Available in foam-rubber and faux-fur form, a purpose-made windshield protects your microphone against wind when you're recording outside. On this page, you'll find windshields for handheld microphones, condenser microphones, clip-on microphones and even headset microphones.
Windshield or Blimp
A microphone windshield is a quick and easy way to counter wind. Simply slide the foam-rubber or faux-fur 'sleeve' over the capsule of your microphone and it'll be reasonably well protected against little bursts of air and light breezes. That said, if the wind picks up, a windshield may no longer offer enough protection, which is where the microphone blimp comes in. Made to offer enhanced shielding, blimps are basically wind-proof cages in which the microphone is suspended to create a buffer of still air for the ultimate protection against wind as well as handling noise. The only downsides of microphone blimps is that they're significantly bigger and more expensive than standard microphone windshields.
To keep any contact noise from making it into your recordings, you'll want to use a microphone shock mount.
Windshields: Foam-Rubber or Faux-Fur
Foam-rubber windshields typically offer the ideal mix of protection, size and looks. They're widely used by reporters since they can be customised with logos, but if a foam-rubber model isn't enough protection, then you can always opt for a more effective faux-fur windshield. The only drawback of these furry models is that they can look a little funny.
Mini-Windshields for Clip-On and Headset Microphones
When it comes to headset microphones and lavaliers, it's extra important to ensure proper protection against wind. Here, you also have the pick of (much smaller) foam-rubber and furry windshields in various colours. Since clip-on microphones need to be secured discretely, you'll also find various mounting options such as adhesives and mini-clamps in this range.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microphone Windshields
Do I need a pop filter?
Pop filters are essential for recording vocals since the pronunciation of letters like P, F and S produces little bursts of air. These so-called plosive consonants can generate a clearly noticeable noise when the stream of air bumps into the diaphragm of your microphone unobstructed. A pop filter is basically a little mesh screen that blocks most of the wind while allowing sound to pass through.
What are windscreens?
In the world of microphones, windscreens are the same as windshields. They're designed to keep gusts of wind from ruining recordings made outside, as well as counter plosive sounds when you're recording vocals in the studio.
Should I get a windshield or a pop filter?
A pop filter offers highly effective protection against wind coming from one specific direction, which is ideal when you're recording vocals and certain wind instruments. If you're going to record audio outside, you'll want to use a windshield instead since windshields are designed to block wind coming from any direction.
