How Do Pop Filters Work

It's a simple tool, with a simple job.

It blocks those ugly "plosives" and keeps singers from spitting all over your vocal mic.

And that's it.

So naturally you assume that all pop filters are the same, right?

But are they really?

Well in today'southward post, where I examine and compare 7 of the best popular filters on the market…

You lot may discover that some are better than others.

First upward…

1. Nady MPF-6

Of all the pop filters in the world…

The Nady MPF-6 is easily the best-selling, and about widely know…

Mostly because information technology'due south and so damn cheap.

Simply that'due south not the whole story. Because among the dozens of other pop filters only as inexpensive, few sell near as well.

Most pop filters in this price range apply goosenecks that don't stay in place, and cheap materials that break within a week.

Among these inexpensive options, information technology seems the Nady MPF-half-dozen is amidst the only ones that really delivers on its promises.

Click to see current toll – (Amazon)

Now while the Nady MPF-six offers nifty value for its price, the truth is…

You lot become what you pay for. So continue reading, considering the other 6 options get progressively more expensive as we move downwardly the list.

Up side by side…

2. On-Stage Stands ASFSS6GB Dual-Screen

Compared to the Nady MPF-six, the On-Stage Stands ASFSS6GB differs in i key style…

Rather than using just ONE screen to block plosive sounds, the ASFSS6GB has Two.

The first screen blocks air blasts as any pop filter normally would.

The gap in between and so disperses whatever remaining air pressure level, and then by the time it passes the second screen, the boom is easily contained.

In theory, the idea is sound. A double layer means double protection.

Some people believe still, that many ii-screen pop filters block too much high frequency detail.

Just according to information technology's wealth of stellar online reviews by satisfied users, the ASFSS6GB does not suffer from this problem.

Click to see current toll– (Amazon/B&H)

Upwardly adjacent…

3. Stedman Corporation Proscreen Forty

Equally y'all may know, popular filters come in two standard designs:

the cheaper "panty-hose" screens, and…
the pricier metal screens

The biggest problems with the "panty hose" screens are:

they tin tear, and..
they aren't easy to clean.

That is why pricier metal pop filters such every bit the Stedman Corporation Proscreen XL are preferred by many.

With it'southward unique patented material, the Proscreen Xl takes an entirely dissimilar approach to the trouble of popping.

Rather than only blocking plosive sounds, the Proscreen XL uses angled slots in the filter to redirect the energy downwards, abroad from you microphone.

Personally, I find this model to be an ideal mix of quality and affordability. For typical home studios, I'd recommend it above all other options on the list.

Click to compare prices – (Amazon)

Upward next…

iv. Avantone PS-1 PRO-SHIELD

Breaking away from the standard "hoop" design…

The Avantone PS-1 takes an entirely unlike arroyo.

Rather than sitting out in front of the microphone, where it's vulnerable to being bumped and snagged…

The PS-1 is designed to wrap snuggly around the microphone grill, then it's out of the way.

This also avoids the problem of singers constantly readjusting it, which wastes fourth dimension, and puts added wear and tear on the gooseneck.

Like the Proscreen Xl, the PS-i features a hard screen which is more durable and easier to clean than the panty hose types.

I of its unique claims is that it causes no noticeable loss in high-frequency detail…which is verified in a number of reviews.

Click to compare prices – (Amazon/B&H)

Up side by side…

5. WindTech PopGuard 2000

Taking the wrap-around blueprint of the PS-1 even further…

The WindTech PopGuard 2000 wraps tightly around your microphone…

But does so by mounting to the grill itself, rather than requiring an external gooseneck to concur information technology in place.

The only popular filter on this list with this blueprint, the PopGuard 2000 holds the unique advantage of taking upwardly almost no added space.

Once it's mounted, you almost forget it'south fifty-fifty at that place. That's the upside…

The downsides are:

You can't accommodate the distance between the screen and the microphone.
While it fits on MOST large diaphragm condenser mics, it won't fit on all of them, and information technology won't fit on most dynamic mics, such equally an SM58 for instance.

And then it's not ideal in every situation. Only for some people, information technology might exist exactly what they need.

Click to see current price – (Amazon/B&H)

Upwardly side by side…

6. Blue Microphones The Pop

If yous're familiar with the Blue Microphones company, then you already know…

EVERYTHING they make, from their high-finish tube mics, to their budget USB mics, is ALL awesome.

And their signature pop filter which they've simply named, " The Pop ", is no exception.

It'south hands the prettiest, most swish looking pop filter on the list.

And it's non but for Bluish Microphones either. Like any standard pop filter, it has a gooseneck and a prune that attaches to your mic stand up.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of this pop filter is…

With it'due south strong metal frame, wire mesh grill, and ultra-sturdy goosenzeck, it offers a level of immovability unmatched by anything else we've seen.

Click to compare prices – (Amazon/B&H/Thomann)

Up adjacent…

7. Pauly Ton Pauly Superscreen

Now so far, we've seen some pretty high-end pop filters…

Some with price tags as high as $50, which for a pop filter, is pretty damn expensive.

Only that'southward nix compared to the sticker toll of this terminal item: the Pauly Ton Pauly Superscreen .

Click to encounter electric current cost – (Amazon)

The first time I discovered this popular filter, I thought the same thing you're probably thinking now…

You want me to pay HOW MUCH for a pop filter?

And many of the online comments agree.

Not surprisingly, there are few people in this world willing to pay that much for a popular filter when perfectly good options exist for every bit picayune every bit $15.

But in that location are SOME people. And of the few people who bought and reviewed this item, it seems that almost all concord that information technology'south totally worth information technology.

Apparently the level of transparency achieved past its special screen is quite impressive.

Would I recommend information technology for boilerplate home studios? Hell no.

Just for folks who want nothing just the best, and are willing to pay for it…the Pauly Ton Pauly Superscreen is definitely worth a 2d expect.