Pop filters, also known as pop shields or pop screens are guards used with mics in studios or shoots in order to put a noise protection filter for the microphones. It eliminates or at the least reduces the popping sounds of the microphone that are caused by mechanical impact of the moving air during speech or song recording.This is the age of YouTube and Netflix and we are all curious to try out our artistic and creative side. It doesn’t matter which field we are exploring, if that has got anything to do with sound recording, the perfect pop filter is a must for a grandeur beginning. Here is a list of the best available pop filters along with their specifications, and an extensive buying guide to make your life easier.
12 Best Pop Filters
The best 12 Pop Filters for your microphone that are available in the market are:
1) Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter
The Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter has double layered screen pop filters to block air blast along with utilising the gap in between, to disperse any remaining air pressure and making sure when the sound passes the second screen the blast is easily contained to produce great quality recordings. There is an adjustable screw with rotating clamp with scratch proof gripper to secure variety tubular mounting booms and microphone stands. The gooseneck is made of steel metal and fully supports the filter’s weight in order to keep it in place. The angle and distance between the screen and the microphone can be adjusted and customise according to your needs. This model is extremely convenient and easy to use and install, remove orlocate adjustment.
Pros:
- The two screens first block the air blast and then reduce the noise. This filter can be adjusted in 360° in all directions.
- The sponge mats and elastic rubber provides stability and protection so that the microphone stands don’t get hurt.
- The flexible pipe is made up of carbon steel and provides the perfect flexibility and anti-bending 14.8 inches 360° flexible gooseneck, etc.
Cons:
- This microphone is majorly a sound filter, not a noise canceller or enhancer. Thus, it often is unable to completely omit background noise.
2) Studio Microphone Mic Wind Screen Pop Filter
Studio Microphone Mic Wind Screen Pop Filterhas dual layered nylon mesh with sufficient air gap to eliminate or at least reduce the popping and lisping sounds and distractions. This also prevents the accumulation of spit on the microphone that contains corrosive salts. The screen diameter of this product is 15 cm, and the neck length is 35 cm. It weighs around 0.16 ounces. Its supreme quality awes customers and thus is highly rated and extremely positively reviewed by the previous satisfied consumers.
Pros:
- There is a unique bracket angle and a tension screw that lets the pop filter to be adjusted and mounted on any microphone or stand.
- The metal gooseneck that comes with this device is absolutely firm and flexible, so that it can take up a lot of weight and yet can manage to be circled around in any direction or angle.
- It is one of the cheapest and most affordable pop filters available online.
Cons:
- It doesn’t guarantee the elimination of general background noise during any recording.
3) Microphone Pop Filter For Blue Yeti
Microphone Pop Filter for Blue Yetihas a two screen pop filter that not only blocks air blasts but the gap between them also makes sure to disperse remaining air pressure so that the plosives are efficiently reduced, the wind interference is removed, and the saliva spraying during recording is eliminated in order to get a clear, loud, and enhance sound. It is popular for holding firm along with the adjustable screw rotating clamp, providing pure sound, and a flexible and convenient recording experience.
Pros:
- The gooseneck clip is flexible up to 360 degrees with stabilizing arm to support its own weight, hold the microphone stand, and the inner rubber ring.
- The windscreen pop filter mask shield is extremely important for recording, speaking, singing, for voice overs, for podcasts, blogging, or any quality recording you need.
- It is made with thickening double netted gauge for recording pure sound by the original manufacturer who assembled the authentic product seamlessly.
Cons:
- This microphone pop filter doesn’t come with additional accessories or cables.
