What Is a Pop Filter?<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven the best voice-over artists or singers still get mic pops on some occasions. At both home and professional studios, you may see a screen made with a nylon or mesh material that is clipped to the mic stand. This usually sits a couple of inches in from of the microphone. A pop filter or pop shield transforms the recording by getting rid of plosive sounds.<\/p>\n
Usually, the sound passes through the microphone with a high-frequency, but if there\u2019s a pop filter, it will be stopped dead since the mesh breaks down the pop of air from the mouth. When this noise becomes turbulent, it will lose its coherence. Therefore, what started as a mass of air will end up being randomized, so its air molecules will no longer push in the same direction. It\u2019s a very simple and straightforward concept, but it works wonders.<\/p>\n
To make a pop shield more effective, some products have two mesh layers placed a couple of millimeters apart. This is helpful because whatever sound is not blocked by the first layer, it will be stopped by the second. However, it\u2019s also important to remember that the pop filter should be placed only a couple of inches in front of the mic since the air needs to pass through between the pop shield and the microphone.<\/p>\n
![\"pop](\"https:\/\/bunnystudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/pop_filter_JO_2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
How Do Vocal Pops Happen?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe annoying thumps and pops you hear when someone uses a microphone are known as plosive sounds. It is more evident when you use the letter \u201cP\u201d or \u201cB.\u201d<\/a> The best way to know whether a word has a plosive sound<\/a> or not is if you say the word while holding a candle in front of you, the candle will flicker a bit. However, if you say words that don\u2019t have a plosive sound, the flame from the candle will barely move. This means you are producing little air in the process.<\/p>\nThe problem with plosive sounds is they will sound worse when the microphone is close to your mouth. When the air blasts into your microphone, it produces an output signal that can saturate or overload the microphone\u2019s preamp, making the sound more annoying. While you may simply ease the overloading system by engaging your mic\u2019s low-cut filter, this won\u2019t be enough to entirely get rid of the popping sound.<\/p>\n
The problem can even intensify because directional microphones have a bad reaction to the proximity effect, where a bass tip-up makes the mic more sensitive to low-frequency sounds from a close source. This is what your plosive sound is exactly like \u2013 a low-frequency sound that is translated into a loud thumping sound.<\/p>\n
The microphones used in studios are very susceptible to popping because the diaphragm is light. Having a pop filter or screen is necessary. If you have a dynamic microphone, it is more tolerant because of its bigger diaphragm assembly. However, this doesn\u2019t mean its sound is free of plosive sounds.<\/p>\n
Other Uses of a Pop Filter<\/strong><\/h2>\nThere are other uses of a pop filter aside from making sure the plosive sounds are not heard in your recording. Another major benefit of this device is it protects your microphone and prolongs its life span. When a person sings or talks in front of a microphone, there will be a combination of saliva, dust, and moisture that will be forced inside the microphone’s capsule.<\/p>\n
The internal components of microphones are very delicate, so if you invested a good sum of money for your microphone, the last thing you want is to damage it. While saliva, dust, and moisture won\u2019t do damage if it happens only a few times, it can cause mold to grow in the long run. This can make your microphone unhygienic and unpleasant.<\/p>\n
Thankfully, a pop filter is very easy to clean. Simply soak it in hot water with a non-abrasive cleaning product, and you\u2019re all done. This will also give you peace of mind if your microphone is used by many singers.<\/p>\n
What to Look for in A Pop Filter<\/strong><\/h2>\nIn time, your pop filter may sag and therefore refuse to stay in place. This is very frustrating since it wastes important time in the setup process. Therefore, it is recommended to splurge a bit on a pop filter that has a flexible arm.<\/p>\n
Look for a pop filter with a strong squeezable clamp instead of a screw-based one since the latter takes more time to set up. Replaceable filters are also a great idea. This way, you won\u2019t have to replace the entire thing if it gets damaged, especially if you\u2019re on the road.<\/p>\n
Types of Pop Shield<\/strong><\/h2>\nYou may ask yourself, do you need a pop shield? The answer is a resounding yes. These devices are your best option if you want to maintain the quality of your recording. While you may position yourself off-axis to the microphone and not breathe directly on it or fix the plosive sound during the post process, it\u2019s still more convenient to install a pop filter. But what\u2019s the best pop filter for you, and what are the advantages and disadvantages that each type provides?<\/p>\n
Nylon pop filter<\/strong><\/h3>\nNylon pop filters use a double layer of nylon fabric that is stretched inside a plastic or metal ring. The fabric will dramatically defuse the air coming from your breath, so by the time it reaches the microphone, all unwanted air will be gone. These types of pop filters are inexpensive and mostly used in home studios. However, it can easily get damaged because the material is delicate.<\/p>\n
