG. 4. In one embodiment, the base-to-pole vibration-conducting coupling526comprises non-resonant materials such as a brass/PVC combination and may additionally comprise a vibration-damping coating575. The vibration-isolating feet571, vibration-resistant sub-base572, and vibration-absorbing receptacles573are analogous and may be identical to the associated components of the microphone support system200ofFIG. 2. In one embodiment, the vibration-absorbing receptacles573may be pits similar to the pits273cofFIG. 2. In another embodiment, the sub-base572may additionally be coated with a non-resonant material, such as Evercoat, the fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resin detailed above, to further reduce susceptibility to vibration.

Referring now toFIG. 6, illustrated is an alternative embodiment of a microphone support system, generally designated600, employing a ceiling-suspension system that is similar in many respects to the microphone support system200ofFIG. 2and constructed according to the principles of the present invention. The microphone support system600holds a conventional microphone610. In the illustrated embodiment, the microphone support system600comprises a vertical support pole621, a horizontal support pole622, a microphone holder640, cable clamps650, a base assembly670, and a counterweight680. The microphone support system600is suspendable from a ceiling beam(s)601.

In a preferred embodiment, the base assembly670comprises vibration-isolating feet671, a vibration-resistant sub-base672, and vibration-absorbing receptacles673. In the illustrated embodiment, the base assembly760also includes support cones674that are coupled to the horizontal support pole622and are configured to rest upon the vibration-absorbing receptacles673. All components below and including the vertical support pole621are analogous to and may be identical to similar components of the microphone support system200ofFIG. 2.

Referring now toFIG. 7, illustrated are comparative graphs of system response to a sound as recorded by a conventional microphone on a conventional stand and the same sound simultaneously recorded by a substantially-identical, (both microphones have matched performance graphs) conventional microphone on a stand constructed according to the principles of the present invention. The upper chart710(left channel) illustrates the response of a conventional microphone shielded and mounted on a microphone support system of the present invention as described above. The lower chart720(right channel) illustrates the response of a conventional microphone mounted on a conventional microphone stand to the same sound. As can be seen, the amplitude (percent of full scale) response of the left channel (present invention) is approximately 10 percent higher throughout than the response of the right channel (conventional system). The difference between the two systems (what could be characterized as the left channel signal minus the right channel signal) illustrates the corruption in the desired signal caused by vibration-induced effects on the microphone sensing element(s) and the amplification electronics.

Thus, an improved microphone support system with vibration damping material applied to, or used in construction of, each component of the microphone support system has been described. The effect is to substantially inhibit the effects of unwanted extraneous vibrations that would otherwise impinge upon the microphone and its body, thereby causing undesirable alteration of the signal to be recorded or reproduced by the system electronics.

While the preferred embodiment as described includes a number of enhancements associated with each of the above listed elements of the microphone support system, one who is skilled in the art will recognize that at least some improvement in a recorded/reproduced audio signal may be realized by some smaller set of individual enhancements to the listed elements.