4) Pop FilterAokeo Metal Mesh & Foam & Etamine Layer Microphone Windscreen Cover
Pop Filter Aokeo Metal Mash and Foam and Etamine Layer Microphone Wind Screen Cover has a metal mash, foam, etamine layer microphone, windscreen cover, handheld mic shield mask, microphone accessories, for vocal recording, and many other additional accessories. It is suitable for 45 mm to 63 mm diameter microphones that covers the usual range of models likeAT2020, AT2035, AT4040, AT2050, AT2020+, Samson Meteor , Scarlett CM25 ,CAD GXL2400, Apogee, Razer Siren X, BADAAX Mic, Rode NT1A, Rode NT-USB, MXL 770, MXL 910, MXL 2010, CAD U37, BM-800, Tonor. It also has three layers of filter on the mic shield that include the foam layer,the metal net layer, and the basic etamine layer to reduce plosive, pops, crackles, wind interference, background noise, as well as breath sounds. It weighs around 30 grams and is an extraordinary filter for music studio, live room, live game, live broadcasting, recording, KTV, etc.
Pros:
- The triple protection and filtration layer leaves behind no chances of noise production or audio hampering in your recording.
- The metal mesh also perfectly matches the plastic frame and prevents saliva infiltration, thus, keeping in mind the cleanliness and protection of your microphones.
- Extremely easy and convenient to assemble and disassemble the microphone with the combination design of elastic bands and inner rubber rings.
Cons:
- Cleaning this filter is an extremely difficult task due to its multiple layers and different compositions.
5) AxcessAbles 6” Dual Layer Nylon StudioMicrophone Pop Filter/Blocker
AxcessAbles 6” DualStudio Microphone Pop Filter/Blocker is a sonically transparent double layered nylon mesh with 6” diameter. The dual layered mesh screen promises to not alter sound quality while breaking up the blasts of air. It can be attached to any mic stand with up to 1.25 inches of diameter of upper tubing.
Pros:
- The gooseneck is made up of steel and is 14.5 inches long for precise positioning.
- The weight of this pop filter is 7.2 ounces and the dimensions of the product are 16 inches, 9 inches, and 2 inches.
- It can be easily placed on a desk and used for recording.
Cons:
- The California prop 65 warning says that this product contains chemicals including lead which can cause cancer and birth defects.
6) Neewer Professional Microphone Pop Filter
Neewer Professional Microphone Pop Filter Mask Shield Compatible with Blue Yeti and Any Other Microphonehas dual layer pop filter the first screen blocks airblasts as well as make sure good quality audio recordings are produced. It protects the microphone from any saliva attack done by enthusiastic performers as it prevents accumulation of saliva. This product weighs around 10 ounces and dimensions are 6 inches, 1.1 inches, and 12 inches. The adjustable screw rotating around the rotating clamp has scratch proof gripper that can secure variety tubular mounting booms or microphone stands. Also works to prevent any extra element from ruining the vocal recording or projection by eliminating the need for extra objects.
Pros:
- The angle and distance between the screen and microphone can be easily adjusted to meet your demands.
- The 360-degree flexible gooseneck for precise positioning helps in tedious shoots.
- We are all aware of this company as it provides the best products and tools in photography, video, and music equipment.
- The adjustable fixed lock that secures the clams to any mic stand is very convenient.
- There is a swivel mount for easy installation.
Cons:
- The arm is not very strong and can’t take up all the weight. It needs something to lean upon or some other form of balance.
7) CISNO Studio Condenser Mic Microphone Shock Mount with Metal Wind Screen Pop Filter
CISNO Studio Condenser Mic Microphone Shock Mount with Metal Wind Screen Pop Filterhas a shock Mount with metal pop filter for extracting out the true voice and removing extra air gaps and background noise. The inner diameter of the shockmount is 4 centimetres. This was about 10 ounces and have the dimensions of 12 inches, 7.2 inches, and 3.4 inches. It is immensely popular and highly rated among the previous buyers due to its shock mount, windscreen, boom arm, mic stands, pop screen, rubber bands, excellent quality elastic bands, etc.
Pros:
- This studio condenser microphone pop filter is fit for microphones of diameters 2.5 to 3.8 centimetre.
