Ever wondered what makes vocalists and podcasters sound so good? You can have one of the best microphones on the market, but there’s actually one small, but very important, piece of equipment that you need to make your voice recordings sound a lot more pleasing to the ears: a pop filter.
You’ve seen it for sure—that odd-looking filter that artists sing into (instead of directly into the microphone) is often circular in shape, and truly adds a professional touch to any recording studio setup. And its job is simple—to eliminate “plosive” sounds that make you sound like you’re spitting into your microphone.
Let’s learn more about pop filters and how they work below.
How Does It Work?
The main purpose of any pop filter is to neutralize the blasts of air that hit it. So when popping sounds or words that contain P, B, T, K, and other critical letters are pronounced, the mesh of the pop filter breaks up all unwanted energy before the sound hits the microphone, which is usually situated a few inches behind it. The result is a much cleaner sound, even when you’re wearing headphones.
Not to be confused with mic screens that are often used to keep strong winds from hitting the microphone during outdoor performances, pop filters are used inside studios to focus on improving the quality of the speaker’s speaking and singing voice.
As a bonus, pop filters help protect the microphone from saliva, which contains salts that can eventually damage it, as well as dust and grime. The use of a pop filter is particularly crucial for more sensitive and delicate ribbon-type microphones.
Best Microphone Pop Filters
It may surprise you that not all pop filters work the same. For one, they are not all made of the same material—some are made from woven nylon while others are made of fine metal. But to help you choose a pop filter that suits your specific needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences, we’ll recommend seven of the best, quality pop filters on the market with pretty affordable price tags.
On-Stage ASFSS6GB Dual-Screen
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The On-Stage Stands ASFSS6GB pop filter is famous for its 6-inch, double-layer mesh screen. Made of micro-weave black nylon, this dual screen filter offers two levels of sound neutralization. This means that any excess air pressure is dispersed in the space between the two screens and the air blast itself is much more easily contained by the time it passes through the second layer.
This circular pop filter also comes with an 11.5-inch-long flexible gooseneck that is coated in brass and connected to a C-clamp for convenient mounting onto mic stands. Whatever your mic is, the ASFSS6GB does the job.
Key Specifications:
- 6-inch Circular Filter Diameter
- Double Layer Micro-Weave Black Nylon Mesh Diffusers
- 11.5-inch Long Brass-Coated Gooseneck with C-Clamp
- Compatible with All Types of Microphones
Avantone Pro PS1 Pro Shield
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The Avantone PS-1 Pro Shield definitely stands out with its unusual yet professional-looking shape. Other than that, it’s designed to be wrapped around the microphone, so the 9mm gooseneck doesn’t stick out and get in the way or have to be readjusted every time, which can lead to wear and tear.
The filter itself is made of a metal mesh diffuser that reportedly doesn’t reduce high-frequency sounds like thicker screens typically do. The frame of the screen is also slightly curved to allow closer positioning around a wide range of microphones.
Overall, the PS-1 is, hands down, one of the best metal pop filters out there for its price.
Key Specifications:
- Transparent Hard Metal Diffuser
- Curved Surface for Closer Mic Positioning
- 9mm Gooseneck with Clamp
- Compatible with All Types of Microphones
WindTech PopGard 2000
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Do you prefer the curved wrap-around design? The WindTech PopGard 2000 may be a great choice for you. It has a micro-mesh metal screen with a curved black nylon frame that wraps tightly around the microphone’s grill to block air from all angles. It doesn’t require a gooseneck and clamp—so once it’s mounted, you can forget that it’s there.
If you look closer, the PS-1 also utilizes up to two layers of metal diffusers to enhance your sound. The only real downsides are that its shape limits its microphone compatibility and it can’t be adjusted further away from the microphone. But if you’re using a large diaphragm condenser mic or any other mic with a diameter of 1.82-2.67in (46-68mm), this might just be what you need.
Key Specifications:
- Curved Black Nylon Frame
- Double Layer Micro-Mesh Metal Diffusers
- Fits 1.82-2.67in (46-68mm) Diameter Microphones
- Best for Podcasting and Broadcasting
Blue Microphones “The Pop”
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Coming from an incredibly popular brand of microphones, “The Pop” is an adjustable universal pop filter that is designed to meet every recorder’s need for reduced plosives. Aside from looking incredibly stylish with its chrome silver finish, it performs very well and ensures durability with its high-quality parts.
Its rectangular wire mesh screen and strong metal frame are slightly curved to provide more equal neutralization around the microphone. It is also connected to a gooseneck with an easy-to-use microphone stand clamp for steady mounting. “The Pop” fits all microphone types and is obviously the ideal pop filter for the Blue Yeti microphone, if you have it.
Key Specifications:
- Curved Rectangular Pop Filter
- Sturdy Metal Frame and Wire Mesh Diffuser
- With Clamp for Microphone Stand
- Compatible with All Microphone Types
Samson PS01
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Initially developed to go with a variety of microphones from the same brand, the Samson PS01 now ranks as one of the best universal pop filters for all other kinds of studio microphones. Its traditional hoop shape offers simplicity while its build quality ensures high functionality.
Despite its affordable price, you’ll like how its nylon mesh diffuser can effectively take care of a wide range of plosives. It also features a flexible neck and an impressively sturdy microphone stand clamp. So if you’re just starting out and don’t really need a premium-quality pop filter, the PS01 is definitely worth a try.
Key Specifications:
- Standard Nylon Mesh Diffuser
- Thick, Sturdy Circular Frame
- Flexible, Adjustable Gooseneck with Mic Stand Clamp
- Compatible with All Types of Microphones
Nady MPF-7
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Its sibling, the Nady MPF-6, may be way popular, but the MPF-7 promises practically the same results—but with much sturdier material. With a metal mesh screen instead of nylon, you can be sure that your filter will last longer and won’t be easily damaged by sharp pokes, particularly when you’re traveling.
The gooseneck on the MPF-7 is fully adjustable and connects to a mic stand clamp that is compatible with any type of microphone, including Nady’s own KSM141, KSM27SL, KSM32 and KSM44 microphones. For the price, it’s a great choice because it’s durable enough that you can expect to use it for many years to come.
Key Specifications:
- Circular Metal Mesh Filter
- Fully Adjustable Gooseneck
- Easy-to-Use Mic Stand Clamp
- Compatible with All Types of Microphones
Shure PS-6 Popper Stopper
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Leading microphone manufacturer Shure only has one pop filter as of date, but they made sure of its high-quality performance. Today, the PS6 Popper Stopper is widely used among recording and post-production specialists.
Its circular frame with a turning base measures six inches in diameter and features an impressive four-layer micro-mesh nylon screen for maximum diffusion of explosive consonants. It also has a 14-inch gooseneck that not only provides mounting flexibility but will also last you many years.
If you want a pop filter from an established brand of audio products, consider the PS-6.
Key Specifications:
- 6-inch Circular Filter Diameter
- Four Layer Nylon Mesh Diffusers
- 14-inch Long Adjustable Metal Gooseneck
- With Mic Stand Clamp
- Compatible with All Types of Microphones
