Are you looking for a pop filter to place in front of your microphone for your vocal recordings?
Perfect, you are in the right place! 🙂
The fact is that the pop filter is an essential accessory in a home studio as it significantly improves the quality of vocal recordings and other voiceovers. It’s unthinkable to achieve a professional result without this type of tool.
But which one to choose? What are the best pop filters? Are they all equal? Are there different types?
Is there a noticeable difference between cheap pop filters and those that cost around a hundred euros?
Well, you will find all the answers to these questions in this article where we will cover the following topics:
What is a pop filter for?
When recording a voice, whether it’s singing or spoken voice, certain consonants known as plosive or occlusive (like the letters “P” or “B”) can generate stronger than normal air pressures that hit the microphone capsule.
Every time this happens, you hear an unpleasant “pop” in the recording with a lot of energy in the low frequencies.
Listen to the recording below:
While some techniques may slightly mitigate this type of problem in post-production, it will never be possible to fully correct it with equalizers or compressors.
Consequence: for a good recording, it is essential to have a sound capture that is absolutely pop-free.
You understand: this is where our pop filter comes in, also called pop filter, pop shield, or pop screen in English.
The pop filter is a small screen, usually made of synthetic fabric or metal, that is positioned between the singer and the microphone.
Its mere presence, as long as it has been well positioned, helps to eliminate or a minima significantly reduce those pesky pops.
Here’s an audio example, recorded under the same conditions as before but this time with a pop filter positioned halfway between my mouth and the microphone:
As you can hear, it’s much better: the pop filter has reduced the energy of the plosive consonants by intercepting as much unwanted air as possible each time.
Note, however, that this is not its only utility!
Indeed, the pop filter also serves to protect the microphone from saliva, which over time can damage the microphone capsule.
Not very glamorous, of course, but it’s still important to keep in mind… 😉
How to choose a pop filter?
Before moving on to my little comparison of the best pop filters, here are some tips to help you make your choice.
Price
On average, pop filters are sold at prices ranging from 15 to 150 euros.
So, there are options for every budget.
However, the quality of the models available on the market varies greatly.
For pity’s sake, avoid the 2 euro models on Aliexpress.
Also avoid similar products sold for around fifteen euros on Amazon under unknown brands (Tuloka, Yotto…) or more known ones (Neewer).
On one hand, the lifespan of these products is low, but on the other hand, they are generally difficult to position in front of the microphone: sometimes the gooseneck is too rigid, sometimes it cannot stay in position, and your filter is never well placed relative to your mic.
That said, I don’t necessarily recommend spending hundreds of euros: some pop filters, like those from the German brand K&M that I will talk about a bit later, are very reliable and cost only around twenty euros.
After that, you also have the option to invest in a more expensive model around 100 euros (and you will find some examples further on).
These pop filters often stand out for their excellent build quality and real effectiveness: yes, they sound a bit better, so it can be a long-term investment.
That said, one must be aware that a pop filter costing 20 or 30 euros can easily do the job (provided you buy the right one).
The Material
There are generally two main types of pop filters:
- those made of nylon / synthetic fabric;
- those made of metal.
However, other materials are sometimes used, such as foams.
Objectively, the choice of material is more a matter of personal preference than anything else: there are very good pop filters in nylon, and very good pop filters in metal.
Metal ones are, however, a bit easier to clean, I find, since they are rigid.
And then, they tend to look a bit more “high-end” when you see them in a home studio.
It looks a bit nicer, you know.
The Type of Attachment
Each pop filter has its own attachment system.
Generally, it consists of a clamp or a screw system that is installed on the microphone stand, as shown in the photo below:
However, there are a few models with a slightly more esoteric operation (even requiring very specific equipment), so make sure to check the type of attachment before making your choice.
The Size
Of course, there are different sizes of pop filters.
I’m thinking about the size of the gooseneck, but also about the size of the filter itself.
Indeed, while most models have a moderate diameter, there are “XL” models with a wide diameter.
This can be useful in certain cases (for example, multiple singers using the same microphone), even though I generally prefer slightly smaller models that are sufficient.
Making Your Own Pop Filter, an Option?
Yes, it is possible to make your own homemade pop filter — typically with a metal hanger and pantyhose.
Yes, it does the job.
It worked well for Michael Jackson (and a few other well-known artists) in the song “We Are The World”:
However, unless you are particularly fond of DIY, I don’t think it’s a great idea:
- it’s not very aesthetic;
- it’s potentially complicated to position well in front of your microphone;
- and in the end, since there are pop filters available for 15 or 20€ that are very effective, I think it’s not worth getting into the manufacturing process.
But the choice is yours :)!
Pop Filter or Windscreen?
Sometimes, one might wonder about using a windscreen instead of a pop filter.
In fact, apart from a few rare exceptions where the windscreen is particularly effective (I’m thinking of the SM7B for example), it is much more effective to use a pop filter.