- There are extra elastic bands for replacing once the previous one gets damaged.
- This pop filter is made of aluminium alloy and stainless steel for longevity and heavy duty.
Cons:
- It is not compatible to many devices. Thus, one should read up and be informed before buying this.
8) Show Maven Recording Studio Microphone Isolation Shield
Show Maven Recording Studio Microphone Isolation Shield with Heavy Duty Tripod Stand, Pop Filter and Shock Mountprovides a kit that includes 5 panels of recording studio isolation shield, a 6.7 inches pop filter, a shock mount, instruction manual, assembling tools, and a 75 inches stand. The upper shaft measures about 1.4 inches in diameter and the height of the tripod can be adjusted from 39 inches to 75 inches. Coming back to the pop filter it is a double layered screen pop filter where the first screen blocks air blast and the gap in between disperses the remaining air pressure and the final soft hose made of high strength metal makes sure there is a clean, professional, and natural recording.
Pros:
- The stand is tripod and extremely adjustable and heavy duty as it is made up of study aluminium with non-slip feet.
- The shock Mount is made up of metal and high elasticity rope for protecting the microphone system all around and preventing the microphone from falling apart.
- It is compatible with any microphone between 45 millimetre and 15 millimetre in diameter.
- Assembling and disassembling the microphone and the pop holder is extremely easy because there are clear set of instructions and tools provided.
Cons:
- It is a bit heavy and isn’t exactly portable.
9) Pyle Professional MicrophoneFilter Screen-Mic Pop Blocker Mask Shield
Pyle Professional Microphone Filter Screen Mic Pop Blocker Mask Shield 4-Layer Mesh Wind Filtrationhas four-layer mesh screen filtration. Unlike the other products which have two layers or maximum three layers of filtration this evidently provides the best sound ever. Nevertheless, to say all these features guarantee that the audio will be crystal clear and professional as this is one of the most effective studio tools for vocal filtration as it helps achieve optimal sound performance. This pop filter weighs around 11 ounces and the dimensions are 7.2 inches, 0.2 inches, and 14 inches.
Pros:
- The guaranteed universal compatibility comes with the microphone pop filter being equipped with a non-damaging adjustable screw rotating clamp style fastening mount that can be quickly mount and unmount on all kinds of mountain boom microphone stands available in the market.
- The gooseneck is flexible up to 360 degrees and is 16 inches long so that it is able to fully support the filter’s weight and adjust the position of the popscreen anywhere from 2 inches to 8 inches from the microphone.
- This can be used for studio, recording, podcast, announcing, broadcasting, singing, voice overs, blogging, and so much more.
- It is widely used by both professionals and amateurs.
Cons:
- This is totally not recommended for outdoor shoots or recordings.
10) Rockville RTMS21 Desktop Tripod Microphone Stand with Pop Filter
Rockville RTMS21 Desktop Tripod Microphone Stand with Pop Filter is a desktop tripod with a dynamic microphone stand, a pop filter, and a shock mount. It is compatible and adjustable with all microphones with its diameter being under 36 mm. The mic inside the shock mount can be easily adjusted up and down. The tripod has rubber feet so that it stays protected and undamaged for long. The rubber feet also help in providing a firm, strong and non-slip grip to the tripod, as well as the pop filter.
Pros:
- The double nylon net filtering makes sure every second of sound is filtrated and enhanced.
- The extra space between the two filters also ensure that all extra air pressure is eliminated for best results.
- The whole product is detachable and can be kept part by part for easy carrying and transportation.
- The assembling and disassembling of the product is extremely easy and can be done by yourself at home using the tools and the user manual.
Cons:
- The hand clutch in this product is not exactly heavy-duty and there have been repeated complaints about using the same.
