An Introduction to Microphone Pop Filter

Introduction to Pop Filter

Have you ever come across recording your voice in the recorder of your phone? If yes, then you know how it sounds when you play it. The voice sounds ridiculous most of the time. You might start thinking that you sound like this and your singing skills are not good at all. But this is not the case. The air between your lips and the recorder plays a vital role in destroying the recorded voice's quality. A particular device called the pop filter is used to control air. It is a circular device and makes the voices of singers clear and smooth.

Why are Pop Filters used?

Pop filters are generally used to control plosive sounds. But first, you need to know what the plosives are. Whenever you say the letters like P and B, then a specific sound is produced. These sounds are termed plosives. These sounds are made with a blast of air from your mouth. Hence a popping sound will be delivered by the recorder when you play the recording.

This popping sound can increase many folds if you are standing very near to the recorder. It is where the use of a pop filter becomes crucial. A pop filter is used to disperse the air that comes out of your mouth. Hence the air does not strike the speaker at once, and so the popping decreases.

Adjusting a recorder in the right way can also reduce the popping. But the use of the pop filter is always preferred.

Advantages of Pop Filter

Whenever you see any video of your favorite singer shot in the studio, you notice that there is a circular device that is the pop filter between him and the mic. But why is the pop filter used, and what advantages does it provide. Some of the plus points are

• They prove to be very beneficial for any studio recording.
• While recording, the sound sometimes touches the high note and sometimes the low notes. Pop filter solves the issues of both the high and low notes, so the editing becomes easy.
• The biggest problem is caused due to the air. Air produces a popping sound when it strikes the speaker. Pop filter disperses this air, and hence the popping sound is reduced.
• Plosive sounds like Ps and Bs also get removed due to the pop filter.
• While singing, the saliva comes out of your mouth unintentionally. This continuous moisture can harm your mike. A pop filter between the mic and the speaker helps keep the mic dry. The pop filters are washable so that you can remove any dirt over them with ease.

Things to look for while buying a Pop Filter

Buying a pop filter can be tricky for someone who does not have any knit or grit about the device. Some things need to be checked while buying a pop filter that suits you. Two of them are

• Size

Size is the most important thing to look for while buying a new pop filter. Pop filters are available in various sizes. It would be best to look for a pop filter whose size is proportional to your mic.

Another thing that you should consider while buying a mic is your style of singing. If you stand still while singing, then a mic with a small diameter will do it for you, but if you keep moving, then a smaller diameter mic will not be a good choice for you, and you should go for pop filters with a big diameter.

• Shape

The shape is the second most important thing to look for in a pop filter. Pop filters are available in various shapes and designs. If you want to buy an affordable pop filter, then you should go for flat filets.

But if you are the one who moves a lot while singing, then a flat filet pop filter won't be a good choice for you because you have to speak directly into the filter. Curved filters can be a good choice for you in this case. You cannot record from any angle if you are using the curved pop filters. Hence they allow you to move freely and enjoy your time while singing.

Types

There are two types of pop filters available in the market.

• Nylon Mesh 

These are the oldest and the traditional pop filters and have been in use in the studios for a very long period. But in modern times, engineers have found many shortfalls in the nylon mesh pop filters.

The most basic shortfall is that they are not washable. A second negative point about these filters is that they cut some of your top vocal ends. However, it is not yet proved whether this cutting has any adverse effect on the result.

• Metal 

A recent development in this field has occurred to get rid of Nylon Mesh Pop Filters' shortfalls. Metal pop filters have been introduced that have made the recording experience better than ever. They have many benefits, like you can wash them or remove any dust or moisture over them easily.

Secondly, all the voice note issues end when we use the metal pop filters. The top end of the vocal remains intact so that the final vocals will be much more accurate. You can buy these metal pop filters just for 50 dollars. Fifty dollars for a singing enthusiast should not be a big deal.

Alternative options

Sometimes you can get an experience of the pop filter without even using it. For this, you have to make some arrangements and adjustments.

1. You can tackle popping while singing or speaking if you smile while doing these actions.
2. You can also put a pen in front of your mouth so that air can disperse after striking the cell. It will reduce the popping.

Conclusion

Alternative options, in this case, are available. Still, it is always recommended to use the pop filter because it makes the singing experience smooth and turns your ordinary voice into something worth listening to.

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