The windscreen, on the other hand, is rather reserved for outdoor use or when using a pop filter is really impossible.
My Selection of the Best Pop Filters
To help you in your search, I have compiled below a selection of the best pop filters for the studio and home studio (and I include in these words all uses related to streaming, podcasting, and voice-over, of course).
1. K&M 23956 Popkiller
Brand: K&M
Material: Nylon
Diameter: 13 cm
The classic pop filter par excellence.
K&M is a highly reputable German brand that I greatly appreciate, particularly for the quality of its products.
Unsurprisingly, their pop filter is also of very good quality, with a relatively low price (around 20-22 euros).
This is therefore the model I recommend by default to those looking for a standard pop filter for home studio use.
► See the current price of the K&M 23956 Popkiller at: Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
2. Gravity MA 3D A POP 1
Brand: Gravity
Material: Nylon
Diameter: 15.7 cm
A bit larger than the K&M mentioned earlier, this pop filter from Gravity stands out for its low price but also for its interesting setup technology.
Indeed, instead of using a gooseneck that can sometimes be difficult to position, the Gravity employs a joint system that greatly facilitates installation.
The clamp fixation system also allows for quick installation.
The whole setup is very stable, and since the filter part can be unscrewed, you can even imagine attaching something else to it.
In short, this model is really practical!
► See the current price of the Gravity MA 3D A POP 1 at: Thomann
3. Aston Microphones Shield
Brand: Aston Microphones
Material: Stainless steel
Size: 15.8 x 13.5 cm
An elegant option from Aston Microphones.
Indeed, this stainless steel pop filter is (at least in my opinion) really aesthetic and will look great in your (home) studio.
However, it is also really effective: on one hand, it will cover your microphone well due to its shape, but moreover, it effectively reduces plosives thanks to the hexagonal perforated grille, which seems to be optimal for air movement.
The whole setup is also quite easy to position, with a fixation clamp and a matte black gooseneck of good quality with a rubberized finish.
► See the current price of the Aston Microphones Shield at: Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
4. Aspen Pittman Designs PFM+
Brand: Aspen Pittman Designs
Material: Stainless steel
Size: 14.0 x 8.9 cm
The PFM+ is another metal pop filter, but this time it is a bit flatter with a shape and perforations that optimally redirect the airflow.
Of course, it is designed to be as transparent as possible and thus minimize its impact on the sound.
If the mounting bracket is screw-based (which always takes a bit of time to install), the PFM+ stands out because the screen is magnetic.
Indeed, through an ingenious system of magnets, the screen can potentially attach to any microphone suspension (as long as it is metal, of course).
However, it is of course supplied with a gooseneck for a more standard installation.
► See the current price of the Aspen Pittman Designs PFM+ at: Thomann
5. Rycote Invision Universal Popfilter
http://www.rycote.com/products/045002
Brand: Rycote
Material: Foam
Diameter: 15.2 cm
The Rycote pop filter is quite original, as it is made not of metal or nylon, but of a type of foam specifically designed to cut the “pops” from recordings.
This foam is of course removable: it can be washed, but it is also possible to purchase replacement filters.
A small “negative” point, however: this pop filter can only be installed on the USM mounts of the same brand.
I intentionally put the word “negative” in quotes because in reality, these mounts are really high quality — and it can also be a good opportunity to invest in both a mount and a pop filter.
► See the current price of the Rycote Invision Universal Popfilter (in kit with a USM mount) at: Thomann Amazon
6. JZ Microphones Pop Filter
Brand: JZ Microphones
Material: Metal
Diameter: 9.5 cm
The pop filter from JZ Microphones (a very serious mic brand) is indeed a bit more expensive than other filters, but it is particularly effective.
It stands out first by its shape: the diameter is reduced, and the wavy shape of the filter aims to control the excess airflow generated by the pronunciation of our famous plosive consonants.
And it does this control very well: even if you try on purpose, it will be very difficult to get any “pop” with your microphone and this filter.
In short, it’s an opportunity to have a pop filter that is both stylish and truly useful in your studio!
► See the current price of the JZ Microphones Pop Filter at: Thomann
7. Pauly P120 T-30
Brand: paulyTon
Material: Fabric
Diameter: 12.0 cm
Like the JZ Microphones just above, we are here with a high-end pop filter.
Made in Germany, this filter has been designed to be completely transparent: it really does not affect the frequency response of the voice, and only removes the “pops”.
The perforations on the sides of the main ring help to evacuate air, as does the fabric and the way it is mounted (for example, the two layers of fabric are aligned in different directions and their tension is measured precisely).
Sure, the price may seem a bit high, but we are really looking at a quality pop filter that will serve its purpose in your studio over the long term.
► See the current price of the Pauly P120 T-30 at: Thomann
In conclusion
There you go, you now have all the information to choose your next pop filter, whether it’s a basic nylon one or a more high-end metal one! 🙂
► Keep reading with my complete guide on studio microphones.