Metal pop filter<\/strong><\/h3>\nThis type of pop filter has just one layer of thin metal. It has a distinct pattern, and its shape is triangular at the bottom and rounded at the stop. This way, when a voice actor\u2019s breath is in contact with it, the air is deflected in an almost straight down direction.<\/p>\n
This pop filter is more transparent compared to the nylon pop filter, but its durability is better because of its material. This filter also has a smaller size compared to the nylon one. However, it can easily get bent because of its thinness, and it may produce a whistling sound if air goes through it.<\/p>\n
How About a Foam Windscreen?<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen you purchase a professional microphone, it may come with a foam windscreen. These devices are made with a one-half-inch thick foam, and it is meant to be inserted over the top of your microphone. This diffuses the air before it gets to the microphone itself.<\/p>\n
So the question is, can you use this as an alternative to a pop filter? The answer is no. This device is meant to deflect the wind when the microphone is used outdoors. This is very handy on film shoots, interviews, and concerts. This means that it would not do anything to get rid of the concentrated wind that comes when you say a plosive sound.<\/p>\n
Because singers or actors are closer to the microphone, it won\u2019t make much of a difference. Foam windscreens help to cut the top end of microphone sounds therefore making you sound worse.<\/p>\n
Unless you want to use it outdoors, stay away from a foam windscreen.<\/p>\n
![\"pop](\"https:\/\/bunnystudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/pop_filter_JO_3.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
How Far Should the Pop Shield Be from Your Microphone?<\/strong><\/h2>\nHow far you position your pop filter from your microphone will make a difference in the sound. As a rule, the distance will be determined by the energy of the recording artist<\/a>. The farther the pop filter from the microphone, the more the pops will be eliminated. However, the farther the pop filter is to the microphone, the more the person recording needs to increase the microphone gain or their voice.<\/p>\nFor instance, if a voice over artist is recording a script for a lively adventure video game<\/a>, the pop filter should be around 4 or 5 inches distance from your microphone. If a voice-over artist is recording an employee training audio<\/a>, the pop filter can be two or three inches away from the filter.<\/p>\nThat being said, the key to having the best sound is to experiment and find the best distances that suit your specific microphone<\/a> and pop filter, as well as the room ambiance. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the genre and style of the recording.<\/p>\nMaking A DIY Pop Filter<\/strong><\/h2>\nPop filters are inexpensive, but you can make one yourself since it\u2019s quite easy. All you need is a sewing circle and a cheap pantyhose. Simply put the pantyhose over your sewing circle, and you\u2019re done. The challenge with this simple DIY is how to attach the filter to your microphone stand. This is easy to do with a hanger or a clamp.<\/p>\n
Having a Pop Filter Can Make or Break Your Recording<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nThe annoying thumps and pops you hear when someone uses a microphone are known as plosive sounds. It is more evident when you use the letter \u201cP\u201d or \u201cB.\u201d<\/a> The best way to know whether a word has a plosive sound<\/a> or not is if you say the word while holding a candle in front of you, the candle will flicker a bit. However, if you say words that don\u2019t have a plosive sound, the flame from the candle will barely move. This means you are producing little air in the process.<\/p>\n The problem with plosive sounds is they will sound worse when the microphone is close to your mouth. When the air blasts into your microphone, it produces an output signal that can saturate or overload the microphone\u2019s preamp, making the sound more annoying. While you may simply ease the overloading system by engaging your mic\u2019s low-cut filter, this won\u2019t be enough to entirely get rid of the popping sound.<\/p>\n The problem can even intensify because directional microphones have a bad reaction to the proximity effect, where a bass tip-up makes the mic more sensitive to low-frequency sounds from a close source. This is what your plosive sound is exactly like \u2013 a low-frequency sound that is translated into a loud thumping sound.<\/p>\n The microphones used in studios are very susceptible to popping because the diaphragm is light. Having a pop filter or screen is necessary. If you have a dynamic microphone, it is more tolerant because of its bigger diaphragm assembly. However, this doesn\u2019t mean its sound is free of plosive sounds.<\/p>\n There are other uses of a pop filter aside from making sure the plosive sounds are not heard in your recording. Another major benefit of this device is it protects your microphone and prolongs its life span. When a person sings or talks in front of a microphone, there will be a combination of saliva, dust, and moisture that will be forced inside the microphone’s capsule.