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If you’re frustrated by the popping in your podcast audio, it might be time to invest in a pop filter.
In this article, we’ll dive into exactly what that popping is, how pop filters work, and why they’re the best way to protect your audio quality. Then we’ve got a guide to the best pop filters on the market right now, and the answers to any pop-filter questions you might have.
Let’s dive in.
TL;DR
- Popping is the result of plosive consonants such as ‘P’ or ‘B’ in your speech.
- Pop filters protect against popping by forming a barrier between you and your microphone.
- There are two main types of pop filters: nylon mesh and metallic mesh
- For a budget pop filter, try the Auray PFSS-55 Pop Filter
- For a higher-end investment, try the HAKAN P110 Pop Killer
What is a pop filter?
Pop filters, also known as ‘pop shields’ or ‘pop screens’, provide protection against popping sounds that are caused by ‘plosives’ in your speech.
What are plosives?
Plosives are the sound you get when pronouncing hard consonants such as ‘p’ or ‘b’.
Why is your microphone popping?
The way your mouth moves to pronounce these plosive letters causes a sudden rush of air pressure which can cause your microphone to ‘pop’.
If you’re standing too close to your microphone, these popping sounds can be amplified. This is what’s called the proximity effect and happens because the plosives interact with your microphone’s diaphragm to create an output signal.
How does a pop filter work?
A pop shield is essentially a barrier between you and your microphone which intercepts these plosive sounds before they reach the mic’s diaphragm.
The pop filter protects against that disruptive popping by dispersing the sudden airblast evenly so that it doesn’t overwhelm your microphone. They normally consist of one to two layers of acoustically semi-transparent material such as woven nylon or metal mesh stretched over a circular frame.
Do you need a pop filter for your podcast?
Whilst you can most definitely live without a pop filter, there’s no doubt that it’s the easiest solution to an unavoidable problem. Plosives are a natural part of speech, so there’s no getting rid of them.
It is possible to mitigate against popping by perfecting your mic technique and adjusting your mic placement so it sits a little bit off-axis to the speaker’s mouth.
However, this is not a complete solution and it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to completely eliminate popping from your audio.
So, for peace of mind and studio-quality audio, a pop filter is the best way to go.
Advantages of pop filters
Affordable
Luckily, there are now many very affordable pop filters on the market that are highly effective. So even if you’re on a tight budget you don’t have to sacrifice audio quality.
Easier editing
Pop filters cut out issues on both the high and low end of the audio, meaning your recording will be easy to edit and easy on the ears.
Preserves your equipment
Beyond their primary purpose, pop filters protect your microphone from your saliva, preventing a build-up of moisture, meaning they last longer.
What type of pop filter is best for your podcast?
Before investing in a pop filter, it’s best to consider what will suit your podcast setup best so you can narrow down what you’re looking for.
Pop filter size
You’ll need to consider how big your microphone is. For obvious reasons, if your mic is on the bigger end, you’ll need a pop filter that compensates.
Equally, if you tend to move around your microphone whilst speaking, you might want to opt for a bigger pop filter, giving you the extra room to speak from different angles.
Pop filter shape
Think about whether you want a flat or curved pop filter. A curved shape gives you more freedom and range of movement to move around.
Pop filter mount
How your pop filter attaches to your mic setup is an important consideration. Most pop filters have what’s called a ‘gooseneck mount’ which is adjustable and flexible and clamps onto your mic stand with a crocodile clip.
Pop filter type
Lastly, you’ll need to consider what type of pop filter will be best suited to your setup and budget. There are two main types: Nylon Mesh and Metallic Mesh.
Nylon Mesh Pop Filters
Advantages
- Cheaper. Tend to be more affordable, great for those on a budget.
- Effective. Nylon mesh pop filters prevent popping very effectively.
Disadvantages
- Delicate. Nylon mesh is thin and quite delicate, so can break easily.
- Higher frequencies can be negatively impacted. The fine mesh can cause dulling of higher frequency sounds.
Metallic Mesh Pop Filters
Advantages
- Durable. Metal mesh is stronger and more durable.
- Higher frequencies are unaffected. Metallic mesh pop filters tend to have wider holes, which means that higher frequency sounds are not impacted.
