Whether it's speech or vocals that you want to record, it's always recommended to use a pop filter. Pop filters are little screens that protect the microphone from plosive consonants like P, F and S, which produce a little burst of air when they're sung or spoken. Pop filters can also be really effective when you're recording instruments like kick drums and flutes.
Pop Filters for Microphones
Pop filters are basically only ever used in studios since they only counter wind coming from one specific direction: the vocalist. Microphone windshields, on the other hand, slide over the microphone grille entirely and block gusts coming from all directions, making them suitable for outdoor use. If you're staying inside, it's generally better to use a pop filter since it won't colour the sound as much.
Universal Pop Filters for Any Microphone
Most pop filters aren't secured to the microphone itself but to the stand. They're equipped with a flexible gooseneck so they're easy to position - even if only to make sure that the vocalist maintains a certain distance from the microphone. Shock mounts fitted with a built-in pop filter are also a thing and can make setting up your microphone an even quicker process. The downside to a shock-mount with an integrated pop filter is that you won't be able to adjust the position of the pop filter since it's fixed in place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pop Filters
How does a pop filter help?
Pop filters are used for recordings speech and vocals with a sensitive microphone that doesn't feature a built-in pop filter. Pop filters block the tiny bursts of air that are produced with letters like P, F and S (plosive consonants) while still allowing sound to pass through.
