In today’s world of podcasts, livestreams, video content, and professional recording, your microphone can sometimes be more than just a tool, it can also be a statement piece! Whether it is just to look great in front of the camera and establish your brand, or simply comforting your guests, the look of your mic can affect perception, branding, and audience connection. That is the great thing about customization! Whether you want to display some of your creativity, show some of your company identity, or just look loud and distinguish yourself from just another creator, customizing your mic plate or mic cover can surely get your voice and brand on the same page!
Let's look at some actionable tips, branding ideas, and design inspiration for creating a mic plate or cover that is unmistakably yours.
1. Why personalize a mic plate?
Your mic is right in front of the camera for a lot of your content. A logo mic cover or plate, instead of an obscure, generic accessory, adds clarity about who you are. Having your mic customized can give it functionality, but also:
- Professional Appearance: Logos and nice designs on mic equipment improve the perceived professionalism of your setup, which is especially important if you're creating the content for a podcast or are in a press interview opportunity.
- Brand Recollection: Having a logo or tagline that is consistent helps with experimentation towards content recollection for all content that you create.
- Personal Touch: A personalized microphone windscreen and/or plate allows for marketers/creators to personalize their mic with their styles and tones, whether the tape or color is loud or the finish is more subtle.
In short, customizing your mic is like branding a business card—it leaves a lasting impression.
2. Ideas for Shure SM7-Series Users
The Shure SM7 line of microphones, and the SM7B in particular, has become an iconic choice for podcasters, musicians, and streamers. With so many content creators using a Shure SM7DB, customizing your mic is a good way to help it stand out. If you are designing a custom mic plate for shure SM7DB, here are a few different creative directions:
- Minimalist Logo Mark: Just your initials or signature logo engraved or printed on the mic plate—the simpler the design, the more timeless.
- Full Brand Identity: Your brand’s colors, slogan, or even brand typeface on the mic plate. Can make for a strong visual impression on camera.
- Thematic Elements: If you are producing a comedy podcast, perhaps you lean into the playful icons, or for coaching or consulting channels, go more professional by using clean, sleek typography.
Think of this as a capsular merch moment—you want the advice on your new mic, or mic plate, to capture your voice and resonate with your audience.
3. Color and Finish Matter
Visuals are an immediate trigger of emotion, so color and finish selection is everything.
- Matte Black + Metallic Logo: A favorite of creators that want sophistication without distraction.
- Bright and Bold Colors: Perfect for YouTube or live streamers who want their mic to pop against a busy background.
- Transparent or Glossy Plates: Futuristic options if you want something modern and sleek.
When customizing, it is good to think about how your mic will appear on video. Less is more, and complementary colors to your set design or wardrobe will always be stronger options.
4. Creative Directions for Branding
Here are some fresh Shure SM7B branding ideas for you!
Design—Storytelling: Work with personal brands and logo designs to explore a broad range of icons and design options; maybe an icon of an old-school radio if your podcast theme is retro/old school and maybe a camera lens for a creator studio vibe.
- Typography-based Designs: The Shure SM7B does provide plenty of room for branded mic covers with taglines, hashtags, or catchphrases that get your audience or guests talking.
- Seasonal/Series-Based Design Variations: Use a variety of different mic covers depending on the series you are launching and/or the campaign period you are running (great for influencers who host a variety of shows).
In that way, it becomes a brand extension and marketing prop that you use through the content creation process.
5. Don’t Overlook Functionality
Design is fun but never at the expense of function, particularly for microphones. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Distracting Gloss: Really shiny materials reflect too much light from the camera and wind up negatively impacting the quality of those shots.
- Check Windscreen Breathability: Your custom-made microphone windscreen should still effectively mitigate the plosive sounds of the microphone (like really harsh “P” or ”B” sounds).
- Durability: Think of materials that don't scratch and can stand up to handling—an aspect many creators forget.
A microphone plate or windscreen that doesn't work well functionally starts to cause more problems than benefits, so be sure to balance design with functionality.
6. Where to Begin Creating Yours
Not certain how to launch into it? Try these few easy steps to get started:
- Sketch Your Idea: You do not have to be an artist; just start with rough ideas for logos, words, or layouts. Even a doodle will get designers in line with your vision!
- Find a Trusted Printer or Supplier: There are companies that specialize in custom logo mic covers and plate covers and will do a terrific job at an affordable price.
- Ask for a Mock-Up: Whenever possible, always see how the design looks digitally, or at the very least how the texture and colors seem realistic, prior to placing an order, and lock down colors and placements with a digital mock-up.
- Try it out: Now after you receive your piece custom designed for you, take the time to use it in your build in the context that you originally planned to use it. See if it is placed, fits, looks good in the frame, and sounds good.
Conclusion
Your microphone is more than an audio tool—it is often the face of your creative identity. Designing your own custom mic plate or windscreen is not primarily about aesthetics but about taking ownership of your personality and brand and leaving a lasting impression on any stage or screen.
With the correct combination of logo, design, and materials, your mic can deliver a narrative without your vocals, and whether you're making a strong statement with a bold custom Shure SM7DB mic plate or experimenting with many personalized microphone windscreens, you're looking to infuse your equipment with your personality and brand, regardless.
Because if your mic looks as professional and original as your voice sounds, your audience is going to remember you, even after you're finished talking.