<\/p>\n The internal components of microphones are very delicate, so if you invested a good sum of money for your microphone, the last thing you want is to damage it. While saliva, dust, and moisture won\u2019t do damage if it happens only a few times, it can cause mold to grow in the long run. This can make your microphone unhygienic and unpleasant.<\/p>\n Thankfully, a pop filter is very easy to clean. Simply soak it in hot water with a non-abrasive cleaning product, and you\u2019re all done. This will also give you peace of mind if your microphone is used by many singers.<\/p>\n In time, your pop filter may sag and therefore refuse to stay in place. This is very frustrating since it wastes important time in the setup process. Therefore, it is recommended to splurge a bit on a pop filter that has a flexible arm.<\/p>\n Look for a pop filter with a strong squeezable clamp instead of a screw-based one since the latter takes more time to set up. Replaceable filters are also a great idea. This way, you won\u2019t have to replace the entire thing if it gets damaged, especially if you\u2019re on the road.<\/p>\n You may ask yourself, do you need a pop shield? The answer is a resounding yes. These devices are your best option if you want to maintain the quality of your recording. While you may position yourself off-axis to the microphone and not breathe directly on it or fix the plosive sound during the post process, it\u2019s still more convenient to install a pop filter. But what\u2019s the best pop filter for you, and what are the advantages and disadvantages that each type provides?<\/p>\n Nylon pop filters use a double layer of nylon fabric that is stretched inside a plastic or metal ring. The fabric will dramatically defuse the air coming from your breath, so by the time it reaches the microphone, all unwanted air will be gone. These types of pop filters are inexpensive and mostly used in home studios. However, it can easily get damaged because the material is delicate.<\/p>\n This type of pop filter has just one layer of thin metal. It has a distinct pattern, and its shape is triangular at the bottom and rounded at the stop. This way, when a voice actor\u2019s breath is in contact with it, the air is deflected in an almost straight down direction.<\/p>\n This pop filter is more transparent compared to the nylon pop filter, but its durability is better because of its material. This filter also has a smaller size compared to the nylon one. However, it can easily get bent because of its thinness, and it may produce a whistling sound if air goes through it.<\/p>\n When you purchase a professional microphone, it may come with a foam windscreen. These devices are made with a one-half-inch thick foam, and it is meant to be inserted over the top of your microphone. This diffuses the air before it gets to the microphone itself.<\/p>\n So the question is, can you use this as an alternative to a pop filter? The answer is no. This device is meant to deflect the wind when the microphone is used outdoors. This is very handy on film shoots, interviews, and concerts. This means that it would not do anything to get rid of the concentrated wind that comes when you say a plosive sound.<\/p>\n Because singers or actors are closer to the microphone, it won\u2019t make much of a difference. Foam windscreens help to cut the top end of microphone sounds therefore making you sound worse.<\/p>\n Unless you want to use it outdoors, stay away from a foam windscreen.<\/p>\n How far you position your pop filter from your microphone will make a difference in the sound. As a rule, the distance will be determined by the energy of the recording artist<\/a>. The farther the pop filter from the microphone, the more the pops will be eliminated. However, the farther the pop filter is to the microphone, the more the person recording needs to increase the microphone gain or their voice.<\/p>\n For instance, if a voice over artist is recording a script for a lively adventure video game<\/a>, the pop filter should be around 4 or 5 inches distance from your microphone. If a voice-over artist is recording an employee training audio<\/a>, the pop filter can be two or three inches away from the filter.<\/p>\n That being said, the key to having the best sound is to experiment and find the best distances that suit your specific microphone<\/a> and pop filter, as well as the room ambiance. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the genre and style of the recording.<\/p>\n Pop filters are inexpensive, but you can make one yourself since it\u2019s quite easy. All you need is a sewing circle and a cheap pantyhose. Simply put the pantyhose over your sewing circle, and you\u2019re done. The challenge with this simple DIY is how to attach the filter to your microphone stand. This is easy to do with a hanger or a clamp.<\/p>\nOther Uses of a Pop Filter<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What to Look for in A Pop Filter<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Types of Pop Shield<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Nylon pop filter<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Metal pop filter<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How About a Foam Windscreen?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nHow Far Should the Pop Shield Be from Your Microphone?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Making A DIY Pop Filter<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Having a Pop Filter Can Make or Break Your Recording<\/strong><\/h2>\n