Pop Filters
What are the differences between different pop filters or shields, and which one is right for you?
There are a few different types of pop filters that all do more or less the same thing, diffuse or redirect the movement of the air in order to protect the microphone’s diaphragm from being distorted.
Types of Pop Filters
Foam aka “Clown Noses”
These little guys sit on your microphone, and somewhat resemble clown noses. The advantages of these are that they are relatively low profile, allowing for a clearer field of vision, as well as an ease of use. The only caution to consider when looking at these versions of pop filters is that they can subtly ‘muffle’ or ‘deaden’ your microphone somewhat—particularly in higher sound frequencies.
This however may not be all that bad! For bright microphones like the Sennheiser MKH-416 for example, using a foam pop filter on the mic can somewhat tame the aggressive if not somewhat sharp higher frequency response that the microphone naturally has, overall resulting in a somewhat more palatable tone for some voices.
Metal Screens
Some pop shields are fashioned out of metal grills, utilizing the small perforations to disperse, diffuse, and redirect air away from the mic’s capsule. These tend to be the most transparent option (though that subtlety is indeed very subtle to most ears), affording little if any coloration of sound being picked up.
These however, can at times be somewhat obtrusive. Blocking or edging into your field of vision while you’re trying to read your copy.
Additionally, they don’t filter out or protect the mic from the moisture coming from your mouth as you speak, like foam or nylon filter do.
Nylon/Fabric Screens
Somewhat the middle ground between “clown noses” and metal screens, these sit in front of your mic and again disperse, diffuse, and redirect air away from the mic’s capsule. As I just mentioned, these will also protect your mic from spittle and moisture which all of us humans expel as we talk. A necessary evil I’m afraid.
The downside to these is that they may not be quite as transparent as their metal counterparts, but on the upside they also tend to be much cheaper!
Doubling Up
Sometimes it’s helpful to use two filters simultaneously to ensure you’re getting totally pop free recordings. This comes down to your own personal preference, but in my experience has been a fool proof way to let myself cut loose and go for it at times.
If you have any questions about this or anything else VoiceOver related, please feel free to ask away below, or send me an email directly. Until next time, be well!