The anti-pop filters are one of the cheapest accessories that we can buy for our recording studio, however, it is not less important, since a voice recording directly to the microphone can be very amateurish and with saturations due to the excess of wind produced when pronouncing the “s”, “p” and “b”.
That’s why we believe that anti-pop filters can make a difference in your voice recordings.
But that’s why today we bring this new review about the Anti-pop for microphones.
The anti-pops are an air filter that helps to avoid annoying noises, especially when we pronounce words that make “POP” or generate a more pronounced air flow.
You will notice the strength of the blowing that the first word has in relation to the second, what prevents the antipop is that this air interferes with the quality of our recording or live sound.
Contents
What is the Best Pop Filter?
It does not matter if you have a condenser microphone, a dynamic microphone or perhaps a PC microphone, since with either of them you are going to need a good quality filter that can block out plosive or dirty noises.
For this, we will leave you a series of high-performance models and excellent materials that are also quite affordable, so you can buy if you still have your microphone without this.
In addition to getting the least expensive and high-quality models, I’ll also explain later what the best mic filter should have.
Things like metal mesh, a firm and durable support, and much more.
Here are the best microphone filters:
ARISEN Dual Layered Microphone Pop Filter
The Arisen microphone pop filter has a very unique design that differentiates it from most pop filters, as it is constructed with a double layer of metal, which provides better protection of the microphone from corrosion caused by saliva.
Its double layer of the metal pop filter can more effectively eliminate the “p” “b” and the hiss of the letter “s” to achieve the perfect effect of optimizing sound quality.
Its goosneck with 360° of adjustability, the gooseneck of this pop filter provides a filter adjustment setting to fit the rack and make it compatible with any studio microphone.
Support the weight of the pop filter to keep it firmly in place.
Allow to adjust the angle and distance between the microphone pop filter and microphone by changing the angle of the gooseneck tube.
It is widely compatible with all kinds of microphones, its adjustable swivel clamp with an anti-scratch function allowing the microphone screen to be securely attached to a table or device when installing the pop filter for a condenser microphone.
In addition, the ergonomic design of the adjustable clamps for the audio technica pop filter makes it easy to install in any recording studio.
ARISEN Metal Pop Filter Mesh
If there is one thing that this pop filter excels at, it is its stability and fit, as it can be held very firmly in place to give you the best possible results and because it can be adapted with other accessories.
This translates into great ease of use as a microphone windbreaker because you won’t have to adjust it in the middle of recording.
One of the most comfortable.
CODN Recording Microphone Isolation Shield with Pop Filter
CODN’s Shield with Pop Filter is a recording microphone isolation shield system made of high-density absorbent foam that helps eliminate recording noise and maintain a clear recording.
It eliminates bouncing sound waves that can generate interference in recordings.
Thanks to its portable and foldable design allows for optimal angle configuration.
This microphone isolation shield is composed of 5 high quality metal panels to ensure its resistance.
The double-layer pop filter has a metal gooseneck that fully supports the weight of the filter and holds it firmly in place.
You can adjust the angle and distance between the filter and microphone to best suit your needs.
The sound shield can be easily attached to a countertop, or attached to a shelf or tabletop monopod via the conversion nut.
EJT Upgraded Microphone Pop Filter Mask Shield
A classic version of anti-pop filter at an excellent price, with the versatility offered by its gooseneck is able to easily adapt to any microphone.
Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter Mask Shield
This double layer model works excellent for all kind of studio microphones, it’s one the bestsellers anti-pops on Amazon.
Perfectly combines performance at a cheap price. The neck can be bent 360º, the clamp is compatible with any type of support and is made of resistant mesh that can be washed quite easily.
You will love it as a universal filter.
What are Pop Filter for?
To disperse the sound pressure exerted by the air emanating from singing, speaking and breathing, in the microphone capsule.
Control the “pops”, or “plosives”, sound saturations captured with Bs, Ps and Ts.
Avoid splashing saliva on the microphone.
Its accumulation can damage and reduce the useful life of the microphones, these are the protagonists of a voice recording.
Why use the Pop Filter?
As accessible and advanced as audio recording technology is today, most of the process takes place on the pickup.
A well-done capture reduces the need for a lot of editing.
The use of a pop filter saves the sound technician and offers a clean and noise-free recording.
Removing, one by one, the “pops” of the recording requires meticulous cuts in the low frequencies, which, in addition to delaying production, can present results below expectations.
Correcting excess air in the edit is not feasible in any way! Pay attention: it is clear that several singers and announcers use exhalation and inhalation with some intention in the performance.
The pop filter works by blocking excess air.
These high airflows into the microphone definitely damage the register.
Should everyone use the pop filter?
There are recording techniques that do not need a pop filter created precisely to eliminate its use and rescue that tiny, but existing, part of the treble that the pop screen ends up removing.
In general, they consist of placing the microphone inclined, at the level of the singer’s forehead and pointed towards the mouth, with the singer singing horizontally as if he had a microphone parallel to his mouth.
To do this the truth is somewhat complicated, since they must also equalize the settings well, maintain an exact position during recording and that makes it somewhat tedious.
It also depends on the technique and vices of the singer of not turning his mouth towards the microphone or of being able to do the same performance without the sensation of a microphone at the height of the mouth, which happens even with professional singers.
In general, the pop filter is in charge of making sure that the recording is going to be good and without “pops”.
Thus, there is no risk of that miraculous take, in which the singer got excited and made a magnificent performance, being lost due to technical problems.
The singer can also try to control the air delivery and the Bs, Ts, Ps and Ss, but let’s face it, that affects the performance, don’t you think?
Types and models
Although it is a very simple tool, the pop filter is already in various types on the market.
Today we still see some that are manually created at home, with wire and leggings. See the details you should take into account before buying one:
Size
The size of the pop filter should be proportional to the size of the microphone and suitable for the style of the professional, if he is the type that moves a lot, it is better to buy a larger filter.
Designs
- Flat Design Filters: These are more popular, but when using them, make sure you are de facto singing or speaking in the middle of the filter.
- Surround Design Filters:Include larger microphone angles, but are more expensive.
Gooseneck
The Gooseneck is a type that has a flexible and adjustable grip in height according to that of the tripod or microphone arm.
Some models come with custom grips, which require a compatible support.
Clamp
Most of them grip on mic stands.
Pay attention to choosing the right clamp if you plan to grab it on another base
Nylon shade
The most common pop filter has two overlapping fine nylon fabrics.
She retains the plosives, but restricts the higher frequencies of the voice. Difficult to clean, it has a very short service life.
Metal grid type
The grille recesses are specially designed to direct air away from the microphone.
If it becomes deformed, it can be difficult to correct its format and this ends up reducing the efficiency of the filter. With excess dirt, it can produce even a slight hiss, something not very favorable for its use. Some pop filter models have double mesh: nylon and metal.
After all, how do I use the pop filter?
It all depends on the professional or user who uses it, it is important to adjust it properly to capture a good recording, but using the pop filter is very simple:
Height: under the singer’s nose;
Distance: between 7 to 15 cm from the microphone;
Position: slightly inclined towards the microphone.
Regarding the position, in this way, a type of sound reflection, produced between the pop filter and the microphone capsule, is avoided, which is similar to the flanger and occurs mainly in wheezing.
In the same way, the outer edge of the pop filter – plastic or metal – should not be between the singer and the microphone.
Now that you know everything about the pop filter, choose the best option and see or rather hear the difference that this little detail is going to make in your recording.