Windbreaks & popkillers

Pop filters and windscreens for microphones

Microphones are sensitive devices. Whether in the music studio, for podcast recording or for reporting on the road - without pop filters and windscreens, recordings can quickly be ruined because the microphone overloads for a short time. But a windscreen doesn't just protect the microphone from the pressure you create when speaking plosives. It also keeps moisture out, which would otherwise penetrate the microphone capsule and damage the pickup. We carry various microphone windscreens, pop filters and absorber systems in the LTT store to ensure that your recordings go off without a hitch.

Pop filters and windscreens for microphones: record undisturbed

Preparing microphones with a windscreen or pop filter is a simple precaution that promises you lasting success. You will get crystal-clear recordings that are not interrupted by annoying plosive winds. You'll also protect the sound capsule from moisture intrusion and other small particles that could damage the electronics. With a windscreen or pop filter, you significantly increase the life of your microphones.

Pop filter for microphones

When a plosive is spoken or sung, wind is generated, which is perceived in recordings as an annoying pop noise, similar to the beat on a hi-hat. P and T generate particularly much pressure, but K, B, D, U and Ü are also problematic. Without a pop filter, there can be significant distortion in the audio interface, which cannot be eliminated even with ambitious post-processing. This applies to all types of recordings, for example:

• Song
• Speeches and lectures
• Presentations
• Podcasts
• Streaming
• Voiceovers

Pop filters absorb this plosive pressure before it can be picked up by the microphone, thus helping to produce balanced, high-quality recordings. Pop filters are available as foam covers that are slipped over the microphones or in the form of round clamping membranes.

Overlays: The classic pop filters are simply pulled over the pickup section of the microphone. It is important that these microphone windscreens fit snugly. The many pores of the foam break the wind current so that only the desired frequencies are picked up. However, since the pop filter material quickly becomes porous, it is advisable to always have a fresh cover to change into. It's a good thing that the windscreens for microphones are also available in sets from LTT.

Pop filter frame: For very sensitive microphones or for studio recordings, upstream clamping diaphragms are suitable. They serve the same purpose and can be attached a few centimeters in front of the microphone in just a few steps. Nylon is usually used for this frontal shielding from interference. But metal perforated plates are also still popular. Incidentally, these frames help to maintain the correct distance from the pickup. This makes the recordings professional.

Windscreen for microphone

While pop filters protect against disturbing influences in a certain direction, a windscreen prevents wind noise from all directions. We know it from talking on the phone: Even a slight breeze is extremely disturbing and makes listening almost impossible. To prevent this effect, you should use a windscreen for your microphone when recording outdoors. This also protects the condenser capsule of your microphone from moisture penetration.

Conclusion about pop filters and windscreens for microphones

Pop filters and windscreens easily prevent the effects of excessive pressure waves when speaking. They also protect against the penetration of moisture that could damage the microphone. In the form of tension membranes, they also help to maintain the correct distance for the best possible recording. Only in a few cases can you do without a pop filter or windscreen on the microphone:

• You are using a microphone that is insensitive to pop. In general, the more visible the microphone diaphragm, the more sensitive the pickup is to plosive pressure.
• If the distance to the microphone is large enough (from about 50 cm), the problem usually no longer exists.
• If the people singing or speaking do not direct the airflow directly at the microphone, the pop effect will also be absent.

Good complement: microphone absorber system

In large or highly reverberant rooms, an additional mic screen or microphone screen helps to sustainably improve the audio quality. This absorber system is mounted on the other side of the microphone to minimize the room component in the recording.