11) Rode WS2 Microphone Pop Filter/Wind Shield
Rode WS2 Microphone Pop Filter/ Wind Shieldis a master product with the WS2 windshield that promises additional protection for microphone capsule. This device is compatible with AT2035, AT2020 USB, AT2020 USBi, AT2020 USB+, ATR2100 USB/XLR, AT2035, AT2050, AT4040, AT2005 USB, AT4033CL, AT875R, AT2010, BP40, AT202, ATR1500, NT-1, NT1-A, S1, NTR, NT2-A, NT2000, K2, NTK, NT-USB, NT1000, M1, M1-S, M2, NT3, AI-1, and other podcaster, procaster and broadcaster microphones. It is extremely easy to carry and lightweight as it is a mic pop filter.
Pros:
- Rode is a popular company of Australia that has been promising best audio systems and products since forever.
- The item weighs around 2.4 ounces and the dimensions are 1 inch each side.
Cons:
- It is not a pop filter with stand or clamps or anything else.
12) Blucoil Pop FilterWindscreen for Professional Handheld Microphones
Blucoil Pop Filter Wind Screen for Professional Handheld Microphonesagain has double layer pop screen to block air blast and reduce unwanted noise along with the gap between the two filters to remove all air pressure filtered from the first layer. It can be used with a huge range of products likeAudio-Technica (AT2035, AT2020 USB, AT2020 USBi, AT2020 USB+, ATR2100 USB/XLR, AT2035, AT2050, AT4040, AT2005 USB, AT4033CL, AT875R, AT2010, BP40, AT202, ATR1500), Blue Microphones (Yeti, Snowball, Raspberry, Encore Series), Neewer (NW-700, NW-800, NW-1500), Rode (NT-1, NT1-A, S1, NTR, NT2-A, NT2000, K2, NT-USB, M1, M1-S, M2, NT3, AI-1), Samson (Meteor Mic, C01U Pro), Sennheiser (e602 II, E609, e904, MK 4, MD 431, MD 46), Shure (KSM8, SM58-50A, Super 55- BLK, SM58). The length of the gooseneck is 14.5 inches.
Pros:
- The dual layer is really helpful for obtaining double processed and filtrated sound without any noise or distraction.
- It is extremely easy to install and comes with the clamp that can be adjusted for any microphone mic stand.
- The microphone grills are further protected from dust, dirt, saliva and pollens by the dual layered mesh.
Cons:
- The mounting and the flexibility of this product is not much appreciated or celebrated by many people.
Buying Guide for Best Pop Filters
There are about hundreds of pop filters that are manufactured and distributed by various companies worldwide. While the options might leave you overwhelmed, it is important that you perform proper research and collect data, details, and information before making any decision for purchase. Here are few pointers that you should definitely keep in mind while choosing a pop filter:
- Purpose: One should know the purpose and need of buying anything before actually buying it. Pop Filters are technical tools required for recording professional level audio and should only be bought if you are in need of that.
- Studio and Live:There are different kinds of products required for mastering studio recordings and live performances. Thus, depending on your need, you should choose the pop filter that suits your musical needs.
- Practise:Often we want to buy pop filters just to do the regular practise at our homes, in which case is always recommended that you buy the products that are cheap and don’t have extravagant features, because let’s face it, we don’t need them.
- How to Use:If you are looking forward to buy a pop filter, you should first do your study part and learn how to use it, and find out whether you will be able to use it. Some models can be more complex than the others and thus you should be careful about your purchase.
- Cost: The cost of the pop filter plays a major role in your buying decision and preference as it directly intersects with your budget and financial planning.
- LayersandTypes:There are various kinds of pop filters available in the market. However, the dual layered pop filter that has a layer of nylon mesh and another of metallic cover is the best kind one can lay hands upon.
Conclusion
Since pop filters are this generations voice modulators and sound enhancers, buying one is one of the major decisions of your life. You have to first know what are your requirements and needs, and then compile them with your demands and ability to purchase a particular model of pop filter. All of these go hand in hand and make sure you make a proper and schemed decision about your purchase, which will definitely be a big financial decision.
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