How to Mount a Shotgun Mic: Holders and Shock Mounts
By Nelson Photo & Video | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to mount a shotgun microphone on a camera or cage, choose the right SmallRig holder, and add a shock mount to cut handling noise.
Quick answer
Mount the shotgun mic on a cold shoe or cage point that keeps it off the camera body, then add a shock mount between the mic and the holder to reduce handling noise. For most camera rigs, a cold-shoe holder like the SmallRig BSM2352 is the simplest starting point.
Cold shoe vs. cage mounting: pick the connection first
A cold-shoe holder is the fastest route when your camera has an open shoe and you want the mic centered above the lens. A cage or stand mount gives you more placement options and keeps the mic off the camera body, which matters when you handle the rig during a shot. Neither approach removes vibration by itself; that is the shock mount's job.
Where handling noise actually comes from
Handling noise travels through rigid connections: the mic body, the holder, the shoe, and the camera body. A shock mount interrupts that path by suspending the microphone. If you still hear thumps after mounting, check that the mic is not touching the cage, cables are not pulling on the mic, and the holder is fully tightened.
Steps to mount a shotgun mic and reduce handling noise
- Choose the mounting point: Decide whether the mic will sit on the camera's cold shoe or on a cage or stand. Use the cold shoe when you want a compact top-mounted setup; use a cage or stand when you need the mic off the camera body. Check that the chosen point does not block the lens, screen, or battery door.
- Attach the holder: Slide the holder onto the cold shoe or cage point and tighten it. For a cold-shoe setup, the SmallRig Shotgun Microphone Holder (Cold Shoe) BSM2352 is designed for standard cold shoes; for cage or stand mounting, the SmallRig Universal Shotgun Microphone Mount 1993 fits most standard shotgun microphones. Give the holder a firm tug before adding the mic; a loose shoe is a common source of rattle.
- Add a shock mount if you handle the rig: If you will touch the camera or rig during recording, place a shock mount between the microphone and the holder. The SMALLRIG Universal Microphone Shock Mount Adapter 1859 is designed to reduce unwanted vibrations and handling noise and attaches easily. Skip the shock mount only if the rig stays completely still on a tripod.
- Seat and secure the microphone: Slide the shotgun mic into the holder or shock mount and tighten the retaining screw or clamp. Make sure the mic body is fully seated and cannot rotate. Check that the mic does not touch the cage, handle, or camera body; contact defeats the shock mount.
- Route the cable with slack: Connect the mic cable and leave a small loop of slack near the mic. Secure the cable to the rig so it does not pull on the microphone or transmit vibration. A tight cable is a common hidden cause of handling noise.
- Test and adjust: Record a short clip while tapping the camera body and moving the rig gently. Listen for thumps or rattles, then re-tighten the holder, adjust the shock mount, or move the mounting point until the noise is reduced. If noise persists, isolate the cause by removing the mic from the holder and testing again.
Product facts
- SmallRig Shotgun Microphone Holder (Cold Shoe) BSM2352: Attaches directly to a camera or rig via a standard cold shoe and holds a shotgun microphone securely in place. This is the quickest way to get a mic above the lens without adding a cage.
SmallRig Shotgun Microphone Holder (Cold Shoe) BSM2352 - SmallRig Universal Shotgun Microphone Mount 1993: Universal design fits most standard shotgun microphones and holds the mic firmly during shoots. Useful when you need to mount on a cage or stand rather than a camera shoe.
SmallRig Universal Shotgun Microphone Mount 1993 - SMALLRIG Universal Microphone Shock Mount Adapter 1859: Shock mount design helps isolate the microphone from vibrations and is easy to attach. Adding this between the mic and holder is the step that reduces handling noise.
