How Does A Pop Filter Work & 5 Best Buys

[Global DJs Guide]

Do you know why all the unwanted noise is in your recordings? Or why is your voice not as crisp as you want or expect it to be? There is one big reason for this, and that is the microphone itself. Now you might question this statement, but allow us to explain it first.

What is the reason you use a microphone? Obviously, to record podcasts, vocals, or any vocal content. The microphone is not a human with a brain that will not record any sound other than yours. 

So the microphone has a purpose. The pop filter, on the other hand, has its own way of making a microphone work better. It cancels the background noise and makes your voice crisp. The details do not end here. This post will explain the purpose of a pop filter. In addition, as a cherry on top, we will show five of the best pop filters on the market.

Pop Filter & Purpose

A pop filter is an addition to your microphone. It will not only give a more professional look to your setup but will also improve the results. Several microphones are available on the internet, but not all are worth your time and money. 

Different pop filters look different. Some are circular, while others look like a shield. So the look defines the purpose of a pop filter. The purpose of a pop filter is not significant, but it is not as small as you think. It can cancel the unwanted noise in the background while recording. A plosive is a proper term for the sounds that a pop filter cancels.

You can see it in many YouTube videos and music studios with proper sound isolation. The primary users of a pop filter are usually podcasters. It is because they need to create crisp audio with only their voice coming through. And this is why those videos sound perfect. 

Benefits of a Pop Filter

A pop filter has many benefits. But not all of them are what you need. The most important is the cancellation of unwanted background sounds. That is also the primary purpose of a pop filter. But there is one more benefit worth explaining. That is the safety and longevity it provides for the microphone.

Let us explain!

A pop filter acts as a barrier between your saliva and the microphone. If you use a microphone on a regular basis, you are aware of the amount of damage that saliva causes to the microphone while recording. The reason is that the saliva from your mouth enters the internal parts of the studio microphone. 

But the pop filter does not let that happen. So it gives your microphone a buffer and you peace of mind.

The next benefit of the pop filter is a feature, but it is no less than a benefit. Pop filters are cheap. For example, a professional pop filter from the best company will cost you around $25. So protecting your pop filter and enhancing your recordings is pretty cheap.

5 Best Pop Filters on the Market

1. PEMOTech Pop Filter
2. EJT Upgraded Microphone Pop Filter
3. Neewer Professional Microphone Pop Filter
4. Penypeal Microphone WindShield Pop Filter
5. Arisen Mic Pop Filter

1. PEMOTech Pop Filter

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The PEMOTech pop filter is a metallic pop filter. The epitome of a pop filter is its wide usage. Almost all microphones are compatible with it, except the Blue Yeti. The pop filter uses three layers to provide the best results. 

The first layer consists of foam. Then the second layer is where the filter is. And finally, the third layer is metal. These three layers combine to give you the best cancellation of plosives. In many cases, this pop filter can also cancel your breathing sound.

The metal keeps the saliva out of the microphone and is easy to clean. A cloth will be enough to wipe any dust or saliva particles from the filter. Also, you don’t need to worry when you put the pop filter on your microphone. All you have to do is secure it firmly. 

Pros

• Does excellent justice to its cost
• Cheap
• Easy to fix
• Three layers of protection
• Compatible with almost all microphones
• Cleaning the microphone is easy

Cons

• Not compatible with Blue Yeti
• Not an option for those looking for a nylon pop filter

2. EJT Upgraded Microphone Pop Filter

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The EJT pop filter is the right choice if you prefer a nylon pop filter. It is an upgraded version of the previous microphone pop filter. It has a few extras that make using the EJT pop filter much more straightforward. The unique thing about this pop filter is the dual layer. 

The EJT pop filter uses two layers of nylon that are stretched with the help of metal. It gives the pop filter a circular design. For support, the extras come with a flexible metal wire, a clamp, and an adjustable holder. When you combine these, you will see that such pop filters are in many music videos that show the artist recording music. The six-inch design makes it easy for you to adjust. In short, it is an excellent pop filter for podcasts.

Pros

• Perfect looks and functioning
• Adjustable according to your microphone
• No need to attach it to the microphone
• Add-ons are great
• Extremely lightweight

Cons

• Expensive than its competitors
• Adjusting it might be problematic for some users

3. Neewer Professional Microphone Pop Filter

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Similar to the EJT pop filter, the Neewer professional pop filter is cheaper. It comes with an adjustable holder. The clamp serves the purpose of attaching the filter to your microphone. The screw is not fixed, making setting up a bit easier.

It makes sure to cancel any sound that is not part of your recording, including the sound of your breathing. The pop filter is water-resistant, and the dual layer makes it an even better choice. It is cheap, durable, long-lasting, and much more. The only problem with this filter is that it won’t fit with a blue snowball condenser microphone. Other than that, there is no problem with this pop filter.

Pros

• Compatible with a wide variety of microphones
• Within budget
• Excellent protection and noise canceling
• Ideal for those looking for a big pop filter

Cons

• A bit heavy
• Incompatible with snowball condenser microphone

4. Penypeal Microphone WindShield Pop Filter

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Till now, we told you about three-layer and dual-layer pop filters, but did you know that a five-sided protective pop filter exists? If not, Penypeal answers your question with their ultra-five-sided windshield pop filter.

It is easy to install and, above all, is compatible with USB microphones. Isn’t it amazing!? This ultra-protective pop filter uses a foam layer after the filter layer. However, it cannot meet the value of a metallic pop filter. This pop filter is excellent for beginners.

Pros

• Cheapest on our list
• Extra protection
• Easy installation
• Lightweight thus portable

Cons

• Not the best option for pros
• The material may not be as thick or sturdy

5. Arisen Mic Pop Filter

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The last pop filter on our list is the Arisen pop filter. Like the nylon pop filters that use a double layer of nylon, this pop filter uses a double layer of metal. Consider the protection and cancellation it provides. It is mind-blowing.

The rest of the body is similar to the EJT pop filter. It does not directly touch the microphone, but the clamp does. This pop filter has by far the best noise cancellation of any pop filter. However, it might be outside your budget.

Pros

• Double layer of metal
• Easy to install
• Best customer reviews
• Compatibility is large

Cons

• Expensive
• Gooseneck might not be suitable for all

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the best thing about a pop filter?

There are many great things about a pop filter. However, the best two are:

• First, it cancels any background sounds or cracks.
• Second, it protects the microphone from your saliva.

• Is a pop filter a necessity?

Well, yes, it is necessary if you want to make use of the benefits. But if you do not record very often and are doing great without one, we don’t think you need a pop filter.

• Are there different types of pop filters?

Yes. There are two types of pop filters in general. These filters are differentiated based on their material. One type is the nylon pop filter, while the other is metallic.

• Which is the best pop filter in the market?

Depending on whether you like nylon or metallic pop filters, all five filters on our list are the best. However, the first two options are preferred.

How to use and setup a pop filter

Video Credits SoundAssured

Conclusion

Pop filters are a great addition to your current setup. Not only do they protect your microphone, but they also make your recordings much better. Pop filters are a necessity for podcasters and vocalists. 

The benefits of this filter are numerous, and we did our best to explain them. We hope the list helps you choose the best pop filter that meets your needs. Cheers to the best recording sessions!

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