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DIY: Noise Filter

Making your own noise filter for a sound recording project helps improve the quality of the audio elements you record. This noise filter is placed over the microphone to minimize unnecessary disturbance or possible popping sound during the recording process. Such problems are often encountered when saying words with letter "p" and "b," which are also known as plosives, over the microphone. This project requires accessible and affordable materials for a do-it-yourself project.

Things You'll Need

  • 6-inch embroidery hoop
  • Thin nylon tights or pantyhose
  • Scissors
  • 1/2-inch split flex tubing
  • 2 feet of 10-2 wire
  • 7.5-inch black zip tie
  • 1/4-inch compression fitting used for plumbing
  • 1-inch spring clamp (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy the materials you need. Most of these are available in hardware stores and supercenters. For the thigh-high or pants-type nylon tights or pantyhose, you can buy one in supercenters, grocery stores, drugstores or women's shops. A cheap generic brand will do.

    • 2

      Cut the top part of the nylon tights at thigh level.

    • 3

      Get one of the two separate leg pieces, then cut the toe end and the thigh end to make a rectangular shape from the piece.

    • 4

      Separate the embroidery hoop into two pieces, then fold the pantyhouse in half and stretch it across the interior of your hoop. Do this as tight as you can without damaging your pantyhose piece.

    • 5

      Place your hoop's outside portion on top, then tighten your compression fitting to allow the two hoops to hold the nylon securely in place.

    • 6

      Trim leftover nylon from your hoop. This will be the screen that can block the noise and pops entering the microphone during sound recording.

    • 7

      Make a connecting stand for your filter screen, which must be fastened to your microphone stand. This should be flexible and easy to adjust, but still secure when recording.

    • 8

      Bend your 10-gauge wire into a shape and size that can fit the front of the microphone used for recording. Cover the wire with flex tubing and use a compression fitting to secure the wire in place. Find and mark the point where you filter screen will connect to the top of this wire, them trim your flex tubing appropriately. Make sure that no remaining wire is exposed. If you have an available spring clamp, use this to temporarily hold your screen in place as you make adjustments.

    • 9

      Fasten your filter screen to the wire. Use a zip tie placed around the wire and the compression fitting's metal screw, which is found on your embroidery hoop.

Film Production

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