How neccessary is a pop filter?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Schism
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Schism

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Do they make a bog noticeable difference? Dies it change The "quality" of the voice? Does it change the "sound" of the voice? Or is it simply there to stop from certain syllables being exagerated? Also are there different KINDS for different vocals? I looked around and they range in price, which suprised me because they all seem the same
 
The price implies quality. The more you spend, the longer it will hold together, the better the clamp, etc. Cheapest ones will have cloth filters, more expensive will be metal screening.
They stop the pop - it's that simple. Do you NEED one - no. Should you GET one - yes. Do you ever remember seeing a picture of vocalists recording in a studio without one? Probably not if they were close-mic-ed.
 
Necessary to keep moisture (spit) off of sensetive condensor mics. Doesn't change the sound much if any. Reduces pops and "s"s, but not as much as singing off axis does.

peace
 
I prefer steel over nylon for both sound and durability. Does it change the sound? Yes, they scrub off a tiny bit of higher midrange frequencies, nylon more than steel. For some singers, that's an improvement. The amount of change in sound is negligible in most cases. Do you need one? That depends on the singer's mic technique. If you are very good, you hardly need one. If you are basically an amateur, you absolutely need one. Singing *a little* off axis is a good thing. How far you can go with that depends on the mic. Usually the mic is placed about the level of the bridge of the nose pointed down at the tip of the nose. The best way to avoid popping is to learn to lighten up your aspirated consonants, especially "P". But- that would be work, and it means you actually have to think while you are singing. Most vocalists are too lazy to learn good mic technique. And that business about people spitting on the mic-unfortunately, it's true. Here's a pretty good one that won't break the bank too bad:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=31265&Category=Recording_Accessories

Good luck-Richie
 
Ok, I'm going to look at options soon, I'm thinking just the nylon cover will do fine for now. Thanks for all of the information
 
VERY NECCESSARY............pretty sure i just spelled that wrong!!!!!!

All i have to record vocals with right now is a SM57 and you hear EVERY P and S.............its quite annoying..........
 
They're not necessary/essential.

But they are desirable.

In other words, there are mic techniques that a vocalist should learn in my opinion, like turning their head at the right moment or being slightly above or below the mic at the right time or waving a hand in front of the mouth just before a P,B or S is pronounced (you can feel the wind hit your hand).
But even with this, I'd say it's worth getting one. Every tool is a useful tool as long as it's remembered that tools make good servants.....but lousy masters.
You can make one with a pair of tights and a coat hanger. I have, it looks ugly but who cares ? It does the business.
 
Soda Screen

***You can make one with a pair of tights and a coat hanger. I have, it looks ugly but who cares ?***

just get black tights, and keep your eyes closed, i find the peace of crap i made is a distraction, not to mention a pain in the ass.

the pop screen is also good for keeping your distance from the mic, constant.

you could also use the cover off your speakers, if you dont have to hold an instrument. <eye holes recomended, cigarette burns will surfice>

some day i'll get a digital camera, and wont you fellows be impressed...

Peace World
Tremaine
 
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