Does the fuzzy cover my SPB1 came with eliminate need for pop filter?

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policenauts03

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Hey all, I've read that you should get a pop filter to prevent moisture from getting into the mic... I'd like to keep my mics a long time, so I am wanting to invest in one. However, right now the B1 is my only condenser, and it came with that black cover for the screen... is that sufficient, or should I still buy a real pop filter? Thanks!
 
you'll definately get better results and protection from a dedicated pop screen
 
policenauts03 said:
However, right now the B1 is my only condenser, and it came with that black cover for the screen... is that sufficient, or should I still buy a real pop filter? Thanks!
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The spongy thing that came with your B1 is a windscreen for outdoor use. It's something you want to avoid using indoors because it will detract from the mic's response. It's not a pop-shield. A pop-shield, which you should purchase, looks like a nylon stocking stretched over a hoop. It'll have a clip assembly to attach it to the mic stand. You want to place it 2 to 6 inches in front of the mic, with you being another 3 to 6 inches away... The pop-shiled will cut down on plosive p's, and it will help keep moisture from the vocalist out of the microphone.

When recording instruments, no pop-shield is needed...

Also, when not in use, you may consider keeping your B1 inside a glass jar with a silica gel pack. This really keeps the moisture out.
 
Thanks a lot guys! I wasn't really planning on ever using the B-1 outdoors, so I guess I don't really need that thing. I guess I'll go on the 'Bay and buy one of those CAD pop filters... thanks again!
 
policenauts03 said:
Thanks a lot guys! I wasn't really planning on ever using the B-1 outdoors, so I guess I don't really need that thing. I guess I'll go on the 'Bay and buy one of those CAD pop filters... thanks again!
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If I leave a mic or two or three out on stands after recording, and over night, I tend to put the windscreen on the mics just to keep dust off the capsules. Maybe I'm weird but thats why I use em.
 
The windscreen does work as a pop screen. But it effects the sound a little more than desired. But if you dont have any, its definately better than nothing.

Danny
 
When your not using your B1 you really should put it inside a plastic zip-lock bag with a silica gel pack (or glass jar as recommended above)... because if moisture gets into your B1 it could stop working.
 
Try to avoid wind screen. The material it's made of detereorates very fast and electrostatic voltage of the capsule will attract these particles--not good if you want to have your mic for a long time.
 
You're right to keep dust and moisture out, and you should also minimize any physical shocks to the mic. One way to do this is to keep your mic on its mic stand (when not in use) and cover it with a large zipper baggie. Throw a good gel pack in for molsture, and you're all set--with a minimum of effort.

Best,

J.
 
darnold said:
The windscreen does work as a pop screen. But it effects the sound a little more than desired. But if you dont have any, its definately better than nothing.

Danny
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I found this to be a benefit in some cases. If a mic is too bright for the persons' voice the wind sock can help.
 
Silica gel works only in a small airtight space. A sachet of silica gel will be saturated in ten minutes in the open.

There's no need to put your mics in an airtight bag with a sachet of silica gel, just let it breath.

If you want to buy silica gel, go for a Google search.
 
Han said:
There's no need to put your mics in an airtight bag with a sachet of silica gel, just let it breath.
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Would it be bad to put it in an air tight bag? From what i've understood so-far I should put the condensers in either a jar or a bag. :confused: so couldnt we put them in a ziplock and in the case?
 
Han said:
There's no need to put your mics in an airtight bag with a sachet of silica gel, just let it breath.
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Sorry Han, but with all due respect, I disagree... it seems even a little moisture can make the B1 stop working. For example, when people started reporting problems with the B1's, Alan Hyatt said it might be moisture and that they should try drying them out under a 100W blub. So I was curious and put a Marshall MXL V67G and Studio Projects B1 on stands and left them there to see which one would die first... well, the B1 stopped working after a few months and the V67G never died. This is the reason why I suggested putting the B1 in a zip-lock bag with some silica gel packs when not in use... it will also help keep the dust out.
 
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Reggaesoldier said:
Would it be bad to put it in an air tight bag? From what i've understood so-far I should put the condensers in either a jar or a bag. :confused: so couldnt we put them in a ziplock and in the case?
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Only with some silica gel packs in the zip-lock bag... otherwise, condensation could become a problem.

NOTE: many times when you get a new mic and open up the box you'll see the mic comes in a plastic bag with a silica gel pack in it... now, I bet you know why. ;)
 
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Here's another tip... you can dry out silica gel packs SLOWLY in the oven and reuse them... when it changes color you know its dry.
 
And I forgot to answer policenauts03's original question Does the fuzzy cover my SPB1 came with eliminate need for pop filter? The answer is... No. Windscreens and pop filters are two different things.
 
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