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How to Build Your Own Pop Filter

A pop filter is a windscreen used in microphone audio recordings. It is usually a round or square nylon shield made of nylon or metal mesh. It gets positioned in front of the mic to diffuse unwanted "P" , "B" and "K" plosive sounds. A "plosive" sound is produced by the complete stoppage and sudden release of the breath which causes VU meters to over modulate. Pop filters also protect the microphone capsule from moisture caused by a vocalist's breath. They can easily be made at home with a few materials and tools.

Things You'll Need

  • 6" Embroidery hoop
  • 1 pair pantyhose
  • Flex tubing
  • 18" 10 gauge wire
  • 1 zip tie
  • 1 inch hose clamp
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1
      Use panty hose to make a pop filter.

      Cut the leg off of pantyhose and then the toe. Split apart the embroidery hoop. Fold the cut out part of pantyhose in half and spread it out over the inner part of the embroidery hoop. Put the outer ring of embroidery hoop together with the inner ring and tighten the embroidery hoop. Trim the excess pantyhose hanging around the hoop with scissors.

    • 2
      Build the fastener with 10 gauge wire.

      Build a pop filter fastener. Hold the bottom of 10 gauge wire to the base of a microphone stand. Bending it forward and then up, determine the length for the other end of wire to be in front of the mic. Cut the wire using a heavy duty wire cutter.

    • 3
      Enjoy higher quality recordins with your home made pop filter

      Attach the pop filter to the fastener by tying a zip tie around the embroidery hoop screw together with the top of the 10 gauge wire and tighten to avoid it from falling off. Cut flex tubing to the same size as the wire and insert the unfastened end of the wire into the flex tubing. This is used for aesthetics only. Attach the pop filter fastener to the mic stand by clamping the wire with a 1 inch hose clamp. Adjust filter to be about 6 inches in front of the microphone and enjoy higher quality recordings.

Recording Music

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