Disadvantages
- Delicate to bending. Whilst the metal itself is durable, the sheet is thin, so can be vulnerable to bending or distortion if you don’t handle it with care.
- Smaller. Metallic mesh pop filters tend to be smaller. Bear this in mind if your setup would be better suited to a big pop filter.
Best pop filters for your podcast
Auray PFSS-55 Pop Filter
- Price - $18.99
- Type - Double nylon mesh, flat
- Size - Diameter 5.5”
- Mount- Gooseneck mount with clamp
Nady MPF-6
- Price - $19.99
- Type - Double nylon mesh, flat
- Size - Diameter 6”
- Mount- Gooseneck mount with a clamp. The clamp fits any stand or pole with a diameter of up to 1 inch.
- Other specs - Swivels for easy adjustment and positioning
On-Stage ASFSS6-GB
- Price - $28.95
- Type - Double nylon mesh, flat
- Size - Diameter 6”
- Mount- Gooseneck mount with a clamp.
Avantone PS-1 Pro Shield
- Price - $39.00
- Type - Metallic mesh, curved
- Size - 15.51 x 7.99 x 0.51 inches
- Mount- Gooseneck mount with clamp
Shure PS-6 Popper Stopper
- Price - $33.52
- Type - Nylon mesh, flat
- Size - Diameter 6”
- Mount- Gooseneck mount with clamp
Stedman Proscreen XL Metal Pop Filter
- Price - $69.00
- Type - Metallic mesh, flat
- Size - Diameter 6”
- Mount- Gooseneck mount with clamp
HAKAN P110 Pop Killer
- Price - $99.00
- Type - Foam, flat
- Size - Diameter 4.33”
- Mount- Gooseneck mount with clamp
How to make your own pop filter
If you're on a super tight budget and don't want to spend extra on a pop filter, another option is to make one yourself. While a pop filter is not a necessity it definitely can help improve your sound when recording. This is a great alternative to buying a pop filter and it's not complicated to make.
Watch the video below to learn more about making your own pop filter:
FAQs about Pop Filters
Are windscreens and pop filters the same thing?
No, they’re not. Pop filters are usually used in recording studios, whereas windscreens are mostly for outdoor use.
A windscreen is a foam cylinder that covers your microphone and deflects the wind. Windscreens do not work against plosives in the same way.
Some podcasters use windscreens instead of pop screens because they are less acoustically transparent.
How far from my mic should I place my pop filter?
Mic technique is hard to perfect, and the answer to this question depends on the speaker. Generally speaking, your pop filter should be at least 4 inches away from your microphone, and you should be about 1 - 5 inches from the pop filter.
Do pop filters really work?
Yes, they do. There’s a reason that most professional recording studios include them in their setup.
Plus, as a bonus, pop filters can help beginners with their microphone technique. If you’re recording with a nervous guest, you can adjust their position by moving the pop filter.
What can I use instead of a pop filter?
As a quick fix, you can DIY a pop filter or put a sock over your mic (yes, seriously). However, as we’ve seen, there are many pop filters for every budget, so if you’re going to be consistently recording, we’d recommend investing in one.
Bonus: How to make a homemade pop filter
If you’re not quite ready to commit or are pressed for time, here’s how to DIY a pop filter.
What you’ll need
- Old tights or stockings
- A wire hanger or embroidery hoop
How to DIY your pop filter
Wire Hanger
- Rework and bend your hanger into a circle.
- Stretch a pair of your old tights over the hanger, and ensure that you’ve pulled them taut.
- Use an elastic to hold the tension and to gather the remaining tights.
- Place your newly DIYed Pop Filter in front of your mic and get recording!
Embroidery Hoop
- Stretch your tights or stockings over the embroidery hoop.
- Place your DIY pop filter in front of your mic.
The biggest challenge will be figuring out a way to attach your DIY pop filter to your microphone. Try using tape or a clamp.
Final Thoughts
Although plosives aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, it’s reassuring to know that there’s a surefire way to protect your podcast audio against them. A pop filter is a quick and easy way to ensure your recording is free of popping, so you can do what you do best - record that podcast.
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