Pop Filters - Which to use...?

Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 9:06 pm

Many of you know I am going to pick up a AT4040 next week. with a popfilter a preamp, for doing podcast development. I had a pop filter picked out, which was the kind that is a glove style goes over the top of the mic. There is also the other style which hangs in front of it and circular. Is there a audio benefit to either of them.

I opted for the glove style so it doesn't block so much space on my desk. But I figured I better ask now before I find that the circular windscreen is far better for me.

So basically what are the Pros and Cons of either style or is it just that - style?

Thanks,

Blake

Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 9:03 am

They both do the same thing, having the screen in front just gives you a place thats that same distance from the mic to come back to each time.
Glove style also work as a wind guard. Though the only wind on your desk will probably come from you.
Clearer?

Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 6:37 pm

That's what I figured. just wanted to verify in case there was something I was missing.

Thanks,

Blake

Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 9:47 pm

Blake,

It sounds like the "glove-style" filters you're talking about are more like outdoor windscreens. In the instance of high SPLs coming toward a mic from one direction (i.e. mic'ing a sound source in indoor conditions), a circular pop filter as you described is recommended for two reasons:

1.) A windscreen is likely to dull the sound more than a pop filter would
2.) The fact that a filter addresses plosives sooner than a windscreen does (even if by a matter of inches) makes it much more effective, as the particles have a greater distance to dissipate.

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 1:18 am

From what I know, the pop filter that "hangs in front of it and is circular" allows the mic. to vibrate more naturally. For podcasting I don't think it makes a difference, but maybe someone more knowledgable than me can inform you otherwise.

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 2:00 am

NCdan wrote:

...allows the mic. to vibrate more naturally.

NCdan wrote:

I don't think it makes a difference

Respectfully, both of these assertions are incorrect. The pop filter slows down and disperses fast-moving air particles that would normally overload the microphone (called plosives," "P-pops," etc.).

As for the difference between the two filters: imagine the rushing air particles are a speeding car, and the pop filter is a spike strip. Even though the spike strip is effective at resisting the car, it doesn't stop it immediately. Therefore it's better to deflect/slow down it's course far before it reaches the microphone (as a pop filter does) rather than immediately at it (windscreen).

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 6:46 am

A good pop filter is the requirement here, not a wind sock. A wind sock is great (and necessary) for outdoor recordings, but for podcasting, it's the wrong tool for the job.

PLS is correct - the round pop filter is the best tool for the job. Here's a link to bunches of them at BSW:

http://www.bswusa.com/searchresult.asp?searchType=keyword&searchValue=pop%20filter

Any of the circular ones will do. Some prefer the steel mesh ones as they tend to impart less color (or dulling) to the sound, some prefer the cloth mesh ones claiming they do a better job.

I've personally found that the steel ones to quite well if they're well designed. If they're little more than splatter screen material or screen door material, they're not going to do much at all. On the other hand, if they're louvred screens, they can do wonders at deflecting the incoming air.

FWIW, I use steel ones and in the cases where they don't do enough, I just grab a pair of pantyhose (clean ones please...) and pull it over the frame. It will take your pop filter to the next level.

Good luck!

J.

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 7:33 am

Cucco wrote:

I just grab a pair of pantyhose (clean ones please...) and pull it over the frame. It will take your pop filter to the next level.

amen! the old pantyhose-over-a-clothes-hanger works well in a pinch. although, it seems not a lot of guys carry around pantyhose... at least the guys i know are much more likely to have a windscreen than pantyhose. i guess i should find a female co-sound engineer.

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 7:38 am

Believe it or not, I use it in conjunction *with* the pop filter. Though the over-the-hanger trick works quite well on its own, it generally -looks- a little ghetto. (I do try to keep up appearances in the studio...)

The trick to obtaining the pantyhose is to have a girlfriend or wife. If you just go into Walmart and buy a pair...you look a little odd. Of course, depending upon what else is in the cart, you may just look downright messed up.... (A pair of pantyhose, a case of motor oil, a 9-iron, a sheep costume and a Cosmopolitan magazine....should raise the checkout girl's eyebrows...)

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 7:49 am

Cucco Da' Perv wrote:

(A pair of pantyhose, a case of motor oil, a 9-iron, a sheep costume and a Cosmopolitan magazine....should raise the checkout girl's eyebrows...)

As Cucco would possibly know from first hand experience, maybe???

Smile

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 7:51 am

Cucco wrote:

... (A pair of pantyhose, a case of motor oil, a 9-iron, a sheep costume and a Cosmopolitan magazine....should raise the checkout girl's eyebrows...)

Shoot, a fella' could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff.

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