Do you need to use a pop filter with your microphone? [Includes Audio Samples]
Pop filter with Blue Yeti.
No pop filter with Blue Yeti.
Short Answer
Most microphones do NOT require a pop filter to get the best sound from them, but a pop filter will prevent audio distortion when used up close.
Explanation
Plosives
When speaking or singing into a microphone, gusts of air from one’s breath go through the grille of the mic and hit the diaphram inside. Puffs of air that are too strong (often caused by “p” and “b” sounds) distort the diaphram and create popping noises called plosives.
Pop filters are designed to reduce plosives by reducing the force of the puffs of air directed at the microphone. Pop filters can be made from different materials such as nylon or metal, but they achieve the same effect.
Singing into a Razer Seiren Mini with a pop filter.
Using a Blue Yeti with no pop filter.
If you have a pop filter and want to get a quick demonstration of how it displaces air, blow a stream of air onto your hand about 6 inches away. Then place a pop filter in the space between your face and hand. You’ll notice an immediate reduction in the force of the air.
Some microphones are more prone to plosives than others. Of some of the microphones I’ve tested, the Fifine K670 and Razer Seiren Mini benefit greatly from a pop filter when used close up. In contrast, The Blue Yeti and Samson Q2U have better (though not amazing) plosive rejection and can be used without one when positioned well.
Built-in pop filters vs external pop filters
HyperX QuadCast alone.
HyperX QuadCast + pop filter.
Some microphones have pop filters built onto them.
For example, the The HyperX QuadCast has a foam pop filter built onto it located just inside the grille. The Shure SM7B (Shure.com) comes with a detachable pop filter.
Built-in pop filters have varying degrees of effectiveness. This is usually related to how much space they leave in between the capsule and the sound source.
The SM7B has a long grille and pop filter. It also is top-address. When speaking into the top of it, it gives plenty of room between the filter and the capsule to allow effective displacement of air. In contrast, HyperX Quadcast is side address with a narrow design and 3 capsules inside. There’s not a lot of room to displace air, so plosives still can affect recordings.
Audio Samples
In these audio samples you can hear the difference a pop filter makes when recording with and without a pop filter. I’ve also included an image of the wave form from Audacity so you can see the audio spikes from “p” sounds.
The audio at the beginning is with no pop filter. The audio after the break is with a pop filter.
What if I don’t have a pop filter?
If you don’t have a pop filter, there are still a couple effective techniques you can use to reduce or eliminate plosives.
First, you can position the microphone around 6-8 inches away. You’ll have to blow into most mics pretty hard to have a problem at this range.
Secondly, you can place the microphone off axis and speak “across” it rather than directly into it. The air won’t hit the mic with as much force.
Speaking across the mic rather than into it.
Unfortunately, using these two techniques will limit your ability to utilize the proximity effect (bass boost when using a microphone close up). That’s the trade off.
There are other accessories to prevent audio distortion such as wind guards, and I’ll compare the different options in another article.
