Do I need a boom arm for a shock mount to work?

[Scottland567]

Looking into getting a microphone (still not decided on which one) and was wondering if I coud just put a shock mount on my desk, I notice some of them are more like cradles and was wodnering if this is what they are for.  I dont really want a boom arm and dont want my mic to pick up keyboard/mouse noises.  Any advice with any set up or a mic to get would also be helpful, my bdget is around £120

[TVwazhere]

20 minutes ago, Scottland567 said:

Looking into getting a microphone (still not decided on which one) and was wondering if I coud just put a shock mount on my desk, I notice some of them are more like cradles and was wodnering if this is what they are for.  I dont really want a boom arm and dont want my mic to pick up keyboard/mouse noises.  Any advice with any set up or a mic to get would also be helpful, my bdget is around £120

A Boom arm is best if you dont want the mic to pickup keyboard and mouse noises, as it moves the mic closer to the audio source (you) which allows you to reduce the "gain".(how sensitive the mic is) The shock mount only prevents vibrations from your desk reverberating the mic itself. 

[Himommies]

Just get a Blue Yeti

[Andrewf]

7 hours ago, Himommies said:

Just get a Blue Yeti

No, don't get a Blue Yeti, it's USB, even if you have a DAC/Interface, there are far better microphones for that price. If you want to get a USB mic that has good sound quality, just get a Blue Snowball, anything higher is just a waste because it's USB, you're going to get interference. Just save your money.